Festivals in Bologna: date, tradizione e consigli per partecipare.
History
Bologna hosts some of Italy's most recognised cultural festivals. The most famous is Il Cinema Ritrovato, organised by the Cineteca di Bologna since 1986: a festival dedicated to restored film classics, with free evening screenings in Piazza Maggiore.
Upcoming dates
Il Cinema Ritrovato
📍 Piazza Maggiore and city venues
International festival dedicated to restored film classics, organised by the Cineteca di Bologna since 1986.
Dates may change: always check official channels before planning your visit.
What to see
Il Cinema Ritrovato takes place every year between late June and early July, for about 9 days, with hundreds of restored films screened in venues across the city and special evenings on the big screen in Piazza Maggiore, free and open to all.
Thanks to its musical tradition (the Conservatory, the Teatro Comunale) and university vocation, Bologna also hosts smaller music and cultural events throughout the year, often tied to the Teatro Comunale's seasons and the city's historic clubs.
Did you know…
- Il Cinema Ritrovato reached its 40th edition in 2026.
- The festival is organised by the Cineteca di Bologna, one of the most important in the world for film restoration.
Practical information
| Hours | Evening screenings in Piazza Maggiore are generally free and open access; the full programme with times is published each year at ilcinemaritrovato.it. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Screenings in Piazza Maggiore are free; accreditation for indoor venues has a variable cost. |
Tips for your visit
- Dates shift slightly each year: check the updated calendar at ilcinemaritrovato.it.
- Evenings in Piazza Maggiore are free but crowded: arrive early for a good spot.