The Thursdays of Art
Open-air painting exhibition on the Riccione seafront
About The Thursdays of Art
An Open-Air Art Gallery by the Sea
'I Giovedì dell'arte' (The Thursdays of Art) is one of the most beloved and long-standing events of the summer in Riccione, in the Province of Rimini, Emilia-Romagna. Every Thursday evening, from June to September, the Lungomare della Libertà (Freedom Seafront) is adorned with colors and becomes a large open-air art gallery, where local painters create original works live, under the eyes of passers-by and tourists.
Now in its 44th edition in 2026, the event is a well-established classic of the Riccione season: an open-air painting exhibition that combines tradition and participation, beauty and simplicity, and tells the cultural vocation of a city that also thrives on visual emotions.
Live Painting, From Evening to Midnight
The heart of the event is the live creation of artworks: easels, canvases, and palettes are set up along the promenade, and artists paint while the public observes the gesture, the technique, and the birth of the painting. It is an informal and accessible opportunity for interaction between artists and people, where Riccione's beach, port, and sea become the backdrop and inspiration.
- Open-air painting created live by local painters
- An exhibition route along the stretch between the Port square and beaches 88/90
- Evening atmosphere, with artworks taking shape until midnight
- Free entry and promenade open to residents and tourists
Where and When
The exhibition takes place every Thursday from June 11 to September 10, 2026, on the Lungomare della Libertà in Riccione. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Riccione and is part of the city's rich summer calendar on the Romagna Riviera, featuring art, music, sports, and entertainment for all ages.
The Thursdays of Art — edition 2026
For summer 2026, 'I Giovedì dell'arte' returns with its 44th edition, confirming itself as one of the most recognizable events of the Riccione season. The open-air painting exhibition takes place every Thursday evening, from June 11 to September 10, 2026, on the Lungomare della Libertà, in the section between the Port square and beaches 88/90.
From evening until midnight, local painters create original works live, under the eyes of passers-by and tourists, offering a spectacle of creativity, color, and technique. The event, promoted by the Municipality of Riccione, is free and open to all.
Programme The Thursdays of Art 2026
The format for the 44th edition repeats every Thursday evening from June 11 to September 10, 2026, from evening until midnight, along the Lungomare della Libertà.
- Open-air painting exhibition: local painters create art live along the promenade, in the stretch between the Port square and beaches 88/90.
- The public strolls among the easels and watches the artworks being created, in an open-air exhibition route.
- Seaside evening atmosphere, with art accompanying summer evenings until midnight.
The nominal list of participating artists is not published in a single program: the event gathers local painters who animate the promenade each Thursday.
Highlights The Thursdays of Art 2026
- 44th edition of a historic summer tradition in Riccione
- Live painting, from evening until midnight
- The Lungomare della Libertà transformed into an open-air art gallery
- Free entry, every Thursday throughout the summer
Prices The Thursdays of Art 2026
Practical information — The Thursdays of Art
How to Get Here
Riccione is easily reachable by train (Riccione station on the Bologna–Ancona Adriatic line) and by car via the A14 motorway, Riccione exit. The event takes place on the Lungomare della Libertà, in the section between the Port square and beaches 88/90.
Times and Access
Every Thursday evening, from evening until midnight. The event takes place outdoors on the seaside promenade, and entry is free and open to all.
Contacts
Municipality of Riccione – Central Switchboard: +39 0541 608111.
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Where does it take place — The Thursdays of Art
Lungomare della Libertà (tra il piazzale del Porto e le spiagge 88/90)
Lungomare della Libertà, 47838 Riccione