Best events in Florence this week August 8-15, 2024

Here’s our round-up for August 8-15, 2024.

Celebrate the city’s co-patron saint, San Lorenzo, with nighttime museum visits at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, or take your pick among the paper art installations in Lucca and the panoramic visits of Siena’s Cathedral.

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THINGS TO DO

Estate Fiorentina 2024: the summer sees Florence filled with festivals

From circus to jazz to film screenings, there will be something for every taste this summer.

10 August 2024
TRADITION

Festa di San Lorenzo

Head to the neighbourhood named after San Lorenzo, the city’s co-patron saint, to enjoy an evening of free ragù, watermelon and live music. Alternatively, make your way to Palazzo Medici Riccardi for a guided night-time visit of the L’incanto di Orfeo exhibition, exploring interpretations of the myth of Orpheus. Organized by MUS.E and in collaboration with the La Filharmonie orchestra and the City of Florence, reservation is required for the visits at 7pm and 8.30pm, where the artworks are accompanied by unforgettable musical performances. Entrance to the exhibition will be free for the occasion, with the event costing 2 euro for residents of the city of Florence and 4 euro for non-residents.
Find out more
Until August 31
SUMMER

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.

See the programme
Until September 29
CRAFTS

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.

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Until August 25
WINE

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.

See the participating wineries
15 August 2024
FESTIVE

Ferragosto

August 15 is a day of relaxation and celebration, as the national holiday means many hit the beach, so keep in mind that most places will be closed! Head to Lake Bilancino in Barberino di Mugello for something a little further afield, where fireworks cast their spectacle along the water from 10.45pm.

Until September 30
TOURS

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.

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Until August 29
TOURS

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.

Book your spot
5 August 2024 - 25 August 2024
CINEMA

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.

See the programme
Until September 29
CULTURE

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.

Find out more
Until September 8
EXHIBITION

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.

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26 July 2024 - 15 September 2024
EXHIBITION

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.

Find out more
Until September
CULTURE

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).

See the full programme
Fridays and Saturdays
DINE

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.

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Activities + Tours + Events

Tours + Experiences

Vasari Corridor visits

Following 8 years of restoration, the world famous Vasari Corridor has finally reopened to the public! Let’s have a walk inside this historic gallery. Visits are in small groups of ...

Tours + Experiences

Welcome to The Art of Style

Welcome to The Art of Style, where art, fashion, wellness, and personal transformation come together. The gallery is designed as an immersive experience—from rotating art exhibits and transformative clothing to ...

Tours + Experiences

Perfume making workshop: create your own signature perfume

Create your personalized perfume with perfumer Silvia Madari as she guides you through the secrets of fragrances. Book into one of our open workshops or create a private experience for ...

Tours + Experiences

Sensory Bar: An Immersive Coffee Experience

The Sensory Bar offers a 90-minute exclusive experience for coffee enthusiasts at the Scuola del Caffè, located within Ditta Artigianale in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio. Set in a historic venue, small groups ...

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