Here’s our round-up for July, 2023.
Florence is heating up this month in both temperature and events calendars. Outdoor cinemas, museum exhibitions and live music events are all the rage as everyone gathers their hand fans and sunscreen to make the most of the sunny days.
Share your events with The Florentine: events@theflorentine.net
Canadian pianist, actor and producer Hershey Felder returns to Fiesole with a new production that tells a true story that took place in the Etruscan hilltop town during the Nazi occupation in August 1944. Three Carabinieri officers gave their lives to save ten Italian citizens, but the story of a fourth military officer survived: this is his story, which has never been told before. Tickets start from 20 euro here.
Every Thursday
25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino hosts a weekly “Live at 25”. Guests can enjoy live music and DJ sets every Thursday evening from 7pm-10:30pm.
Music, performances and an exhibition will fill up these four days of exciting events in dedication to Italian singer, composer, actor, musician and playwright Giorgio Gaber. The exhibition, curated by Flavio Oreglio, features materials from the Historical Archives of Italian Cabaret and the Giorgio Gaber Foundation. The musical shows are under the direction of journalist, writer, author and theatrical performer Andrea Scanzi, who has been a performer of the Giorgio Gaber story for 12 years.
One of the most beautiful city spots opens up for the perfect summer night hideaway. The Cinema in Villa program offers film screenings enjoyed in the great outdoors of Villa Bardini. Classic 90s blockbusters to Oscar award-winning new hits will be screened throughout the summer, with free screenings for families on Thursdays.
The Scuola di Musica di Fiesole performs two classical concerts in the Villa San Michele gardens. The idyllic greenery combined with the sounds of the talented musicians promises a beautiful summer night. Each of the performances will be followed by an aperitivo and the cost to attend is 50 euro. Reservations: concierge.vsm@belmond.com / +39 055 5678200
The beautiful courtyard of the Bargello National Museum presents and outdoor classical concert. Flautist Marta Mazzini and guitarist Omar Cyrulnik lead a night of rhythmic tunes. Songs from Argentina, Brazil and other parts of the world will be played in a celebration of Tango.
Palazzo Strozzi presents the largest exhibition in Italy dedicated to the French-Chinese artist Yan Pei-Ming. Combining historical and contemporary concepts, Yan Pei-Ming explores portrait, landscape, still life and historical themes through his paintings. His research on the relationship between images and reality reflects the culture and history between the East and West. The 30+ works in the exhibition are curated by Arturo Galansino and will be on display until September 3.
German electronic band Kraftwerk performs in Florence as part of the Ultravox festival. A truly unique sound, they have been recognized globally for their groundbreaking techniques and experimental creations. Tickets cost 69 euro.
July sees the return of Toscana Pride in Florence. Like every year, Toscana Pride is an exciting event for the queer community to show their pride. The city will be dipped in color as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies parade around the streets in a joyous celebration defending against bigotry and hatred.
Sunset at Ruffino Every Thursday + Friday, starting July 6 through August 10, savor a sunset aperitivo in the new gardens at Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano estate, near Florence, paired with live music.
Find out moreSome of the most picturesque locations in the city become a stage for performances by the Orchestra della Toscana. Continuing into July, audiences can enjoy a brass and percussion performance at the Parco Mediceo di Pratolino, followed by two performances by the wind quintet of the ORT at the Palazzo Mediceo di Seravezza and the Villa Medicea di Quarrata.
Former Irish model Jean O’Reilly Barlow, going by the name Interi, comes to St. Mark’s English Church in Florence to present an exhibition called More Than a Fragment. Here, she will present her collection of 17th- and 18th-century Italian church artefacts preserved and transformed into works of art. This exhibition is intended to raise awareness about human trafficking. She will use a portion of profits from her work to fund restoration programs for survivors of modern day slavery and believes in using her art as a form of activism.
Singer-songwriter, guitarist and sound designer Emanuela Drei known as Giungla takes the stage at Molo Firenze for a concert. She has a solid background as a performer, previously fronting several bands before starting her solo journey as a musician. Her sound can be described as alternative pop with dreamy electric guitar riffs that hold a bit of edge.
Following her set, locally praised illustrator Lafabbricadibraccia presents his work Polaroid in collaboration with Lungarno magazine.
Top-tier culture returns to piazza Santissima Annunziata from July 16 to 26 for Musart Festival as leading names like Roberto Bolle, Venditti e De Gregori, Marco Masini, Drusilla Foer, Paolo Conte, Madame and Stewart Copeland take to the stage. Guests can also enjoy access to nearby monuments and exhibitions.
The worlds of technology, dance and photography come together at this immersive experience in piazza Tasso. Try out a VR viewer to create a guided dance using a combination of sounds and visually interactive elements. There will also be a photo exhibition called Connections. Bond. Difference. The evening will wrap up with an improvised dance by Sara Campinoti and Agnese Lanza. Free to attend.
Italian Brass Week is an international festival founded 20 years ago under the artistic direction of Luca Benucci, first horn of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Young musicians from all over the world have the opportunity to strengthen their skills through a week of musical training. These emerging artists will have the opportunity to participate in events that will gain them visibility in the world of music and brass.
Legendary American musician Stewart Copeland comes to Florence for a performance. Best known for his work as the drummer for English rock band The Police, he now joins the Orchestra della Toscana and plays some of his best hits. Ticket prices range from 89-130 euro.
The perfect summer occasion combining fine wines and toe-tapping jazz music in various locations. Enjoy sunset performances provided by talented jazz musicians and pair it with a glass (or few) of Chianti Rufina. Entrance for the concerts are free and wine tastings cost 15 euro. Tastings begin at 7pm and are followed by the concert. with performances going on until September.
Kraczyna 50 Years in Barga
The Santa Elisabetta Conservatory in Barga (LU) pays homage to Swietlan Nicholas Kraczyna, the internationally appreciated master printmaker who lived in Barga during the summer since 1973 with an exhibition called Kraczyna 50 years in Barga. The exhibition includes over 80 works completed between 1973 and 2023, all dedicated to Barga and the Mid Serchio Valley. The exhibition will feature primarily etchings along with oil paintings on canvas and the themes in his works usually relate to mythology, music and folklore. The exhibition runs until September 3. Open 5-7.30pm Monday to Friday; 11am-1pm and 5-7.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Theater, art, music, literature and performances are in full swing under the artistic direction of Massimo Lucconi. Just shy of a 90-minute drive from Florence, this year’s festival in Radicondoli focuses on the role of theater and the arts in contemporary culture. Events go on between July 8-31.
Now in its 26th edition, Montalcino offers a full program of events uniting jazz music and the finest Tuscan wine. Under the artistic direction of Eugenio Rubei, audiences enjoy performances from the stars of the international jazz scene and wash it all down with a great glass of wine from July 18-23.
Under the artistic direction of Alessio Bax, the 35th edition of Incontri in Terra di Siena takes place with a program of musical performances. This nonprofit cultural association aims to spread music and art appreciation through concerts, exhibitions and events throughout the province of Siena. This year’s edition sees performances by numerous talented classical musicians, including the Orchestra della Toscana from July 21-28.
Take a long drive out to the Tuscan Deep South in Grosseto from July 21-23 to enjoy this short film festival. Enjoy three days of screenings while overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Argentario. The films will be competing for the Raffaella Carrà Prize and director Federico Moccia will lead the jury.
Argiano Baroque Music Festival
Held in the courtyard of the 16th-century Villa Bell’Aria in the Montalcino countryside, the Argiano Baroque Music Festival transports attendees to another era with evenings dedicated to music by great Italian composers such as Handel and Vivaldi performed by top musicians on the international scene. July 21, August 18, 20, 25 and 27 are this year’s concert dates.
Pietrasanta celebrates dance in the Cloister of Sant’Agostino and Gran Teatro La Versiliana until July 8. This festival merges the worlds of performing arts, dance and music to create a universal language in the popular arty town. Local and international dancers and choreographers will share the stage in performances and masterclasses limited not only to dance but also to music, photography and videography.
July is an exciting month for films and Cinema Astra in piazza Beccaria is covering all of the bases. Starting off strong on July 20, Greta Gerwig’s already viral film Barbie comes to the big screen. A different kind of MCU, Mattel’s cinematic universe makes its debut with a perfectly pink Barbie dream land led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling (he’s just Ken). Continuing on with a cult classic on July 1, 2, 3 and 5, in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford continues to transcend the adventure saga, this time joined by iconic English actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Each film is screened in English with Italian subtitles.
The British Institute of Florence
This month, The British Institute hosts a special event on lungarno Guicciardini for members of the Florence writing community. London-based literary agent Hannah Schofield, of LBA Books, tunes in for a live zoom Q&A session on July 12. Community members can meet and submit questions via a live Zoom meeting as well as having the opportunity to submit their works. She’ll be discussing important topics for writers, such as issues with first-time manuscripts, agent/writer relationships and what’s popular in publishing right now. The cost is 15 euro per person and reservations are not necessary.
Il Giardino dell’Arte e Cultura
One of the most beautiful gardens in Florence offers an extensive summertime program for the month of July. Kicking off the month on July 1 is a musical performance by Jailbirds, a singing quartet taking audiences back to the 1950’s and 60’s with a blues performance. Following up on July 2 is the Craig Jaster Trio with a delightful concert playing jazz, blues, swing and soul hits. Every Monday evening throughout the month between 5:30 to 7:30pm, children and families can partake in a free pottery class followed by a folk dance class. July 4 offers a free children’s workshop called “Le Favole Musicali” or The Musical Fables which involves music and theater. On the same evening at 7pm there is a free yoga class led by Hatha Yoga. Every Wednesday throughout the month, participants can enjoy the Artgarden Review which offers performances of music, dance, live painting and book presentations.
Villa Il Palmerino
Villa Il Palmerino offers several events this month. July 2 sees a conversation with Gina Apostol, an important voice in Philippine literature and winner of the prestigious Rome Prize in collaboration with Libreria Malaparte. Translations will be provided by Alessandro Raveggi. Free admission for members and a contribution of 5 euro is requested for non-members. To reserve your spot, please contact + 39 339 8944725 / associazione@palmerino.it. Following on July 3-5 is the theatrical performance Carillon created and directed by Alessio Montagnani. A contribution of 10 euro is requested. To reserve your spot, please contact + 39 339 89 44 725 / associazione@palmerino.it
Artist Claudio Cionini presents his new solo show with famous cities as his focal point. Paris, Venice, London and New York are his destinations of choice as he explores what man has built around these cities over time. He explores the transformation of these cities from natural to urban spaces and how civilization has played a role in their evolution.
Light up your summer nights with an outdoor cinema in the piazza of the Uffizi Galleries. Night after night, films will be screened in original languages with Italian or English subtitles. Entry is free and subject to availability.
More than 50 works connected to the Gallery of Mirrors and Biblioteca Riccardiana will make up this major exhibition at Palazzo Medici Riccardi on Baroque master Luca Giordano (1634-1705). Expect a series of sketches on loan from the National Gallery in London as well as other important artworks from private collections in Europe and the United States, the Uffizi and the Opera del Duomo Museum in Siena, among others.
Enjoy under the stars. Outdoor concerts galore are held in Florence’s churchyards throughout the summer. Anything from jazz to classical, rock and even electronic music can be expected.
Arizona-born artist Rachel Feinstein opens an exhibition of her works in a tripartite show at Museo Stefano Bardini, Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Museo Marino Marini. Ranging from painting to sculpture inspired by classical and Renaissance art as much as from modern cartoons and fairytales, the works contrast with the masterpieces in situ by Donatello, Michelozzo and Marino Marini.
Through September
The jackets are being shed and umbrellas are opening up as summertime heat is just around the corner. The Cascine Park transforms into a warm weather hotspot once again with the return of the Ultravox Festival. Guests can enjoy a range of themed festivals featuring music concerts, film and sports screenings, entertainment for the little ones and delicious catering. All Ultravox Festival events are free with a reserved parking lot on viale dell’Aeronautica for those arriving by car.
This exhibition dedicated to childhood sees American photographer Steve McCurry’s iconic captures line the halls of the Istituto degli Innocenti. Curated by Sudest57, the show features 100 or so photographs of children from Afghanistan, India, Mexico, Lebanon and many other places, all displaying joy despite the difficulties of their circumstances.
Lisetta Carmi was a renowned female photographer of the 1960s who explored the lives of workers and the transgender community in Genoa. Villa Bardini presents a body of her work, which also includes previously unpublished photos of the Florence flood in 1966.
Prato’s Textile Museum introduces an exhibition of 50 kimonos from the first half of the 20th century. This show documents the evolution of economic and cultural relations between Europe and Japan, which began in the mid-sixteenth century and over time became a major influence on fashion, art and culture. Another section of the exhibition also provides an in-depth study of traditional textiles and decorative techniques for kimonos and references to European artworks from artists like Matisse, Klimt and Kandinsky.