Events in Tuscany 2026: Festivals, Food & Seasonal Celebrations in Tuscany

After winter, spring in Tuscany arrives quickly, and celebrations, both religious and profane appear on the calendar.

The Carnival of Viareggio (February 1 – 21, 2026)

One of Italy’s (and Europe’s) most iconic carnival celebrations, with spectacular papier-mâché floats, vibrant parades and festive street parties along the scenic, sea-front promenade of Viareggio. Most of the action takes place over the weekends.

Il Palio dei Somari – Torrita di Siena (22 March 2026)

A comical mini-Palio that sees the various quarters of Torrita di Siena compete in a donkey race. It coincides with St Joseph’s Day, so there is also a colourful procession, flag-throwing, and a costume competition. (NB the race is more fun than competitive and the donkeys are looked after well, with the supervision of vets.)

Music, theatre, and spectacle in the open air.

Luminara of San Ranieri – Pisa (16 June 2026)

A dazzling spectacle which sees tens of thousands of candles illuminating Pisa’s historic riverside and its monuments. It's an atmospheric celebration in honour of the city’s patron saint, San Ranieri.

Firenze Rocks – Florence (12 – 14 June 2026)

Firenze Rocks transforms Florence into a rock capital, with major international acts performing live at the Visarno Arena. For 2026, artists and bands include Lenny Kravitz, Robbie Williams, The Cure, and Mogwai.

Estate Fiesolana – Fiesole (June – September 2026)

Set in the gorgeous surroundings of Fiesole, with its incredible views over Florence, the Estate Fiesolana is Italy’s oldest multidisciplinary outdoor festival (2026 is its 78th edition). There’s theatre, music, dance and cinema, all in the magical environs of the town’s ancient Roman theatre.

Lucca Summer Festival – Lucca (June – July 2026)

Two months of world-class live music and performances by diverse international artists in the town’s historic Piazza Napoleone and on the city’s incredible walls. Acts for 2026 include David Byrne, Jamiroquai, Neil Young, Katy Perry, and Riccardo Muti conducting the Cherubini Youth Orchestra.

Teatro del Silenzio by Andrea Bocelli – Lajatico (21 and 23 July 2026)

For most of the year, the Teatro del Silenzio is a quiet reflective place overlooking a rural scene of pure Tuscan beauty. Then, for two nights in the summer, it stages concerts by the town’s favourite son, Andrea Bocelli, and his son, Matteo.

The Palio of Siena – Siena (2 July and 16 August 2026)

The Palio of Siena is arguably one of the most famous festivals in the world. It has featured in spectacular fashion in numerous films (not least in James Bond’s Quantum of Solace) and needs virtually no introduction. If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, you’ll be able to return to mediaeval times and witness the thrilling bareback horse race around Piazza del Campo, where the historic contrade (parishes) compete for glory as they have done for centuries.

Puccini Festival – Torre del Lago (July, August and early September 2026)

A programme of open-air opera performances celebrating Giacomo Puccini’s masterpieces on the shore of Lake Massaciuccoli, where the great composer had a house. The setting is amazing, the atmosphere electric.

The grape harvest – Tuscany’s wine regions, including Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Bolgheri (late August and September 2026)

Known the world over for its wine, Tuscany celebrates its grape harvest with a series of events, including open vineyards, hands-on harvest experiences and seasonal wine tastings.

A time for harvesting, thanksgiving and gastronomic pleasures.

The olive harvest and Frantoi Aperti – throughout Tuscany, including Chianti, Val d’Elsa and Maremma (mid-October to early December 2026)

With the wine harvest complete, in October attentions turn to another liquid bounty – olive oil. Frantoi (olive mills) open their doors, inviting visitors to witness the olive oil-making process, taste the new oils directly at source, and, of course, by a bottle or two.

The National White Truffle Exhibition – San Miniato (the last three weeks of November 2026)

Tuscany’s world-renowned white truffles arrive in gourmet markets towards the end of November, and to celebrate this most sought-after ingredient, there is a series of events in the charming hill-top town of San Miniato. Restaurants offer truffle-tasting menus and local experts welcome visitors to join their truffle hunting expeditions.

There’s no better way of understanding Tuscany than by participating in the region’s abundant festivals. They give you a true taste of Tuscan culture, heritage, and traditions, and allow you to have fun side by side with the locals. Whether you have a passion for world-class music and theatre, history, cultural traditions or gastronomic delights, by taking part in one of the festivals listed above, you’ll come away with a deeper, more meaningful understanding of this magical destination.