Best events in Florence this week May 12-19, 2022

Here’s our round-up for May 12-19.

The European Night of Museums means one euro entry to much-loved cultural spots, and various festivals for children, flying, food, culture and nature fill Florence with many ways to make the most of May.

Here’s our line-up of best events this May 12 – 19.

13 May 2022 - 15 May 2022
CHILDREN

Firenze dei Bambini

The festival dedicated to children (aged 0-12) is back for three days of free events throughout the city. From theatre and circus to dance and music, the packed programme delights all ages with its line-up in some of the most incredible sites in the city. Highlights include sleeping under the hallowed ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecentro, and the grand finale at Teatro del Maggio. Organized by the municipality of Florence and MUS.E, this edition is titled ‘Qua la mano’, based on the idea of how we are reunited following such long periods of isolation. Booking is required for some events. See the full programme.

7 May 2022 - 18 June 2022
CHILDREN

Pollicino Verde

Pollicino Verde presents readings, workshops, itineraries, performances, games, art experiences and much more to engage children aged 0-6 with nature. The free activities take place all over the city with endless ways for kids to learn about the world around them.

13 May 2022 - 15 May 2022
FLY

Firenze del Volo

Three days dedicated to everything sky high comes to Florence with flights, kites and model aircrafts delighting fans of flying. The first edition of the festival helps gets to grips with Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions through workshops, three hot air balloons bring the brave up into the skies above Florence, have a go at a simulated flight, visit the Institute of Military Aeronautical Sciences to further your knowledge, and enjoy many activities including meetings with pilots, photo exhibitions, live music, quality catering and a kids’ area to set imaginations soaring. Free entry admission.

13 May 2022 - 15 May 2022
DINE

Enograstronomica

Enograstronomica from May 13-15 sees three days of chefs and producers with a mix of tastings in the workshops of artisans, blending craftsmanship with gourmet across the 19 events in 15 locations. From stores and workshops to ateliers and the hills, the series celebrates Made in Tuscany with high-level gastronomic events in creative settings.

14 May 2022 - 15 May 2022
CREATIVE

Floralia per Santo Spirito 2022

Floral focus in the cloister of the much-loved basilica with crafts and horticulture filling the space with fragrance and creativity. The seventh edition of the festival organized by the Amici di Santo Spirito non-profit organization works to keep the Basilica open with free admission. Flowers, jewellery, watercolours, clothing, terracotta and live demonstrations by the students of the LAO Le Artii Orafe jewllery school are coupled with artisan workshops at the Bardi Institute in via dei Michelozzi and guided tours of the basilica and Michelangelo’s Crucifix. Two talks are also scheduled: at 4.30pm on May 14, Giovanni Cipriani will talk about ‘Flowers in the Tuscan folk tradition’, and at 4pm on May 15, Antonio Natli will discuss ‘The Bread of Heaven, the Eucharistic mystery in early 16th century paintings”.

From May 12
NIGHTLIFE

Villa Vittoria Grand Opening

From 8pm on May 12, Villa Vittoria in viale Filippo Strozzi 2 (right in front of Fortezza da Basso) reopens its doors for the summer season in style. New features this year include the enticing dinner format, The Vivi Drunch, with music and more adding to the magnetic atmosphere. To register for the opening event, click and give your email address. For info and booking: info@villavittoriafirenze.com, T: 39 347 707 7014.

Benefit garden party with dinner and concert

A garden party with dinner and concert to benefit Ukrainian refugees in Lucca will be held from 6-9pm on May 14 in the garden of the International School of Italian Cuisine in Lucca. Proceeds will go to the charity Caritas Lucca to help in its many efforts to support Ukrainian refugees who have fled to the province.

Until June 7
EXHIBITION

This Grief Shows Much Of Love at Fondazione Zeffirelli

The timeless universality of Romeo and Juliet is on display at the Fondazione Zeffirelli, as Zeffirelli’s 1968 masterpiece is explored through a selection of still photos by Paul Ronald. The exhibition was curated by the students of the Master of Arts in Museology of the Lorenzo de ‘Medici Institute and Marist College, starting from the Fondation’s archive. The shots show Leonard Whiting (Romeo) and Olivia Hussey (Juliet) on set, with 8 sections focused on the theme of contrasts. Free admission, open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

May 15 + 18
EXPERIENCE

Garden events at Belmond Villa San Michele

The idyllically situated Belmond Villa San Michele hotel vaunts spectacular views from its hilltop position in Fiesole. Its iconic loggia lines the left side, where lunch and dinner are served as the city spreads out below. The Italian garden is the setting for a series of high caliber events this season for a blissful experience just a short distance from Florence. This week’s line-up sees a cello and piano concert by Sheku and Isata kanneh-Mason from 6.30pm on May 15, followed by an aperitivo (40 euro), and a mixology night with aperitivo featuring a guest barman from 6pm on May 18.

14 May 2022
CULTURE

European Night of Museums

The 18th European Museum Night takes place in more than 3,000 museums in nearly 30 European countries. With the token admission of one euro, or even free, doors open in many museums to celebrate culture. Participating Florentine museums include the Uffizi Gallery (7-10pm), The Accademia Gallery (7-10pm), the San Marco Museum (6-9pm), the Archaeological Museum (8-11pm) and the Bargello Museum (until 10pm). Our advice is to get there sooner rather than later, and take note that ticket offices in many place close 30 minutes before closing time.

LIGHT MODE
DARK MODE