San Gimignano weather by month San Gimignano’s events calendar revolves around its medieval heritage, its famous white wine, and the agricultural rhythms of the Tuscan countryside. Most major events happen between June and October, and several are worth planning your trip around. All events are within walking distance of the town centre.
Events and Festivals in San Gimignano: Annual Calendar
Ferie delle Messi (Medieval Harvest Festival)
best time to visit San Gimignano The town’s signature event, held on the third weekend of June (Friday to Sunday). Two of San Gimignano’s four medieval neighbourhoods (contrade), San Giovanni and San Matteo, compete in a pageant that includes flag-throwing (sbandieratori), crossbow competitions, medieval market stalls, and a costumed parade through Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo. The highlight is the Giostra dei Bastoni (Joust of the Sticks), a stick-fighting tournament on horseback in the Campo della Fiera below the town walls. The entire historic centre closes to traffic and transforms into a 13th-century marketplace. Food stalls sell medieval-style fare. Free to watch; grandstand seats for the Giostra cost 10-15 EUR. Book accommodation months ahead, this is the busiest weekend of the year.
Vernaccia Wine Festival (Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience)
things to do in San Gimignano Held over a weekend in mid-September inside the Rocca di Montestaffoli fortress. Over 30 local producers pour their current-release Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vernaccia Riserva, plus a smaller number of red San Gimignano DOC wines. A tasting pass costs 20-25 EUR and includes a glass and unlimited tastings across the afternoon. The fortress setting at sunset, with the towers silhouetted against the sky, makes this one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric wine events. Food stands sell local pecorino cheese, salumi, and ribollita (Tuscan bread soup). Typically runs Saturday 3pm-10pm and Sunday 11am-7pm. No advance booking, buy your pass at the entrance.
White Truffle Fair (Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco)
San Gimignano neighborhoods Late October to early November (exact dates vary, usually the last weekend of October plus the first weekend of November). The fair focuses on the prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) from the surrounding Colli Senesi and Val d’Elsa hills. Piazza del Duomo fills with truffle vendors, and local restaurants run truffle-themed menus (a plate of tagliatelle with fresh white truffle shaved tableside runs 25-40 EUR). There are truffle-hunting demonstrations with trained dogs, cooking workshops, and a judged competition for the largest truffle found. Free entry to the market; workshops cost 15-30 EUR.
Cantine Aperte a San Gimignano (Open Cellars)
where to stay in San Gimignano A smaller festival on the last Sunday of May celebrating the town’s signature wine with open-cellar visits at 12-15 producers around the town walls. Unlike the September festival, this event focuses on barrel tastings and vertical tastings of older vintages. Participating cantinas post maps at the tourist office. Free to visit; some producers charge 5-10 EUR for premium tastings. Runs 10am-6pm.
Natale a San Gimignano (Christmas in San Gimignano)
San Gimignano travel tips From December 8 (Immaculate Conception) through January 6 (Epiphany), the town puts up Christmas lights on the towers and a small Christmas market in Piazza del Duomo (about 15 wooden stalls, modest by northern European standards). The market sells local artisan products, alabaster from Volterra, ceramics from Montelupo, and food products like panforte and ricciarelli (Sienese almond biscuits). A life-size nativity scene (presepe) is set up in the cloister of Sant’Agostino. On New Year’s Eve, there’s live music in Piazza della Cisterna and midnight fireworks from the Rocca. Most activities are free.
Giostra dei Bastoni (September Stick Jousting)
While the main Giostra dei Bastoni happens during the Ferie delle Messi in June, there’s a smaller standalone tournament on the first Sunday of September. This is the qualifying event for the following year’s Ferie delle Messi. Held in the Campo della Fiera, it’s less crowded than the June event and gives a more authentic look at this medieval sport. Two riders armed with wooden sticks attempt to knock each other off a platform, it dates back to 13th-century knightly tournaments. Free to watch. Starts at 3pm.
Events and Festivals in San Gimignano: Planning Tips
Book accommodation at least 2-3 months ahead for the Ferie delle Messi (June) and the Vernaccia Wine Festival (September). The town’s 2,500 hotel and B&B beds fill completely during these events. For the Truffle Fair (October-November), 3-4 weeks’ notice is usually sufficient. If you’re planning a day trip from Florence or Siena for an event, arrive before 10am to find parking, the P1 (Montemaggio) and P2 (Bagnaia) car parks fill by 11am on event days. The tourist office in Piazza del Duomo (open daily 10am-1pm and 3pm-7pm) can provide exact event dates and any last-minute schedule changes.
