September activities in Bologna and surroundings

September will witness great comebacks as Bologna gets back on track with its rich events calendar, ready to cater for everyone's tastes. Between cultural events in the city and activities in the countryside, here you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Art lovers will find plenty of exhibitions to attend in September, from those dedicated to leading international figures such as the photographer Martin Parr, or the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei to others showcasing the great masters of painting, such as Antonio Ligabue. A must-see is Robert Kuśmirowski's solo exhibition, which explores the complexity of memory through installations and everyday objects on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Ustica disaster. Finally, if you are looking for something more offbeat, we suggest the Museum of Illusions, where you can admire installations and photographs showing the mechanisms of perception and deception. All you have to do is choose the exhibition that suits you best!

 © Illusioni Bologna 

A wide range of festivals have also been organised in and around Bologna. With a jam-packed programme of events, we suggest IT.A.CÀ, the festival on responsible tourism, and Sun Donato Festival, a free festival with events, workshops and open-air music. Beer lovers, on the other hand, should not miss MicroBo Beer Festival, where they will be able to taste the best Italian craft beers. For music fans, we recommend the 15th edition of ROBOT Festival, entirely dedicated to sound exploration and innovation. Photography plays a leading role at PhMuseum Days 2024, a young festival in its fourth edition that examines the present through the theme ‘Closer’. Also in September, Bologna is dedicating a second music festival to its illustrious citizen and great composer Ottorino Respighi. Dance enthusiasts will also be treated to the 28th edition of Danza Urbana, an international dance festival in urban landscapes, held in the second week of the month. Finally, in the colourful village of Dozza, creatures, legends and epic characters are coming to life during Fantastika, a veritable fantasy-filled event.

© IT.A.CÀ

September will also provide sports fans with a series of important events, starting with the eagerly awaited appointment with the Davis Cup on 10-15 September which will see the best Italian tennis players take to the courts. Cars and motors are never lacking at this latitude, especially around Imola: ACI Racing Weekend, Imola Mostra Scambio, and the Italian Speed Championship. Appenninica MTB, the stage race along the Apennine ridge between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, is back to treat mountain bike lovers. In addition, with its extensive calendar of events for adults and children, we suggest paying a visit to Parks in Motion. Finally, in the wake of last year's successful edition, the Bicipolitana Bike Day is coming again to town on 22 September. 

© Bicipolitana bolognese

Music, cinema and theatre are back in full swing after the summer holidays. Crinali will be continuing with unique shows to discover the Apennines around Bologna. The most exciting musical events will include (s)Nodi festival of unusual music and a concert by the famous British ensemble The King's Singers. Another not-to-be-missed event is La strada del Jazz, a weekend of live concerts and remembrances 12 years after the death of singer Lucio Dalla. Moreover, with its vast calendar of concerts, we propose Imola in Musica. Finally, if you are a cinema fan, be sure not to miss the latest highlights of the Accade Domani festival at the Arena Puccini.

© La Strada del Jazz

If you would rather spend time with your family, don't miss the latest shows of Burattini a Bologna with Wolfango.

© Burattini a Bologna

This season also stands for fairs and festivals organised throughout the month. Highlights of the business events and trade fairs include Cersaie and Giardini&Terrazzi, while a few kilometres from Bologna, we suggest the Tortellone Festival in San Lazzaro di Savena (BO), the Truffle Festival in Castel del Rio (BO), the Nettle Festival in Malalbergo (BO) and the Garganello Festival in Codrignano (BO).

 © Festa del Garganello

On Thursday 5 September, don't miss the opening of Grand Tour Italia. The food park offers a journey through the biodiversity of Italy's 20 regions, exploring culture, history and gastronomy. Check out all the scheduled events here.

© Grand Tour Italia

So whether you're just passing through or on your way back to your usual routine in the city, drop by Bologna and enjoy a September full of initiatives that will make you feel less homesick for the holidays you've just had.