Searching for a great night out and a decent line up in Florence felt like a mission, a quest, where there’s failure, but also hope. That’s how I perceived it when I came here two years ago for an Erasmus semester at the Accademia di Belle Arti. With a DJ and promoter background, I had high hopes, but on the surface most of the entertainment facilities were far from what I am accustomed to enjoying. A city with tourism in its bloodstream did not offer anything that was easy to discover. Most places that you find by doing a Google search are bars with music and mainstream clubs, with Top-100-of-all-time charts playlists, and an MC, and where you feel vulnerable as a woman. On the other hand, hearing Avicii and Party Rock mashups from time to time give an imminent beach vacation feeling in the Renaissance epicenter as a reminder of the old-school capitalism of the entertainment industry.
Tropical Animals
Founded by Ricardo Baez and his team, Tropical Animals is the longest-running party in Florence spanning 15 years. With a formula that intercepts international artists and DJs on their way somewhere else for the weekend, the disco and house-focused night gets a major following of students and whoever else doesn’t have to work too hard on Fridays.
Lattex Plus
“Club differently” is the motto at Lattex Plus, a renowned Florentine party collective that brings big names on the global club and electronic music scene to Atollo or Lumen. It’s often free entry as long as you RSVP.
Dissidanza
Fully DIY spirit at its core, Dissidanza grew as an extended party across different locations, with multiple stages outside and inside, and offering extras like vinyl markets, food and workshops. Sound-wise, expect a multitude of genres with prevailing bass, breakbeat and techno influences.
DE RIO
Described as a “Florence-based collective, record label and party series in unusual and unexpected places. For wise dance floors only,” DE RIO brings a unique party experience at off locations in and around the city, announced to ticket holders only. With its international line up, it has gained stature in its six years of existence, building a safe community that enjoys a wide techno palette.
Astrofluid
Astrofluid is a queer techno party hosted by mysterious duo Sarabamba that regularly offers a blast of emotions at Combo Club. The duo is also actively releasing music and the club format is touring other cities in Italy.
Autentica On
Autentica On operates on the intersection of events, radio, graphic design and all the cool things surrounding jazz, funk, soul and hip hop (and skateboarding) that drive collaborations between fields. The last event included live painting and a small market. They also host club nights with international acts.
FVTVRA
“FVTVRA is a collective of young minds who transmit their love and passion for music through events and vibes,” says the IG feed for this mostly house-music inspired party hosted at Club21 and Atollo.
Warehouse 303
Located in the industrial quarter Osmannoro, a 15-minute drive from central Florence, Warehouse 303 offers hard techno nights such as freenetica and techno-oriented lineups.
Community centers
An amazing thing about Florence is its community centers with a politically charged atmosphere and regular raves with low-cost entrance or on a donation basis. I found my soul at CPA, a community center in via Villamagna with hardcore and noise concerts, as well as gabber nights. Self-administered center NextEmerson (via di Bellagio 15, Sesto Fiorentino) is a vast reimagined warehouse with a huge dub floor. LaPolveriera (via Santa Reparata 12) is known for its day raves, which are self-managed parties with limited amenities, a.k.a. not classy profit-oriented club nights.
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Recommended venues
Atollo – open-air venue for house and electronic / Lumen (membership) – cultural space with eclectic bookings / Combo – a club located in ex-train office / Limonaia Villa Strozzi – for house music and live concerts / Warehouse 303 – industrial hardcore/techno nights / Tenax – longstanding club for big-name electronic acts / Blob (membership) – a city centre nightclub
