Bergamo’s events calendar reflects the city’s dual identity , a historic medieval upper town and a modern lower city with a strong cultural scene. From international jazz and science festivals to centuries-old religious celebrations, there is likely something happening during your visit. Here is the full rundown by month with dates, locations, and what to expect. See also our best time to visit guide.
Bergamo Events and Festivals: January and February
Epifania (January 6): The Befana visits Piazza Vecchia in the morning with sweets for children. Free, starts around 10:00. Sant’Antonio Abate (January 17): Blessing of animals in front of the Church of Sant’Alessandro in Colonna. Locals bring pets and farm animals. Free, 11:00-12:00. Carnevale Bergamasco: Carnival runs for two weekends in February (dates vary with Easter). The main parade goes through Citta Bassa along Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII with floats. The Citta Alta focuses on children’s events in Piazza Vecchia with mask-making workshops (free, Saturday afternoons). See also our things to do guide.
Bergamo Events and Festivals: March and April
Bergamo Jazz Festival (mid-March): One of Italy’s top jazz events since 1969. Four days of concerts at Teatro Donizetti, Teatro Sociale, and Sala Piatti. Past headliners include Pat Metheny and Enrico Rava. Tickets 20-50 EUR per concert, festival passes 80-120 EUR. Book through bergamojazz.com. Bergamo Film Meeting (late March, 9 days): An international art-house film festival at multiple venues. Most screenings 6-8 EUR, festival pass 45 EUR. Pasqua (Easter, March/April): Religious processions in Citta Alta on Good Friday evening (candlelit) and Easter Sunday morning. Festa dei Narcisi (mid-April): Narcissus Festival in the hills above Bergamo at Colle Aperto. Guided nature walks 5 EUR. See also our travel tips guide.
Bergamo Events and Festivals: May and June
Fiera dei Librai (late April to early May, 17 days): Book fair along the Sentierone with 40 booksellers. Free, open daily 10:00-20:00. Bergamo Arte Fiera (late May, 3 days): Contemporary art fair at the Fiera di Bergamo exhibition center. Entry 10 EUR. Festa della Repubblica (June 2): Military parade in Citta Bassa, free concerts in Piazza Vecchia in the evening. Bergamo Suona (early June, 3 days): City-wide music festival with free concerts in squares and courtyards across both parts of the city.
Bergamo Events and Festivals: July and August
Notti di Luce (late June through August, weekends): Summer evening events in Citta Alta. The funicular runs until 1 AM on Saturdays. Shops stay open until midnight with street performers and live music. Open-air cinema at the Rocca fortress courtyard (7 EUR). Summer Music Festival (July): Orchestra performances at Teatro Donizetti and open-air at the Rocca. Tickets 10-30 EUR. Festa di Sant’Alessandro (August 26): Bergamo’s patron saint day. Historical parade in Citta Alta with 200+ participants in period costume from 16:00. Fireworks at 22:30 from the Rocca fortress. Restaurants in Citta Alta require reservations 2 weeks ahead.
Bergamo Events and Festivals: September and October
BergamoScienza (late September to mid-October, 16 days): Italy’s biggest science festival with free exhibitions, talks, and workshops at multiple venues. 150,000+ visitors annually. Most events free but require online registration. Fiera di Sant’Alessandro (late August to early September): Traditional fair with market stalls and food stands. Free. Bergamo Wine Experience (October, 2 days): Tastings of Valcalepio wines at Palazzo della Ragione. Entry 20 EUR includes tasting glass. Castagnata (mid-October, 2 weekends): Chestnut festival in the hills above Citta Alta. Roasted chestnuts 3 EUR per cone.
Bergamo Events and Festivals: November and December
Donizetti Festival (November-December): Opera festival at Teatro Donizetti. Tickets 25-90 EUR. Program runs November 14 through December 7. Book through teatrodonizetti.it. Mercatini di Natale (late November through December 24): Christmas markets in Piazza Dante with 60+ wooden chalets selling crafts, food, and vin brule (3 EUR). Open daily 10:00-20:00, weekends until 22:00. A smaller market operates in Citta Alta in Piazza Vecchia (weekends only). Capodanno (New Year’s Eve): Free concert and midnight fireworks in Piazza Vecchia. Dress warmly , temperatures average 0-3C (32-37F).
