Music Festival
Three days of concerts and music filling the iconic landmarks of Pistoia
About Music Festival
Pistoia fills with music
Every year, around the summer solstice, the Music Festival turns the streets and squares of Pistoia into one vast, sprawling stage. Inspired by the French Fête de la Musique and now a nationwide event promoted by the Ministry of Culture, the festival celebrates music as a shared language capable of uniting different generations and genres. Located in the heart of Tuscany, just a few kilometers from Florence and at the foot of the Apennines, the capital of the Province of Pistoia welcomes residents and visitors for three days of completely free concerts, workshops, and gatherings.
The 2026 theme: "The Voice of Places"
The 32nd edition, scheduled from June 19 to 21, 2026, is themed "The Voice of Places": an invitation to rediscover the city's cultural heritage and identity through music. Fittingly, concerts will take place in some of Pistoia's most significant landmarks, from Piazza San Lorenzo to the National Gallery, and from Villa Puccini di Scornio to the Luigi Tronci Foundation, a historic institution dedicated to the craft of percussion instruments. The 2026 edition also joins the rich calendar of Pistoia Italian Capital of the Book 2026, featuring events that weave together music and literature.
A program for everyone
The selection is intentionally diverse: ranging from classical music performed at Villa Puccini to brass band concerts in the Palazzo Comunale courtyard, from folk dances in Piazza Nelson Mandela to the "singer-songwriters' night" in Piazza San Francesco. There are also moments dedicated to families and children, such as the sound workshops at the Tronci Foundation, as well as more contemporary offerings with DJ sets and emerging local bands. Recurring activities include:
- Live concerts in historic squares and courtyards
- Performances by city bands, choirs, and orchestras
- Musical workshops and activities for children
- Aperitifs and dinners accompanied by music and folk dances
- Jam sessions and showcases for the local emerging scene
A free and widespread festival
The hallmark of Pistoia's Music Festival is its widespread and grassroots nature: no single stage, but dozens of events scattered across squares, villas, and cultural institutions, all with free admission. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the historic center of one of Tuscany's most fascinating and authentic art cities, letting the sound of music guide you from one landmark to the next.
Music Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 32nd, confirms the formula of music spread throughout the city's iconic landmarks, with a program spanning three days. It begins on Friday, June 19, with performances at the National Gallery and brass band concerts; continues on Saturday, June 20, with the "Voice of Places" review in Piazza San Lorenzo and the "singer-songwriters' night"; and concludes on Sunday, June 21, with children's workshops at the Tronci Foundation, city orchestras, and the "Borgognoni in festa" musical marathon.
Programme Music Festival 2026
Friday, June 19
- 17:00-19:00 — National Gallery: "Don't call it a recital", performance by Live Music Comp students
- 20:00 — Piazza Nelson Mandela: aperitif-dinner with folk dances
- 21:30 — Palazzo Comunale Courtyard: concert by the Borgognoni Band
Saturday, June 20
- 17:00 — Villa Puccini di Scornio: Mabellini Classic Music
- 18:30-23:30 — Piazza San Lorenzo: "The Voice of Places" review with various local artists
- 18:30-23:00 — Piazza San Lorenzo: "Books in the Square"
- 21:00 — Officina delle Opportunità: Festival of Opportunities
- 21:15 — Piazza San Francesco: "The Night of the Singer-Songwriters"
Sunday, June 21
- 10:00-12:00 — Tronci Foundation: "The Great Sound Goose Game" (activities for children)
- 11:00-23:00 — Piazza San Francesco: "Borgognoni in festa", musical marathon
- 16:30 — Tronci Foundation: drum circle
- 17:00 — Villa Puccini di Scornio: Mabellini Modern Music
- 18:00 — Tronci Foundation: concert by the Choreos choir
- 18:30 — Palazzo Comunale: Maberliner Orchestra
- 18:30-23:30 — Piazza San Lorenzo: concerts with local artists
- 19:00 — Tronci Foundation: Magnolia Grooves (DJ set)
- 21:15 — Palazzo Comunale: "Piero Love Songs"
Highlights Music Festival 2026
Among the most anticipated moments: the evening "Voice of Places" review in Piazza San Lorenzo, the "night of the singer-songwriters" in Piazza San Francesco, the classical and modern concerts at Villa Puccini, and the "Borgognoni in festa" musical marathon closing the Sunday. The sound workshops for families at the Tronci Foundation are also highly popular.
Prices Music Festival 2026
Practical information — Music Festival
When
From June 19 to 21, 2026, with events spread throughout the day from afternoon to evening.
Where
Pistoia historic center: Piazza San Lorenzo, Piazza San Francesco, Palazzo Comunale courtyard, National Gallery, Villa Puccini di Scornio, Luigi Tronci Foundation, and other city venues.
How to get there
By train: Pistoia station is on the Florence-Lucca-Viareggio line, just a short walk from the center. By car: take the Pistoia exit on the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway. The historic center is largely pedestrianized, so it is advisable to use the park-and-ride facilities.
Admission
All events are free of charge.
Information
Culture Office of the Municipality of Pistoia, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Music Festival
Piazza San Lorenzo e centro storico