Best events in Florence this month

Here’s our round-up for November 2026.

Until February 28
EXHIBITIONS

Danielle Mckinney – Tra Noi

The contemporary painter from Alabama has recently been named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential figures in the art world. Exhibited for the first time in Florence, 20 works dialogue with the paintings and sculptures of the Alberto Della Ragione Collection. The almost cinematic images are placed alongside a selection of poems by Lucille Clifton, Louise Glück and June Jordan.

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21 October 2026 - 4 April 2027
EXHIBITIONS

Artemisia Gentileschi

The exhibition explores Artemisia Gentileschi and the formative years she spent in Florence. It was here that the painter reached artistic maturity, became one of the first women admitted to the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, received prestigious commissions from the Medici and moved within the intellectual circles of the period. Focusing on this pivotal chapter of her career, the show is complemented by two masterpieces by Caravaggio. An exhibition ticket also includes access to the museum’s permanent collection, spread across more than four floors.

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17 November 2026
TALKS

Fuckup Nights Florence

The popular format returns from 7-10pm on November 17, taking place at Nana Bianca, piazza del Cestello 10. Come to hear four failure stories told in English by marketer and strategist Sally Sakhvadze; global operations executive and entrepreneur Arash Palizban; global voice for new time culture Sandrine Kom; and gourmet blogger and culinary guide, Coral Sisk (Curious Appetite). The entrance ticket includes a networking aperitivo at The Stellar.

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15 November 2026 - 24 November 2026
OPERA

Giuseppe Verdi – Simon Boccanegra

The plot centres in Genoa in the mid-14th century, following Doge Boccanegra as he falls victim to various intrigues and conspiracies. The conflicts that plague the Republic of Genoa provide the backdrop to the drama conducted by James Conlon.

Get your tickets
7 November 2026
WRITING

Publishing Day

Whether you’re polishing your first novel, preparing a nonfiction proposal or wondering if self-publishing is the right path, Publishing Day 2026 offers something few events in Europe can: direct access to literary agents, bestselling authors, editors and publishing experts, all in one place. Hosted by the Florence Literary Society, the annual event returns on Saturday, November 7, bringing together writers from Italy and around the world for a practical day dedicated to the realities of getting published.

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Until December 23
EXHIBITIONS

Benni Bosetto – The Ballad of the Blue Kind

An exhibition held in the IED gallery spaces investigates the multifaceted nature of solitude through two complementary forms of expression. Both explore the interplay between presence and absence, sound and silence, presenting solitude as a shifting emotional experience that evolves throughout different stages of life and encompasses both moments of intensity and lightness.

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11 November 2026 - 15 November 2026
CULTURE

Lo schermo dell’arte

The contemporary cinema and art festival reaches its 19th edition, featuring artists’ films, exhibitions, video installations, projects for emerging artists and talks. Providing a space for creation, critical inquiry and the sharing of experiences, the programme extends across the city with special guests including Philippe Alain Michaud, Saodat Ismailova and Julian Rosefeldt.

See the programme
4 November 2026
FLOOD

60 Anni Dopo

A charity concert organized by Lions Club Firenze Filippo Neri commemorates the 60th anniversary of the flood with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony n.9 op.125 by the Orchestra Florence Symphonietta, conducted by Grazia Rossi, with all proceeds donated to the Italian Red Cross. Booking required.

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14 November 2026 - 15 November 2026
FESTIVALS

Bricks in Florence Festival

LEGO lovers delight as the theatre fills with brightly covered bricks as far as the eye can see. With displays and hands-on activities, both AFOLs (Adult Fans of Lego) and little ones enjoy the building sessions and interactive activities as well as the collector’s market.

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12 November 2026
OPERA

Verità e Clemenza

The inaugural Opera a Palazzo production, directed by Patrick Lynch, weaves scenes from Puccini’s La Bohème and Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito in the atmospheric setting.

 

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Until November 29
CIRCUS

Vento Multiforme

Throughout the month, contemporary circus performances, theatre, dance and music form the widespread festival for all ages, with community-rooted venues and cultural hubs hosting the engaging live performances that are open to all.

See the programme
31 October 2026 - 8 November 2026
CINEMA

Festival dei Popoli

The 67th edition of the international documentary film festival highlights the power of the medium as a tool for resistance. The programme of over 80 films sees special guests, commemorations and numerous world premieres, including a tribute to Barbara Kopple featuring her two Oscar-winning films, Harlan County, U.S.A., and American Dream, alongside her latest work, Union Town, which explores the unionization of food delivery riders and logistics drivers.

See the programme
30 October 2026 - 1 November 2026
SEASONAL

ReOlio

The new incarnation of the Reggello Extra Virgin Olive Oil exhibition returns for its 53rd edition. “Green gold” from the region is celebrated as local olive oil producers invite you to discover their historic mills, with stalls, tastings, talks and entertainment for all ages. Special guests include Eleonora Riso, WikiPedro and Milko Chilleri.

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18 November 2026 - 22 November 2026
CINEMA

Florence Queer Festival

Five days of queer cinema, art and culture form the series of screenings, discussions, performances and in-depth sessions that interrogate the contemporary world and provide a platform for voices and stories.

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12 November 2026
SOLIDARITY

Together against Violence

A charity dinner takes place in collaboration with Cantina La-Vis, FISAR Firenze and the restaurant Blend Manifattura in support of Artemisia, an anti-violence organization. The evening of connection and awareness-raising will see 50% of proceeds donated.

Book your spot
Until November 21
EXHIBITIONS

Mario Maioli ­– From Design to the Forms of the Possible

A solo exhibition traces over 40 years of conceptual and formal exploration by the architect, urban planner, designer and painter. Having been head of design coordination at Fiat Auto, Maioli began painting in 1985, and his body of work now reaches over 1,300 pieces characterized by structured compositions, vibrant colors and dynamic energy.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

The British Institute of Florence (lungarno Guicciardini 9) is the setting for a series of guided readings of Machiavelli’s The Prince with Lisa Kaborycha, held weekly on Tuesdays at 6pm from November 10 to December 1. Afternoon tea is served from 4-5.15pm on November 4, with proper tea and homemade cakes. The Wednesday Lectures Series commences this month with Anna Kraczyna discussing ‘Through my Father’s Eyes: The Florence Flood of 1966’ at 6pm on November 4. Linda Falcone focuses on ‘Women of the Flood’ on November 11, followed by Natacha Fabbri lecturing on ‘Women and the Cosmos in Galileo’s Florence’ on November 18. Lawrence Reed Gianangeli subsequently explores ‘Islamic art in the Florentine Renaissance’ on November 25. The Meet the Author features Caroline Moorehead on November 9, with a discussion around her works Edda Mussolini and A House in the Mountains. Tim Parks follows at 6.30pm on November 16, giving attendees the chance to learn more about Italian Life: A Modern Fable of Loyalty and Betrayal and Mr Geography. A piano recital by Mariamna Sherling takes place on November 26, performing works by Mendelssohn, Liszt and Stravinsky, and a bridge course for intermediates is held on Tuesdays from 3-5.30pm.

La Fierucola brings its popular Textile Arts Fair to piazza Santa Croce on November 7, with natural fibers, Italian wools, botanical dyes and textile craftsmanship filling the square with artisanal delights.

A talk with Rodrigo Fresan will be held at 6.30pm on November 3 at Gonzaga University in Florence, via Giorgio La Pira, 11/13. Held as part of the ‘GIF Talks: Encounters with Writers in Florence’ series curated by Alessandro Raveggi, the talk will be in English, with translation in Italian. Email gif@gonzaga.edu

SOTTO al British (lungarno Guicciardini 15) hosts life drawing weekly on Mondays from 7-9pm with Mario Messineo. Brainstorming for writers is led by local author and translator Lori Hetherington at 7pm on November 17.

Mindful Body Fiesole (via del Bargellino 2, Fiesole) hosts paintings by New Mexican artist Cate Stetson until December 19. The exhibition titled Mindful Beauty: Diversity in Visions evidences a surprising blend of cultural influences, varying from fantasy creatures and horses to politics and nature.

Cavalli d’Autore by American artist Carol Marano is an art show currently touring Tuscany, having originated in Siena. It makes its Florence stop from November 16-30, on display at the Società Canottieri, Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de Medici 8.

A theatrical and musical performance marks Día de los Muertos in the Badia a Settimo, Scandicci, on October 31 and November 1.

Ready or not, Christmas is coming! From November 14 until December 20, the Mercato di Natale fills piazza Santa Croce with festive cheer.

Firenze on Stage, Teatro Niccolini, hosts a busy calendar of top caliber concerts and performances, with a special event on November 4 to mark the flood anniversary.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is marked on November 25 with a range of initiatives across the city. Keep an eye on our website for more.

The Per Grandi e Puccini series at Teatro Puccini presents fairy tales and puppet shows (in Italian) on Sunday afternoons, ranging from the magical world of Peter and the Wolf to Pinocchio.

The Autunno Fiorentino calendar is a one-stop shop for what to do this season, featuring over 300 events that include shows, concerts, performances and workshops for all ages.

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