7 must-see events and exhibitions in Florence in July 2025

Visiting Florence in July is an intense, vibrant and multi-sensory experience. The city, already stunning for its Renaissance architecture and unique artistic heritage, comes alive with cultural, musical and folkloric events that enliven its piazzas, parks, historic villas and even the surrounding villages. July is one of the hottest months of the year, but also among the most dynamic: the sun illuminates the golden stones of the palaces and the sunsets tinge the Arno with pink, offering breathtaking scenery at every hour of the day. For those arriving in the city, it is advisable to plan your commute well, taking advantage of the early morning to visit museums and monuments, reserving the warmer hours for breaks in shady gardens or cool exhibition halls, and then enjoying the evening with outdoor events.

For the commute you'll have to take, consider that streetcar lines connect the center well with the more peripheral areas, and there are also shuttles for some out-of-town festivals, such as in the Mugello hills or Fiesole. In this article we have selected ten must-see events designed for a diverse audience, from the curious visitor in search of authenticity to the tourist who is passionate about art, music and culture. There are international festivals and concerts at dawn, contemporary art exhibitions and celebrations of folk traditions, moments of reflection and pure entertainment: a varied mosaic to tell of a Florence that, even in summer, never ceases to amaze.

Visiting Florence in July means immersing yourself in an intense, lively and stimulating atmosphere. It is the month when the city is transformed into a true open-air stage, where culture, entertainment and tradition merge with the majesty of Renaissance architecture and the most authentic daily life of the Florentines.

In this article, we have selected a series of not-to-be-missed events that tell the story of the Florence of summer, the one that is not content to live off the past but continually reinvents itself through festivals, shows and initiatives designed for different audiences. From the art lover to the curious in search of local atmospheres, everyone will find something to excite them.

July is also the month of full sun, long days, breathtaking sunsets tinging the Arno and gardens where you can find refreshment in the hottest hours. It is advisable to organise one's days well, alternating morning visits to museums and monuments with moments of relaxation or discovery in the cooler, more authentic neighbourhoods, and then enjoying the evening of lights, sounds and events under the stars.

Florence, in summer, is a promise of continuous wonder. And this is our invitation to discover it.  Also consider the Florence Pass “to experience Florence without stress.”

From July 21-25, 2025, Festival au Désert Florence celebrates its 15th edition, bringing the sounds of the Sahel, North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East to the Tuscan capital. Born in 2010 from the collaboration between Mali's Festival au Désert and Fabbrica Europa, the event aims to create intercultural dialogue through music, hosting artists from Algeria, Morocco, India and Mali. 

The concerts will take place in two striking locations: the Cloister of Santa Maria Novella (photo) and the Cascine Park. Both venues are easily accessible: the Cloister is located in the historic center, a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, while the Cascine Park is accessible via the T1 tramway, Cascine stop.

July 21-25 - Cascine Park, Cloister of Santa Maria Novella

The MusArt Festival is a festival that combines big names in music with the beauty of Florence's artistic heritage. Among the planned protagonists: Fiorella Mannoia, Vinicio Capossela and concerts at dawn. The experience is enhanced by guided tours and special screenings.

This event is located at the Parco Mediceo di Pratolino, which can be reached by car (it is about 30 min from Florence) or by special shuttles from the city center that are organized for the occasion.

July 17 to 26, 2025 - Parco Mediceo di Pratolino

A review of historical theater immersed in the setting of Fiesole's Roman amphitheater, among the oldest in Italy. The program includes Greek tragedies, classical music and contemporary concerts. A unique opportunity to experience theatrical performance under the stars, surrounded by history and nature.

The performances will take place at the Roman Amphitheater in Fiesole, a small town that can be reached from Florence by bus (ATAF line 7) in about 30 minutes. Fiesole sits on a hill above Florence, and in various places you can stop to admire the view below. 

All July (e.g., Edipus on the 9th, Agamemnon on the 13th, Seven at Thebes on the 25th) - Roman Amphitheater, Fiesole

On July 24, 2025, the Florence Dance Festival presents an unmissable performance in the striking setting of Santa Maria Novella (photo). This festival, which has been bringing the excellence of contemporary and classical dance to Florence for years, offers performances by international companies and world-renowned choreographers. The July 24 event promises an evening of great emotion and art, ideal for lovers of dance and culture. 

The square is just a few minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella station in the historic center of Florence and is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

July 24 - Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, Florence

The Italian Brass Week, now in its 26th edition, is one of the most prestigious international festivals dedicated to brass wind instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba). The event brings to Florence some of the most renowned soloists, orchestras and brass ensembles from all over the world, for a week of music, training and entertainment. The aim of the festival is twofold: on the one hand the promotion of brass music through concerts in fascinating historical locations (such as the Bargello Museum or Piazza della Signoria), and on the other the training of young talents with master classes, workshops and open lessons, often free of charge.

Each day offers a mix of events: in the morning and afternoon the educational activities, in the evening the live concerts, often in monumental settings that amplify the sound and scenic power of the instruments. Musical flash mobs, moving performances and open-air concerts are also often organised along the Arno or in the city's historic gardens, creating a fascinating bridge between tradition and experimentation.

Where: events distributed in the centre of Florence, in iconic venues such as the Bargello Museum, the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Cortile dell'Ammannati and other monumental spaces.

How to get there: all venues are located in the historical centre, easily reachable on foot from the Santa Maria Novella station or with the ATAF urban transport lines.

20 to 27 July 2025, Florence Historic Centre

The exhibition Caravaggio and the 20th Century, hosted in the splendid setting of Villa Bardini, proposes a unique journey: a comparison between Caravaggio's artistic legacy and the profound influence he exerted on some of the great protagonists of the Italian 20th century. The exhibition is curated around the critical thinking of Roberto Longhi and Luigi Banti, two intellectuals who have reinterpreted the figure of the Baroque master in a modern key. Alongside Caravaggio's works, you will find works by Giorgio Morandi, Giorgio de Chirico, Renato Guttuso and other artists who, although working in a different context, have picked up and transformed his visual and spiritual lesson.

The location contributes to the experience: Villa Bardini, located in a panoramic position on the Oltrarno, offers not only refined exhibition spaces, but also spectacular views of Florence. After your visit, you can stroll through the villa's monumental gardens or stop in the panoramic bar for a moment of relaxation. You can even reach Boboli Garden. 

To get there: from the Ponte alle Grazie area continue on foot with a short, scenic climb. Alternatively, ATAF bus line C3 (Costa San Giorgio 2 stop).

Until 20 July - Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio 2 - Oltrarno

From 7 to 13 July , Piazzale Michelangelo will host the All Star Game Firenze, a sporting event that combines basketball and beach volleyball with music, street food and entertainment. An event that unites athletes and fans in a breathtaking panoramic location.
Evenings of sport and conviviality with a breathtaking view of Piazzale Michelangelo.  

How to get there: On foot from the city centre or by ATAF bus line 12 or 13.

7-13 July, Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence