Estate in Balera — La Balera dell'Ortica

A piece of popular Milan in the Ortica district

The Balera dell'Ortica is one of the last bastions of popular dancing tradition in Milan. Located at via Amadeo 78, in the historic Ortica district (Municipality 3), one of the most genuine and least touristy souls of the city. With the arrival of summer, the balera transforms its courtyard into an outdoor dance floor and inaugurates the Estate in Balera series, a cycle of dancing evenings that accompanies Milanese residents throughout the good season.

How the evening works

The event is held every Thursday evening, starting from May 28, 2026. The kitchen opens around 8:00 PM with classic trattoria dinners, while live music begins around 10:00 PM and continues until midnight. You can choose between two options: the dinner with dancing evening, or just dinner at the trattoria without music. For those who only want to dance, there is an entrance ticket to be purchased on-site, specifically for Thursday evenings.

Liscio, swing, and tradition

Orchestras and live bands alternate on stage, ranging from liscio to swing, covering the sounds that have made the history of Lombardy's dance halls. It's an atmosphere that blends different generations: experienced tango and mazurka dancers, curious youngsters, and neighborhood families, all united by the desire to be together. The series is part of the Balera's broader calendar, which also hosts events like the Gran Ballo di Primavera (Spring Grand Ball) during the year.

Why it's worth it

In an increasingly vertical and fast-paced Milan, Estate in Balera dell'Ortica is an invitation to slow down. It's the place to rediscover the pleasure of partner dancing, genuine cuisine, and old-fashioned sociability, just minutes from the center but in another dimension. An authentic experience that tells the story of a Milan that endures.