A summer of festivals: events you can't miss

In summer, squares and open-air theatres fill with music and joy, thanks to major musical events that draw a large and diverse audience each year. The city of Pistoia and the hamlets in the area also transform into open-air stages. Here are the festivals you won’t want to miss.

Pistoia Blues Festival

Since 1980, in July, the striking Piazza del Duomo in the historic heart of Pistoia has been transformed into an open-air stage for the Pistoia Blues Festival. Among the many artists and legends of European rock and blues who have performed, we mention Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, B.B. King and Pat Metheny.

In addition to the main appointment, a series of side events enriches the experience, making the Pistoia Blues Festival a unique opportunity to experience the magic of music in a fascinating setting.

In 2021, the Pistoia Blues Festival celebrated its 40th anniversary, confirming it as one of the longest-running and most prestigious music events in Italy, counted among the events of international prominence in the country’s artistic scene.

Serravalle Jazz, Rock e Opera

Serravalle Jazz is the festival dedicated to the Italian and contemporary scene that takes place in late August in Serravalle Pistoiese. It was born in 2001 thanks to the musical and organizational twinning with Barga Jazz and the Big Band. Each edition revolves around a theme and the program includes, in addition to musical events, meetings with artists, book presentations and talks.

The charming Rocca Nuova is the setting for two other festivals held in the summer: Serravalle Opera (in late June) and Serravalle Rock (in late July). The former is dedicated to classical opera, the latter to the Italian independent rock scene.

Serravalle Jazz 2024 – Dal 25 al 28 agosto

Toscana Django Festival

Born in Popiglio, the Toscana Django Festival is held annually in the San Marcello Pistoiese area. Dedicated to Django Reinhardt, one of the most virtuosic and influential guitarists of all time, the festival stands out for its focus on musical research and experimentation, encouraging artists to engage with their roots and traditions.

Toscana Django Festival 2024 – Dal 21 al 25 agosto

Porretta Soul Festival

Since 1988, the Porretta Soul Festival, now in its 36th year, has celebrated soul in all its forms. Held annually in Porretta Terme, in the Apennines between Bologna and Pistoia, it hosts numerous artists on stage at Rufus Thomas Park. In more than thirty years, the festival has hosted the biggest names in soul, earning a reputation as a major international music event.