5 things to do in June in Bologna

Summer is just around the corner, and the city comes alive outdoors with culture, music, cinema, and great food.
June kicks off the event season: from open-air films in Piazza Maggiore to outdoor exhibitions, markets, and local festivals, every corner becomes a place to explore.

Urban green spaces host shows, festivals, and events for all tastes, making summer the perfect time to enjoy the city freely—through unmissable events, many of which are free, and unique atmospheres.

• FIBA Women’s EuroBasket

After 18 years, Italy is once again hosting a stage of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket, the European Women's Basketball Championship. From June 18 to 21, 2025, Bologna and the historic PalaDozza arena will host Group B.

The Italian National Team will face Lithuania, Slovenia, and Serbia. Each day will feature two games: the first match at 5:30 PM, and Italy will always play at 9:00 PM.

You can find the full schedule on the official website.

➝ Discover 5 reasons to attend EuroBasket

• Experience the Cinema Season

In Bologna, June means cinema!
First and foremost, thanks to the free screenings of the Sotto le Stelle del Cinema festival, taking place from June 16 to August 14 in Piazza Maggiore, curated by the Cineteca di Bologna.

➝ Check out the program on the official website

The highlight of the season will be from June 21 to 29 during Il Cinema Ritrovato, featuring restored masterpieces and acclaimed auteur films.

From June 6 to 16, the Biografilm Festival will also arrive in Bologna’s cinemas—a showcase dedicated to life stories and both fiction and documentary films.

➝ Discover the most anticipated film festivals

• Aperitifs in the green

When the heat starts to set in, Bologna offers plenty of green escapes where you can enjoy a break outdoors with nature, good food, and refreshing drinks. From Parco della Montagnola with its music kiosks to the lively heart of Giardini Margherita, full of food offerings and sports evenings, and the relaxed atmospheres of Villa Angeletti and Villa Cassarini. Up in the hills, Parco Cavaioni hosts several venues, while San Pellegrino offers spectacular views and authentic aperitifs. For those who love tranquility, Parco di Villa Ghigi blends cultural events with nature, while Paleotto11 offers art, refreshments, and family activities.

➝ Find out more about kiosks and outdoor chalets in Bologna’s parks

But parks aren’t just the perfect place to eat and drink outdoors—they become vibrant stages for music festivals, cultural workshops, and must-see events.

➝ Discover the main summer music festivals in Bologna for summer 2025

• Current exhibitions

June brings with it a rich calendar of temporary exhibitions across the city. At Palazzo Pallavicini, two standout events: an exhibition on Jack Vettriano, the Scottish painter known for his sensual and noir atmospheres (on view until July 20), and a showcase dedicated to Diabolik, the famous character created by the Giussani sisters, told through original illustrations and archival materials (also until July 20). At the Archaeological Museum, visitors can dive into the life of Che Guevara through letters, videos, and diaries (until June 30).

The Cineteca di Bologna is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Georges Simenon, running until February 2026, exploring his travels, manuscripts, and film adaptations of his novels. The Alma Mater celebrates the 350th anniversary of the birth of Pope Benedict XIV with a widespread exhibition focused on 18th-century reforms and culture (until July 27).

Palazzo Fava presents the innovative art of Louise Nevelson (until July 20), while MAMbo, with Resisting Oblivion, highlights the work of transfeminist and queer archives, bringing forgotten stories to light (until September 28).

• Hikes and bike routes

Finally, this is the perfect time to reconnect with the local area on foot or by bike.

The Trekking col Treno project offers a full calendar of countryside walks.

But you can also hop on a bike: rent one and explore the center of Bologna or ride an e-bike to discover the Bolognese hills.

For a day trip away from the crowds, take one of the many cycling routes—such as the Ciclovia del Sole—that start in the city center and lead you out into the countryside.

➝ Discover bike experiences to enjoy in and around Bologna