Genoa’s event calendar centers on the Rolli Days when the city’s UNESCO-listed Renaissance palaces open for free, and the Festival of the Sea that celebrates the city’s maritime identity. The Genoa Boat Show dominates the business calendar each September. This guide lists all major annual events with timing and locations.
Genoa Events and Festivals Calendar
Rolli Days – Two Weekends, April and October
Rolli Days open roughly 40 of Genoa’s UNESCO-listed Rolli Palaces to the public for free over two weekends each spring and autumn. The palaces, concentrated along Via Garibaldi, Via Balbi, and Via Lomellini, were built by Genoa’s aristocratic families in the 16th and 17th centuries and formed a system of public hospitality for visiting dignitaries. Each palace features volunteer guides who explain the frescoes, art collections, and architectural details. The April weekend typically falls in the second or third week. The October weekend usually falls in the first or second week. Specific dates are announced 4-6 weeks ahead on the Rolli Days website. Entry is free but expect queues at the most popular palaces (Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Reale). Arrive at 10:00 opening time.
Genoa Boat Show (Salone Nautico) – Late September, 6 Days
The Genoa International Boat Show at the Fiera di Genova convention center and adjacent marina is one of Europe’s largest boat shows, running since 1962. Over 1,000 exhibitors display yachts, sailing boats, marine equipment, and accessories across 200,000 square meters of exhibition space. The show draws 150,000+ visitors, mostly industry professionals in the first days and the general public on the weekend. Day tickets cost approximately 18 EUR. The show transforms the city’s hotel market: rates triple and availability vanishes. If you’re not attending the show, avoid visiting Genoa during this week.
Festival of the Sea (Festa del Mare) – June, First or Second Weekend
The Festival of the Sea celebrates Genoa’s 800-year maritime history with a weekend of tall ship parades, historical boat regattas in the Porto Antico, and a Saturday night fireworks display over the harbor. The highlight is the Palio Marinaro, a rowing competition between Genoa’s historic districts in traditional gozzi boats. Most events are free and centered on the Porto Antico and Calata Falcone e Borsellino. The festival coincides with the Republic Day holiday on June 2, creating a long weekend atmosphere.
Euroflora – Every 3-4 Years, April-May, 10 Days
Euroflora is one of Europe’s largest flower and plant exhibitions, held in the Nervi Parks east of the city center. The next edition is expected in 2027-2028. The exhibition transforms the 9-hectare park complex with themed gardens, floral sculptures, and international displays. Tickets cost approximately 20 EUR. Reach the venue via bus 15 or 17 from Brignole station to Nervi (20 minutes).
Genoa Science Festival – Late October to Early November, 10 Days
The Genoa Science Festival brings 200+ events including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive demonstrations to venues across the city. Most events take place at the Palazzo Ducale, the Aquarium, and the Galata Maritime Museum. The majority of events are free and conducted in Italian with some English sessions. The full program releases in September on the festival website.
Christmas Markets and Nativity Displays – December Through Early January
Genoa’s main Christmas market fills Piazza De Ferrari and Via XX Settembre from early December through December 24 with wooden chalets selling Ligurian crafts, local foods, and mulled wine. The Porto Antico hosts a second market and an outdoor ice skating rink (8 EUR including skate rental). Genoa’s nativity scene tradition (presepi) is one of Italy’s finest, with elaborate displays at the Santuario della Madonnetta and a mechanical nativity at the Museo di Sant’Agostino.
