Arci Festival

The Arci Festival in Rignano sull'Arno

The Arci Festival is one of the most cherished late-spring events in Rignano sull'Arno, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Florence nestled along the banks of the Arno river in the upper Valdarno, Tuscany. Organized by the Circolo Arci Rignano, the event takes place at the Via Roma sports complex and represents a popular celebration that combines great food, music, and social connection in the true spirit of Arci clubs.

A festival returning after years of absence

The 2026 edition marks the return of this festival after a multi-year break, a comeback warmly welcomed by the local community. For four days, the town's sports complex transforms into a large open-air gathering spot where families, young people, and club members come together to share evenings of conviviality.

The program: music, shows, and tradition

The festival calendar offers a different theme each day, designed to engage audiences of all ages:

• Thursday, May 28 — Official opening ceremony and dance evening to kick off the festival.
• Friday, May 29 — Performance by the Thunder Drum Band, with the infectious rhythm of percussion to heat up the night.
• Saturday, May 30 — The famous Dr. Why quiz show, an evening of games and fun to put competing teams to the test.
• Sunday, May 31 — Morning canoe excursion on the Arno, closing the festival in touch with the river's nature.

The festival cuisine

The beating heart of the event is the restaurant, open every evening at the sports complex starting at 7:00 PM. The menu, prepared by club volunteers with the support of local businesses like Pizzicheria da Lio and other town eateries, features traditional dishes from Tuscany and the Florentine Valdarno. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings.

The spirit of the Florentine Valdarno

More than just a local food festival, the Arci Festival embodies the community spirit of Rignano sull'Arno: a town where clubs and associations remain the engine of social life. Between courses, laughter, and songs, the festival becomes an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and enjoy the beautiful season of the Valdarno, just a few kilometers from Florence.