10 unmissable events and exhibition in Milan this October 2025

Whether you’re already planning a trip to Milan in the heart of autumn, or simply looking for inspiration for a different kind of weekend, you can’t miss this guide to the 10 unmissable events and exhibitions in Milan in October 2025. The city comes alive with cultural festivals, extraordinary art exhibitions, live performances, sporting events, and immersive installations. From big names in international art to initiatives in the city’s most creative neighborhoods, October is the perfect month to enjoy an authentic, stimulating, and unforgettable Milanese experience.

Discover the 10 unmissable events and exhibitions in Milan in October 2025 and get inspired by an explosive mix of culture, music, theatre, and sports. During this month, Milan transforms into a dynamic stage, where every day brings a new wonder. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious soul, or simply looking for something special, October offers the best of Milan’s cultural scene.

Let yourself be enchanted by the immersive exhibition celebrating one of the most beloved sagas of all time. A touch of magic will make Milan shine with Harry Potter™: The Exhibition. Step into the wizarding world and enjoy a unique, interactive journey through more than 20 sections, featuring recreations of iconic scenes and settings. Admire authentic props from the films, costumes worn by the actors, and have fun with activities waiting to be discovered for an unforgettable experience. From September 19 to January 6, 2026, The Mall in Milan will enchant you with this unmissable exhibition.

In Milan, the heart of music beats strong—and in October the city is ready to amaze you. From Italian and international artists to musicals and opera, arenas and theatres fill up with events not to be missed. Just to name a few: Lady Gaga will light up the stage at Unipol Arena on October 19 and 20, preceeded by One Republic on October 11 and Damiano David on October 7. Oasis performs at Alcatraz on October 9, followed by Arch Enemy on October 22, while Magazzini Generali will host AKA 7even on October 14 and Sarah Toscano on October 18. For musical lovers, Flashdance – The Musical will be there for you at Teatro Nazionale from October 9 to November 30, while Frida Opera Musical, inspired by Frida Kahlo, will be performed at Teatro degli Arcimboldi from October 30 to November 2. Last but not least, from October 7 to 28, Teatro alla Scala will host Rigoletto, a treat for all opera enthusiasts. With these and many more, a myriad of concerts and musical events for all tastes will make Milan pulse, creating a wave that stirs the soul.

In the undisputed capital of fashion, the exhibition Giorgio Armani Privé – 2005–2025 is a tribute to twenty years of haute couture by the designer, a symbol of Milanese elegance worldwide. The exhibition features around 150 garments from the couture collections, selected and curated by Armani himself. Presented by thematic affinities, the pieces convey a refined and sophisticated aesthetic—precious fabrics, clean lines, and artistic embroidery. Enhanced by original fragrances and music, the exhibition confirms Milan’s role not only as a production capital but also as a cultural stage for international fashion. Open through October at Armani/Silos, until December 28, 2025.

Milan runs, jumps, plays—a dynamic location for internationally renowned sporting events. Among the most eagerly awaited in 2025 we can find Milano Premier Padel P1, from October 6 to 12 at Allianz Cloud— featuring the top-ranked players in an electrifying atmosphere and Deejay Ten, the non-competitive race organized by Radio Deejay, with two routes (5 km and 10 km), thousands of runners, music, and celebration in the streets. The starting point for participants will be at San Siro Stadium on October 12. From marathons to padel, Milan confirms its central role in sports—with adrenaline, inclusion, and shared passion.

Jago’s Natura Morta surprises and unsettles: a marble-carved basket not overflowing with fruit, but with weapons. A powerful image that dialogues with Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit, overturning tradition to denounce the trivialization of death in contemporary times. Jago’s sculpture, precise and eternal, becomes a reflection on everyday horror and human fragility. A silent yet striking cry that invites us to look beyond appearances. You can admire this work at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan throughout October and until November 4, 2025, in a unique dialogue between past and present.

In October 2025, Milan will host the first Festival dello Spettacolo, an event celebrating the entire world of entertainment: music, cinema, TV series, sports, food, and family activities. Created by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni, the festival offers over 100 unique experiences, including previews, concerts, talks, show cooking, and meetings with artists and creators. An immersive journey behind the scenes of showbiz, with masterclasses, live performances, and meeting opportunities for all ages. An unmissable event for those who love entertainment in all its forms. From October 24 to 26, 2025 at Superstudio Più, Via Tortona 27 – Milan.

Also in October, Milan joins the Italian Ministry of Culture’s Domenica al Museo (Sunday at the Museum) initiative, which offers free entry to state museums and archaeological parks on the first Sunday of the month. Among these, you can visit Civic Museums such as the Castello Sforzesco Museum or the GAM – Gallery of Modern Art, but also State Museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera or the Museum of the Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano), where you can admire Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco. Due to the high number of visitors, we recommend checking reservation requirements for each location before your visit. Date: October 5, 2025.

Get ready to embark on a journey into contemporary art under Milan’s open skies with the Milano Centrale Festival. Installations, video art, photography, and performances will take over both well-known and hidden spaces along the Martesana route, from Central Station to Ponte Nuovo. Sixteen locations will become open-air galleries, involving the public in a free and immersive experience. A chance to discover the city from a new perspective—through creativity, critical thinking, and participation. Curated by Chippendale Studio with Luca Panaro and Centrale Fotografia, under the patronage of Milan's District 2. Don’t miss it: October 3–5, 2025 along the Martesana route in Milan.

From July to October, District 8 of Milan is filled with color, music, and creativity thanks to M’Incanto—the festival that brings art right to your doorstep. Over 60 free events liven up parks, courtyards, libraries, and squares with theatre, concerts, dance, circus acts, installations, and workshops for all ages. A celebration that lights up the entire neighborhood, designed to be accessible to everyone, with sign language interpreters, inclusive materials, and support for people with motor disabilities. A chance to rediscover this neighborhood and share magical moments with the local community. From July 9 to October 25 in District 8, Milan.

An unmissable event for art lovers and beyond: the exhibition The Three Greats of Spain, dedicated to Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró, features over 100 original works—paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures—showcasing their artistic evolution and mutual influence. An immersive journey into surrealism, cubism, and bold experimentation, all within a fascinating contemporary space. Not just an exhibition, but an emotional experience blending art, history, and vision. Don’t miss it! From October 25, 2025 to January 25, 2026 at Fabbrica del Vapore, Milan.