2nd June bank holiday weekend: what to do in Bologna
Updated on 07 May 2026 From Bologna Welcome
Are you planning to spend the days between Friday 29 May and Tuesday 2 June in Bologna? To mark Republic Day 2026, the city comes alive with events, exhibitions, guided tours and plenty of places to discover, so you can make the most of the long weekend.
Find out what to do over the long weekend of 2 June 2026 in Bologna
The official Republic Day celebrations
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Italian Republic Day, a national holiday commemorating the birth of the Republic following the 1946 referendum. Bologna is also paying tribute to this important occasion with an official ceremony dedicated to the country’s historical memory. Return to this page for updates on the programme of celebrations.
Museums, exhibitions and temporary displays
Over the long weekend of 2 June, let yourself be captivated by a journey through art, photography and culture. At Palazzo Fava, the exhibition Banksy Archive 01 – The School of Bristol 1983-2005 traces the origins and evolution of the artist’s visual language; at the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte in Palazzo d’Accursio, Beyond Ink. New Horizons of Contemporary Chinese Calligraphy, whilst Palazzo Pallavicini hosts a major retrospective dedicated to the photographer Ruth Orkin.
To gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and identity, do also visit the Museum of the History of Bologna at Palazzo Pepoli (closed on 2 June but open throughout the weekend): an interactive journey through past and present that traces Bologna’s evolution over time. The palace also hosts Frida Kahlo. The Gaze as Identity, a photographic exhibition dedicated to the Mexican artist featuring 70 original photographs by leading international photographers.
Tour and Attractions for June 2
Tours and guided visits
Over the long weekend of 2 June, Bologna offers tours and experiences to suit every type of visitor. You can take part in Discover Bologna, the classic walking tour through the streets and secrets of the historic centre, or opt for the Family Tour at Palazzo Pepoli on Sunday 31 May, designed for families who want to discover the city’s history in an engaging and interactive way.
To enjoy Bologna without a care in the world, you can also enhance your stay with the Bologna Welcome Card, the tourist card that includes admission, discounts and exclusive benefits at the city’s main attractions.
Immerse yourself in nature
The long weekend of 2 June is also the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy nature. Stroll along the paths of the Bolognese hills, organise an outdoor picnic or cycle along the Ciclovia del Sole. For cycling enthusiasts, we also recommend the circular route between Val di Zena and Montecalvo, on the roads crossed by the Tour de France.
If, on the other hand, you prefer a trip out of town, let yourself be charmed by the villages and castles of the Bologna area: a journey through medieval atmospheres, historic residences and tales linked to the great families of the past.
And if you’re travelling with your dog, Bologna is a pet-friendly city: from scenic walks under the porticoes to museums with dog-sitting services, even your four-legged friends will be welcome.
Ideas for filling your free time
A long weekend also allows you to experience the city at a more leisurely pace, taking a few breaks between a visit, a museum and a stroll. And what better way to spend your free time than by letting yourself be guided by the flavours of Bolognese tradition?
Between tours, stop for an aperitif under the porticoes, discover the historic taverns in the city centre or let yourself be tempted by the many specialities of the local cuisine.
It promotes and enhances places, experiences and events across the Bologna Metropolitan Area and the Bologna–Modena Tourist Territory, and manages the content of website bolognawelcome.com.
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