Open-air kiosks and chalets in Bologna parks

When the heat in the city becomes unbearable, sometimes all you need is to unplug for an evening or an afternoon and escape to the cool comfort of nature.

• Parco della Montagnola

The oldest city garden, rich in history, offers summer evenings filled with cold beers, music, entertainment, and relaxation. The Frida bar kiosk is open daily from 8:30 AM to 11 PM, while Montagnola Republic runs every night from 10 PM to midnight. Together, they serve great food and fantastic music.

©Frida nel Parco, Parco della Montagnola

• Parco dei Giardini Margherita

Bologna’s most famous park, a vast green space just steps from the historic center, yet it feels like being in a completely different city. Here, you're spoiled for choice, whether it’s a cold beer, some bubbly, or a tasty dinner. Head to the lakeside chalet, open daily until 1 a.m., or check out the many food trucks and drinks from Pastis. You'll find them around the Giardini playground, which comes alive with evening events and sports organized by the Gardens Sport Village. Don’t forget Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita, where sustainability and innovation meet great food and good company until midnight.

• Parco di Villa Angeletti

Starting at 6 PM, enjoy early aperitifs in the Bolognina neighborhood, near the central station. The “Fermento in Villa” music events regularly light up the park, where food stalls and cold beers are ready to satisfy your appetite.

• Giardini di Villa Cassarini

Along Via Saragozza, walking from the city center towards San Luca and the world’s longest portico, you’ll encounter the majestic Porta Saragozza. Just outside, step into the charming Giardini di Villa Cassarini. This green space in the Saragozza district - at the foothills of the Bologna hills - is home to Cassarini Summer, a series of food trucks, events, and entertainment happening every day from 6 PM to 11:30 PM.

©Cassarini Summer

• Parco Paleotto

Heading up via Gaibara, on the lower slopes of the Bolognese hills, you’ll find Paleotto Park, a peaceful green space that also hosts the cultural center Paleotto11. Here you can enjoy activities for children and families, performing arts, and a vegetarian, organic refreshment area where simple food and drink meet the cool air of the hills. And if you’re dreaming of the sea in Bologna, nestled in the greenery you’ll discover Vistamare, a small summer oasis offering great food and drinks.

• Parco Cavaioni 

A park in the Bologna hills featuring an artificial pond, an old farmhouse called Villa Silvetta transformed into Ca’ Shin, a restaurant, bar, and adventure park suitable for families, and a kiosk where hot crescentine (fried bread) and cold beer are the stars.

Along Via dei Colli, at number 54, don’t miss Collywood in the Orto dei Giusti. You’ll find stone and wrought-iron benches and wide grassy areas where you can enjoy street food and drinks from the chalets. The park boasts a rich schedule of events, music, and shows!

At number 39, try a platter of entirely local products and homemade wines at Spaccio Belfiore, where the panoramic view of San Luca will steal your heart.

©Antonio Salvatore, Collywood

Further along Via di Sabbiuno, sunsets get even sweeter when paired with fried snacks, savory bites, a drink, or a glass of wine at I Conoscenti in Collina (formerly Collina delle Meraviglie) at number 6.

At number 4, the summer version of Comodo Hills reopens with Lumiera by Comodo Hills, where magic begins at 7 PM with aperitifs and dinner.

• Parco di San Pellegrino e via di Casaglia

This park offers breathtaking views of the city and the Sanctuary of San Luca. You can reach it on foot via the CAI 914 trail or by climbing 300 steps from Via di Casaglia. This year, the park again hosts the Ai300scalini summer events, featuring street food and fresh drinks to accompany your evening.

Further along Via di Casaglia, why not stop for a picnic at the newly opened Giardino Ebrezze?

Turning up Via Cavirola for a green break, you’ll find Il Campo di Fave, a young farm offering simple yet delicious aperitifs with products grown on-site, paired with excellent beers. Open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM, closed in bad weather.

© Ai300Scalini, Parco di San Pellegrino

• Parco di Villa Ghigi

Famous for trekking and a favorite spot for picnics not far from the city, Parco di Villa Ghigi hosts a summer program at the Casa del Custode with live music, workshops, book presentations, chess games, and more.

The vibe here is peaceful and relaxing, but note that reservations and membership cards are required!

• Parco dei Giardini di Corticella

In the heart of the Corticella district lies the Parco dei Giardini, home to two refreshment spots perfect for those looking to cool off or enjoy a summer evening surrounded by greenery. On one side of the park, Gelateria Mauritius Bologna offers not only fresh treats but also snacks and aperitifs in a relaxed, informal setting. On the other side, overlooking the small lake, a kiosk run by the Cà Bura APS Association in collaboration with Anima Coop Soc invites guests to dine outdoors with a view. Open every evening from Wednesday to Sunday throughout July and again from August 27 to September 7, the initiative features a packed schedule of free performances and entertainment, with something different every night. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the park after dark, with good food, music, and nature.

• And there’s more! Both inside and outside the city!

Check out the new Favaloso Kiosk at Giardini Fava, the Terrace Lounge at Hotel dei Portici, the Orchard at Grand Tour Italia, Pontelungo Summer Festival at Parco Pontelungo, Lido Ruggine at Giardino J. Klemlen (Cavaticcio Park, Via Azzo Gardino), Comini Espress at Giardino Donatori di Sangue in Via Fioravanti 68, Corner Bar at Tenute Terre Rosse Vallania in Zola Predosa, Battirame 11 with the city garden opening, and in Imola, the timeless Chiosco Dolce Vita. Don’t miss Battiferro, in the heart of the Navile district: an open-air venue that stays cool even in summer, perfect for private events and evening outings. Here you’ll find a vibrant calendar of concerts, readings, cabaret, shows, and performances.

Send us your suggestions if your favorite spot is missing from this list!

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