How to spend your 1st November holiday in Bologna
Updated on 17 October 2025 From Davide Sarti
In 2026, 1 November falls on a Sunday. All Saints' Day weekend in Bologna will therefore take place on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, with Urban Trekking, Halloween celebrations, exhibitions, festivals and food fairs in the surrounding area. Here are some ideas for spending the weekend in the city or planning a day trip beyond Bologna.
Things to do in Bologna over the weekend of 1 November 2026
Urban Trekking: Discover Bologna at a Slower Pace
On Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, Urban Trekking returns with 20 walking itineraries across Bologna and its metropolitan area. The theme for 2026 is St Francis 1226–2026: In Search of What Truly Matters. The programme includes walks exploring the city's history, nature trails and visits to lesser-known places, from the Certosa Cemetery to Monteveglio. Participation is free, but booking is required.
→ Discover the itineraries and book your place
Halloween: The Spookiest Weekend of the Year
31 October is also Halloween night. In Bologna and the surrounding area, costume parties, shows and activities for children are back. For families, Saturday 31 October is also an opportunity to visit the Pumpkin Patch at Grand Tour Italia, where children can pick their own pumpkins and enjoy outdoor activities.
→ Discover Halloween events in Bologna
Tartufesta: Truffles Take Centre Stage This Autumn
The aroma of truffles returns to the Bolognese hills with Tartufesta, a festival taking place across several towns in the Apennines. Over the weekend of 31 October and 1 November 2026, head to Sasso Marconi to explore local markets, food stalls and traditional specialities.
→ Discover the Tartufesta programme
Autumn Exhibitions in Bologna
All Saints' Day weekend is a great opportunity to explore Bologna's autumn exhibitions in 2026. At Palazzo Albergati, you can discover From Gaudí to Picasso, while Palazzo Pepoli hosts a photographic retrospective dedicated to Edith Tudor-Hart. Other highlights include the photography of Elliott Erwitt at the Civic Archaeological Museum, the cinema of Agnès Varda at Galleria Modernissimo and the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at Palazzo Pallavicini.
→ Discover all the must-see autumn exhibitions in Bologna
Guided Tours: Discover Bologna Through Its Towers, Palaces and History
Want to see Bologna from a different perspective? Climb the Clock Tower at Palazzo d'Accursio to admire the rooftops of the historic city centre, or visit Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, the former seat of the University, with its famous Anatomical Theatre and halls decorated with coats of arms. If you prefer exploring the city with a guide, choose Discover Bologna, a two-hour walking tour taking in Piazza Maggiore, Santo Stefano, the Quadrilatero and the Two Towers, also available during All Saints' Day weekend. On Sunday 1 November at 11:00 am, you can also join Fuori Museo: Medieval Bologna, a guided tour organised by Palazzo Pepoli to discover the city's medieval heritage, from Corte Isolani and the Two Towers to the streets of the historic centre.
→ Discover all the experiences in Bologna
Gender Bender Festival
From 29 October to 7 November 2026, Gender Bender, the international festival dedicated to contemporary dance and new forms of artistic expression, returns to Bologna. The 24th edition brings performances and events featuring Italian and international artists to the city. A great option for anyone looking to enjoy a cultural evening during the weekend.
→ Explore the Gender Bender programme
Baccanale in Imola: A Day Trip Beyond Bologna
Baccanale returns to Imola from 24 October to 15 November 2026, with this year's theme, Encounters: Italian Cuisine Without Borders. With food-related activities, culinary experiences and events throughout the city, All Saints' Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore Imola and enjoy its local cuisine.
→ Discover the Baccanale programme
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a long weekend for All Saints' Day in 2026?
In 2026, 1 November falls on a Sunday. All Saints' Day weekend therefore includes Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, with no additional public holiday.
What can you do for free in Bologna on 1 November?
You can join Urban Trekking, with advance booking required, or visit the National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale), which normally offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month. You can also read our article on free things to do in Bologna.
What can you do in Bologna with children?
On Saturday 31 October, you can visit the Pumpkin Patch at Grand Tour Italia. The Viva la Vida! festival at DumBO also offers family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. For more inspiration, check out our article on visiting Bologna with children!
What can you do in Bologna if it rains?
You can explore the temporary exhibitions mentioned above, making sure to check holiday opening hours and admission requirements.
And if you are still not satisfied, let yourself be inspired by...
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Lover of storytelling and of walks along trails that fade into the horizon. I've been writing for bolognawelcome.com since 2021.
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