One traditionally thinks of Italy as being pseudonymous with opera. Rightfully so. Italy produces some of the world’s best opera singers, from Luciano Pavarotti to Andrea Bocelli. And with successful pop opera groups like Il Volo, Italy’s opera scene seems to be evolving.
But what about other types of music and music festivals that have become destination events in their own right across the world? While Italy is not really known around the world for its music festivals, its music scene is gaining in popularity and it features several popular music festivals. The talents that are showcased around each festival go from headliner names to up and coming bands that are totally worth finding out about.
Music festivals in Italy are reflective of the Italian culture; warm and welcoming, with chill vibes consistent with the culture’s piano piano (step by step) speed. Nobody is in a rush. That, coupled with their locations, many in historical cities and locations, makes them events not to miss.
So while you are in Italy this year, take some time to check out its amazing music festivals. Heck, you can even be efficient and go to a music festival at a historic location! Some music festivals and events happening in Tuscany this year are listed below. Check them out!
What: Lucca Summer Festival 2023
Lucca Summer Festival is one of the most important music festivals in Italy, held every year in Lucca, usually during the months of June and July, since 1998. The concerts are usually held within the historic walls of Lucca, in Piazza Napoleone, Piazza San Martino or Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Sometimes, when the audience is very large, it is preferred to use the Porta Elisa soccer stadium in Lucca or the Pini stadium in Viareggio. Some of the biggest names in music play this festival. Less than an hour and half from Lucca, about the same time it takes to travel from the center of Florence to Lucca, Villa Ardore is a convenient location from which to travel to attend the festival
When: June & July 2023
Where: Lucca
Genre: Various
2023 Festival Highlights: The Chemical Brothers, Pat Metheny, Nora Jones, Placebo, Kiss Extension, Blur, Simply Red and Celine Dion
What: Firenze Rocks (2023)
Firenze Rocks is with no doubt one of the biggest music events of the summer in Tuscany and in Italy. Next June 2023, for the fifth time in a row, the Visarno Arena of Florence will host this great festival of rock music that in the past editions attracted thousands of fans coming from all over the country.
When: June 17-18, 2023
Where: Florence (Visarno Arena)
Genre: Rock
2023 Festival Highlights: The Who, Maroon 5
What: Pistoia Blues Festival
An hour from Villa Ardore, you can find Pistoia, this city with Lucca is one of the biggest promoters of Summer festivals. You can see any headliner you could think about, we’re talking about people like Elton John has played the Pistoia Blues Festival.
When: July 7-16, 2023
Where: Pistoia
Genre: Blues
2023 Festival Highlights: TBD
What: Off Tune Festival
Less than an hour from Villa Ardore, you can find Prato’s alternative music festival of the Summer. It is four days of music and many parallel events that take over the indoor and outdoor areas of the Cantieri Culturali degli Ex Macelli in Prato. Off tune is the project curated by A-live, Santa Valve Records and Ass. South Park, with the collaboration and contribution of the Municipality of Prato and Officina Giovani.
When: June 8-11, 2023
Where: Cantieri Culturali degli Ex Macelli, Prato
Genre: Alternative
2023 Festival Highlights: TBD
What: Flash Festival
Flash is a festival for those seeking boundless freedom and simple, rich pleasures. It’s a heavenly taste of Tuscany savoured over three days of eating, drinking and dancing in a safe, intimate space for all. Prime your ears for Italo, house and disco sounds synched expertly with the beating Italian sun. This is an ultimate escape of euphoric classics and feel-good party starters. Make pasta with a Nonna, participate in workshops and wine-tasting masterclasses and a wellbeing program to help you recharge between dancing. FLASH showcases why Italian hospitality is known the world over. The festival’s mini village is packed with a tiny pizzeria, osteria, pasteria and gelateria, serving up authentic local classics made with love. Pair your choice with a negroni, amaro or limoncello or a cascade of natural wine flowing around the table, passed around by your new friends.
When: May 18-20, 2023
Where: Podere Santa’Apollonia Via di Castroncello, 47 52043 Castiglion Fiorentino AR, Italy
Genre: Various
2023 Festival Highlights: TBD
