Notte Blu 2026

Bologna's waterways come to life once again: the 10th edition of Notte Blu returns.

Friday 11 September 2026, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

For one evening, the city's hidden network of canals takes centre stage, becoming a public space to explore, listen to and experience. Lights, live music, exhibitions, video projections, guided tours and special openings: with Notte Blu, Bologna comes together again along its waterways.

Promoted by Canali di Bologna, Notte Blu was created to bring a precious heritage back to light: the water system that has shaped Bologna's history.

One large Water District

All events take place within an area that can be explored entirely on foot, following the historic network of the city's waterways.

Three main locations to discover during the evening:

• The open-air canal — the reopened section of the Canale di Reno, illuminated entirely in blue, with video projections, a creative market, live music and special late openings at local businesses.
• Opificio delle Acque (Via della Grada 12) — a former 17th-century tannery and now the headquarters of Canali di Bologna, exceptionally open throughout the evening.
• The Old Port and Canale Cavaticcio — once the departure point for boats travelling along the Navile canal, now hosting the mini exhibition "There Was a Port. It Was Here."

Throughout the evening, with free admission

The blue soul of the canal — The reopened section of the Canale di Reno lights up in blue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that celebrates the rediscovery of the waterway.

Historic visions — Archival images showing the canal as it once appeared are projected in a loop onto the façade of the Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione, using historic photographs provided by the Cineteca di Bologna.

Creative market — Ten stalls dedicated to creativity, vintage items and craftsmanship line the canal banks, with unique pieces, upcycled objects and handmade creations to discover.

Travelling entertainment — Giant bubbles by Johnny Bolle Giganti accompany visitors along the route.

Live music — In the arena below the Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione:

• 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm — Lunedì Cinema — a journey through the words and music of Lucio Dalla
• 9:15 pm – 11:00 pm — Clochart Acoustic

Special openings — Opificio delle Acque launches its new public opening programme, in partnership with Succede solo a Bologna, while the Basketball Museum will also be exceptionally open in collaboration with Bologna Welcome.

Mini exhibition "There Was a Port. It Was Here." — Historic and photographic panels tell the story of Bologna's old port and the Canale Cavaticcio, in the spaces of Cesare Marretti al Cavaticcio.

Advance booking required

Guided tours — Two itineraries, each available at two different times, led by experts from the Consorzio dei Canali di Bologna. Duration: approximately one hour. Price: €12.00 per person, payable in cash on site. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

• From Opificio delle Acque to Cavaticcio — tours at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, departing from Opificio delle Acque (Via Monaldo Calari 15).
• From the Guazzatoio to the Old Port — tours at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm, departing from the Guazzatoio (Via Augusto Righi 1), an exclusive site that is normally closed to the public.

Book here: prenota.canalidibologna.it

Acqua in bocca — From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A walk along the Canale Savena with an apericena and a surprise jazz concert, featuring clues and unusual characters who reveal stories and curiosities about Bologna's canals. Meeting point at Giardini Margherita (the exact location will be communicated only to participants). Price: €30.00. Suitable for all ages. Advance booking is required and places are limited. Email: eventi@comunicamente.it. Tel. 333 4031247 (Mon–Fri, 10:00 am–1:00 pm and 2:00 pm–5:00 pm). Organised and promoted by Comunicamente.

Convivium Aquarum — Wild herbs growing along the canals come to the table. Andrea Guida and Cesare Marretti present a menu inspired by Bologna's waterways, featuring savoury pies with nettles, borage, mallow and wild fennel, herb omelettes and seasonal desserts with figs and grapes. At Cesare Marretti al Cavaticcio. Tel. 051 2750069. Email: cesaremarretti@gmail.com.

The programme is continuously updated on the Canali di Bologna website.

The event is organised and promoted by Canali di Bologna, in collaboration with Confcommercio Bologna. With the support of CAE, Acustica Bolognese and Galletti Group. With thanks to Banca di Bologna.

Part of Bologna Estate — Municipality of Bologna — Bologna UNESCO City of Music.