What to do over the weekend of San Petronio
Updated on 04 September 2026 From Bologna Welcome
On 4 October, Bologna celebrates its patron saint, San Petronio, to whom the great Basilica overlooking Piazza Maggiore is dedicated. On the occasion of the Feast of San Petronio, the city comes alive with events, activities and opportunities to discover Bologna, from the historic city centre to the metropolitan area.
Discover what to do in Bologna over the weekend of 3 and 4 October 2026, with guided tours, exhibitions, sporting events and outdoor experiences.
At the Basilica of San Petronio
The celebrations dedicated to the city's patron saint traditionally take place inside the Basilica of San Petronio, in Piazza Maggiore.
On Saturday 3 October, at 9:00 pm, the traditional Concert for San Petronio will take place, with free admission from 8:30 pm. On Sunday 4 October, at 5:00 pm, the Mass of San Petronio will be celebrated by Cardinal Archbishop Matteo Zuppi.
For more information, please visit the official website ➝
Handicrafts and Shopping
For those who enjoy browsing stalls, handmade creations and gift ideas, the San Petronio Fair returns on Sunday 4 October in Via Altabella, in the heart of the historic city centre. It is the perfect opportunity to stroll among the stalls, discover original products and unique items, and soak up the festive atmosphere while enjoying some shopping.
For more ideas on vintage, handicrafts and culture, read our dedicated article ➝
via mercatinodinatale.it
Experiences in the city centre
The San Petronio weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore the heart of Bologna.
Those wishing to discover the wonders of the historic city centre can join Discover Bologna, a guided walking tour taking in the city’s main landmarks. For a view of Bologna from above, climb the Clock Tower at Palazzo d’Accursio and enjoy its two panoramic terraces overlooking Piazza Maggiore. Just a few steps away is Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, the historic seat of the University of Bologna, together with the famous Anatomical Theatre, which can be explored through guided tours or audio guides. Finally, to delve into the history of the city, visit Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna, where an interactive exhibition takes visitors through Bologna’s history from its origins to the present day.
Ongoing exhibitions in Bologna
From photography and art to music, the San Petronio weekend also offers plenty of temporary exhibitions to discover in Bologna.
Photography enthusiasts can visit The Women of Bologna, featuring Antonio Masotti’s photographs of Bologna between the late 1950s and early 1960s, or Luigi Ghirri and Gianni Celati. Verso la foce, which explores at MAMbo the creative dialogue between two leading figures of contemporary Italian culture.
Those interested in history, art and great inventions can visit Leonardo da Vinci's Machines: Genius and Innovation at Palazzo Pallavicini, which also hosts A Masterpiece of a Day, a journey through the 19th century following the different hours of a single day. Art lovers should also not miss Heaven on Earth. Saint Francis and Bologna between the 16th and 17th Centuries at the National Art Gallery of Bologna.
The relationship between Bologna and one of its most famous companies takes centre stage in Ducati 100 – A Century on Display, while music lovers can relive the final tour of the legendary Queen line-up through Torleif Svensson’s photographs in the exhibition Queen The Last Tour.
A weekend of sport
The first weekend of October also turns Bologna into a stage for major sporting events.
On Saturday 3 October, the Giro dell’Emilia returns, one of the most eagerly awaited events on the international men's and women's cycling calendar. The grand finale is expected on the San Luca climb, one of Bologna's most iconic landmarks and the setting for some of cycling's most thrilling challenges.
On Sunday 4 October, basketball takes centre stage: at the PalaDozza, Virtus Bologna will face Maxima Roma on the second matchday of the championship. To stay on theme, why not combine the game with a visit to MUBIT – Museum of Italian Basketball? It is the first permanent museum entirely dedicated to Italian basketball, featuring memorabilia, images and stories from the history of the Italian game.
Out of town and into nature
The San Petronio weekend is also a great opportunity to venture beyond the city centre and discover the towns, nature and landscapes outside of Bologna.
On Sunday 4 October, in Castel Guelfo, the The defensive towers and the Campanazzo tour explores the town’s thousand-year history through towers, historic buildings and curious stories, ending with a tasting of local products.
And if you would like to make the most of the weekend with a day trip, take inspiration from the most photogenic towns in Greater Bologna and discover some of the area’s most picturesque corners.
Did you know?
From this year, 4 October in Bologna is a double celebration: the traditional feast of San Petronio, the city's patron saint, now coincides with the new national holiday of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy. A curious coincidence that, from 2026, brings together Bologna's local celebration and a national holiday on the very same day.
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