Best events in Florence this week May 30-June 6, 2024

Sale

From May 30 to June 2, the Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood will become the site of the SALE Festival, with a number of cultural, social and gastronomical events on the schedule. Returning this year after its first edition in 2023, the festival is dedicated to the people and sense of community to be found in Sant’Ambrogio. A sense of togetherness is fostered in the range of activities, including a ‘people’s dinner’ in which three religious communities will come together, attended by Jewish, Muslim and Christian representatives.

Festivalino

The Festivalino (“little festival”) kicks off with a gala evening on May 30 at Florence’s Palazzo Corsini al Prato, the headquarters of the Fondazione Mascarade opera training and performance programme, including a young all-stars alumni concert in one of the garden’s magnificent Limonaie and a majestic opening dinner set at a tavolo imperiale running down the palazzo’s famous avenue of statues. The subsequent events will be held in some of Florence’s most beautiful locations, featuring opera, ballet, and lots of art. Tickets from 15 euro (10 euro for under 35s). Giovani Voci all’Opera will be held at Teatro della Pergola at 7pm on May 31, tying together scenes from six different operas by Mozart, Donizetti and Verdi. The opera will be followed by dinner and dancing in the theatre’s ballroom, which will be transformed into a speakeasy cabaret featuring Daisy’s jazz band. Palazzo Corsini al Prato will be the location for the Mascarade Trio Concert at midday on June 1, and then it’s back to Teatro della Pergola at 7pm on the same day for ‘Reunited in Dance: Simbiosi’, a star-studded ensemble of dancers impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Ciao Estate

The Social Hub (viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70-72) host a festive line-up in the courtyard titled Ciao Estate. The free entry programme includes poetry readings, book presentations, stand-up comedy and DJ sets. This week sees ‘Creator Wiz Live’ with Edoardo Prati on May 30, with an aperitivo with a DJ set by Rof on June 7.

Calcio Storico

The historic Florentine football season kicks off, with the four districts, represented by the Verdi, Azzurri, Rossi and Bianchi, competing on June 1 and 2 for a place in the final on June 15 (and not, as per tradition, on June 24, the feast day of San Giovanni).

Gates, towers and fortresses of Florence

Tales of war, peace, courage and dreams are revealed by the Municipality of Florence and MUS.E with a rich programme of visits to some of the city’s most wondrous locations. From the recently restored San Niccolò Tower to Porto San Frediano and the centuries old Fortezza da Basso, the tours explore the UNESCO awarded historic centre, taking participants through formative historical moments for Florence.

Kavinya Ndumbu's soul band

La Città dei Lettori

From May until October, over 100 special guests take part in events held in 12 locations in Tuscany, celebrating contemporary literature. The Florence iteration of the festival will be held at Villa Bardini, with focuses on artificial intelligence and debut authors. Guests include Francesco Martini Coveri, creative director at the fashion Maison Enrico Coveri, with noted events such as talks on gender violence, and a meditation led by internationally renowned biologist and naturalist Daniel Lumera. A new aspect this year will be events offered with Italian sign language, making the festival ever more accessible.

Lucca Summer Festival

Music lovers make their way to Lucca for the outstanding lineup that includes Eric Clapton, Ed Sheeran, Swedish House Mafia, Smashing Pumpkins, Rod Stewart, Lenny Kravitz, Sam Smith and Duran Duran in what’s sure to be a highlight this summer.

Il Giappone in Vaso

Orchids, bonsai and suiseki are all over at the Botanical Gardens, with the event featuring a tea ceremony led by the Lailac association, talks, and a Taijiquan demonstration by the Cheng Ming Association.

Music and more at Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel delights with a varied calendar in the picturesque hilltop setting in Fiesole. June 3 (6.30-7.30pm) sees a jazz concert by musicians from the renowned Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, followed by a drink. The music continues at 7pm on June 5, this time with a saxophone performance, as always, followed by a drink. June 6, on the other hand, is a talk by Alessandra Marchetti titled ‘Our hillsides: formidable women and their villas in Fiesole and Settignano in the early 20th century’, held in English. An enchanting calligraphy experience with Betty Soldi is an unmissable hands-on activity on June 14, with mixology on June 20 and a classical concert on June 26 finishing off the month in style. Contact concierge.vsm@belmond.com or call 055 5678200 to reserve your spot. Starting June 4, every Tuesday Villa San Michele will host a DJ set by the Pool Bar, from 7-10.30pm.

The Magazine Club at The Kitchen Table

A space that describes itself as dedicated everything “from live creation to restful reading that takes you on a voyage from magazine consumer to creator”. Everyday from midday to 7pm, with tours and private viewings upon request.

Thursdays in Manifattura

Music, art and design, shopping, sport, talks and workshops, food and drinks and kids’ activities all come together in a new weekly event at Manifattura Tabacchi. Every Thursday from 6pm, a wide ranging programme will sees something for everyone, with this Thursday including a talk titled ‘From the past to the future’ by the Ferragamo Museum in collaboration with Polimoda, tattoos and piercings with no appointment necessary, and a 90s and 2000s DJ set by JB Elle from 6pm. Don’t miss the exhibitions in the B9 and B11 buildings, with works by Ulrich Egger and Enej Gala.

Sunday brunch at Villa La Massa

Villa La Massa welcomes its Sunday brunch menu, with the Il Verrocchio restaurant offering both guests and the public an unforgettable gourmet experience in the greenery of the Florentine countryside. The exclusive buffet presents a selection of local culinary delights, focusing on fresh, high-quality products. There are even surprises planned involving food and wine producers, as well as special entertainment for kids, so keep an eye on their events lined up this season. 90 per person, drinks included, or 60 euro per child under 12. For further information and reservations, contact +39 05562611 or ristorante@villalamassa.it.