Summer at the Castle
Music, theatre, and cinema under the stars at Sforza Castle
About Summer at the Castle
The spectacular summer of Sforza Castle
Estate al Castello is the multidisciplinary summer review of Sforza Castle in Milan, Lombardy, promoted by the Municipality of Milan. It takes place in the Cortile delle Armi, the monumental space within the Castle, transformed for the entire summer season into a large open-air stage.
A programme for all tastes
The programme, one of the richest of the Milanese summer, intertwines different genres:
- Concerts and live music, from jazz to pop, from world music to singer-songwriter
- Theatre, dance, and performances
- Comedy and stand-up
- Literary encounters and conferences
- A cinema arena in August, with daily screenings of classics and new releases
Great artists
Each edition brings renowned names from the Italian and international scene to the Castle stage. For 2026, among others, the Civica Jazz Orchestra, Paola Turci and Francesca Michielin, the Thanda Choir from Cape Town, Frankie hi-nrg mc, Alex Britti, Angélique Kidjo, Noa, Alberto Fortis, and Sal Da Vinci.
A Milanese summer ritual
With the artistic direction of Federico Russo, Estate al Castello has become an unmissable event for those who stay in the city during the summer: attending a concert or a film in the Cortile delle Armi, with the imposing Sforza Castle behind you, is an experience that combines culture, entertainment, and beauty in the heart of Milan.
Summer at the Castle — edition 2026
The fourteenth edition of Estate al Castello enlivens the Cortile delle Armi of Sforza Castle in Milan from June 12 to September 9, 2026, with a preview on June 10. The festival, with artistic direction by Federico Russo, offers over 50 events including music, theatre, dance, comedy, and encounters, and cinema.
The music programme alternates between jazz, pop, world music, and singer-songwriter genres, while in August the Courtyard hosts a cinema arena with daily open-air screenings.
Programme Summer at the Castle 2026
June 2026
- June 10 — Civica Jazz Orchestra (preview)
- June 12 — Capital Jam with Paola Turci and Francesca Michielin
- June 21 — Thanda Choir (from Cape Town)
July 2026
- July 2 — Frankie hi-nrg mc
- July 17 — Alex Britti
- July 21 — Angélique Kidjo
- July 25 — Noa
- July 26 — Alberto Fortis
August 2026 — Cinema Arena
- August 1-25 — Daily open-air screenings of classics and new releases
September 2026
- September 6 — Sal Da Vinci
- September 9 — Marco Castello
Over 50 events in total including music, theatre, dance, comedy, and cinema. Full programme and tickets at milanocastello.it.
Highlights Summer at the Castle 2026
Prices Summer at the Castle 2026
Practical information — Summer at the Castle
When
From June 12 to September 9, 2026 (preview June 10). Cinema arena from August 1 to 25. Shows generally at 9:00 PM.
Where
Cortile delle Armi, Sforza Castle, piazza Castello 3, Milan. Reachable by metro M1 (Cairoli) and M2 (Lanza, Cadorna).
Tickets
Prices vary depending on the event, many at subsidized rates. Full programme and tickets at milanocastello.it.
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Where does it take place — Summer at the Castle
Cortile delle Armi - Castello Sforzesco
Piazza Castello 3, 20121 Milano