What to do in Bologna and surroundings over Ferragosto
Updated on 05 August 2025 From Bologna Welcome
Ferragosto is the most important holiday of the summer, and with holidays, vacations and celebrations, it's the perfect opportunity to have fun and relax. Culture, cinema, nature, music and much more.
Experience Ferragosto 2025 in Bologna however you like, with new ideas and experiences:
- At the museum
No crowds, cool air-conditioned environments, and extraordinary art collections to rediscover in complete tranquility: it's the perfect time to spend some time in Bologna's museums.
Choose where to go from the MAMbo to the Archaeological Museum, from Morandi to the Museum of Music, all the way to Industrial Heritage, Risorgimento, Casa Morandi, Medieval and the Municipal Art Collections. The National Art Gallery will be another must-see stop, with works by Raphael and the Carracci brothers; don't forget to explore the fascinating spaces of Genus Bononiae.
➝ Check the updated opening hours for Ferragosto in our news
Are the exhibitions open? Choose from:
- Facile Ironia (MAMbo): art between humor and provocation
- Il Giardino delle Risonanze (National Art Gallery): ancient art, never-before-exhibited works, and contemporary Bolognese artists
- Lelli e Masotti – Musiche (Museum of Music): a photographic-musical journey
- Music events
Bologna is also buzzing with music on August 15th! Let yourself be captivated by:
Let yourself be swept away by the infectious rhythms of the Gipsy Caravan: an open-air evening of music and dance that lights up the Bolognese summer. A vibrant experience, perfect for those who love to dance and feel the energy of a concert under the stars.
Where: Fienile Fluò – Via di Paderno, 9
When: August 15, 2025 | two sets: 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM
Access: free entry
Experience a magical moment listening to the evocative concert on the grand Zanin organ, in the majestic Collegial Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. A unique experience that combines music and spirituality, perfect for celebrating Ferragosto in an atmosphere of intense emotion and wonder.
Where: Piazza A. Costa, 19 – Pieve di Cento
When: August 15, 2025 | 8:30 PM
Access: free entry
- At the movies
Enjoy a magical summer evening with "Anora", an intense film that tells a story of inner challenges and human bonds in an emotional and engaging way. The event is organized by Cinema sotto le stelle di Rocca Imola, which brings great open-air cinema to a unique setting.
When: August 15, 2025 | 9:00 PM
Where: Piazzale Giovanni Dalle Bande Nere - Imola (BO)
Access: entry with a ticket that can be purchased on site
Let yourself be captivated by "Paternal Leave", a touching comedy that explores family dynamics with irony and warmth. The Arena Puccini, a historic open-air cinema much loved by Bolognese people, offers this screening as part of its summer series.
When: August 15, 2025 | 9:30 PM
Where: Arena Puccini - Via Sebastiano Serlio 25/2
Access: entry with a ticket
Discover the story of "The Teacher Who Promised the Sea", a film that tells of a promise and a journey of personal transformation, perfect for those who love art-house cinema. Screening organized by the Cinema d'Estate del Cinema Gran Reno series.
When: August 15, 2025 | 9:30 PM
Where: Shopville Gran Reno, Via Marilyn Monroe 2 - Casalecchio di Reno (BO)
Access: entry with a ticket
Don't miss "Lobsters in Manhattan" by Alonso Ruizpalacios, a brilliant comedy that combines humor and reflection on contemporary life. The event is organized by the Municipality of Sasso Marconi as part of its summer open-air cinema.
When: August 15, 2025 | 9:15 PM
Where: Giardino Marija Gimbutas – Sasso Marconi (BO)
Access: entry with a ticket that can be purchased on site
- In nature
Escape the city for an afternoon of nature and entertainment:
Experience an afternoon of comic theater immersed in the greenery of Villa Mingarelli with "Otto Vagantes" by Otto Panzer, a clowning show that is part of the Crinali 2025 festival. A Ferragosto of fun, nature, and lightheartedness.
When: August 15, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Villa Mingarelli - Grizzana Morandi (BO)
Access: free entry
Experience the emotion of tradition with the patron saint festival, culminating in a fireworks display that illuminates the summer sky. A perfect occasion for a Ferragosto filled with folklore, music, and magic under the stars.
When: August 15, 2025
Where: Castel d'Aiano (BO)
Access: free entry
End the summer with a convivial open-air dinner in the charming streets of Castiglione dei Pepoli, surrounded by authentic flavors and a festive atmosphere. A Ferragosto focused on taste and tradition, ideal for families and friends.
When: August 15, 2025
Where: Castiglione dei Pepoli (BO)
Access: for more information, consult the official website
- Cool off at the pool
If you want to unwind and escape the city heat, don't worry! Many pools have joined the Ferragosto in piscina program and offer plenty of activities for adults and children.
You can find all participating facilities here ➝
- Experiences and tours
Rediscover the city with guided tours and unique experiences:
Discover Bologna from above with a breathtaking view of the city and immerse yourself in the art of the Municipal Collections. An experience that combines panoramic views, history, and beauty in a surprising journey through the heart of Palazzo d'Accursio.
Where: Piazza Maggiore, 6 - Bologna
When: August 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 8:20 PM
Access: entry with a ticket
Walk with a guide through towers, porticoes, and legends. A perfect tour to discover the secrets of the city and be fascinated by its ancient history, even under the Ferragosto sun.
Where: Infopoint Bologna Welcome - Piazza Maggiore, 1/e, Bologna
When: August 15, 2025 | two slots: 10:30 AM or 4:45 PM
Access: reservation is mandatory
A dive into the past of the ancient university, among marbles, coats of arms, and the famous hall where anatomy was studied. Suggestive and perfect for those who love culture and curious facts, even during the holidays.
Where: Piazza Galvani, 1, Bologna
When: August 15, 2025 | Guided tour: 11:30 AM / 3:30 PM – Audio guide: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Access: Entry with a ticket with audio guide or guided tour
➝ A world of experiences to live: unusual tours, guided visits, exclusive entries, activities for all tastes, and unique opportunities to discover the city in a new way.
- For fun
Discover events and activities for all ages: laughter, games, and special moments for a Ferragosto full of joy and fun.
A day of magic, play, and discovery for the little ones! With shows, creative workshops, and lots of fun, Ferragosto becomes an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Where: Parco de “La Pista” - Monteacuto delle Alpi (BO)
When: August 15, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Access: free entry
A Ferragosto full of flavors, laughter, and sharing! A convivial lunch with traditional dishes (also vegetarian) and a comedy show with 9 artists for a charitable, cheerful, and different-than-usual day.
Where: Parco dei Pini - Via Emilia Ponente, 485 - Borgo Panigale (BO)
When: August 15, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Access: entry with a ticket
A hot grill, great music, good people, and an explosive atmosphere in the Orchard of Grand Tour Italia!
Where: Via Paolo Canali 8 - Bologna
When: August 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Access: entry by reservation; contacts on the website
It deals with the communication, promotion and valorisation of places, experiences, itineraries and events in the metropolitan area of Bologna and the Bologna-Modena Tourist Territory in the fields of culture, tourism and sport. It manages and edits the contents of the website bolognawelcome.com.
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