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Florence celebrates a year-round calendar of festivals and events that mix religious tradition, civic ceremony, art, music, and fashion—from the Easter “Scoppio del Carro” (Explosion of the Cart) on the Duomo steps to the Renaissance-costumed Calcio Storico football matches in June, from the centuries-old Festa di San Giovanni fireworks on the Arno to the global art fairs that close out summer. This complete Florence festivals and events calendar covers what happens each month, ticketing, where to watch, dress codes, and how to plan a visit around Florence’s signature celebrations.
Timing a trip around a festival changes it completely — the June Calcio Storico matches, the Maggio Musicale season in our opera and classical music guide, and the summer outdoor concert series are all worth planning dates around.
December is the month this calendar gets busiest, and most of it is free. Our guide to Christmas in Florence covers the Santa Croce market, the Christmas lights (their switch-on date changes from year to year), and the holiday closures that catch people out.
On the 31st Florence has put on free concerts in several of its squares, so check the city’s programme for this year’s line-up. Our New Year’s Eve in Florence guide covers the concerts, the cenone prices and how you get home when the taxis have vanished.
The biggest set piece on this calendar is also the least advertised. Our guide to Easter in Florence explains the Scoppio del Carro — the exploding cart, the oxen and the dove fired from the high altar — and where to stand for it.
Four months of it are gathered under one council programme, and most of it is free. Our guide to Florence summer events covers Estate Fiorentina, the Uffizi open-air cinema, the Fiesole Roman theatre season and the Rificolona.
The autumn belongs to the countryside rather than the city. Our guide to Tuscan wine festivals covers the vendemmia, the village sagre, Montalcino’s archery contest and the olive pressing in November.
One of Italy’s best-known carnivals is not in Florence at all — it is in Viareggio, where giant papier-mâché floats parade along the seafront on weekends from February into March. Our guide to Florence in February has the Viareggio carnival dates and how to reach it.
The 25th is the Capodanno Fiorentino — the day Florence started its year until 1750, and still marked in the city. Our guide to Florence in March has the details and an honest verdict on it.
Three fixed points crowd the end of the month: the Iris Garden opening on the 25th, Liberation Day the same day, and the Maggio Musicale already running since the 19th. Our guide to Florence in April sets them out in order.
May holds the Maggio Musicale at full stretch, the Iris Garden’s short spring opening (25 April to 20 May in 2026) and Cantine Aperte, the wineries’ open weekend (30–31 May in 2026). Our guide to Florence in May sets the month out date by date.
Nothing else in the calendar is as concentrated as the 24th: honours at Palazzo Vecchio, a regatta on the Arno, the Calcio Storico final and thirty minutes of fireworks. Our guide to Florence in June runs through the whole day.
Two fixed dates carry the month: the Festa di San Lorenzo on the 10th, with free pasta and two tonnes of watermelon in the square, and Ferragosto on the 15th. Our guide to Florence in August has both, hour by hour.
The 7th is the Rificolona, when a lantern procession crosses the Ponte Vecchio to Piazza Santissima Annunziata and the pilgrimage walks sixteen kilometres in from Impruneta. Our guide to Florence in September has the running order.
Florence Festivals at a Glance
| Month | Major Events | Free? |
|---|---|---|
| January | Pitti Uomo (men’s fashion week, by invite) | No (industry only) |
| February | Carnival (limited Florentine celebration) | Free events |
| March-April | Easter Week, Scoppio del Carro | Free |
| May | Maggio Musicale Fiorentino season; Fierucola di Maggio | Free + ticketed |
| June | Calcio Storico, Festa di San Giovanni, Firenze Rocks | Mixed |
| July | Estate Fiorentina, Musart, summer concerts | Mostly free |
| August | Festa della Rificolona (Sept), summer events continue | Mostly free |
| September | Rificolona, Florence Jazz Festival, fashion week, biennale years | Mixed |
| October | Florence Folks Festival, Fierucola d’Ottobre, Festa di Santa Reparata | Mostly free |
| November | Food fairs | Mixed |
| December | Christmas markets, F-Light | Free |
Spring (March-May)
Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) — Easter Sunday
Every Easter Sunday morning (next on 28 March 2027), Florence stages the Scoppio del Carro between the Duomo and the Baptistery. A massive 18th-century wooden cart called the Brindellone, three stories tall and decorated with floral motifs, is wheeled by a team of white oxen to a position between the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Inside the Cathedral, during the celebration of Mass, an electrical wire connects an artificial dove (the “Colombina”) to the cart outside.
At the moment of the Gloria, the Archbishop lights the dove, which “flies” from the altar along the wire and ignites the cart. The cart then erupts in a fireworks display. Tradition holds that a successful Scoppio (where the dove makes it all the way and back, igniting everything cleanly) means a good year ahead for the Florentine harvest. Florentines have been performing this ritual since at least the 12th century.
The cart is ignited at about 11:00, during the Gloria of the Mass; check the city’s programme each year for the procession times, and arrive early if you want a spot near the front. The best places to watch the fireworks themselves are on Via dei Calzaiuoli, Via Cavour, or the area near the Baptistery’s south side.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino — Spring Season
One of the oldest opera and music festivals in Europe (founded 1933), Maggio Musicale Fiorentino runs at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino with major operas, orchestral concerts, ballet, and recitals. The 2026 opera tariff put standard seats at €35-€130, with €15 limited-view and €10 listening-only places; concert and ballet prices differ, so check the performance you want at maggiofiorentino.com.
Fierucola del Pane
An organic and traditional bread and food market run by La Fierucola; the 2026 edition was held on Sunday 6 September. Tuscan farmers, bakers, and producers display their goods. Family-friendly. Check the organiser’s programme at lafierucola.org for the next edition’s date and venue. Similar markets are held throughout the year (Fierucola also runs recurring Sunday markets).
Summer (June-August)
Festa di San Giovanni — June 24
The Feast of San Giovanni Battista, Florence’s patron saint, is the city’s own holiday, next falling on June 24, 2027. It is a local public holiday, so check the opening hours of any shop or museum you plan to visit. The day includes the Calcio Storico final at Piazza Santa Croce and ends with the fireworks (the fochi) at about 22:00; check the year’s programme on FeelFlorence.
The fireworks (Fuochi di San Giovanni) are launched from Piazzale Michelangelo across the Arno toward the historic center—visible from anywhere along the river embankments and from the rooftops of central Florence. The best viewing spots are Lungarno Vespucci (west of Ponte Vecchio), Lungarno della Zecca (east), Piazzale Michelangelo itself (free but very crowded), or any rooftop bar with a southern exposure. Restaurants near the river take reservations for special San Giovanni evening dinners with terrace seating; book 3-4 months in advance.
Calcio Storico — Mid-June Tournament
The four neighborhoods of historic Florence (Santo Spirito-Bianchi, Santa Croce-Azzurri, Santa Maria Novella-Rossi, San Giovanni-Verdi) compete in three brutal historic football matches in Piazza Santa Croce, which is filled with sand for the occasion. Two semifinals (mid-June) plus the final on June 24. The game—a violent ancestor of soccer, rugby, and bare-knuckle boxing all combined—has medieval roots; its most famous match was played during the siege of 1530, and its rules were written down in the late 16th century. Each team has 27 players in Renaissance costume; the match is 50 minutes of physical mayhem, though the rules ban sucker punches and kicks to the head.
Tickets €40-€80 for grandstand seats; some standing-room (very limited). Book 2-3 months ahead via the Comune di Firenze website. See our complete Calcio Storico guide.
Firenze Rocks — Mid-June
International rock festival at Visarno Arena (Cascine park). Past headliners: Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Green Day, Foo Fighters. Day passes €70-90; 4-day passes €280+. Tickets at firenzerocks.it or vivaticket.it. Camping available.
Estate Fiorentina — June through Mid-September
The Florence summer events program organized by the Comune di Firenze. Hundreds of free or low-priced events—concerts in piazzas, films in gardens, theater in courtyards, food festivals, and walking tours. The full calendar is published at estatefiorentina.it each May. Major venues include Boboli Gardens, Forte Belvedere, Piazza della Signoria, and Piazza SS. Annunziata.
Musart Festival — Summer
A summer music festival that combines classical, jazz, and Italian pop with art-installation backdrops; the 2026 edition ran from June 28 to July 26 at the Parco Mediceo di Pratolino in Vaglia. Check the organiser for the next edition’s dates and venue. Tickets €20-€60.
Decibel Open Air — Early September
Electronic music festival at Mandela Forum and Cascine park; the 2026 edition was held in early September, and decibelopenair.com carries the next edition’s dates. EDM, house, techno, hip-hop. Day passes €50-70.
Autumn (September-November)
Festa della Rificolona — September
An evening lantern festival on the eve of the Virgin’s Nativity. Children parade through the streets carrying paper lanterns (rificolone) on long sticks; older Florentines remember when families would walk to the piazza from outlying farms with lanterns to attend the morning fair. Vendors sell small toys, lanterns, and traditional sweets. Family-friendly. In 2026 it fell on September 7: lantern-carriers gathered at 19:00 in Piazza Santa Felicita, and the official opening and blessing of the lanterns followed at 21:30 in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. Check FeelFlorence for the next edition’s programme.
Pitti Uomo and Pitti Bimbo — January and June
Pitti Uomo and Pitti Bimbo are international men’s and children’s fashion trade fairs, held at the Fortezza da Basso in January and June; the next January editions are scheduled for 12–15 and 20–21 January 2027 respectively, so confirm the dates with Pitti Immagine. Generally industry-only, but the surrounding Florence streets fill with internationally recognized fashion personalities. Even non-attendees can enjoy the people-watching during fashion week.
Florence Biennale — Late October (every two years)
The international contemporary art biennial held at the Fortezza da Basso in odd-numbered years. Hundreds of exhibitors, talks, and performances. Full-price day tickets €20 (reduced €14, €9 and €6). Next edition October 23–31, 2027.
Florence Jazz Festival — September
Annual jazz festival; in 2026 its main-stage evenings ran September 11–13 in the Giardino delle Scuderie Reali by Porta Romana, at €30 an evening from the box office. Check the Firenze Jazz Festival programme for the next edition’s dates, venues and prices.
Festa di Santa Reparata — October 8
The earlier patron saint of Florence (before San Giovanni replaced her). Her feast on October 8 is marked with a ceremony in the Duomo and a historical parade through the centre; in 2026 the feast fell on a Thursday and the parade was cancelled for a weather alert. Check the city’s culture pages for the next programme. Free; modest crowds.
Winter (December-February)
Christmas Markets — November 14 to December 20, 2026
Florence’s main Christmas markets: Heidelberg Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce (German-style market with mulled wine, sausages, ornaments; November 14 to December 20, 2026, free entry); Christmas Vintage Market in Piazza Tasso (December weekends). Smaller markets pop up in Piazza Santo Spirito and Piazza dei Ciompi as well.
Florence Light Festival (F-Light) — December
Two weeks of light installations and projections on landmark buildings (Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens). The Comune typically commissions international light artists; the program changes annually. Free to view from the public spaces. The Boboli Gardens portion typically charges admission.
Carnevale (Carnival) — February
Florence’s Carnival is much smaller than Venice’s or Viareggio’s, but the city celebrates with masked balls (private), small parades, and traditional Tuscan sweets. Children’s events at Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Strozzi. The day before Lent (Martedì Grasso, “Fat Tuesday”) sees school children in masks and costumes throughout the city. Free.
New Year’s Eve — December 31
Free outdoor concerts in several squares (for 2025/26: Santa Croce, Santissima Annunziata and the Carmine, with a light show in Piazza della Signoria); check the city’s official programme for December 31, 2026. Major restaurants offer prix-fixe Capodanno menus (€80-€150 per person; book 2-3 months ahead). The Maggio Musicale offers a New Year’s concert.
Year-Round Recurring Events
Several events repeat throughout the year:
- Fierucola di Piazza Santo Spirito: A monthly Sunday market with arts, crafts, antiques, organic foods and farmers’ produce. Free entry; check the organiser’s programme for the date.
- Mercato Antiquario delle Pulci: Fourth Sunday of each month at Piazza dei Ciompi; vintage clothes, antiques, and bric-a-brac.
- Day of the Medici: February 18 (death anniversary of Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, who died in 1743); in 2026 the city’s civic museums were free that day, so check the municipality for the next anniversary’s arrangements.
- Notte Bianca dei Musei: Annual late-night opening for participating museums (typically May).
- Tu Bishvat (in winter), other religious holidays: Smaller celebrations within Florence’s Jewish community at the Synagogue.
Tickets and Booking
- Calcio Storico tickets: Released April-May each year; sell out quickly. Check the city’s official site for how and where to buy.
- Maggio Musicale Fiorentino: Theatre box office and online sales at maggiofiorentino.com; check availability for the performance you want.
- Firenze Rocks: Tickets typically released February-March; sell out by April-May for popular dates.
- Free events (San Giovanni fireworks, Scoppio del Carro): Watched from public squares and the river embankments; check the year’s programme for times.
- Christmas markets: No tickets; walk in.
- F-Light: No tickets for outdoor projections; Boboli portion typically €10.
Best Festivals to Plan a Trip Around
Easter weekend for Scoppio del Carro—a uniquely Florentine experience, free, manageable crowds.
Mid-June for Calcio Storico + San Giovanni fireworks—historical pageantry, sport, and celebration in the same stretch of days.
Late June for Firenze Rocks if you want a major rock festival in Italy.
Early September for Rificolona (September 7 in 2026)—lower tourist density, charming family festival, and beautiful early autumn weather.
December (especially first two weeks) for Christmas markets, F-Light, and the city’s quietest tourist period before the New Year holiday rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florence’s biggest festival?
Festa di San Giovanni on June 24 is the feast of Florence’s patron saint, with religious ceremonies, the Calcio Storico final, and the traditional fireworks. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is the city’s major opera and music festival; its 89th edition opens on April 18, 2027. Firenze Rocks is its rock festival; check firenzerocks.it for the next dates.
What is Scoppio del Carro?
The “Explosion of the Cart”—a centuries-old Florentine Easter Sunday ceremony where a giant wooden cart is wheeled to Piazza del Duomo and ignited via a wire-driven dove that flies from inside the Cathedral. Tradition reads the dove’s flight as an omen for the harvest. The cart is ignited at about 11:00 on Easter morning (March 28 in 2027).
When is the best time to see fireworks in Florence?
June 24 (Festa di San Giovanni) for the traditional fireworks over the Arno, at 22:00 in 2026; check the year’s programme. For New Year’s Eve (December 31), check the city’s official programme before planning an evening around fireworks. Scoppio del Carro on Easter Sunday for the traditional cart of fireworks set off by a dove-shaped rocket.
Are Florence festivals free?
Most are. Scoppio del Carro, San Giovanni fireworks, Rificolona, Christmas markets, F-Light, and most Estate Fiorentina events are free. Calcio Storico, Firenze Rocks, Decibel, and Maggio Musicale opera require paid tickets.
Do I need to book ahead for Florence festivals?
For ticketed events (Calcio Storico, Firenze Rocks, Maggio Musicale), book 2-3 months ahead. For free events, arrive 1-2 hours early to secure viewing positions. Restaurant reservations near the Arno on June 24 should be booked 3-4 months ahead for terrace seating.
Where can I watch the San Giovanni fireworks?
In 2026 the fireworks were launched from the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo at 22:00 on June 24; check FeelFlorence for the next programme. Best viewing: Lungarno Vespucci (west of Ponte Vecchio), Lungarno della Zecca (east), Piazzale Michelangelo itself (most crowded), Forte Belvedere, or any south-facing rooftop bar. Restaurants on the Arno offer terrace dinners (book 3-4 months ahead).
What is Calcio Storico?
A 16th-century Florentine sport combining elements of soccer, rugby, and bare-knuckle fighting. Four neighborhood teams compete in three matches each June in Piazza Santa Croce, ending with the final on June 24. See our complete Calcio Storico guide.
What’s happening in Florence in winter?
December: Christmas markets (Piazza Santa Croce especially), F-Light light projections, and New Year’s Eve concerts. February: Carnival celebrations (small but charming). January: Pitti Uomo fashion week (industry-only events). March: Easter Week leading to Scoppio del Carro.
Are children welcome at Florence festivals?
Yes for most. Scoppio del Carro, Rificolona (especially family-oriented), Christmas markets, and most Estate Fiorentina events welcome children. Calcio Storico is intense (some violence), and Firenze Rocks sets its own entry rules, so check with the organisers before bringing children.
