Ferrara punches above its weight for events and festivals, hosting Italy’s oldest horse race, one of Europe’s largest street music festivals, and a major international journalism gathering. The city’s event calendar follows the rhythm of the seasons: the Palio in late spring, the Buskers Festival in late summer, music and journalism festivals in autumn, and Christmas markets in winter. Most events are concentrated in the compact historic centre, within walking distance of the Este Castle and Cathedral. Here is a month-by-month guide to Ferrara’s key events and festivals, with dates, locations, and practical tips.. Ferrara travel guide. weather by month. best time to visit
Spring Events and Festivals in Ferrara (March to May)
Marzo Donna (March)
Ferrara’s International Women’s Day programme runs throughout March with art exhibitions, theatre performances, film screenings, and talks at venues across the city including the Teatro Comunale and Palazzo dei Diamanti. Most events are free. Check the Comune di Ferrara website for the full programme, released in late February.. things to do
Settimana Santa (Holy Week, March or April)
Ferrara’s Easter celebrations include a Good Friday procession through the medieval centre, starting at the Cathedral and winding through the cobblestone streets of the old Jewish Ghetto. On Easter Sunday, the Cathedral holds a solemn mass with the city’s historic choir. Dates vary with the liturgical calendar (late March or April).. neighborhoods guide
Palio di Ferrara (Last Sunday in May)
The world’s oldest documented palio, dating to 1259 and formalised in 1279 under a statute of the Este family. The modern Palio involves all eight contrade (city districts) competing across three weekends in May, culminating in the horse race on the last Sunday. The race takes place in Piazza Ariostea, an oval-shaped Renaissance square purpose-built for the event. Before the race, a 1,500-person historical parade in full Renaissance costume marches from the Castello Estense to Piazza Ariostea, with flag-throwers, drummers, and noblewomen in period dress. Admission to the parade and race is free but ticketed grandstands cost €25-40 and sell out 2-3 months ahead. Book accommodation 4-6 months before if you plan to attend. The contrade also compete in flag-throwing, music, and a children’s race (Palio dei Bambini) on the preceding weekends. Always the last Sunday in May.. where to stay
Internazionale a Ferrara (Early October)
One of Italy’s most important journalism festivals, bringing 200+ journalists, writers, and intellectuals from 50 countries to Ferrara for three days of talks, panels, and screenings. Events are held at the Teatro Comunale, Palazzo dei Diamanti, and various cinemas and piazzas. All talks are in Italian or English with simultaneous translation. The 2025 edition drew 72,000 attendees. Many events are free but headline talks require a ticket (€5-8). The full programme is published on internazionale.it about one month before. Early October, Thursday to Sunday.. travel tips
Summer Events and Festivals in Ferrara (June to August)
Ferrara Buskers Festival (Late August)
One of the world’s largest street music festivals, running 5-6 days in late August. The 2026 edition runs August 26-30. Over 1,000 musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and street performers from 40+ countries fill the medieval centre, with stages in Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Trento e Trieste, Piazza Castello, and along Corso Ercole I d’Este. More than 300 free performances each day, starting from 18:00 and running past midnight. A Comacchio preview night (August 24, 2026) runs from 21:00 to midnight with a smaller selection of performers on the canals. All performances are free. Performers are paid by audience donations (cappello). The historic centre is closed to traffic during the festival. Book hotels 3 months ahead. Official site: ferrarabuskers.com.
Ferrara Sotto le Stelle (June-July)
A summer concert series held in the courtyard of the Castello Estense. The programme mixes Italian and international acts across pop, rock, jazz, and world music. Past performers include Patti Smith, The National, and Ludovico Einaudi. Concerts start at 21:30. Tickets range from €25-55. The courtyard holds about 2,500 people and sells out for bigger names. The lineup is announced in April on ferrarasottolestelle.it. 4-6 concerts per season, typically on Thursday or Friday nights.
Autumn and Winter Events (September to February)
Ferrara Musica (October to May)
Ferrara’s classical music season runs October through May with about 20 concerts at the Teatro Comunale (Corso Martiri della Libertà 5), an 18th-century opera house with excellent acoustics. The programme features chamber orchestras, solo recitals, and the occasional opera production. Tickets range €10-40. The full season programme is published in September on ferraramusica.it.
Carnevale dei Bambini (February)
Ferrara’s children’s Carnival fills Piazza Trento e Trieste on the Sunday before Lent with costume parades, face painting, puppet shows, and sweet stalls selling frappe and castagnole (traditional Carnival pastries). The event runs from 14:00 to 18:00 and is free. Date varies (February or early March depending on Easter). Adjacent streets close to traffic for the afternoon.
Mercatini di Natale (December)
Ferrara’s Christmas market runs from late November through December 24th in Piazza Trento e Trieste and Piazza della Cattedrale. About 40 wooden stalls sell handmade gifts, decorations, and local food products: salama da sugo (local cured sausage), pampepato (Ferrara’s chocolate-and-spice Christmas cake), and vin brulé (mulled wine). The market is smaller and less commercial than Bolzano or Trento versions, with a more local character. Open daily 10:00-20:00, weekends until 21:00. Free admission.
