2021 UPDATE: The pandemic is on-going, and our travels and movement is limited at the moment in one way or another. Many of the events that generally occur this month have not been confirmed; if some get moved to later this year, we will ensure to update the pages for those months.
Throughout the month of April, food, culture, and entertainment will be offering a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the days as they gradually get longer and warmer. Don't miss all the great exhibitions showing in Florence, especially of the new exhibits opening up. Below you’ll find our tips about what to do and to see in Florence and the province throughout the entire month of April.
Author's Note: This article was last updated on December 9, 2019, to make sure we're giving you up-to-date info, if the dates have not yet been announced then we indicate TBA (to be announced).
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Tuscany | EASTER WEEKEND | April 9 - April 13
A national holiday for Italy
In the year 2019, Holy Week promises activities not to be missed not only for their religious significance but also for their rich colors, and traditions. Especially the fun “Scoppio del Carro” in front of the Duomo of Florence.
Click for more details for Easter Events
Italy | FESTA DELLA LIBERAZIONE | April 25
Liberation Day in Italy. Normally a rather low key holiday, with a few military demonstrations or the laying of wreaths at various monuments. Some places still replay symbolic events, like the Partisans in Casentino who lit bonfires on the mountain tops to give the impression that their numbers were more than they actually were to scare off the advancing enemy forces. Italy celebrates their liberation on the 25th of April and this is considered a national holiday - so though restaurants and cafes will be open - not all supermarkets will open their doors and some museums many change their hours (at the last minute)...be sure to check carefully before going out.
TAKE NOTE: transportation and museums may have different hours. For example, Bargello is open for free!
MONTHLY APPOINTMENTS:
Scarperia | COLLEZIONISTI IN PIAZZA | 1st Sunday of April
Antiques in the Square
Actually, the first Sunday of month heralds this event in Scarperia. Just imagine a stroll through this picturesque town center to find a wide range of goodies including vintage, antiques, clothing, and more, Stands are set up from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Panzano in Chianti | APRILANTE | 1st Sunday in April
Handcrafts & Vintage
We know they call the fair "April"ante, but it really goes all year round! This monthly market in the streets of this charming town in Chianti is where you will find hand crafts, vintage and delicious typical foods and all of it this is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | every fourth Sunday of April
Organic and Artisan Market
Piazza Matteotti is filled with locals who feature goods from their gardens, their kitchens, and their workshops. Often you will find not only great bargains but music and opportunities to do some taste testing.
Read here for more events, festivals and fairs in Tuscany this April
Prato | ANTIQUE MARKET | last weekend of the month
Organic and Artisan Market
Each month in the lovely Piazza San Francesco in Prato, you can find about 40 benches displaying small Antiques, collectibles, modern and vintage from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm
APRIL HAS MUCH TO OFFER:
Pelago | SAGRA DEL DAINO | April 6 - 7
Secrets of Italian ice cream
A little town on the outskirts of Florence will offer tasty dishes based on the delicious venison meat, along with other characteristic recipes from the area. The program of the Sagra del Daino foresees the opening of the food stands on Saturday from 19.00 and Sunday from 12.30. (Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch only). The set menu is 22 euros includes some unmissable dishes such as venison ragu, the peposo with venison, the leg of roast deer and special side dishes. To top it off there will be sweets and vinsanto, water and wine. For those who do not eat the deer, only upon request at the time of booking, grilled steak will be served. To participate, reservations are requires: +39 392.8096170 or +39 320.0142854. In case of bad weather, the event will still be held indoors.
Florence City Center | GELATO FESTIVAL | April 6 - 7
Secrets of Italian ice cream
As is tradition, the Gelato Festival 2019 starts in Florence, the city from where it is all started. The event is scheduled for Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April, when Piazzale Michelangelo will host the festival with 16 of the best artisanal gelato chefs of the Peninsula, each of them will bring a new flavor: you can taste their creations and vote for your favorite ice cream, and the winner will continue the journey to the final of the Gelato Festival World Masters 2021.
Florence City Center | VIVICITTA’ | April 7
Running around the city
If you're a runner more than a cyclist, you'll surely want to participate in one of the most traditional Florentine non-competitive race of the annual calendar: the Vivicittà Half Marathon Florence. A wonderful opportunity to mix sport and culture, surrounded by a one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural background, more info about the race story, registration fees on the official website, where you'll also find information about the other non-competitive races that will be organized as part of the same manifestation, like that dedicated to kids and the guided tour.
Florence City | SPECIAL STREET FOOD | April 11 - 14
Running around the city
The Florence Shopping Center San Donato di Novoli will host this event for four days including an area dedicated to street food, a market of typical local products, music and live concerts, cabaret, and children's area between 10 am to 11 pm with free admission. The event was created to revive the colors, sounds, and smells of an artisan market rich in Italian culture and history, with typical local products. And then, shows with street artists and folkloristic dances. There will also be a food truck space for quality "made in Italy" street food with.
Florence | SCOPPIO DEL CARRO | April 12, 2020
We have a whole separate article with Events in Florence and the surrounding area for the month of April, check it out here.
If you're in Florence for Easter Sunday (or weekend), make sure to read this page on the Scoppio del Carro and other Easter celebrations.
Borgo San Lorenzo | FIORINFIERA | April 12 - 14
The perfume of Spring is in the air
The town of Borgo San Lorenzo, only a short distance outside of Florence and easily reached by train, transforms itself into one huge nursery where you can see the colors, smell the perfume and experience the beauty of spring.
Bagno Ripoli | ECOMARATHON | April 14
towns & hills of Tuscany
Run past the past of Tuscany. Three itineraries with varying length and altitude changes make for an interesting and healthy way to see the landscape and the secrets of a hidden past near Florence.
Florence/Mugello | GRANDFONDO FIRENZE | April 12 - 14
riding the bike trails out of Florence
In coordination with the Florence bike festival, the event Florence Veloce was launched in 2012 by six enthusiasts with the aim of assisting the “BiciFi –Bicycle Festival”. It is now into its fourth year covering more than 100 km of roads and trails to the north of Florence.
Le Cascine | FLORENCE BIKE FESTIVAL | April 12 - 14
A bike will set you free!
A festival for everyone, for all ages, all the "cycling" tendencies, all the formal requirements, aimed at athletes, amateurs, families, urban cyclists, cyclists, enthusiasts, and bikers.
Panzano in Chianti | Festa della Buona Stagione | April 25
the beginning of Spring
Together with celebrating the Anniversary of the Italian Liberation from Nazi-Fascist occupation on April 25 there will be the Festa della Stagione Bona (Good Season Fair): it’s a historical reenactment of a working-class insurrection that will take place all over the village center, while at the same time celebrates the arrival of Spring.
Monteloro | SAGRA DEL CINGHIALE | April TBA
The Delicious Flavor of Wild Boar
For the last 16 years, this small town in the Mugello countryside has been preparing a food festival based on the savory flavors of wild boar. Be sure to put this on your calendar if you want to try some authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Fortezza del Basso | INTERNAZIONALE DELL'ARTIGIANATO | April 24 - MAY 1
83rd Edition of the International Handicrafts Trade Fair
An event that hosted the most important master craftsmen of history inside a privileged space, where tradition and innovation merge to create extremely valuable handmade products. Admire the work from famous Florence workshops, as well as remote arts which are being rediscovered both in the regions of Italy and worldwide.
Iris Garden in Florence | GIARDINO DELL'IRIS | April 25 - May 20
Limited Time Only
The garden is open from April 25 - May 20 but the Irises don't usually start blooming until the second week of May (but of course it depends on the weather - the sunnier it is, the faster the buds will open up). 6 - 11 May is the annual International Iris Competition, which participants have been preparing for years!
Official link to the Competition
Certaldo | SAGRA DEL CINGHIALE | April 27-30 - May 1 & 3 - 5, & 10 - 12
The Delicious Flavor of Wild Boar
The opening of the spring season signals the opening of great new food festivals all over Tuscany - starting with the Wild Boar sagra in the beautiful scenery of Certaldo. Choose from a full menu which includes lots of wild game - the options are all delicious!
Florence | TANGO FESTIVAL | April 25 - 28
dancing, lessons, and shows
Join the rhythm, the dancing, and the fun during the annual Tango festival in the city. The festival will take place mainly in the theater Affratellamento salon, Florence Salòn CALDIN and the Social Hall of Grassina, all three of which boast genuine wooden floors.
