July is here, and Tuscany is getting ready for a month of great events. There’s music, fantasy-filled towns and Medieval reenactments, all combining to add some amazing atmosphere to the Tuscan towns.
So take note all you music lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone interested in the Medieval… This month is for you!
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5 Great Events around Tuscany in July 2026
Monteriggioni Medieval Festival – 9th -12th July 2026
Monteriggioni di Torri si Corona (meaning: ‘crowned with towers’) is the much-awaited Medieval Festival that takes over the walled hamlet of Monteriggioni every July, setting the time machine back to the Middle Ages. People from the past walk around the village, from jugglers to merchants, falconers to archers, all decked out in beautiful costumes.
It does not take much for this scenic village, still enclosed in its 13th century walls, to look the part. There are plenty of shows too: Medieval games and music fill the air, there’s a Medieval market and food, all of which makes for a truly unforgettable experience in a magical setting.
Where and When: Monteriggioni is half hour from Siena, between Florence and Siena, you get there via Superstrada Firenze – Siena. Big parking space outside town. Tickets and full program on the official site.
Lucca Summer Festival – from 24th June to 29th July 2026
International artists arrive to take part in one of Tuscany’s top music festivals. Concerts are in the city centre, in Piazza Napoleone and the atmosphere is great throughout July with excitement and expectation.
Big names this year at Lucca Summer Festival include: Jamiroquai, Alabama Shakes, Kate Perry, Tom Jones, The Pooh.
Mercantia, Certaldo Alto – 15th to 19th July 2026
This is hands down one my favourite events. I love the Medieval hilltop town of Certaldo Alto with its red terracotta buildings and the Palazzo Pretorio guarding over the town, the picturesque corners and lovely details. But during the five days of Mercantia the whole place becomes more charming than ever.
You have jugglers, fire eaters, folk artists, wizards, artists performing acrobatics, musical folk bands that roam the streets suddenly erupting in a vibrant musical show. Busy, hot, steamy, crowded. And unforgettable.
Street Theatre and Music Festival in Certaldo: this year is on from 15th to 19th July 2026.
Where is Certaldo: Certaldo Alto is the historic part of the town of Certaldo, located in the Valdelsa, one hour drive from Florence.
Pistoia Blues Festival – 2nd to 10th July 2026
More music at Pistoia, where last year I saw Queens of the Stone Age. They even commented on the impressive setting and seemed to be struck by how beautiful the Piazza Duomo in Pistoia is 🙂 Concerts are held right in the historic centre, as the ancient edifices reflects lights and colours creating a fabulous setting for the music.
This year at Pistoia Blues: Italian artists such as Il Volo, Baglioni, Enrico Brignano and Jethro Tull and The Darkness.
Festa dell’Unicorno, Vinci – from 10th to 12th July 2026
The Unicorn Festival, the greatest fantasy-cosplay event in Italy, is back in Vinci this year, from 10th to 12th July 2026. The hilltop town of Vinci, home to Leonardo and its famous museum, turns to magic every year in July. Gaming communities, cosplay and competitions, magicians and steampunk exhibitions. Concerts, special guests, over 100 performances.
You can rub shoulders with comic artists and the fellow fantasy passionate. This is when Vinci turns itself into a fantasy land. Interactive photo booths for weird pictures, fantasy sets from Game of thrones and Harry Potter. A festival for kids of all ages, who love to amaze and be amazed.
See info and get tickets from the official festival site.
Where is Vinci: the hilltop town of Vinci is about a 50 minute drive from Florence. Check out what to see and do in Vinci during your visit, including the Leonando da Vinci Museum.
* Best Traditional Festivals in Tuscany
* July in Tuscany: Where to Go and What to Do
Author: Sabrina Nesi, born in Florence, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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