Carnival
February
Take in the virtues of the local culture at carnival, as Bologna’s inhabitants flood the streets to watch the colourful parade progress through the city.
Festival of San Luca
May
A colourful procession of priests carry an effigy of San Luca to San Pietro Cathedral, as Bologna celebrates this local religious festival.
Angelica International Music Festival
May-June
This contemporary music festival is one of Italy’s biggest, and there is a packed programme of events that takes place across the city. Performances encompass all kinds of genres of modern music.
Artelibro Festival
September
Art lovers will be enthralled with this festival, which takes place over four days in September. The galleries and design spaces across the city put on a series of exhibitions that are complemented by a number of art lectures and events, while purchases from emerging artists can be made at the city’s main piazzas.
Bologna Jazz Festival
October/November
Renowned musicians and up-and-coming talent combine to put on the Bologna Jazz Festival, which attracts performers and crowds from all over the world.