June is a happening month and you don't want to miss the events & activities!
With the official end of the pandemic this past April 2022, many of the usually planned events and activities for this summer are back in action!
The region is all lit up... with longer daylight hours, warm temps and many, many activities! So many that we can't fit them all in, so we have compiled a list of highlights that you should try and fit into your itinerary while visiting Tuscany. If you haven't already made plans, there are still vacation rentals and apartments to be had, so check the availability and book directly with the owners for best last minute rates.
With so much to choose from, the month is divided into a few separate calendars so we can list more activities and you can focus on what interests you the most (all being updated so check back if you don't see the updated version in the next few days):
Read through our list and be sure to take note of the day for your travels through Tuscany this June:
Italy | FESTA DELLA REPUBBLICA | June 2
Italian Independence Day
The day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. With 12,717,923 votes for a republic and 10,719,284 for the monarchy, the male descendants of the House of Savoy were sent into exile and today Italy celebrates becoming a Repulic!
Public transport works on a festive schedule. Many stores will be closed. Check hours in advance for museums, monuments, and churches.
Castiglion Fiorentino | FESTA BIANCOAZZURRA | May 27 - 29 and June 1 - 5
Castiglion Fiorentino battles for its ancient Torre del Cassero, in the BiancoAzzurra Medieval Festival. A historical reminiscence of the Medieval Festival, which grew over time to become one of the most important and renowned events in the province that has given and continues to give emotions and shows unique to an ever-growing audience, coming from both Italy and Outside, in a context in which the millennial Tower of Cassero, the ancient medieval walls and every single stone return to emanate strongly the history, traditions and culture of a place and its past. Facebook page with updated info.
Cortona | GIOSTRA DELL’ARCHIDADO | June 1 - 5 & 10 - 12
An event that is a historical reenactment dating back to medieval times, rooted in local traditions. It’s a battle of crossbows among the Cortona quintieri (sections the town is divided in) aimed to evoke the festivities held many years ago for the wedding of Francesco Casali (lord of Cortona) and Antonia Salimbeni, with musicians, parades in medieval costumes, flag throwers, and drummers. The first weekend is a medieval market, the second has the wedding and the crossbow competition. Check out the official website for more information on the history and for full program.
Volterra | PALIO DEL CERO | June 2
This medieval festivity celebrates 14th-century local customs in the form of a joust, food tastings and finally a tug of war with a wooden tower in the center. At the end of the day the town gives homage, with votive candles, to local saints carried on finely decorated, large wooden structures. Starts at 6pm. For more info, check out this page on the Terre di Pisa site.
Castelmuzio (Trequanda) | BORGHI IN FESTA | June 2-5
In the province of Siena, this festival brings the whole town together with fun, food, and activity - lots of activity such as games, bicycling, music, and markets. The stands open at 7:30 pm and offer a wide selection of foods to choose from. Sunday at lunch there is a special menu, available only upon reservation. Check out this year's program on their facebook page.
Arezzo | FIERA ANTIQUARIA | June 4 & 5
Celebrating 54 Years of Antiques
In 1968, Ivan Bruschi gave life to one of the oldest and biggest antique fairs in Tuscany...maybe even all of Italy. He transformed his love for the old, unique and precious into an event that fills the streets of Arezzo every first Sunday of the month and the Saturday that precedes it that month. This month is going to relive not antiques in the form of furnishings, clothing, and objects - but they are going to bring back the sounds, the flavors and the enthusiasm of 1968!! Check out the official site.
Panzano in Chianti | APRILANTE | June 5
We know they call the fair "April"-ante, but it really goes all year round! This monthly market on the first Sunday of the month spread out over 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. Read more about Panzano.
Lamole | I PROFUMI DI LAMOLE | June 4-5
In the center of Chianti Classico, the "I Profumi di Lamole" weekend brings out producers of quality wine to the small square in front of the church for a small but select wine tasting. Located in the hills above Greve, this is an event not to miss. Check out hours and list of producers on their Facebook page.
Prato | EATPRATO | June 4 -5
The emotion of eating great food with a festival completely dedicated to eating! Enjoy local products, from the DOCG wine from Carmignano to biscotti di Prato to mortadella. Tasting, cooking shows, and guided visits. Check out the official website for the full program.
Camaiore | TUTTO A LUPPOLO | June 4 - 5
The town will open its doors to the delicious goodness of Italian microbrews from north to south of the boot. Combine this with the quaint town center and a wide selection of yummy foods and you have a festival you will not want to miss. Details on their Facebook page.
San Miniato | NOTTE NERA | June 11
There are many "white nights" across Italy, but in this case we have a "Black Night" along the streets of San Miniato, which celebrates the black summer truffle with live music and other shows in addition to tastings - lots of ways of tasting! The page dedicated to the event on San Miniato Promozione has more details.
Pisa | GIUGNO PISANO: SAN RANIERI & GIOCO DEL PONTE | June 16 & 17 and June 25
A brief presentation of the events here: the Luminara takes place on June 16 when the city from sunset onwards is lit up with over 70,000 candles along the Arno river. It’s a very suggestive and enchanting spectacle to see, especially as the city reflects on the water of its river. At the end of the manifestation, fireworks show lights up the dark sky, always leaving every visitor happy. Pisa celebrates its Patron Saint, San Ranieri, on June 17 with a series of events and manifestations that attract every year lots of tourists and people coming from the nearby locations as well, filling the air with a festive and joyful atmosphere. The three most important events of the festivities for San Ranieri are the Luminara, the Regatta and the Battle of the Bridge.
San Gimignano | FERIE DELLE MESSI | June 17 - 19
For 3 days over the third weekend in June, San Gimignano goes back in time to celebrate the Ferie Messum, a traditional festival in honor of earth's fertility dating back to 1255. Everyone participates in the festival, divided intwo 4 contrade - San Giovanni, San Matteo, Castello and Piazza - and compete against each other in traditional games and contests. Locals hope for a good season of harvest and enjoy the start of the season with dances, song and games such as archery competitions, tug of war and the giostra dei bastioni, where knights fight against each other with spears. San Gimignano merits a visit year round but the city truly returns back to the past on this weekend so, if you're in the area, plan to head there. You can also read our review on the festival.
San Miniato | LA LUNA E’ AZZURRA | June 17 - 19
International Festival of Figure Theater
An event which consists of performances by artists from all over in the simple and pure art of puppets and mime which perform all through the evening in the many picturesque and inviting squares of the town. You can consider "La Luna è Azzurra" a big party, which expands and spreads throughout the city including many stands with local foods and artisan products. Check out the official site for details.
Arezzo | GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO | June 18
The Joust of the Saracen is truly amazing! The historical play of this knightly tournament is one of the major annual events for Arezzo, luckily happening twice year - in the evening in June (on the next to last Sunday) and during the day in September (on the first Sunday). If you're here, the energy and excitement of this event will be a moment to include in your itinerary. Check the official website and get your tickets in advance. Check out our review on the event here.
Florence | SAN GIOVANNI | June 24
June 24th is the feast day for St. John, Florence's patron saint and is a city holiday (lots of places close for the day). The highlight of the celebrations is Calcio Storico Fiorentino: a game that combines soccer, rugby, and big time wrestling which originated in 16th century Florence and today played partially in historical costume. The four teams of the historical neighborhoods of the city play against each other, first in two semi-finals (Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11) and then on the 24th of June you have the final match to determine the winner.
Check out the full events calendar for June in Florence & surroundings »
Chiusi | PALIO DELLE TORRI | June 24 - 26
Inside the picturesque town of Chiusi, a large camp from the end of the 1300s is rebuilt, where musicians, theater companies, fire dancers, knights, bands, warriors, and archers will immerse you in a never-ending whirlwind of shows and artistic events for an unforgettable journey in the stories of the past. Check out the program on the official website.
Torrita | BLUES FESTIVAL | June 23 - 25
How about changing the world with a bit of the blues? This year is the 34th Edition of the Torrita Blues Festival with music and dinner in piazza featuring concerts by Cek Francesketti & The Stomper, Alex Britti “Mojo Tour”, Paul Lamb and Chad Strentz and Kirk Fletcher. Check out the official website for program and tickets.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | June 26
On June 26, 2022, Piazza Matteotti is filled with locals who feature organic and artisan goods from their gardens, kitchens, and workshops. Often you will find not only great bargains but music and opportunities to do some taste testing. Check out their Facebook Page for more details.
Author's Note: This article was last updated on June 2, 2022. To make sure we're giving you up-to-date info, if the dates have not yet been announced or confirmed, 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 with any specific questions you might have.
