Best events in Florence this week August 22-29, 2024

Non Solo Cinema + Sustainability

Until August 28, Non Solo Cinema is an unmissable film screening series at Manifattura Tabacchi, at the new location of the Cortile della Ciminiera. The programme of films and events curated by Fondazione Stensen in Italian and original language with subtitles has both new releases and classics in a broad range of genres. There’s even reduced entry of 3.50 euro for Italian and European films. The programme closes out in spectacular style on August 28, with a screening of the docufilm Stracci, which explores the theme of sustainability through the story of used clothes in Prato. The occasion also marks the launch of the collaboration between Manifattura and Rifò, with a collection point for cotton jeans and garments made of at least 95% wool and cashmere which will be regenerated to create new sustainable garments. Those who donate will receive a 10 euro voucher for the purchase of an item on the Rifò online store. To mark the occasion, Rifò founder Niccolò Cipriani will give an introduction, with free entry for the film for all those who donate an item.

Coni di Stelle

Look skywards with an astronomical series at the Planetarium, with stories about the universe explored as astrophysicists lead participants through space and time. At the end of each activity, there’s even a Cinquestelle Sammontana ice cream cone as a sweet surprise.

Mixology at Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel delights with a varied calendar in the picturesque hilltop setting in Fiesole. A mixology evening brings you to discover Gin Fish, with a preview of the limited edition bottle created for Gin Fish by Venetian master glassmaker Simone Cresta. Starting from 7pm, the San Michele team offer their intriguing drinks list created for the occasion by Michele Salerno, Head of Mixology, and Luciano Ferlito, Bar Manager.

. Contact concierge.vsm@belmond.com or call 055 5678200 to reserve your spot.

GEM Elba Island Festival

The first edition of the GEM Island Festival sees food, wine, art, music, tradition, workshops  and more on Elba Island, with the name standing for Gastronomy, Enology and Mixology. Expect original cocktails in spectacular settings.

Lucca Cartasia Biennale

Paper art is placed in some of the most charming points in the city, transforming the historical centre of Lucca into a paper art gallery. Exhibitions are hosted in the recently restored Palazzo Guinigi, and an outdoor exhibition that sees seven installations in the centre. Explore the works by the international artists as you stroll around the city.

Calici di Stelle

Tastings, history, culture and gastronomy meet in the evenings under the stars organized by Movimento Turismo del Vino Toscana in collaboration with Città del Vino. Wineries all over Tuscany open their wineries for evenings of starry skies and local products. Events for all ages for part of the programme, including yoga and pilates in the vineyard, film screenings, country dances, gourmet dinners and even a treasure hunt.

Forte Belvedere

The external spaces of Forte Belvedere are open to the public for free from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm, until September 30, with guided tours at 5pm and 6.30pm on Friday and Sunday afternoons, bringing you to discover the fortresses’ fascinating past. The tours cost 5 euro, 2.50 reduced.  Info and reservations: T: 0552768224, email: info@musefirenze.it.

I notturni dell'opera

Explore the stunning complex of the Siena Cathedral with guided tours that take in the magnificent marble inlay floor, with night-time visits at 9.30pm and 10.30pm for an unforgettable atmosphere. Climb up the Facciatone for a view of the city by night, and admire the Sala delle Statue, the stained glass window by Duccio di Buoninsegna.

Cinema sotto le stelle

The ancient Roman theatre in Fiesole transforms with summer cinema screenings from August 5-25, starting off with Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things in original language with Italian subtitles. Tickets cost 5 euro.

Scandicci Open City

Scandicci hosts theater, music, cinema, dance, contemporary circus, poetry, talk shows and more until September 29, with the squares, gardens, clubs, villas and farmyards providing the backdrop to the varied lineup. Highlights include the summer cinema arena at the Pomario del Castello dell’Accaiaioloand Cirk Fantastik from August 29 to September 1.

Birthmark

Spanish artist and photographer Isa Rus is behind the series that explores the deep emotional landscapes of early motherhood, intertwining themes of nostalgia, magic, and the search for home. Isa’s work is characterized by its raw honesty and tender portrayal of the maternal experience, offering a unique perspective that challenges traditional representations.

Circinus: proportional compasses from the 15th to 18th centuries

Organized in collaboration with the Arithmeum of Bonn, hundreds of original instruments on display in the Galileo Museum reconstruct the history of the proportional compass, illustrating its evolution and various uses.

Balagan Café

This summer’s Balagan Café will focus on dialogue and commitments to building paths to peace. The summer showcase organized by the Jewish Community of Florence and Rete Toscana Ebraica returns to the Synagogue gardens with Thursday evening events through September. This year’s theme, “Where peace begins”, focuses on creating a space for dialogue and coexistence through music, films, meetings, dialogues and workshops led by key speakers who are actively committed to peaceful dialogue. “In these dark times,” says artistic director Enrico Fink, “our focus is to shed light on some of the prejudices and misunderstandings we are seeing today.” Already in its 12th year, Balagan Café is held beneath centuries-old pomegranate trees and historic palms in via Farini as a range of musical and cultural experiences are offered.  Happening simultaneously on Thursday evenings, the Synagogue gardens will also host Saperi & Sapori, a taste of Jewish cuisine organized by Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian Food and guided visits of the Synagogue organized by Opera Laboratori (by reservation only: +39 055 2989879 / €10 per person). Book your place: +39 055 2989879. To reserve a light dinner prepared by Ruth’s and Michele Hagen (limited places available), reservation is required: saperiesapori2024@gmail.com (minimum offer 15 euro).

Dinner and live music

Enjoy dinner in the Tuscan hills with live music on Friday and Saturday nights at the Tre Rane Restaurant on Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano estate. Our advice: get there around 7pm to savour the sunset in the gardens with a complimentary glass of Ruffino wine.