Here is a brief overview of the major festivals and events in Versilia for the 2024-2025 seasons:

Puccini Festival (Jul-Sept 2024)

Music lovers will be thrilled by the opportunity to attend the renowned Puccini Festival, held annually in the picturesque open-air theater in Torre del Lago. Puccini’s masterpieces, moonshine-kissed, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Lake Massaciuccoli.

The 70th edition held in 2024 is set to honor the legendary composer Giacomo Puccini 100 years after his death. Under the guidance of Pier Luigi Pizzi, the festival will present six new productions of Puccini’s masterpieces, performed in chronological order according to their first performance.

The program includes:

1. Le Willis – Edgar: Scheduled for July 12 and 19, 2024, at the Grand Open Air Theatre.
2. Manon Lescaut: To be performed on July 13 and August 2, 2024, at the Grand Open Air Theatre.
3. La Bohème: Set to take place on July 20, 27, and August 8, 22, 2024, at the Grand Open Air Theatre.
4. Tosca: Scheduled for July 26, August 9, 18, and 24, 2024, at the Grand Open Air Theatre.
5. Turandot: To be staged on August 3, 10, 17, and 23, 2024, at the Grand Open Air Theatre.

As a special event, Madama Butterfly will be performed on August 31 and September 7, 2024, to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the opera’s birth.

With 18 evenings of opera in the stunning setting of the Grand Open-Air Theatre on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, the Puccini Festival is the only event of its kind dedicated to the Tuscan composer.

Puccini Festival Official Website (English)

Lucca Summer Festival (Jun-Jul 2024)

The Lucca Summer Festival 2024 is gearing up to be an incredible event, with a fantastic lineup of both Italian and international artists set to perform in the beautiful city of Lucca. The festival, which began in 1998, has become a staple in the Tuscan music scene, attracting thousands of music lovers each year.

The 2024 edition of the festival is already shaping up to be unforgettable, with the announcement of several big-name artists. Ed Sheeran will kick off the festival with two performances on June 8th and 9th at the historic Mura Storiche. Other notable acts include Swedish House Mafia, who will take the stage in Piazza Napoleone on June 30th, and Italian rapper Tedua, who will perform on July 3rd in the same location.

The festival will also feature performances by rising Italian star Geolier on July 5th, followed by the iconic American alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins on July 6th. Rod Stewart, a veteran of the music industry, will grace the stage on July 7th, while Italian indie-pop sensation Calcutta will perform on July 11th at the Mura Storiche.

Rock legend Lenny Kravitz will take the stage on July 12th, followed by jazz icon Diana Krall on July 15th and CCR’s John Fogerty on July 16th. Italian rappers Salmo and Noyz Narcos will join forces for a performance on July 18th, while pop sensation Mika will perform on July 19th, followed by Sam Smith on July 20th.

The festival will conclude with performances by the legendary British band Duran Duran on July 21st and 23rd, and a special collaboration between American rock band TOTO and jazz bassist Marcus Miller on July 24th.

With such an incredible lineup of artists performing across various venues in Lucca, the Lucca Summer Festival 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers from all over the world.

Lucca Summer Festival Official Website (English)

La Prima Estate Festival (June 2024)

The La Prima Estate festival, organized by D’Alessandro e Galli, is set to be an exciting new event that combines music, vacation, and leisure time. The festival will take place from June 14th to 16th and from June 21st to 23rd, 2024, at Parco BussolaDomani in Lido di Camaiore, Versilia.

The festival boasts an impressive lineup of international artists from various genres, including indie, classic rock, and dance music. Some of the notable acts include Peggy Gou, Paolo Nutini, Fontaines D.C., Kasabian, Phoenix, Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaur Jr., Michael Kiwanuka, ANOTR, 2manydjs, Todd Terje, Shame, Venerus, Black Country New Road, Motta, Sleaford Mods, and Wu-Lu.

What sets La Prima Estate apart from other music festivals is its focus on providing a complete vacation experience. In addition to the concerts, which will take place every evening starting at 6:30 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various activities such as sports (cycling, SUP, surfing), beach yoga, cooking shows by the sea, and hiking in the hills. For those who prefer to relax, they can spend the entire day at the beach waiting for the concerts to start.

La Prima Estate Official Website (English)

Versiliana Festival (Jul-Aug 2024)

The Versiliana Festival, held in the charming town of Marina di Pietrasanta, showcases a diverse range of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary theater productions and concerts. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the open-air theater, surrounded by the lush pine forest of the Versiliana Park.

La Versiliana Festival Official Website (English)

Seravezza Blues Festival (July 2024)

Founded in 2015, the Seravezza Blues is an almost free-entry festival dedicated to this joyful niche of blues listeners, musicians, producers.

Come in the heart of the Apuan Alps to take part to a week of concerts, workshops, meetings, and film screenings, from July 15 to 22, 2024.

First Headliners Announced for Seravezza Blues Festival 2024: Incognito! The historic British band will arrive at the Palazzo Mediceo of Seravezza on Monday, July 22, 2024, for their only date in Tuscany.

Join us for a grand evening event with the pioneers of global acid jazz, who have been making millions of fans dance for over fifty years.

Tickets for the event are already available on Vivaticket and Ticketone!

Seravezza Blues Festival Official Website (Italian)

Lucca Film Festival (Sept 2024)

In the old town of Lucca, a selection of films straight from the most important international festivals, including national and international premieres, short films, exhibitions, thematic conferences, meetings, masterclasses, musical events, and international guests. The Lucca Film Festival is scheduled from September 21 to 29.

The competitions and screenings of the Lucca Film Festival are divided into feature films and short films, in addition to 9 out-of-competition films including a world premiere, to which is added the new short film competition LFF for Future, dedicated to environmental issues with innovative methods of narrative, documentary, and animation storytelling.

Lucca Effetto Cinema is the event that enlivens the historic center with micro-performances co-produced by the festival together with amateur acting associations and local and national dance companies.

All events are free with reservation.

Lucca Film Festival Official Website (English)

Lucca Comics & Games (Oct-Nov 2024)

From October 30th to November 3rd, 2024, the city of Lucca will transform into a paradise for fans of comics, gaming, role-playing games, cinema, TV, illustration and cosplay. Lucca Comics & Games, the largest event of its kind in Europe and the second largest in the world, is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors.

For five days, the fascinating historical walls, picturesque streets, and enchanting squares of Lucca will serve as the backdrop for a passionate and creative community, eager to share their enthusiasm, exchange ideas, have fun, and forge new friendships.

Imagine strolling among the colorful booths, admiring the works of talented artists, and discovering the latest news. Gaming enthusiasts will find plenty to sink their teeth into, with exciting tournaments, exclusive previews, and the opportunity to try out the most anticipated titles of the moment.

And then there are the cosplayers, who bring a burst of color and creativity to the streets of Lucca with their incredible interpretations of beloved characters. Let yourself be amazed by their mastery in creating detailed costumes and bringing their favorite heroes to life.

Viareggio Carnival Summer Show (June-August 2024)

From June 22 to August 10, 2024

Experience the magic of the Viareggio Carnival in summer! Enjoy spectacular shows featuring grand allegorical floats, festive events, circus performances, activities, and creative workshops for children at the Citadel, along with group and individual mask parades in the Pine Forest, and the unveiling of the 2025 Carnival sketches.

Saturday, June 22 – Carnival Citadel
18:00 – 21:00: Children’s party and activities
Kite and papier-mâché workshops, open museums, group games, and entertainment.
From 21:30: Show with allegorical floats
“Listen, Boy” by Massimo and Alessandro Breschi
“The Circus of Dreams” by Alessandro Avanzini
“It’s Time to Change” by Roberto Vannucci
“Wake Up! A Semi-Fantastic Story of Alternative Intelligence” by Lebigre and Roger
“All You Can Eat” by Matteo Raciti

Saturday, July 20 – Carnival Citadel
18:00 – 21:00: Children’s party and activities
Fun and creative activities for children.
From 21:30: Show with  allegorical floats
“Bla Bla Bar” by Umberto, Stefano, Michele, and Jacopo Cinquini
“Octopus 5.0: Artificial Resolution” by Luigi Bonetti
“The Scent of Roses in the Thorns” by Carlo and Lorenzo Lombardi
“More Teeth!!! The World’s Greatest Show” by Luca Bertozzi
“Go Where Your Heart Takes You” by Jacopo Allegrucci

Sunday, July 28 – Ponente Pine Forest
18:00 – 20:00: Parade of masks and masquerades
Group and individual masks will parade along Viale Capponi through the Pine Forest.
From 21:00: “L’inCanto dei Rioni 2024” at Teatro Estate

Saturday, August 10 – Carnival Citadel
From 21:00: The Night of the 2025 Sketches
Artists will reveal the sketches of the allegorical works for the 2025 Carnival, scheduled for February 8 to March 4.

At the Carnival Museum: Creative Workshops and Guided Tours
From June 12 to September 11, the Carnival Museum will be open to the public with summer hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 13:00, and Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00.

The summer season will feature 17 creative papier-mâché workshops for children and 14 guided tours.

For more information and reservations, contact:
Phone: 342.9207959

Viareggio Carnival (Feb-Mar 2025)

Experience the unparalleled excitement and creativity of the Viareggio Carnival, one of the most famous carnivals in Europe. Marvel at the gigantic, colorful floats that parade along the seafront promenade. Join in the lively celebrations, dance to the infectious rhythm of the music, and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere that engulfs the city during this one-month-long unforgettable event.

Viareggio Carnival Official Website (English)