Tuscany is magical all year round, but there’s something particularly special about the height of summer. Long, sun-drenched days, golden fields shimmering in the heat, and a festive atmosphere that fills every piazza. If you’re dreaming of a summer escape, July and August are perfect for a trip to Tuscany, offering a heady mix of lively festivals, balmy evenings, and, of course, Ferragosto—the country’s biggest summer holiday.
Festivals and Events in July and August
Summer in Tuscany means the calendar is packed with cultural celebrations, historic reenactments, and food festivals. Here’s what you can look forward to:
July: Music, Medieval Fairs & Open-Air Opera
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Palio di Siena (2nd July) – One of the most thrilling and historic horse races in the world, Siena’s Palio transforms the city into a vibrant medieval spectacle, with neighbourhood rivalries at full tilt.
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Lucca Summer Festival (All Month) – One of Italy’s biggest music festivals, bringing global superstars to the stunning Renaissance city. Past acts have included Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
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Puccini Festival (Mid-July to August) – If you love opera, this lakeside festival in Torre del Lago is unmissable. The birthplace of Giacomo Puccini becomes a stage for world-class performances of his most famous operas, including La Bohème and Madama Butterfly.
- Montepulciano’s Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte (Mid-July to Early August) – A fantastic mix of music, theatre, and visual arts, with concerts and performances taking place in the town’s historic squares and venues.
August: Ferragosto, Wine & Local Traditions
Ferragosto (15 August) is the ultimate Italian summer holiday! Expect family feasts, and fireworks displays as Italians celebrate la dolce vita. In places like Cortona and Florence, the festivities continue with street parties and special menus in restaurants. Sagra della Bistecca in Cortona is held every year in mid-August to coincide with Ferragosto. This legendary food festival is a carnivore’s paradise, celebrating the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Tuscany’s most iconic dish. It’s just a short walk from Palazzo Passerini.
(10th August, Various Locations) – This ‘Goblets of Stars’ festival is all about sipping wine under the shooting stars of the Perseid meteor shower. Wineries across Tuscany open their doors for special tastings and starlit vineyard dinners.
Bravio delle Botti (Last Sunday of August, Montepulciano) – A quirky, high-energy barrel-rolling race where the town’s districts compete to push enormous wine barrels up Montepulciano’s steep streets.
Why You Should Visit Tuscany in July & August
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Endless Summer Vibes—The holiday atmosphere is irresistible. Think alfresco dining, late-night gelato runs, and golden sunsets over the rolling hills.
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Outdoor Living – From open-air concerts to countryside picnics and evening passeggiatas, summer in Tuscany is about embracing life outdoors.
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The Best of Tuscan Produce – Juicy sun-ripened tomatoes, plump peaches, and the first signs of the grape harvest make summer a dream for food lovers.
And if you need your very own luxurious, air-conditioned townhouse after a day of exploring, Palazzo Passerini in Cortona is the perfect place to cool off and unwind. Located in the heart of this beautiful hilltop town, it’s within walking distance of lively cafés, boutiques, and festival action.