Art and Photography with Cortona on the Move

The international photography festival Cortona on the Move is celebrating its 14th edition this year, featuring 25 high-quality exhibitions and photographic collections from photographers around the world.

Cortona On The Move was founded in 2011 when Antonio Carloni, the festival’s founder and director, along with two other friends, decided to organize an event dedicated to photography. Since its first edition, it has been a resounding success, attracting international photographers, both professional and amateur, to the beautiful town of Cortona. The historic center has become a meeting place where artists showcase their work, exchange ideas, and share their passion for photography.

The festival will begin on July 11 and will be open until November 3, 2024—an event not to be missed!

Antique Market in Arezzo

Summer is not the only time to find incredible treasures in Arezzo. The town’s antique market is held every first Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday. Wander through the streets of Arezzo and enjoy discovering forgotten treasures, antique objects, and unexpected vintage gems.

What are the upcoming dates for the Arezzo Antique Market in 2024?

• Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7
• Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4
• Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1
• Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6
• Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3 (a perfect opportunity to spend a few days in the area for the All Saints’ holiday)
• Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1

Unmissable Events in Tuscany Summer 2024

The Palio di Siena

The Palio di Siena is a unique event with origins dating back to the 1200s. This historic horse race takes place twice a year in Piazza del Campo: on July 2, in honor of the Madonna of Provenzano, and on August 16, in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Ten of Siena’s seventeen contrade (districts) compete for the victory, selected through a draw. For the people of Siena, the Palio is a year-round passion, not limited to the “carriera” (the horse race). For visitors, the Palio offers an unforgettable spectacle, enriched by the majestic historical parade featuring the institutions of the ancient Republic of Siena and over 600 participants in costume representing the 17 contrade.

Effetto Venezia

Effetto Venezia is the grand summer event that, for five nights in August, enlivens the historic heart of Livorno, the Venezia district, known for its bridges and navigable canals. Each year, the program includes music, theater performances, installations, street animations, light shows, and markets. The event is also a perfect opportunity to savor local dishes like cacciucco, fresh fish-based pasta dishes, chickpea cake, and Livorno punch.

Calici di Stelle

Calici di Stelle is an unmissable summer event in Tuscany, dedicated to wines and quality local products. Food and wine enthusiasts can enjoy this event, which takes place during the night of San Lorenzo (August 10) and the days before and after. This event offers the opportunity to taste excellent wines under the stars in a magical and evocative atmosphere.

Puccini Festival

In the great open-air theater of Torre del Lago, located on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli in Versilia, grand opera takes center stage in July and August with the Puccini Festival. This festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the works of Giacomo Puccini, performed near the house where the maestro lived and composed for many years.

Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario

The Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario is a captivating competition between the four districts of the town, held every year on August 15 in the waters off Porto Santo Stefano. This event is a spectacle not to be missed and offers an excellent opportunity to visit this beautiful stretch of the Tuscan coast. From here, you can embark on a trip to the Island of Giglio, adding another unforgettable experience to your visit.

All the Musical Events in Tuscany Summer 2024

In July, numerous events will take place in the most enchanting locations of the Casentinesi Forests National Park Monte Falterona and Campigna, with most activities being free of charge.

The festival will open with a special concert on July 17 in Bibbiena, at Piazza Tarlati, featuring Paolo Jannacci and Frida Bollani Magoni. This unique event brings together two highly talented artists, combining their poetic expressions in a dialogue between two pianos. It’s a meeting of two generations, where experience and youth confront each other through songs and instrumental compositions.

On July 20, in Pratovecchio at Piazza Landino, Eugenio Finardi, one of the most renowned musicians in Italy, will present Euphonia Suite, a new musical project that reinterprets his career and the repertoire of other great artists. Accompanied by two high-level musicians, Mirko Signorile on piano and Raffaele Casarano on sax, Finardi will offer refined arrangements that add depth and a new light to historical pieces of Italian music.

In July 2024, the Park will host events at all hours, including music, literature, photography, comics, dance, and contemporary art. An artist residency curated by art critic Chiara Cardini, titled “Tracce nel vento” (Traces in the Wind), will feature artists such as Arianna Vairo, Nicola Villa, Alessandra Chiappini, and Cristian Boffelli. Additionally, trekking will be a highlight: registrations are open for Naturalmente Carovana, a journey from July 16 to 21 through some of the most beautiful villages of the Casentino, allowing participants to experience the festival in a truly unique way.

Firenze Rocks

Two days of pure rock music kick off the Florentine summer.

It begins on Thursday, June 13, at the Visarno Arena in Florence, with performances by Bob Vylan, Avenged Sevenfold, returning to Italy after six years for a single date in our country, and also the punk rock band Bowling for Soup from Texas, and Cemetery Sun.

On Saturday, June 15, the headliners will be Tool, returning to Italy after a five-year absence. This day will also see performances by The Struts, dEUS, and Night Verses.

After a brief pause, the festival resumes on July 11 with Calcutta. On July 12, the timeless Lenny Kravitz returns. On July 15, it will be Diana Krall’s turn, the only female artist on the schedule (so far). The festival continues on July 16 with John Fogerty. On July 18, Salmo & Noyz Narcos will energize the crowd. On July 19, Mika will take the stage, followed by Sam Smith on July 20. The Duran Duran will perform on July 21 and 23, preceding Toto and Marcus Miller on July 24. The festival will conclude on July 26 with the vibrant performance of Gazzelle.

Lucca Summer Festival

An unforgettable summer awaits in Lucca, with two months of Italian and international music between Piazza Napoleone and the city walls: the Lucca Summer Festival is a must-do.

It starts on June 2 with the highly anticipated Eric Clapton, returning to Lucca after 18 years for a single Italian date. This is an unmissable event.

Ed Sheeran will perform on June 8 and 9, with a double concert after the first date sold out in record time. On June 30, the Swedish House Mafia will take the stage. July will be equally intense: on July 3, Tedua will perform, followed by Geolier on July 5, The Smashing Pumpkins along with Tom Morello on July 6, and the legend Rod Stewart on July 7.

La Prima Estate at Lido di Camaiore

Every time feels like the first. For two weekends in June, Bussoladomani Park becomes Versilia’s Coachella.

It starts on June 14 with Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaur Jr., Sleaford Mods, and Motta. On June 15, there will be a special event with Kama Kama History, a tribute to one of Versilia’s iconic venues, featuring DJs Ralf, Francesco Farfa, Mario Scalambrin, Stefano D’Andrea, and Davide Benedetti | Christiano. On June 16, an alternative evening with Phoenix, 2manydjs DJ Set, and Venerus.

The second weekend begins on June 21 with Peggy Gou, followed by Anotr and Todd Terje. June 22 will be a more relaxed evening with Paolo Nutini, Michael Kiwanuka, Black Country, New Road, and Swim School. The festival will conclude on June 23 with performances by Fontaines D.C., Kasabian, Shame, and Wu-Lu.

Pistoia Blues Festival

Refined music, storytelling, blues, and folk in Piazza Duomo, Fortezza Santa Barbara, and Teatro Bolognini. Are all components of the Pistoia Blues Festival.

On July 4, the festival will be inaugurated by the American band Calexico. On July 8, it will be Elio e Le Storie Tese’s turn. On July 11, a double show featuring the soul of Mario Biondi and the jazz of Dee Dee Bridgewater. On July 12, Matteo Mancuso and Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy will bring their musical mastery. Finally, on July 13, the Devon Allman Project will take the stage.