What to do in Bologna and surroundings over Ferragosto

Ferragosto is by far Italy's most longigly-awaited summer holiday and between festivities, breaks and celebrations, it is the perfect opportunity to have a good time whilst unwinding. Culture, cinema, nature, music and much more. 

Stuck in the city and still don't know what to do? Let our extensive recreational offer inspire you! 

Ferragosto... at the museum

A perfect time to hang out in museums: few people, air conditioning and great masterpieces. If you want to soak up the art of Bologna's museums, on 15 August all Civic Museums (except the Risorgimento and Industrial Heritage Museums), Pinacoteca Nazionale and Palazzo Fava, with its frescoes by Ludovico, Agostino and Annibale Carracci, will be open for you to admire.

Exhibition enthusiasts should not miss Stregherie - Iconography, facts and scandals of history's subversives  at Palazzo Pallavicini, some previously unseen frescoes by the Carracci at the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte, and Robert Kusmirowski's solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Bologna.

Ferragosto... lulled by music

Pieve di Cento is hosting an organ concert at 9 p.m., a musical and religious event to attend on the evening of Ferragosto, where visitors will be able to admire Guido Reni's masterpiece and the other well-known altarpieces in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Alternatively, if you want to be swept away by a different atmosphere, we suggest attending one of the best-loved events of the Bolognese summer, Ferragosto alla Serre at the Giardini Margherita, where the staff will provide refreshment, relaxation and good music. Free entrance and music from 5 pm. 

Ferragosto... at the cinema

This year at Ferragosto, everyone goes to the cinema! Thanks to the Cinema Revolution 2024 initiative, many Italian and European films will be on offer for only €3.50. At the historic Arena Tivoli, in via Massarenti, the film 'Romeo è Giulietta', directed by Giovanni Veronesi and starring Sergio Castellitto and Pilar Fogliati, will be screened on the evening of 15 August. 

The Arena Puccini, a historic and beloved open-air cinema for the Bolognese public, is offering a screening of Io capitano, awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Director by Matteo Garrone, as part of its summer programme.

As for the lowlands, let's meet in Castenaso, where the film Finché notte non ci separi will be screened in the courtyard of the Casa Bondi library. Towards the Apennines, in Sasso Marconi, the film festival Torre di Babele is instead proposing the film This is the goat! by Fred Cavayé.

Ferragosto... in nature

If you are looking for a local festival, the Festival of Santa Maria Assunta will be held in Monghidoro all day on 15 August, with food stands brimming with traditional delicacies.

In addition, following the successful past editions, Crinali will be back with music and artists along the most beautiful nature trails. In particular, from 3.30 pm onwards, a performance by Stefano Locati will be held in Grizzana Morandi. This is an opportunity to relax and plunge into the beauty of the Apennines.

Check out all events on the Sagre & Feste website

Ferragosto... cooling off

If you simply want to unplug and avoid the city heat, don't worry! Many swimming pools have joined the Ferragosto in piscina programme with a host of activites on offer for young and old alike. Find the nearest facility here

Ferragosto... discovering Bologna

Bologna is never ceasing to fascinate. Even at Ferragosto! Join one of the many tours and visits to the city and its surroundings to experience the territory from a different perspective. These include the Visit to the Clock Tower, offering a chance to discover Palazzo d'Accursio and enjoy a fantastic view of Piazza Maggiore; the Discover Bologna - Guided tour of the historic centre (only at 10:30 am on 15/08) to explore the heart of Bologna on foot with a professional guide; or the Bologna Food Tasting Box, for a gorumet journey of Bologna through 7 typical food tastings.

Don't forget to browse other unique experiences on our website

Ferragosto... having fun

If you want to have a different kind of lunch, why not try the one organised by Cucine Popolari in Via E. Ponente 16 accompanied by a stand-up comedy with 9 comedians on stage. A vegetarian menu is also available and of course lots of fun!