Events and exhibithions not to be missed in August 2025 in Italy

August is an important month for Italy and its locals. It's the month of vacations throughout the Italian peninsula, and with the Ferragosto festivity occurring every year on August 15th, carrying both religious and traditional meanings, it's a perfect month to travel to Italy to join the celebrations of the most joyful time of the year.

August is a peak travel season in Italy. The summer is at its highest point, and even though the heat brings high temperatures, the cultural offerings are at their best, with open-air festivals, concerts, and wonderful historical events. From historic cities to coastal escapes, the events and exhibitions featured this month showcase the best of Italian culture and tradition, making it a fantastic time for travelers and locals to immerse themselves in Italian summer vibes.

Italy in August is a treasure chest of culture, history, and festivities, making it a dream destination for travelers worldwide. For locals, August is synonymous with vacations, a tradition dating back to the times of Ancient Rome when Emperor Augustus established the Feriae Augusti, a period of rest and celebrations for Romans. Nowadays, August is still a holiday month where most Italians travel across the country, mostly to coastal villages, and others up to the mountains. Every region offers a great variety of cultural events. Whether you’re a lover of art, music, food, or tradition, Italy’s summer events and festivals in August 2025 promise unforgettable experiences. Let's explore our ultimate guide to the top events you simply can’t miss this August if you travel to Italy.

From July 28 to August 3, 2025, thousands of young people from across the globe will converge in the Eternal City for a week dedicated to spiritual reflection, community, and service: it is the Jubilee of Youth, a special event within the overarching Universal Jubilee 2025 themed "Pilgrims of Hope.” This unique gathering will feature a vibrant program including Masses (culminating in a Papal Vigil and Mass at Tor Vergata), penitential rites at Circus Maximus, cultural activities, workshops, and opportunities for volunteering.

There are many festivals and feasts planned in Italy during August which involve many locals and tourists every year. Umbria Jazz Festival, scheduled this year from August 7th to August 11th, is an internationally renowned music festival blending world-class jazz with Umbrian charm. Set in Perugia’s hilltop streets and piazzas, the event features free and ticketed performances, food stalls, and art installations.

Udine one of the most beautiful cities of Friuli Venezia Giulia will host the 2025 UEFA Super Cup which will take place on the 13 August at the Stadio Friuli. The match features Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the 2024–25 Champions League, and Tottenham Hotspur, Europa League champions making their Super Cup debut. The event includes a UEFA Fan Festival (12–13 August), a Trophy Experience tour across Friuli towns, while the final match is expected to draw global attention with a full stadium and millions of viewers.

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On August 15th, Ferragosto is a national holiday marking the height of summer and a time for Italians to celebrate with feasts, fireworks, and music. Coming from Ancient Rome as a pagan tradition, Ferragosto—from Latin "August holidays"—is also a religious festival which marks the day of Holy Mary's Assumption into Heaven. Many towns host unique local festivals or live concerts, and young locals often celebrate the bank holiday night at the beach waiting for the sunrise. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Italian summer vibes.

The day after Ferragosto, Siena celebrates the Assumption of Holy Mary with one of the two annual Palio races played every year in the iconic Tuscan city. The Palio di Siena is one of Italy’s most famous traditional horse races, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Since Medieval times, Siena’s historic Palio is more than a horse race—it’s a centuries-old spectacle of rivalry, pageantry, and passion. Ten riders, representing different city districts (contrade), race bareback around the iconic Piazza del Campo in a thrilling 90-second dash. This Palio, scheduled every year on August 16th, is a thrilling display of medieval pageantry and community spirit. Witness colorful costumes, drumming, and an atmosphere charged with centuries-old rivalry.

La Notte della Taranta—literally "The Night of Taranta"—is a lively festival celebrating Southern Italy’s folk traditions, particularly the hypnotic pizzica dance. Every year the festival involves locals and tourists thanks to the international artists who take part to the shows. Traveling concerts take place throughout August in various towns of Salento—the southern part of Apulia—and it culminates in a massive open-air finale in Melpignano, which is scheduled on August 23rd, 2025.

On the iconic Lido island, the annual Venice Film Festival is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals. Traditionally, this jet-set appointment closes the Italian international summer events and is a good occasion to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice, dressed in its best. This year, the Venice Film Festival is scheduled from August 28th until September 7th, but August is the perfect time to catch the pre-festival buzz with outdoor screenings and cultural events leading up to the grand premiere. International filmmakers and celebrities flock to Venice Lido, making it a hotspot for movie lovers, pop culture enthusiasts, and interested visitors.

If you are planning a summer vacation in Italy during August, there are some tips and information to know to better organize your holiday. Ferragosto on August 15th is a public holiday, meaning it may affect transport, shops, and some museums, so take care regarding this information. Since August is the month of vacation for most Italians, in smaller towns and rural areas, many businesses close for parts of the month. Major tourist cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples stay open, but some restaurants and boutiques do take a break. In addition, trains and highways can be busy mid-month, so our suggestion is to book tickets early and expect some delays during peak travel days.