The Most Famous Festivals and Events in Milan

Vivid Milan

Attending various events is one of the best ways to discover local culture and traditions. Still, most often travellers choose sightseeing tours or eating out over the festivals, fashion shows, etc. Actually, figuring out what to do and where to go in such a large city like Milan is quite a challenge. Therefore, we created a short seasonal guide of events which will help travellers experience the most of Milan.

Autumn

Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix 

While some of us remember dancing in September, auto racing fans should be checking the dates for the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix. It takes place in Autodromo Nazionale Monza, located 30 km north of Milan. Monza is a historic city full of villas and beautiful parks, so you don’t have to be a Formula 1 lover to enjoy this place. If you’re interested in visiting Monza, Welcome organizes a half-day trip sightseeing ride which can be a perfect getaway with friends or family.

Women’s Fashion Show

On a week of September or October in Milan is dedicated to women’s fashion. Designers from all over the world come to the fashion capital to unveil their spring/summer collections. Hundreds of famous models participate in the best runway shows, a mass of events and presentations take place across the city. If you want to know what’s trending in the major fashion houses such as Roberto Cavalli, Max Mara, Moschino, PRADA, etc., don’t wait and book your tickets!

Winter

Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Winter is a magical season in Milan. The upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Eve bring pure joy and excitement to daily life. Shops, restaurants, and streets are beautifully decorated with Christmas colours and the immense dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is covered in Christmas lightbulbs!

Teatro alla Scala

While the city looks fascinating and festive, on December 7th the famous Teatro alla Scala celebrates the opening of the season. The unique night at the opera theatre is popular among the elite guests and celebrities, so the tickets are pricey and limited. However, cinemas and cultural venues broadcast the performances of the opening night live.

Fieramilano-Rho

For those who like hand-made gifts, artisan craft markets are open from the first 1st of December at Fieramilano-Rho exhibition centre. Make sure not to miss this event, because it’s open only until the 9th of December.

Men’s Fashion Week

January and February welcome the Men’s Fashion Week. The most handsome models and world-famous designers collaborate in the best runway shows and dictate men fashion trends for the spring/summer season.

Spring

Spring-break in Milan is lovely. The city is only preparing for the high season, so the streets are less crowded. With the first sunny days, Milanese fashion comes to life with colourful coats, shoes, and scarfs.

Easter in Milan

April is probably the most celebrated month in Milan because of the Holy Week and the Easter that take place on the first or the second week of the month. The city also celebrates annual Milan’s flower fair in April. Hundreds of vendors from all over the country set up a flower market along the grand Navigli canal. The spread of pleasant aromas and bright colours make you feel the true spirit of this fresh season.

Food Festivals

In May, Milan shows its gourmet side by turning into the city of food. Though this lasts only a week, there are be plenty of events to participate in. Keep your stomach ready for gastronomical adventures!

Summer

Milan Summer Festival

Everyone wants to visit Milan during the summer, therefore the traffic of tourists becomes quite heavy. Of course, the city wants to show its best side, so a lot of events happen during this time. Dance shows, musical and theatrical performances take place at one of the most visited attractions of the city – Sforza Castle. The entrance is usually free, though sometimes the ticket is required.

Milan Summer Festival brings all the music lovers together. The lineup is different every year – from rock star performances to Latino music beats – and the organizing staff tries to assure that there’s something for everyone’s taste. 

International Classic Music

Alternative nights, International Classic Music or Latino Music festivals also take place in Milan during the summertime. The dates change every year, so it’s always better to check it first. There you’ll find all the relevant information, including direct links to official websites of the events.