Florence is always in movement: continuously proposing something new, exciting and totally different! October is a month of, surprisingly enough, new beginnings. The grape harvest, for the most part, is done and finished and summer can truly be considered put to rest - so now the fun can begin of ushering in those cooler more colorful months. Here is a list of new concerts, exhibitions, food festivals and best of all opportunities for exploring different ways to best enjoy the city and its surroundings.
We are constantly updating the activities for each year, however, if they have not yet been posted by official sites then we write in TBA (to be announced) - and remember to double-check all dates on the official websites listed below.
Want to explore all of Tuscany? Remember to check out the calendar for Tuscany events during the month of October and the many select festivals that happen in this great region.
Getting back to what's going on in Florence and surroundings in October, here are our selections of what we consider some of the most important or interesting events you could go to.
Author's Note: This article was last updated on September 22, 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). If they have not yet been posted keep checking in with us...or better yet, write us on the Forum
ANNUAL EVENTS
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repeating every year in the same period
State Museums in Florence | FREE ENTRANCE | 1° Sunday of the Month
What a wonderful occasion!
It is a standing appointment on the first Sunday of every month (October 7), free entrance into some of our favorite Florentine museums. Check our calendar to see if you can find a new place to discover and explore.
Check our list of State Museums in Florence
Scarperia | COLLEZIONISTI IN PIAZZA | 1st Sunday of Oct
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 Oct
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 handcrafts, vintage and delicious typical foods and all of it this is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence.
Fortezza da Basso | ANTIQUES FAIR | 3° weekend of Oct
Looking for something special is a recurrent date
An unmissable occasion for grabbing unique and even prestigious antique pieces.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | Every 4th Sunday of Oct
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.
Largo Pietro Annigoni | FLEA MARKET | 4° Sunday of Oct
Traditional vintage festival
Here you can grab a cappuccino at a nearby bar and then search the stands for the best ever surprise in vintage books, art, glassware and more.
Barberino | TARTUFO BIANCO E NERO | last weekend of October
Another festival dedicated to truffle this time, in Mugello
A manifestation that has become part of the local and Tuscan tradition: a market exhibition dedicated to the white and black truffle, with truffle hunting demonstrations for children and grown-ups and typical stands spread out all over the city center.
Montaione | TARTUFESTA | Last Weekend of October
Truffle festival
Surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the Villa Serena courtyard and spread out all along the historical center of Montaione, this festival houses many stands showing off truffles and other typical products of this location, like chestnut, honey, olive oil, cheese and more. An event that was originally organized like a local festival and has gradually grown in importance to becoming an important market exhibition.
ANNUAL EVENTS
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repeating every year on the same day
City center | SANTA REPARATA | Oct 8
Florence co-patron saint feast
A celebration of the co-patron saints Santa Reparata with a procession in medieval dress in the afternoon at 3:45 pm from Piazza di Parte Guelfa to the crypt of the Roman saint at the Cathedral. Legend tells us that this Roman saint interceded in a battle which was one of the defining events in establishing Christianity in Florence. The present-day Cathedral has long since been built on the ruins of a building with paleo-Christian origins and which is partially visitable under the floor of Santa Maria del Fiore today.
GREAT EVENTS
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you don’t want to miss
Certaldo | BOCCACCESCA | Oct 4 - 5 - 6
Traditional festival named after the famous Tuscan poet
This is one of the most interesting festivals focused on local products and flavors I personally have ever take part in! All the most representative food specialties of the area will be available for taste testing, together with stands of local handicrafts products and - obviously - wine. Cultural, culinary initiatives for children and adults as well, workshops and special guests for three days dedicated to Tuscany and the fall flavors.
SS Annunziata Square | CERAMIC FAIR | Oct 5 & 7
An international exposition of the best of the ceramic productions
Surrounded by the spectacular backdrop of this Florentine square, this exhibition will give you the opportunity to wander around stands of ceramic artisans coming from all over the world and admire some of the best quality productions ever. There are also many workshops dedicated to children under the Loggiati degli Innocenti, who will have the chance to practice with this ceramic artifacts realization!
Marradi | CHESTNUT FESTIVAL | October 6, 13, 20 & 28
An event not to miss out on!
The celebrated Marradi Chestnut festival is a truly unique way to explore the fall colors in Mugello and the fall flavors. Even more exciting is reserving your spot on the steam engine that runs from Pistoia with stops in Prato, Florence, and Pontassieve.
It travels to Borgo San Lorenzo where you will change to another vintage train up to the chestnut sagra. You will have time to run through the varied and special countryside of Mugello, explore the sagra, eat some (lots) of chestnuts and head back home again all in one memorable afternoon. The train ride requires reservations.
Impruneta | FESTA DI SAN LUCA | Oct 12 - 20
the oldest livestock fairs in all of Europe
The fair of San Luca was first documented in the 1600's. Even in today's modern and hectic lifestyle, it remains an important moment, as seen by this quote:
The lives of the people of Impruneta revolved around ‘La Fiera' or ‘The Fair.' They lived their lives waiting for The Fair so that they could enjoy some honest and healthy fun; they would wait until The Fair to ask their Madonna for an indulgence; to take a spin on the Merry-Go-Round; to profess their love to their beloved or to buy a new umbrella. […]' Leo Codacci, from The Most Beautiful Town in the World or Il Paese più Bello del Mondo (Officine Grafiche, Firenze, 1968
Official Website: www.fierasanluca.it appears to be under construction at the moment
Vicchio | CHESTNUT FESTIVAL | Oct. 13 & 20
Marroni from Mugello, typical autumn fruit
Another festival dedicated to this delicious fall fruit and the other local product, surrounded by faithful reenactments of the ancient crafts.
SS Annunziata Square | CERAMIC FAIR | Oct 5 & 7
An international exposition of the best of the ceramic productions
Surrounded by the spectacular backdrop of this Florentine square, this exhibition will give you the opportunity to wander around stands of ceramic artisans coming from all over the world and admire some of the best quality productions ever. There are also many workshops dedicated to children under the Loggiati degli Innocenti, who will have the chance to practice with this ceramic artifacts realization!
Fortezza da Basso | FLORENCE BIENNALE: MOSTRA INTERNAZIONALE | 18 - 27 Oct 2019
eARTh - Creativity and Sustainability
We will see you again in 2019 for this exhibition.
Piazza San Niccolò | HANDMADE in TUSCANY | Oct 20
A day dedicated to 20 of Tuscan's fine handicraft, food, and wine products in the elegant context of Palazzo San Niccolò, one of the oldest and most loved corners of the Florentines. Quality shopping is back with Tuscan exhibitors specializing in bijoux and jewelry, clothing and accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, refined home decorations, furnishing accessories, and high-quality food and wine products. At the disposal of guests and exhibitors is the Real Taste of Tuscany corner, a selection of Tuscan Beverage and Food specialties by Real Taste of Tuscany that will cheer you from breakfast to lunch, until the aperitif. For this special autumn edition, visitors can discover the vast spaces of Palazzo San Niccolò, the lounge and the beautiful lounge, the court and the secret garden located under the ancient walls of Florence.
Piazza Santo Spirito | FIERUCOLINA D'AUTUNNO | Oct 21
Fall is knocking at Florence doors
Bargain hunter or not, a stroll around the Florentine markets is always a fun way to lose yourself for a bit. Besides the regular markets which run every month, there are a few in October with a distinct fall flavor. The city markets offer secret surprises in the way of local suppliers who set up shop, treasures pulled out for the flea markets and artisans who display their wares. This is one of our favorites and the perfect opportunity to explore the handicrafts and artisans of the area.
Reggello | RASSEGNA DELL'OLIO EXTRA VERGINE DI OLIVA | Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2019
Be sure to check out the program, this event offers so much more than just a taste of delicious olive oil!. The fair-exhibition dedicated to areas new extra-virgin Olive Oil of the season will take place over the first weekend in November, from 10am to 9pm every day from Friday through Sunday. It will be a showcase of the area's olive oil, with tastings, tours and other events.
Teatro Verdi | STEFANO BOLLANI & CHUCHO VALDES | Oct 26
Wonderful sounds will come from these two pianos and the amazing fingers that dance upon the keyboards at Teatro Verdi. Don’t miss this opportunity to see not one but, two musical magicians in the lovely, historic theater in the city center of Florence.
Il Conventino | ARTE & FIORI IN VILLA | Oct 26 -27
within il Vecchio Conventino, an ex-monastery just outside the walls of the Rione di San Frediano "Diladdarno", you will find a place linked to the history of the neighborhood that has kept alive the traditions of artistic craftsmanship. This fair shows off many of this handcrafts and tells the story of the area through hand made creations.
Florence | NOTE AL MUSEO | Oct 31, 2019
a concert in the Museum dell’Opera del Duomo
Once again, the Museum of the Duomo is staging concerts in its hallowed halls, internationally acclaimed artists will perform among some of the most beautiful pieces of art. Reservations are required. The concert features: the cello, from the 1600's to today
Centro San Donato Novoli | Ciokkotartufestival | Oct 31
The first festival dedicated to the food of the gods and the most precious tuber in the world! There will be food trucks from every part of Italy ready to let you taste the delights that will satisfy the most refined palates with the presentation of at least one dish each. With us the famous gastronomists Leonardo Romanelli and Paolo Pellegrini will preside over a round table on the theme of the moment: Truffle and Chocolate. In addition, there will be truffle associations from various areas of our land. The Festival will last four days and there will be moments of entertainment, shows, and of course delicious food.
