What to do in Bologna for May Day
Updated on 20 April 2026 From Bologna Welcome
Would you like to spend Labour Day in Bologna? In 2026, Labour Day falls on a Friday, creating the perfect opportunity for a long weekend running until 2 and 3 May. It’s an ideal chance to visit the city for the first time or return, taking advantage of a packed programme of concerts, exhibitions, guided tours and outdoor activities.
Music, exhibitions, tours and nature: discover what to do in Bologna on May Day
Join us for the concert in Piazza Maggiore
The eagerly awaited May Day Concert returns to Bologna once again this year, a huge celebration in Piazza Maggiore dedicated to music and togetherness. A host of artists will take to the stage, making for a rich and varied line-up: headliners include Murubutu, Giancane, Nada and Pierdavide Carone, alongside many others.
©RestodelCarlino
Exhibitions and museums not to be missed
Spring is the perfect time to be inspired by art. At the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna you can visit the exhibition “Apocalypse” dedicated to Albrecht Dürer, whilst at Palazzo Pepoli – Museo della Storia di Bologna you can see “Frida Kahlo. The gaze as identity”, an immersive exhibition dedicated to the Mexican artist.
At Palazzo Boncompagni, Michelangelo Pistoletto | Dalla cittadellarte allo Statodellarte is on the programme, whilst Palazzo Pallavicini hosts a major retrospective dedicated to the photographer Ruth Orkin, offering an original and powerful perspective on the world through a female lens.
Among the new additions, the new exhibition space at the PalaDozza is home to the MUBIT – Museo del Basket Italiano, the first permanent museum entirely dedicated to basketball in Italy: a narrative spanning over a century of sport and collective memory. The museum will be closed on 1 May, but will be open to visitors over the weekend.
➝ Discover all the exhibitions for spring 2026
The best experiences in the city
Some experiences never go out of fashion. Start with Discover Bologna, the guided tour of the historic centre: two hours to discover the city’s most iconic landmarks. Alternatively, hop aboard the City Red Bus for a scenic tour without compromising on comfort.
For those who love views from above, don’t miss the climb up the Clock Tower with a visit to the Municipal Art Collections: a journey through history and masterpieces, with a splendid view over Piazza Maggiore.
And to truly get to know the soul of the city, visit the Museum of the History of Bologna at Palazzo Pepoli: an interactive journey through past and present, discovering Bologna’s identity.
Discover the flavours of Bologna
Stroll through the shops of the Quadrilatero and the Mercato delle Erbe to soak up the city’s most authentic atmosphere and stop off at traditional trattorias. You can join the guided tour with tastings, Taste of Bologna, or explore on your own with the Bologna Food Tasting Box.
If, on the other hand, you want to go a step further, treat yourself to an experience showcasing the region’s finest produce with the Parma Cheese & Ham Experience, a journey through Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma in the hills of Emilia.
Set off on an exploration of the countryside
As the warm weather arrives, the desire to spend time outdoors grows. Make the most of the sunshine to explore the Bologna hills on a scenic walk, or set off on a day trip to the Apennines, Imola area and the plains.
Sports enthusiasts can get on their bikes with the Emilia Romagna Bike Trail, whilst those who prefer a more leisurely pace can discover the hidden gardens of San Giovanni in Persiceto with Diverdeinverde in Pianura.
If you’re staying over the weekend of 3 May, don’t miss the tour of the Abbadessa and Monterone badlands: a Trekking col Treno itinerary through evocative landscapes and unique colours.
Bologna’s May Day is waiting for you, ready as ever… to surprise you!
Article currently being updated
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.
©2026. Fondazione Bologna Welcome - All rights reserved
Newsletter
Discover Bologna Welcome's newsletters and choose the one that suits you best: events, tips, tours delivered directly to your inbox
Subscribe