Ferragosto Fun in Florence 2026: Movies, Music & Food

Each year, the city of Florence celebrates Ferragosto, a historic tradition that dates back to 18 B.C .when the Romans were under the rule of Emperor Augustus from whom the holiday, originally called Feriae Augusti, gets its name. While in the past Ferragosto was a day of rest for the city’s farmworkers, today it is enjoyed by all Italians as a public holiday marking the peak of summer vacation season. It takes place on August 15, the date of the Assumption of Mary in the Catholic tradition.

This year, the holiday falls on a Saturday. From free watermelon to outdoor movies in the park, Florence will be hosting various fun summertime activities throughout the city for friends and family to enjoy. 

At Spazio Giovanni Cure of the Pettini-Burresi Park on Via Faentina 145, there will be a cocomerata (watermelon party) at 6 pm in the evening. A similar event will be held from 5 to 7 pm in the Giardino dell’Orticoltura at Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 4. Both of these locations offer visitors a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere to spend time with loved ones and eat sweet summer fruit. 

A concert featuring “70 anni suonanti” by folk artist Riccardo Tesi will be held at the Chile de La Balanza theater on Via di San Salvi 12, pavilion 16. It will also feature guest performances by friends of Tesi such as guitarist Vieri Sturlini, drummer Francesco Savoretti, and flute player Patrick Vaillant. The concert begins at 9:30 pm on August 15. Tickets cost €15 and must be purchased online in advance at chille.it/eventi. 

Another event taking place at 9:30 pm in the evening will be a screening of the Disney movie Encanto (played in Italian) in the Enzo Pazzagli Art Park on Via Sant’Andrea a Rovezzano (parking is available). For the month of August, the organization, EcoRinascimento is hosting outdoor movie nights every Saturday and Sunday where families can picnic in the modern sculpture garden.

You can bring your own dinner to the movie night or purchase a meal onsite. Starting at €7, vendors will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers (beef or vegetarian), roman pizza, in addition to waffles, gelato, soda, beer at a lesser cost, and spritz. 

If you book in advance, you can reserve a special dinner discount: for €12 adults can order a hamburger (beef or vegetarian), a plate of assorted cold cuts and cheeses, or roman style pizza with a soda or beer; for €10 children have a hot dog or hamburger with a soda. This deal is inclusive of entrance to the park and movie. Regular admission without the dinner deal is €6 per person (€5 for members). 

This is the perfect day out for parents with young kids as in addition to the movie, starting at 12 noon, families can picnic in the a playground area, including an inflatable pool (must be booked in advance ), and free watermelon . To make a reservation send a message on Whatsapp to 347-733-5332. 

Another outdoor event to check out is free live music at Instabile by the Varlungo Bridge on via del Fungo 43/r. However, if you’re looking for something less high energy, the city’s museums will also be open along with the Boboli Gardens and the Rothko exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi. 

Additionally, public pools will be open for visitors to stay cool during the holiday. 

If you’re in Florence for Ferragosto, we recommend attending one of these local venues to unwind in the summer heat. (Francesca Negri)