Family Festival
Four days dedicated to family ties in Ancona
About Family Festival
A widespread festival for the families of Ancona
The Family Festival is one of the most heartfelt social and cultural events in Ancona, the capital of the Marche region. Organized by the Municipality of Ancona through the Department of Family and the Third Sector, the festival takes place every year in May in conjunction with the International Day of the Family on May 15th, and is spread over four days between symbolic places in the city and the large green space of the Parco della Cittadella.
Meetings, reflection, and culture
The first days of the festival have a more reflective tone and offer meetings, conferences, and in-depth discussions on the themes of parenthood, education, and the challenges families face today. The events involve psychologists, writers, experts, and numerous Third Sector associations from the area, with city venues such as the Ridotto of the Teatro delle Muse, the Mole Vanvitelliana, and the city's study centers.
The weekend at Parco della Cittadella
The weekend transforms the Parco della Cittadella into a large village for families. Among the most beloved traditions is the planting of trees dedicated to children born in the previous year, a symbolic gesture that links new generations to the city. The weekend program offers creative workshops, puppet and soap bubble shows, demonstrations with canine units, contemporary circus activities, dance, yoga, Nordic walking, and road safety games.
- Mercabimbo: the fun market where children aged 6 to 12 sell and exchange toys and objects
- Concerts by young local bands and music schools
- Dance performances by local schools and companies
- Amateur races and sports activities for children
- Amusement park, street food, and outdoor activities for all ages
A free and inclusive event
The Family Festival offers free admission to almost all activities and focuses on inclusion, solidarity, and the participation of local associations. It is an opportunity to experience Ancona's public spaces together, rediscover the value of community, and offer children days of play and fun outdoors, overlooking the gulf of the Marche capital.
Family Festival — edition 2026
The third edition of the Family Festival animated Ancona from May 14 to 17, 2026. The opening days featured meetings dedicated to parenthood: on May 14th at the Ridotto of the Teatro delle Muse, a meeting with writer Costanza Miriano, and on May 15th, the "Fare famiglia" event at the Centro Studi Icaro with talks by psychologists and psychoanalysts. The weekend at the Parco della Cittadella saw the traditional planting of trees dedicated to children born in 2025, the Mercabimbo market for children aged 6 to 12, concerts by young bands, dance and puppet shows, circus workshops, canine demonstrations, and many outdoor activities for families.
Programme Family Festival 2026
2026 Program
Thursday, May 14 - Ridotto del Teatro delle Muse, 5:00 PM: meeting "Your imperfect family is perfect as it is" with Costanza Miriano.
Friday, May 15 - Centro Studi Icaro (Via del Commercio 6), 6:00 PM: meeting "Making family" with Carla Urbinati and Andrea Lucantoni.
Saturday, May 16 - Parco della Cittadella: tree planting for children born in 2025 (3:30 PM), fitness and Nordic walking, canine demonstrations, concerts by young bands (4:45 PM-9:00 PM), puppet show by Teatrino Pelleidò (6:30 PM), "Aria di circo" workshops (4:00 PM-7:00 PM).
Sunday, May 17 - Parco della Cittadella: mindful walk in nature (9:30 AM), Mercabimbo (3:00 PM-7:00 PM), dance performances (4:30 PM-6:30 PM), Holy Color Ring amateur race (6:30 PM), and play activities for families.
Highlights Family Festival 2026
- Planting of trees dedicated to children born in 2025
- Mercabimbo, the children's market at Parco della Cittadella
- Meeting with writer Costanza Miriano at the Teatro delle Muse
- Concerts, dance shows, puppet shows, and circus workshops
Prices Family Festival 2026
Practical information — Family Festival
Where
The heart of the festival is the Parco della Cittadella in Ancona; some meetings are held in city venues such as the Ridotto of the Teatro delle Muse and the Mole Vanvitelliana.
How to get there
Ancona is reachable by train (Ancona Centrale station) and by car via the A14 motorway, exit Ancona Nord or Ancona Sud. The Parco della Cittadella is located near the historic center and is served by urban buses.
Admission
Free admission to the event. Some activities such as Mercabimbo and amateur races may require booking.
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Where does it take place — Family Festival
Parco della Cittadella
Parco della Cittadella, 60123 Ancona