Visiting Florence in September means to explore a city and its surroundings in an explosion of flavors and local events. The grapes are ready to be harvested, there is a slight chill in the temps which will ripen the last of the fresh fruit and there is an excitement in the air for the long-established events which celebrate the fertility of the land and the beauty of the season including many fairs, re-enactments … And of course, sagras and food festivals which exalt the many traditional dishes that start to become available with the change of the season.
If you have the time between visiting museums, churches and exhibitions, the city of Florence and the nearby towns will amaze you with their color, their pageantry, and their serendipity.
We are constantly updating the dates for the new year, if they have not yet been posted by official sites then we write in TBA (to be announced) - so keep checking in with us...or write us on the Forum. Traveling around Tuscany, and not just in Florence? Remember to check out the many select events that happen all over the region.
This is also the month when you can find lots of exciting things happening in vineyards throughout the region, read here to find out some of the more popular events in wine this month. September has the city of Prato hopping with lots of activities, check out the calendar.
Be sure to take note of the events that whet your appetite for color, local fun and delicious treats for your travels through Tuscany this September:
Author's Note: This article was last updated on August 20, 2019, to make sure we're giving you up-to-date info, if the dates have not yet been announced then we indicate TBA (to be announced). If they have not yet been posted keep checking in with us...or better yet, write us on the Forum
Events that happen every month:
Panzano in Chianti | APRILANTE | 1° Sunday in Sept
Handcrafts & Vintage
We know they call the fair "April"-ante, but it really goes all year round! This monthly market in the streets of this charming town in Chianti is where you will find handicrafts, vintage and delicious typical foods and all of it this is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence.
Londa | SAGRA DELLA PESCA BIANCA | 2° Sunday of Sept
the Queen of Fruit, the White Peach
But if your tastes go more to the sweeter products of the land then just a bit southeast of Florence is Londa and its celebration of the late-ripening peach (the White Queen). It takes place on the second Sunday of September (8,9 & 10th Sept. 2017)with activities and fireworks on the lake, awards for the best product, concerts and even a food festival highlighting (peaches of course) and polenta.
Fortezza da Basso | ANTIQUES & FLEA MARKET | 3° weekend in Sept
on the lawn of the Medici fortress
In the shadow of the Florence Fortress da Basso, you can visit small stands with vintage and antique treasures. From 9 am till 7:30 pm you can stroll and find unique souvenirs. The more than one hundred operators from all over Italy expose antique pieces of furniture, objects of various periods and styles, second-hand books, collectibles and everything related to the world of antiques.
Piazza dei Ciompi | MERCATINO | last weekend of Sept
looking for a bargain at the flea market?
It’s always fun to explore the treasures of a town like Florence and the monthly antique fairs are just the place to do that. It's all about the fun of "maybe" finding something special to take home as a reminder of your holidays. The Flea Market in Piazza dei Ciompi is on the last weekend of every month; they set up early around the permanent antique stands. Get there early and start snooping to get the best deals, there is a wide assortment of old and new.
Florence, city center | CARRO MATTO | last Saturday of Sept
a picturesque event in the streets of Florence
At the end of the month (30th of September, 2017), you can follow the Florentines through the streets as they salute the arrival of the first bottles of wine for the new season. Watch as the traditional white oxen pull a wine-laden "carro" (wagon) through the streets and present it in front of the Piazza della Signoria, with a parade in historical costumes and performance by the flag-throwers of the city. Read our article for more details about the Carro Matto
Impruneta | FESTA DELL’UVA | last Sunday of Sept
93rd Edition of the Festival of the Grapes
It wouldn’t be Tuscany if they didn’t celebrate the harvest of the grapes, like they do in Impruneta who has a whole month of planned activities and then sums it all up with a huge market in the town square on September 24th with local foods and parades.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | 4° Sunday of Sept
Organic and Artisan Market
Piazza Matteotti, in the center of Greve in Chianti, is filled with locals who feature goods from their gardens, their kitchens, and their workshops. Often you will find not only great bargains but music and opportunities to do some taste testing. In September you will find the farmer’s market rich with the fall harvest, including fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, cheese, breads, and more.
Events that happen every year in September:
Florence, city center | RIFICOLONA | Sept 7
a classical Florentine tradition
The Festa della Rificolona is one of the more classic folkloric events in the city center of Florence and as a visitor, it is very easy for you to participate. The parade wanders through the streets of Florence with colorful glowing lanterns; it is a game and a show at the same time. Read our article to learn more about Festa della Rificolona
Duomo | FESTA DELL’OPERA DI SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE | Sept 8
The laying of the first stone
On September 8th, the Opera of Santa Maria del Fiore celebrates the anniversary of its foundation. The laying of the first stone of the new “ecclesia maior”, destined to take the place of the now inadequate S. Reparata, dates back to the year 1296. Since then the Opera of Santa Maria del Fiore can trace its history for over seven centuries, that makes this ancient institution one of the most secure connections with the past on which today's Florence can count.
Scarperia | DIOTTO | Sept 8
In Mugello, the area that gave us the Medici family, in the little town called Scarperia, tradition has them dedicating almost an entire week to celebrate, with food, music, and lots of activities, the founding of the city in 1308 by the Florentine government. The event starts early and, as always, brings an air of times-gone-by especially with the "Renaissance Evening" on 1st and the "Renaissance Day" on Sunday 2 the country will come alive with shows, ladies, knights, artists and much more for a two-day historical re-enactment
Read here and find out what to expect at the Diotto celebration
Firenze | AUTUMN EQUINOX | Sept 23 at 9:50 AM
The hours of the day will be equal to those of the night and masculine and feminine energy will find a balance and give strength to each other. A special day for Santa Maria Novella. Thanks to the meridian lines found on the floor of the basilica you will be able to observe with your own eyes the apparent passage of the Sun on the day before the Autumn Equinox. Another famous gnomon in Florence can be found at the Duomo.
Events you don’t want to miss this year:
Florence | FESTIVAL DELLE MONGOLFIERE | CANCELLED due to bad weather
Fly above the city in a hot air balloon
Soar above in effortless flight with hot air balloons and kites, add to the mix a bit of good food and you have the perfect festival fun. For two weekends in a row (Oct & Nov) you can join the festivities, color, and music just outside the city center - but easily accessible with public transport.
Certaldo | CIPOLLA DI CERTALDO IN SAGRA | Aug 23 - Sept 1
dedicated to the majestic Onion of Certaldo
And let's not forget the activities which highlight the fantastic flavor of the Cipolla di Certaldo (the Certaldo Onion). The locals in Certaldo declare "La vita è troppo corta per mangiare e bere male," which means that "Life is too short to eat and drink poorly" and they have a wide selection of secret recipes which will tantalize your taste buds...all using their famous onion. Check out the Facebook page for an official program of events:
Facebook Page Cipolla di Certaldo
Figline Val d’Arno | PALIO DI SAN ROCCO | Aug 30 - Sept 3
over 40 years of the Race of Saint Rocco
Fun-filled days celebrating the bounty of the harvest and the long-held tradition of the Palio of San Rocco. There are farmer’s markets, events for all ages and music centering around the trails and final race for the Palio.
Check out the Facebook page Palio di San Rocco or Official Program of Events
Greve in Chianti | CHIANTI EXPO | Sept 5 - 8
wine, wine, and more wine
However, if you would much rather celebrate the finished product, then you need to head to Chianti and the wine EXPO. Local producers will have bottles to sample with the purchase of a souvenir glass, you can then stroll through the small town with the stands showcasing their finished products and inhaling the atmosphere of Greve in Chianti and the vendemmia (grape harvest).
Pontassieve | COOKSTOCK | Sept 6 - 7 - 8
cooking creatively in Tuscany
In a country where food is a part of the national heritage, you can’t help but love a city where international and Italian chefs are brought together in the many historic palazzos throughout the town to teach their special tricks of the trade.
Fucecchio | SALAMARZANA | Sept 7 - 8
A Medieval Festival
Set in the city center of Fucecchio this fair revisits the historic games, entertainment, and foods found along the via Francigena. The streets, courtyards, gardens and town squares lend themselves to recreate a special ambiance in costume including visits to the towers and palazzos. You will find stands with artisans, military camps, music, magicians and dancers and more which will drag you back into yesteryear. The menu is comprised of recipes found in the medieval times - so be prepared to feast! Check out our blog post for more details.
Poggio a Caiano | ASSEDIO ALLA VILLA | Sept 13, 14 & 15
outside of Florence near Prato, a siege takes place
Stepping out to the province, Poggio a Caiano, famous for being home to one of the most beautiful Medicean villas in Tuscany, will be home to Assedio alla Villa, an event consists of a historical re-enactment that will turn the whole town into a Renaissance village. Visitors will feel like traveling back in time, with itinerant performances, handicraft markets, and fairs, enjoying the old arts and crafts. An incredible firework show concludes the manifestation on the last day.
Florence | FORTISSIMISSIMO FIRENZE FESTIVAL | Sept 20 - Oct 5
If you love classical music, then make sure to include a performance of the Fortissimissimo festival into your itinerary. The Cherubini Music Conservatory right by the Accademia museum is the setting for the concerts which include piano, violin, quartets and more. Check out the program and info on buying tickets on the official website.
Villa Medicea di Lilliano | SOUND STATIONS JAZZ CONCERT | Sept 15
music in the countryside
Just a bit south of Florence, Villa Medicea di Lilliano, is bring you some jazzy tunes - for free! Nicola Vernuccio and Claudia Tellini in Sound Stations shows off a repertoire that is anything but predictable. During the evening it will be possible to buy and taste the wines by Malenchini of Villa Medicea di Lilliano Wine Estate
Stadio Artemio Franchi | FIORENTINA CALCIO | Sept 14 & 25
Forza Viola!
Two great teams meet in the city’s historic stadium to start the 2019-20 Serie A football/soccer season. This is an opportunity to not let pass by. The first game is a rivalry game felt in the heart of every fan for the Florentine team - Fiorentina vs Juventus - one you will not want to miss. If you can’t get tickets, then pop-in a sports bar and feel the excitement!! The second game is against Sampdoria, sure to be a great match on our home turf.
More info on about tickets and the team.
City Center Florence | NEXTECH FESTIVAL | Sept 19, 20 & 21
Digital Sounds
The program has been unveiled - the complete line-up for the XIII edition of Nextech, the Florentine festival that for the past 13 years has hosted the best international electronic music in September. Get ready to party with the great sounds of groups like DJ Rush and Max Cooper, check the full calendar below to see at which location your favorite group is playing: La Compagnia or Club 21 or Fortezza Da Basso.
Palazzo Vecchio | WIRED NEXT FEST | Sept 27 - 29
The Future is Already Here
The Wired Next Fest is back in Florence, and it is considered one of the most important Italian festival that celebrates and tells about science, technology, business, the web, research, social innovation, the desire for change and evolution. Find time to visit Palazzo Vecchio and this event. The theme of this year's edition is PEOPLE. In Florence, Wired wants to celebrate the human factor: because behind every invention, discovery, success, failure, technology, change, idea or work of art there are people.
Florence | CORRI LA VITA | Sept 29
contribute to the future
For those who want to contribute in a different way to the future, you can sign up for the Corri la Vita run, to raise awareness of breast cancer. There is a long run and a short run which follows through the streets of Florence, a great way to meet with the locals and bond over a meaningful cause. Participation in the short run also gives you free entrance into some of the museums in the city center after 2 pm. It is possible to register on the day before or you can register online.
