24 must-attend events in Bologna in 2024
Updated on 10 January 2024 From Bologna Welcome
The city's agenda is packed with historical premieres, celebrations and festivities, ranging from exhibitions and concerts to culture and food. Let's take a look at the many events of 2024: here are 24 (+2) to mark in your diary that are worth a trip, a weekend or a few days in Bologna and its surroundings.
1. Art Week
The most eagerly awaited week of Bolognese art will be back on 1 February featuring the programmes of Arte Fiera (from 2 to 4), marking its 50th anniversary, and the related initiatives and events of Art City (from 1 to 4), of which the five main projects are already known with only the complete calendar of initiatives still to be announced.
2. Porticoes Festival
The Porticoes Festival will take place in June, with a preview in May: towers, turrets, walls and the historical centre will be playing a leading role, also on account of the delicate situation regarding the Garisenda tower. An opportunity to rethink and enhance a common asset and symbol of the city, namely the UNESCO World Heritage Porticoes.
The dates for the most famous and awaited film festival in Bologna have already been made official: this year's Cinema Ritrovato awaits the many film enthusiasts from 22 to 30 June 2024, in the many theatres in the city and, of course, in Piazza Maggiore for what is one of the most beautiful open-air cinemas in the world
Not only does the Tour de France start for the first time in its history from Italy, but the second stage makes its way to Bologna! It will be a spectacular event, two rounds on the San Luca climb for the world's most important cycling race. On 30 June 2024, the yellow caravan (from the yellow colour of the leader's jersey) will be invading Bologna for a day of celebration.
5. Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is coming back to Bologna with reigning world champion Italy! After the resounding success of Sinner and the other Azzurri in Malaga, for the third consecutive year the Unipol Arena will be hosting the qualifying round of the Italian national team in the week from 9 to 15 September 2024.
6. Formula 1 GP
Another highly visible sporting event, the Formula 1 GP at Imola, is also confirmed. On the weekend of 16-19 May 2024 the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna will be back on the banks of the Santerno, after the ill-fated cancellation in 2023 due to flooding. The fans of Ferrari and the other teams are eagerly awaiting the return of their favourites to Imola.
3 March 2024 is the day of the Bologna Marathon, an event that has already become a must for the many runners who are used to training along the streets of Bologna. The race's loop route will start from Via Indipendenza and finish in Piazza Maggiore. In addition to the 42 km, other routes are planned, such as the 30 km of porticoes, the 21 km half-marathon, and the 5 km cityrun.
8. National Basketball Museum opening
2024 will finally be the year the Italian Basketball Museum opens at the PalaDozza. Basketcity and the Madison of Piazza Azzarita (these are the nicknames of Bologna and the PalaDozza) will thus host the MUBIT, consolidating the city's devotion to basketball. A very modern and interactive museum, it will provide space for didactics and even gaming. We can't wait: inauguration scheduled for spring 2024.
10. Guglielmo Marconi's 150th anniversary
2024 will be a year of commemorations, starting with the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Bologna's most illustrious and well-known citizens in history. Guglielmo Marconi, born in Bologna in 1874, will be paid homage to with a series of celebrations and events that are still being defined. 25 April is being talked about as Marconi Day with illustrious guests and initiatives at the Marconi Museum in Sasso, followed by exhibitions and new museums dedicated to the father of wireless, but we will have to wait for official news.
11. Ayrton Senna's 30th anniversary
On that fateful 1 May 30 years ago, one of the most beloved racers of all time passed away on the Imola circuit. A symbol on and off the track, Ayrton was a living icon and to this day is one of the most celebrated and best talked about drivers. The Imola area is organising a series of initiatives, exhibitions and events to remember the champion, as well as Roland Ratzenberger, the other unfortunate driver who lost his life that weekend. We will soon find out more.
12. Giorgio Morandi's 60th anniversary
Sixty years ago we lost one of the most outstanding painters of the 20th century: the Bolognese Giorgio Morandi. Already with Art City 2024 in February, a series of tributes will be paid to Morandi's homeland, from Bologna and Grizzana (today Grizzana Morandi), the painter's second home in the Bolognese Apennines, to Castel d'Aiano and Roffeno, with a range of events and itineraries. Here too, a programme of initiatives is expected to be released soon.
13. Lucio Dalla's birthday
The years roll by, but every 4 March is more and more Lucio Dalla's birthday. Already scheduled at Teatro Dehon is "BUON COMPLEANNO LUCIO!" on Monday, 4 March 2024, a musical evening to commemorate the Bolognese singer-songwriter. On 4 and 5 March 2024 the Celebrazioni Theatre and Casa Dalla will host CIAO Rassegna LUCIO DALLA, which awards innovative, versatile and creative artists just like Lucio was.
There are many festivals in the area, but the "Truffle Feasts" are certainly one of the most eagerly awaited events. Tartfóla, the international white truffle festival, is now confirmed in Savigno, in Valsamoggia, from 28 October to 19 November 2024. The autumn king is ready to welcome you within the most diverse recipes between tradition and innovation.
15. Cibò So Good
The culinary event, now a regular guest at Palazzo Re Enzo, returns from 21 to 23 April. Three days of culinary passion with cooking courses, tastings and much more related to food, inseparable from themes such as the discovery of the territory and its cultures.
16. Mortadella Please
Among the many typical products of Bologna, Mortadella is really worth celebrating: Mortadella Please - dates still to be announced but traditionally in October - will transform Zola Predosa into the World Capital of the 'Pink Queen' of Bolognese gastronomy.
17. Vintage cars and motorcycles
In the wake of last year's success, the new Bologna Motor Show is set to take place from 24 to 27 October 2024. Enthusiasts and professionals have already marked these dates in their calendars to find unmissable bargains, close some good deals or simply breathe in the smell of engines in the capital of the Motor Valley.
18. Cosmoprof
The world of cosmetics and beauty is coming to Bologna Fiera for Cosmoprof 2024 from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 March 2024. For the first time, all the showrooms will be open at the same time to optimise the experience for visitors, whether professionals or amateurs.
Planning your next cycling trip? Don't miss the Bicycle Tourism Fair in Bologna from 5 to 7 April. You will find operators, destinations, and territories ready to win you over for your next adventure. Plus, talks, stories, and presentations by the best-known figures of Italian and international two-wheelers.