Italy truly shines in summer, when its cities, villages, and coastlines transform into lively stages for some of the world’s most unique festivals. In 2025, Italy’s cultural calendar offers something for everyone — from classical music to rock, from historical parades to foodie celebrations. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to your favorite destination, these festivals are the perfect way to experience authentic Italian life. Let’s find out which are the top 10 summer festivals in Italy not to be missed in 2025.
When: June to September
Where: Rome
Each summer, the Eternal City transforms into a giant open-air cultural stage. The Estate Romana features hundreds of events scattered across Rome’s historic piazzas, gardens, and archaeological sites. Expect open-air concerts, film screenings under the stars, modern art exhibitions, theater performances, and food markets that fill the Tiber Riverbanks with life.
Forexchange Tip: Book your currency exchange in advance to easily pay for food stalls, tickets, and drinks along the Tiber. For your stay, you can also download the Rome audioguide to explore the Eternal City’s historical gems between events.
Travel Tip: While in Rome, consider visiting lesser-known summer venues such as Villa Ada or Piazza San Cosimato for intimate concerts and open-air cinema. Summer evenings can get crowded — arrive early to find good spots for open-air events, especially on weekends.
When: June to September
Where: Verona
There is no opera stage quite like the Arena di Verona, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater that hosts one of the world’s premier open-air opera festivals. The dramatic setting and stunning acoustics create a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you enjoy masterpieces like Aida, Carmen, or La Traviata under the stars.
Forexchange Tip: Pre-book your currency exchange before you go, as many local vendors and arena snack stands accept cash only.
Travel Tip: If you’re attending an opera at the Arena di Verona, be sure to bring a small cushion or seat pad — the ancient stone seating can get quite uncomfortable during long performances. Take time to stroll around Juliet’s House, Castelvecchio, and the charming Piazza delle Erbe before the opera. Don’t forget to explore the city with the Verona audioguide for an enriched cultural experience.
When: July 11-20, 2025
Where: Perugia
For jazz enthusiasts, Umbria Jazz is a bucket-list event. The medieval town of Perugia becomes a giant stage, hosting world-class musicians in both free public performances and ticketed concerts across elegant theaters and picturesque piazzas.
Forexchange Tip: While you’re in Umbria, take advantage of your trip to explore nearby gems like Assisi — one of Italy’s most spiritual and picturesque towns. Assisi audioguide can be a helpful companion there, offering insights and stories as you stroll through its historic streets and basilicas.
Travel Tip: During Umbria Jazz, many concerts take place across different venues — wear comfortable shoes to move easily between performances in Perugia’s charming but hilly historic center. In Perugia, don’t miss the panoramic view from the ancient Rocca Paolina fortress and take a walk through Corso Vannucci for shops, art galleries, and lively bars that truly capture the city’s unique vibe during the festival.
When: June 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Where: Florence
Florence may be known for Renaissance art, but every June the city rocks. Firenze Rocks draws major international acts to the Visarno Arena. The festival merges world-class music with the beauty of Florence’s historic cityscape.
Forexchange Tip: Secure your cash beforehand with Forexchange currency exchange for food trucks, merchandise stands, and taxi rides. Don’t miss the chance to explore Florence’s art and culture with the Florence audioguide.
Travel Tip: Summer in Florence can get very hot — bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day. Extend your trip with day visits to nearby cities like Siena or Pisa, easily reachable by train.
When: August 27 – September 6, 2025
Where: Venice, Lido
The Venice Film Festival is the world’s oldest film festival and remains one of the most glamorous. Celebrities, directors, and film lovers gather on the Lido for red carpet premieres, awards ceremonies, and exclusive parties. Even without star-studded access, Venice itself offers its own unique magic.
Forexchange Tip: Reserve your Forexchange currency exchange for small purchases, café stops, and water taxis. Enhance your stay by downloading the Venice audioguide to learn about the city’s hidden gems.
Travel Tip: Buy your Vaporetto tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially when traveling to Lido for the festival screenings. If time allows, plan a day trip to nearby islands like Murano, Burano, or Torcello for a different perspective of Venetian culture.
When: June to September
Where: Rome
Lungo il Tevere is Rome’s summer nightlife hub. The Tiber riverbanks become a buzzing space with artisan stalls, food trucks, cocktail bars, and live performances every night. It’s informal, authentic, and beloved by locals.
Forexchange Tip: Before your evening stroll along the Tiber, take a look at the dedicated Forexchange Experiences in Rome. You’ll find guided tours, exclusive skip-the-line access, and special activities to enrich your stay in the Eternal City — perfect for filling your daytime before enjoying the riverside nightlife.
Travel Tip: Summer mosquitoes can be annoying near the river — carry some repellent for peaceful open-air evenings. Visit Trastevere before heading to the Tiber — the district’s cobbled streets are full of restaurants and bars for pre-event dining.
When: June 28 – July 14, 2025
Where: Spoleto, Umbria
The Festival dei Due Mondi is one of Italy’s leading performing arts festivals, blending European and American cultural traditions through theater, opera, music, and contemporary dance, all within Spoleto’s medieval setting.
Forexchange Tip: Reserve your Forexchange currency exchange for local boutiques and cafés. Spoleto is easily reachable by train from Rome — book your Trenitalia Tickets in advance.
Travel Tip: Many venues are historic and outdoor — bring comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and plenty of stairs. Combine Spoleto with nearby hill towns like Todi or Orvieto for an extended Umbrian escape.
When: June to August
Where: Milan
Milan turns up the volume with its Summer Festival, featuring international stars across pop, rock, EDM, and hip hop. The city’s vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan vibe make this festival an unmissable summer stop.
Forexchange Tip: Plan your cash needs ahead with Forexchange currency exchange for drinks, snacks, and event shuttles. Explore Milan’s must-see landmarks with the Milan audioguide.
Travel Tip: Outdoor venues like Ippodromo or San Siro may get chilly late at night — bring a light jacket. Don’t miss a visit to Lake Como, just 1 hour away — perfect for a relaxing escape between concerts.
When: July 2 & August 16, 2025
Where: Siena
The Palio di Siena offers one of the most authentic cultural spectacles in Italy. This historic bareback horse race fills Piazza del Campo with colorful pageantry, medieval processions, and neighborhood pride.
Forexchange Tip: Withdraw your pre-booked Forexchange currency to easily purchase food and souvenirs in Siena’s vibrant streets. Stay in Florence and book your train via Forexchange Trenitalia.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot in Piazza del Campo, or consider booking balcony seats for a unique perspective. July and August can be extremely hot — wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
When: June 2025 (dates TBA)
Where: Naples
Held along Naples’ seafront, Napoli Pizza Village is a paradise for pizza lovers. You can sample pies from dozens of pizzerias, take pizza-making workshops, enjoy cooking shows, and listen to live music while overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Forexchange Tip: Reserve your currency exchange in advance for pizza tastings, local markets, and seaside cafés. Discover Naples in depth with the Naples audioguide.
Travel Tip: Extend your visit with a trip to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, or Capri — all easily reachable from Naples.
Local Practical Tip: Come hungry and early — evenings get crowded fast and popular pizzerias may sell out their top specialties.
Italian summer festivals can quickly become the highlight of your holiday, but they do require preparation. Forexchange simplifies every step of your journey:
With Forexchange by your side, you can focus entirely on enjoying the festivals, the food, the music, and the unforgettable atmosphere of Italy in summer — while we take care of the practical details.
Ready to start your Italian summer festival experience? Visit Forexchange and plan your perfect 2025 trip today.
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