Modena’s event calendar splits neatly between motors, food, and music. The city’s two biggest annual draws are the Motor Valley Fest in late spring and the Festival della Filosofia in autumn, but food festivals pepper the calendar year-round. Most events are free or low-cost, and the compact city centre means you can walk between venues in 10-15 minutes. Here’s what’s on, when, and how to plan around it. For Modena weather by month, see our Modena weather by month.
Motor Valley Fest (Late May)
The headline event for Modena’s automotive identity. The 2026 edition runs May 28-31, marking the eighth year of the festival. Four days of open-air car displays in Piazza Grande, track demonstrations at the Fiorano circuit, talks with automotive designers and F1 engineers, and exclusive unveilings from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani. Most outdoor events are free; indoor talks and track access require registration (€15-50 depending on the session). The city centre transforms into a pedestrian-only exhibition space with classic cars lining Via Emilia. Hotels sell out months ahead , book by January for the festival weekend. The official programme is published on motorvalley.it each March. For best time to visit Modena, see our best time to visit Modena.
Acetaie Aperte (Open Vinegar Attics, Late September)
On the last weekend of September, 40+ traditional balsamic vinegar producers across Modena province open their attics to the public for free tours and tastings. This is the best weekend of the year to visit if you’re into food , you can hop between family acetaie, taste balsamic aged anywhere from 12 to 50 years, and buy directly from producers at below-retail prices. The event is organized by the Consorzio di Tutela dell’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. Pick up a map from the tourist office on Piazza Grande. No booking required for most producers, but arrive early (9-10 AM) on Saturday to avoid queues at the most famous acetaie like Giusti and Leonardi. For things to do in Modena, see our things to do in Modena.
Festival della Filosofia (Mid-September)
Modena shares this three-day philosophy festival with nearby Carpi and Sassuolo each September. The festival brings 50+ Italian and international philosophers to give free public lectures in piazzas, courtyards, and theatres across the city. Past themes have included “Truth” (2023), “Psyche” (2024), and “Chaos” (2025). Lectures are in Italian but the atmosphere , crowds spilling out of historic venues discussing ideas over aperitivo , translates regardless. All events are free. The 2026 dates are typically the third weekend of September (confirm on festivalfilosofia.it by June). For Modena neighborhoods, see our Modena neighborhoods.
Modena Jazz Festival (March-April)
Running since 1973, the Modena Jazz Festival brings international jazz names to venues including the Teatro Comunale and smaller clubs like La Tenda. The 2025 edition featured artists like Stefano Bollani and Enrico Rava. Dates vary but typically run March through early April with 8-10 concerts. Tickets: €15-35 per concert. The full programme appears on the Comune di Modena website by February. The festival is smaller than Umbria Jazz or Montreux but the Teatro Comunale as a venue is exceptional for acoustics. For where to stay in Modena, see our where to stay in Modena.
Christmas Markets and Holiday Events (Late November to December)
From the last weekend of November through December 24, Piazza Grande hosts Modena’s Christmas market with 30+ wooden stalls selling local food products (balsamic gift sets, Parmigiano, Lambrusco), handmade crafts, and seasonal treats like tortellini in brodo from pop-up food stands. The market is open daily 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. An ice skating rink sets up in Piazza XX Settembre from early December through mid-January (€8 including skate rental). The cathedral and Torre Ghirlandina are illuminated with projection mapping shows each evening. Unlike German Christmas markets, Modena’s is more food-focused and less crowded , you can actually browse without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. For Modena travel tips, see our Modena travel tips.
Weekly Markets and Recurring Events
The main weekly market takes over Piazza Grande and surrounding streets every Tuesday and Saturday morning (7:00 AM to 1:00 PM) with 150+ stalls selling clothing, leather goods, household items, and food. The Monday morning antiques market (Mercato dell’Antiquariato) fills Piazza XX Settembre on the third Monday of each month with vintage furniture, books, and collectibles. From June to September, the Giardini Ducali (Ducal Gardens) hosts outdoor cinema screenings on Thursday evenings (€5 entry, films in Italian). For everything else, see our complete Modena guide.
