A summer of concerts in Tuscany: 10 festivals not to be missed

In the evocative Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia, since 1980 the big names of world blues and rock take turns in July.
Names such as Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, Brian Auger, B.B. King, Pat Metheny, Luther Allison have performed over the years in what has become an unmissable event for all lovers of good music.

The festival that has enlivened the Florentine summer in July in recent years, using the evocative setting of Piazza della Santissima Annunziata as a stage, hosting performers such as Francesco De Gregori, Baustelle, Paolo Conte, Roberto Bolle, Jethro Tull, Ermal Meta, the Orchestras of Tuscany and of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Beginning with the 2024 edition, the MusArt Festival has moved to a new location that is just as unique and fascinating: the Medici Park in Pratolino, listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the most anticipated musical events in Italy, a stage that hosts internationally renowned artists in the magnificent setting of Piazza Napoleone in Lucca.
In June and July - since 1998 - bands and singers perform in front of an audience that grows larger every year.
From Bob Dylan to James Brown, from Eric Clapton, Elton John and Ennio Morricone to the legendary Rolling Stones, all performed during this event.

A festival that brings the best of international artists and bands from around the world to the Renaissance city.
During the month of June, metal, rock and hard rock fans can combine a trip to Florence with performances by outstanding stars who take turns on stage at the Visarno Arena, in Cascine Park.
Over the years, the artists who have passed through the stage of Firenze Rocks include Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Green Day, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and many more.

For nearly 40 years in Livorno, August has been synonymous with music performances, theater, installations, street entertainment, light games and markets in the Venezia neighborhood.
So many artists have enlivened the festival over the years: Carmen, Federica Carta, Bobo Rondelli, Snaporaz, Sinfonico Honolulu and BFolksù.

For 44 years in July, the Festival delle Colline (Festival of the Hills) has brought the best of international music to the Prato area.
A traveling event that brings together quality artists and enchanting scenery for a program that ranges from theater and civic engagement to soul and songwriting.

A few kilometers from Grosseto, in August, the eco-festival of Legambiente: music, exhibitions, debates and conferences.
At the gates of the Maremma Park, concerts by Italian and international artists, film screenings, theater performances and meetings on the themes of nature conservation, circular economy, ecotourism, the fight against the mafia, sustainable mobility. Also present is organic food.

From June to September, the cultural festival at high altitude that brings together music and mountains: musicians and listeners united in one path, without any separation due to architectural barriers, in total sharing. 
The Apuan Alps host artists from all over Italy who reach the event site together with the public. 
The program includes hike with CAI (Italian Alpine Club) guides, lunch at the reference refuge, free concert at a pre-arranged time, return in the evening.

In Barga, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, a well-known festival, between July and August, that needs no introduction: world-renowned artists perform in a varied and extremely rich program. 
There is no shortage of jam sessions, times for masterclasses and seminars, dinners and tastings. Everything is designed to bring to life a true jazz celebration in a special setting.

The Puccini Festival is the most important opera festival in Italy and the only one in the world dedicated to Puccini. 
It takes place in July and August in Torre del Lago Puccini, in the places that were an inspiration to the Maestro. 
Great stars of world opera perform Puccini's masterpieces, staged in a large open-air theater on the shores of Massaciuccoli Lake, right in front of Puccini's House Museum.