Best events in Florence this week May 9-16, 2024

Here’s our round-up for May 9-16, 2024.

From a flying festival to heritage walks to connect more deeply to the city and surroundings, this week’s best events vary from the highbrow to the unforgettably fun.

Share your events with The Florentineevents@theflorentine.net

THINGS TO DO

Manifattura Tabacchi gives guided tours of the Caveau

Explore the archive of the former tobacco factory. 

COMMUNITY

Are you an American living in Italy grappling with US taxes and financial planning?

Chase Buchanan USA and Bright!Tax offer consultations at the MH Florence Hotel & Spa on May 29.

ART + CULTURE

Musical May at the British Institute

Four evenings of fine music in the riverside heritage library

THINGS TO DO

Daisy’s Dining: an evening of fine dining + entertainment

Starting at 8pm, this weekly series of special dinner shows is bringing evenings alive in Florence.

Until May 26
WALKS

Passeggiate Patrimoniali - Heritage walks

Three itineraries lead participants through the lesser-known sites of the UNESCO awarded historic centre, exploring the architecture, history and landscapes, taking in the gates, towers and fortresses that have stood strong for centuries. The free events taking place until May 26 are aimed at young people and adults, and last two hours. Walks in Italian are held at 11am, with an English language version at 3pm. The routes explore the historic walls that trace around the city, with a particular look at the San Gallo area, with another route weaving towards San Miniato. The programme of walks forms part of the Firenze Forma Continua project, organized by the Florence World Heritage and UNESCO Relations Office together with MUS.E, with the aim of spreading knowledge of the city’s history.
With the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism “UNESCO Sites and Creative Cities Fund.

Find out more
11 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
FLY

Festival di volare

Planes, drones, hot air balloons, kites and more come to the Cascine, with Leonardian models, book presentations, workshops, demonstrations and even flights of birds of prey for two days of all things sky high. Entrance is 3 euro, or 5 euro for both days.

See the programme
16 May 2024
TALK

Restoration Conversations

The Restoration Conversations online series continues at 6pm on May 16, with Linda Falcone in conversation with National Central Library conservator Alessandro Sidoti and Natacha Fabbri, co-curator of  ‘Women of the Skies, from Muses to Scientists’, on location at the exhibition. Broadcast on YouTube @calliopeartsrestoration.

Tune in
11 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
FAMILY

Lucca Bimbi

Kids and their grown-ups find plenty of fun in nearby Lucca, where play areas, creative workshops, shows, fairy tales and much more entertain all ages. Highlights include Il Piccolo Principe and Cristina D’avena’s Lo chiamerò Pinocchio.

See the full programme
12 May 2024
CHARITY

Corri per Michela

The seventh edition of the run titled ‘Corri per Michela’ departs from and arrives at Giardino Michela Noli on via Torcicoda, setting off at 9.30am. All proceeds will be donated to the Artemisia Anti-Violence Centre, supporting activities for victims of violence. A participation fee of 5 euro is requested. Email info@gsletorrifirenze.it to take part.

See more
Until May 26
HISTORY

Giorgio Vasari and Cosimo I dei Medici

To mark the occasion of 450 years since the deaths of both Cosimo I dei Medici and Giorgio Vasari, a series of guided tours and theatrical readings will be held at Palazzo Vecchio to detail the lives of the noted nobleman and the excellent architect and painter, respectively.

Find out more
May 4, 16 + 18, with dates in June TBC
TOURS

Caveau

Manifattura Tabacchi recently introduced guided tours of its Caveau space, encompassing the history and legacy of the former tobacco factory. Visitors undertaking the hour-long journey through the manufacturing complex begin at the building’s façade, where the expert guide details the area, bringing participants through to the spaces of the Factory and the Officina Botanica hanging garden. The tour then heads to the Caveau, an exhibition space created to accommodate the unique heritage. Machinery, windows, objects and materials that were found in the factory have been carefully catalogued and displayed. Stories by those who once worked at Manifattura Tabacchi in its former guise bring the space to life once again, detailing the lives and events in the neighbourhood, as well as more generally looking outwards to Florence and Italy to complete the historical framework. Free guided tours (in Italian) can be booked online, with dates this month including May 4, 16 + 18. Starting from June, guided tours will also be available in English.

Book your spot
8 May 2024 - 30 May 2024
SOCIAL

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.

See the full programme
9 May 2024 - 6 June 2024
EXHIBITION

Primavera

Works by artist-in-residence, Allison Malinsky, go on display at the Dutch University Institute of Art History in Florence (NIKI Florence). 58 abstract works celebrate the arrival of spring and its attributes, inspired by mythological paintings and poetry by Botticelli and Herman Gorter, and her familiar natural surroundings: New Hampshire (USA), Barcelona and Florence. The exhibition comprises paintings, drawings, and a botanical component in the NIKI garden.

Find out more
15 May 2024 - 13 June 2024
EXHIBITIONS

Diane Fox: Natura Morta

Curated by Rebecca Olsen and Alexandra Rojas, photographs by the American artist, Diane Fox, examine the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Inspired by historical paintings in the Uffizi Gallery, the animal portraits are captured on a larger-than-life scale.

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150th anniversary of Mercato Centrale Storico

At 11am on May 11, a procession sets off from piazza della Signoria to mark the 150th annivesary of the Mercato Centrale Storico. The programme includes traditional dances, musicians and drummers, who will take Florence back to 1874. The parade will weave through via dei Calzaiuoli, piazza San Giovanni, Borgo San Lorenzo, piazza San Lorenzo and via dell’Ariento before reaching the market where there will be a commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony.

See more
14 May 2024 - 15 May 2024
DINE

Art & Food

A meticulously crafted four-course dinner by chef Francesco Mazzi will be served at Ristorante San Paolino at the 25hours Hotel on May 14 and 15. The Italo-Japanese dinner is inspired by the chef’s own art collection, with a presentation at 8pm to set the stage for the culinary delights to come. Each dish is paired with exquisite wines to enhance your dining experience, with dishes including Kanzuri pappa tortello with saffron potatoes, mint oil and Pienza red wine, and an intriguing dessert titled Dragon skin, consisting of citrus parfait, yuzu, cocoa and coffee crumble, with golden chocolate chips. The price is 75 euros per person, including wines.

Find out more
11 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
FESTIVAL

Deliranza

Alice Libreria (The Social Hub, viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70) host the Deliranza Festival on May 11-12, in which there’s free entry to fanzine workshops, DJ sets by Bioritmo and Michelle Davis, live painting, talks and presentations.

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La Fierucola

La Fierucola brings the best of biodiversity with crafts and homemade products by small-scale producers filling up stalls in popular piazzas. The Fierucolina is held in piazza del Carmine from 9am to 2pm on May 12, and in piazza Santo Spirito from 9am to 7pm on May 19.

See more
11 May 2024
EXHIBITION

Nurturing the Future

A showcase of works by the Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici students enrolled for the courses of the schools of Creative Arts and Design will be on display from 10am to 6pm, with dancing and singing performances at 5pm, with free entry.

See more
4 May 2024 - 15 June 2024
CHILDREN

Pollicino Verde

Pollicino Verde is a series of nature-themed free activities for 0-6-year olds in various sites in the city from May until June.

See the full programme
Until May 16
EXHIBITIONS

450th anniversary of Cosimo I

Costumes reconstruct the clothes of the Medici, with relics such as the papal bull that announced Cosimo’s grand ducal title dating to 1569, and photographs by Massimo Sestini that testify to the importance of the Grand Duke in the numerous fortifications around Tuscany. Free entry upon reservation T: 055 4385616.

See more
Until June 13
MUSIC

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

The 86th edition of the classical music fest returns to the homonymous theatre, showcasing internationally renowned names in the series of operas and concerts. This edition features Turandot and Tosca by the Lucca-born maestro, Giacomo Puccini, on the centenary of his death.

See the full programme
Until September 1
EXHIBITION

Ai Weiwei – Neither Nor

The exhibition dedicated to the noted contemporary artist traces back to 1995, with the wide selection of works encompassing pieces made using toy bricks, porcelain, wood, marble and bamboo. Ph. Andrea Paoletti

Find out more

Welcome to Barerarerunga

Works by the indigenous Australian artist Maree Clarke come to the two venues as part of the centenary celebrations for the University of Florence. The site-specific installations converse with European colonial history, exploring topics such as memory, identity and sustainability.

Find out more

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. to guests and the Florentine public. 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.

Book your table
May 4, 6, 12, 18+19
SPORT

Fiorentina matches this month

Soccer fans will be keeping a keen eye on the action at Florence’s stadiums, with this month seeing Fiorentina vs Cagliari (Campionata Primavera) at Viola Park on May 4 with the women’s Serie A Fiorentina vs Juventus match on May 6. Fiorentina take on Monza (Serie A) at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 12, with Fiorentina playing Sampdoria at Viola Park on May 18 as part of the Campionata Primavera. Fiorentina then play Napoli (Serie A) at the Stadio on May 19. We advise you to check the times online, as they are subject to change.

Get your tickets

Activities + Tours + Events

Tours + Experiences

Keil Space for readers of The Florentine

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Tours + Experiences

GOLDEN DINNER Signature dining with Ruffino

Ruffino presents “Golden Dinner”: dinners with unique personalities and talented chefs, paired with iconic wines such as the Riserva Ducale Oro. 22.11.2024 8 PM / His Majesty Reburger Born in ...

Tours + Experiences

Urban Trekking: Edwardian Residents vol.6

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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 ...

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