2nd Sunday in June
The Giostra dell’Archidado takes place on the second Sunday in June in Cortona’s Piazza Signorelli. The town is festooned with banners and more than 300 people in medieval costumes process through Cortona’s centro storico. Crossbow archers from the five quartiere (districts) compete for a golden arrow.
3rd Saturday in June (20th June 2020)
Hundreds turn out in medieval costume to recreate the atmosphere of medieval Arezzo as the quarters of the city compete against each other in a joust to win the Golden Lance. The event takes place in June and September each year.
Last week in July (and first week in August)
A cultural festival of music, cinema, theatre, arts and literature, with an exciting programme of concerts, live performances, nightly screenings, social events, and tastings of local wines and delicacies.
Mid July (10-19 July 2020)
A 10-day jazz festival, considered to be among the best in Europe, set in a number of indoor and outdoor venues located in the historic centre of Perugia. Book in advance for seated events.
First week in August (and last week in July)
A cultural festival of music, cinema, theatre, arts and literature, with an exciting programme of concerts, live performances, nightly screenings, social events, and tastings of local wines and delicacies.
mid-August, the weekend of Ferragosto
An annual event at the Giardini del Parterre in Cortona. The event celebrates chianina beef from the Valdichiana. Steaks are cooked on a 14-metre long barbecue rack, and are served rare (only), in the Tuscan tradition. There is plenty of opportunity to taste excellent local wines.
mid-August, the weekend following Ferragosto
During the week following the Sagra della Bistecca, Cortona celebrates the porcini mushroom! In the Giardini del Parterre, you can taste dishes based on the wild mushrooms collected from the Cortonese hills, served with local wines. From 6.30pm.
Last week in August (and first week of September)
An annual antiques exhibition, where 30 antiquarians from across Italy exhibit a staggering array of pieces in the historic rooms of the 18th-century Palazzo Vagnotti.
Last Sunday in August
First week in September (and last week of August)
An annual antiques exhibition, where 30 antiquarians from across Italy exhibit a staggering array of pieces in the historic rooms of the 18th-century Palazzo Vagnotti.
First Sunday in September (6th Sept 2020)
Hundreds turn out in medieval costume to recreate the atmosphere of medieval Arezzo as the quarters of the city compete against each other in a joust to win the Golden Lance. The event takes place in June and September each year.
16 July to 25 October 2020
Europe’s largest chocolate festival, featuring themed events, chocolate sculpting and tasting tours. The festival is spread throughout the Corso Vannucci and the beautiful Piazza IV Novembre, Piazza Italia and the surrounding areas, via Baglioni and the Rocca Paolina. Entrance is free, although it is advisable to book cookery classes and seated events in advance.
9 July to 18 October 2020
An annual photography festival, which lasts throughout the summer months. The festival takes place in various locations located throughout the city including the Medici Fortress of the Girifalco.
The fourth Sunday of every month
The antiques market is held in Piazza Signorelli. The market hosts about 50 exhibitors, selling antiques and collectibles. Stalls are open from 9am to 8pm. Much smaller than the monthly antiques market in Arezzo.
First Sunday of each month (and the Saturday before)
Probably the biggest and most famous antiques market in Italy. The crowded market hosts hundreds of exhibitors selling furniture, jewels, clocks, books, paintings, vintage clothes and toys. The stalls spill out of the Piazza Grande, Piazza San Francesco, Corso Italia, and into the surrounding streets and alleys.
