What to do over the long weekend of San Petronio

On 4 October, Bologna celebrates its patron saint, San Petronio, to whom the beloved basilica in Piazza Maggiore is dedicated.

The city is ready to welcome the occasion with events during the days before and after 4 October. 

Find out what to do over the 4 October long weekend, Feast of San Petronio

Straight in the Basilica

On Thursday 3 October 2024 at 9 p.m., the Basilica of San Petronio will be hosting the traditional concert to celebrate the feast of the patron saint. Admission by donation, subject to availability, with prior booking

Full programme online

Celebrations in Piazza Maggiore 

On 4 October, the celebrations of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore are customary, starting with the traditional Holy Mass at the Basilica, followed by a procession, and musical performances by the ‘Verdi Note’ at 7 p.m., plus a concert by Edoardo Bennato at 8.30 p.m. and a fireworks display at 11 p.m.

Ph. Schicchi, via IlRestodelCarlino

Guided tour and concert at Palazzo Caprara

On Sunday 6 October 2024 from 10.15 a.m. the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna will be performing in an exceptional venue: Palazzo Caprara Montpensier, seat of the city prefecture. After a guided tour of the majestic palace, you can enjoy a valuable classical music concert in the luxurious Salone della Guardia. Admission is € 15 per person, with prior booking.

Get your tickets here <-

Tortellino Festival 2024

The splendid setting of Palazzo Re Enzo, usually off-limits to the public as a venue for private events, is hosting the Tortellino Festival on 6 October from 11.30 am to 9.45 pm. With paid admission, you are entitled to a taste or a large selection of this delicacy to fully enjoy the tortellino Bolognese.

Will you be going?

FingerFood Festival

In Piazza Lucio Dalla the excellence of Italian and foreign finger food awaits you in all its flavour. The Festival also provides musical entertainment in full Estragon Club style for free. 

The event runs from 4 to 6 October 2024 from 6pm to midnight. 

Giro dell'Emilia

Cycling enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the Giro dell'Emilia, the classic October race in Emilia covering more than 200 kilometres between the provinces of Modena and Bologna with the customary stop on 5 October 2024 on the historic San Luca track.

Bologna - Parma

Sunday 6 October will once again be another day of sport in the shadow of the Two Towers. At the Stadio Dall'Ara at 15:00 Bologna FC takes on Parma in a derby of Emilia to enjoy to the full.

Castel del Rio Chestnut Festival

Just a few kilometres from Bologna is Castel del Rio, home of the reputed PGI chestnut. Chestnut, in its various and infinite variations, is the highlight here. The Festival is held every Sunday from 6 to 27 October 2024.