Gotta Get Away? Plan a Summer Fling in Florence, Italy

Medieval architecture, golden-ochre-colored buildings and Renaissance history draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Florence, Italy each year. Summer in the city gets hot and busy, but with its electric vibe and fabulous seasonal events, it also packs a tourist-friendly punch.

Many Florentines take their vacations in August, which means June and July are the busiest summer months, with activities and events scheduled almost daily. Stay cool and plan ahead because truthfully, this might be Florence’s most magical season.

Movies Under the Stars at the Uffizi

Few events feel more quintessentially Italian than the Apriti Cinema outdoor film festival. Held in the Uffizi Gallery’s open-air piazzale, the event screens nearly 50 films in their original language (with Italian subtitles) that were previously shown at other international film festivals. The event runs from late June through early August, and admission is free.

Calcio Storico and Saint John’s Day

You are in for a treat if you’re in Florence on June 24 when the city’s largest annual celebration is held. It’s the day the city honors its patron saint, Saint John — and in a big way. Think parades, musical performances, food and wine vendors, boat rides along the Arno River and fireworks.

A special field is also set up in Piazza Santa Croce for the final game of the famous Calcio Storico. The sport is native to Florence and is a mix of soccer, rugby and even a bit of wrestling. It originated in the 16th century, and the Fiorentini are just as passionate about it today as they were centuries ago.

Pitti Immagine

What could be more Italian than attending a high-end fashion show? The Pitti Immagine fashion fair is held in Florence twice annually, with its first iteration running from mid- to late-June.

Each summer, the fashion world’s biggest names descend on the city for one of the industry’s most important showcases of men’s clothing and accessories. Florence comes alive with stylish international visitors and a rich program of events throughout the fair. Keep an eye out for details at the official fair website.

Prato’s Food Festival

The Tuscan countryside, sunshine, food and wine: Need we say more to tempt you? The charming medieval town of Prato lies just 30 minutes northwest of Florence and is home each summer to the EatPrato food festival.

Over the course of a few days, visitors can sample renowned chefs’ dishes, including the town’s famed mortadella, regional cheeses, natural wines and much more. There is a rich program of cooking demonstrations, as well as Prato artisans showing off their wares.

Firenze Rocks

The annual Firenze Rocks is a four-day music festival held at the Visarno Arena northwest of the city along the Arno River. The event has hosted bands like Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses and Foo Fighters in the past and includes headliners like The Cure, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder and the Smashing Pumpkins. Tickets start from 60 euros and can be booked directly online.