Tuscany Events in July

Mercantia

Mercantia, il festival del teatro di strada a Certaldo | Visit Tuscany

Mercantia, the International Festival of the Fourth Theater, is Italy’s most significant street theater festival, which takes place for five days in July every year in the village of Certaldo, the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio. This event hosts hundreds of artists who perform dance shows, visual arts, street bands, parades, and more.

The 2024 edition, running from July 17 to 21, will have forty theater companies and over 100 artists, all of which will turn the streets of Certaldo into a magical stage. Tourists should visit to experience this incredible performance and experience in an authentic atmosphere of one of Tuscany’s most beautiful villages.

Giostra dell’orso a Pistoia

La Giostra dell’Orso di Pistoia | Visit Tuscany

Every year on July 25 in Pistoia, the Giostra dell’Orso, a modern re-enactment of the ancient “corsa del palio,” is held to celebrate the feast of St. James, the patron saint of Pistoia. The race has been dated back to the 13th century, and has only been interrupted by events llike wars or epidemics. This event features a procession of about 300 participants in medieval costumes parading through the historic center to Piazza Duomo. The procession includes banners and representations from the four city districts (rions), which are named after the city gates (Lion, Deer, Dragon, and Griffon)

Twelve knights, three from each district, compete in the race. Knights gallop along a track around the square, aiming to hit bear targets for points. The winning rione is proclaimed at the end, and the knight with the highest individual score is awarded the title of “Golden Spur Knight of Pistoia and County.” Tourists should visit to experience this leap back in time to the medieval era in the beautiful setting of Pistoia.

Archaeology Nights

 https://www.visittuscany.com/it/eventi/notti-archeologia/

Archaeology nights are a highly anticipated summer event in Tuscany, hosting exciting evening activities, trekking, and guided tours for all ages. Running from July 1 to August 4, 2024, the theme “Archaeology, what a passion!” is designed to give children and teenagers a fun experience of extinct animals, cavemen, myths, and discoveries. If you are visiting Florence this summer with kids make sure to experience this opportunity to learn more about Tuscany’s archaeological heritage.

Fiesole Nights

Estate Fiesolana | Visit Tuscany

The Fiestalana Estate, Italy’s oldest outdoor multidisciplinary festival, began in 1911. Fiesole is a small town in the hills outside of Florence with incredible views of the city. The festival is held from June to September in the Teatro Romano and other locations in Fiesole, it has theater, music, dance, and cinema. The 2024 edition runs from June 4 to September 3, when it will host performances from Beppe Grillo, Carmen Consoli, Simone Cristicchi, Rufus Wainwright, and Roberto Saviano. The “Cinema Under the Stars” series will be held from August 5 to 21.If you’re visiting Florence, attending the Fiestalana Estate is a great option for its amazing performances and beautiful settings.

MusArt Festival

MusArt Festival | Visit Tuscany

The Musart Festival will take place from July 17-27, 2024, in the Medici Park of Pratolino. The festival this year will host renowned artists such as Loreena McKennitt, Roberto Vecchioni, and the Pink Floyd Legend with the Orchestra of Tuscany. The festival also hosts documentary screenings of iconic Italian albums and a guided tour of the Medici Park along with the music. If you are visiting Florence this summer make sure to visit to enjoy a great blend of italian music, film, and history.

Wine Nights

Calici di Stelle | Visit Tuscany

Every summer, the Tuscan Wine Tourism Movement hosts Goblets of Stars, a wine tasting event that takes place from July 27 to August 25 this summer. Visitors can enjoy wine while gazing at the stars, with activities like romantic vineyard dinners and star-gazing during the Perseid meteor shower. Tourists should visit for an amazing night of wine, culture, and breathtaking night skies.

Medici Villas Events

Ville e Giardini incantati 2024 | Visit Tuscany

The Medici Villas Events feature the Orchestra of Tuscany performing 14 concerts in seven of the historic Medici Villas from June to July. The program series will conclude at Villa Medicea La Petraia, in Florence on July 20 with performances by Giacomo Bianchi and Flavio Giuliani, featuring works by Bach and Vivaldi. The festival sometimes includes guided tours and buffets.. Tourists should visit to enjoy classical music and explore the historic Medici Villas, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lucca

Aperitivando nel Parco di Villa Reale | Visit Tuscany

 Lucca will feature live music in the beautiful gardens of Villa Reale, offering musical aperitifs overlooking the lake at the Café di Villa Reale. The experience will include an amazing walk through the gardens and ending with a view of the sunset over the lake while listening to live music and eating delicious food. The live music in the evenings will be from the Restauro Band. The remaining aperitif is scheduled for  July 26. Access to the park begins at 6 p.m., with the aperitifs ending at 10:30 p.m. Tourists should visit to enjoy live music, delicious food and drink, and the beauty of Villa Reale’s gardens at sunset.