Music Festivals in Verona in 2022
What kind of music do you think of when someone says, "Let's go to a music festival in Italy"? More than likely classical music will pop into your head, but today the music scene in Italy is so diverse that really there is something for everyone.
Vacationing in Verona gives you the opportunity to attend a concert in one of the most unique venues in the world, the Arena di Verona. It is a huge open-air Roman amphitheater that seats 15,500 people. At one time you could watch gladiators and people fight lions, now you can watch performances by Elton John and KISS, enjoy ballets, and marvel over famous operas during the Verona Opera Festival, to name just a few.
But you don't have to wait for a festival to happen in the Arena di Verona, there are plenty happening in and around Verona. You may have to take a day trip for some, but if you love your music, they are all well worth it.
You don't have to take all your luggage, backpacks or heavy bags with you when you go either. Fortunately, Bounce has great luggage storage locations here in Verona.
Best Music Festivals in Verona in 2022
Choco Music Festival
At the north end of Lake Garda sits the small town of Riva del Garda, only a one-hour drive from Verona. The picturesque town has a delicious secret that not many know about but most definitely should, the Choco Music Festival. It happens every April and is an absolutely fantastic time of chomping handmade chocolates and dancing to the music.
As you would imagine, this is a great weekend for the kids with chocolate tastings, chocolate lessons, musical and cooking shows, music concerts, plus workshops just for the children. This is one of those events that is a lot of fun for the entire family.
Mi Ami Festival
Take a day trip (or weekend) to Milan and enjoy some of the best new bands in Italy. The Mi Ami Festival has been a platform showcasing the finest up-and-coming Italian artists the country has to offer. All styles of music will be performed, from rock to jazz and electronic to folk, in various locations around the city over a 3-day period, May 27th - 29th.
The festival will also feature artists performing live drawings and visual art demonstrations. The festival organizers even let you listen to the bands ahead of time, just check out the Mi Ami Festival website. Ibisco, Bais, and European Vampire are just a few you can listen to, and find your favorites there, too!
Punk in Drublic
Punk fans rejoice! It is not very often you see a high-profile punk music festival nowadays, but the Punk in Drublic festival in Milan is just that. It is a great combination of punk music and craft beer from all over Italy. The Festival happens every May, and this year it's May 22nd. Some of the bands that have performed here are Pennywise, Face to Face, and NOFX.
Arena di Verona Festival
Starting on June 17th and lasting throughout September, the Arena di Verona will be hosting a number of big-name concerts, as well as the Verona Opera Festival. In the past, the Arena di Verona Festival has seen some of the biggest names in music such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Adele, Lana del Rey, and Sting.
This year, the Roman amphitheater will be host to iconic bands like Kiss, Simple Minds, Scorpions, and TOTO. The Arena di Verona will also be showcasing many of the best artists Italy has to offer, namely Il Volo, Eros Ramazzotti, Marracash, and Elisa.
When on vacation in Verona and if you have a chance to catch a concert, do it. The open-air Arena di Verona is, beyond a doubt, one of the most unique settings for concerts you can experience. Whether you like rock, opera, or hip hop or are just a music lover, the Arena di Verona is definitely a concert venue you don't want to miss.
POLIFONIC Festival
Head an hour and a half west from Verona to Milan for this celebration of diversity, positivity, and international culture. The festival started in Italy but has spread throughout the world. It is an exploration of the culture and traditions of Italy through art, food, and music in a contemporary style.
The very best of electronic music genres, disco, house, techno, and many more styles are blended into a celebration of life. POLIFONIC happens in June in Milan but you can also head south in July to Puglia and catch it a second time.
Strings Theory Music Festival
Over two weekends in June, the String Theory Music Festival takes place in the Lendinara Comune, just one hour southeast of Verona. All things strings are celebrated in the Villa Marchiori dei Cappuccini park, a beautiful botanical garden.
The weekend of the 10th and 17th, the birthplace of one of the world's finest violin and cello makers comes alive with musicians from all over the world.
Fantastic string ensembles will be performing like Front Hump Camels, Kismet, Carlo de Bei, Tamaso Varisco, and the Fireplaces. Villa Marchiori is also a string musical academy and presents concerts featuring its students and former graduates.
Verona Opera Festival
By far the biggest music event that happens in the city of Verona is the Verona Opera Festival. It is an event that lasts several months, this year it runs from June 17th to September 4th. The annual summer event takes place in the Roman amphitheater, which boasts around 15,500 seats, which makes it the world's biggest open-air opera house.
The Arena di Verona will play host to some of the most famous operas in the world, such as Carmen and Turandot. There will be three operas by Giuseppe Verdi, Nabucco, La Traviata and arguably the most famous, Aida.
This year will mark the 99th year for the Opera Festival. Even though next year's 100th anniversary will undoubtedly be a massive celebration, this year's lineup of performers is nothing to sneeze at. Such artists as Placido Domingo, Carmina Burana, and Roberto Bolle & friends will all grace the stage of the ancient Roman amphitheater.
Not only will next year's Verona Opera Festival be the 100th year of the festival, but it will also be the 200th-year celebration of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi.
Lugo Music Festival June
For three weeks in June, the small town of Lugo, and the surrounding hamlets, will host one of the youngest and most interesting interactive festivals in Italy. It is not just about music but the arts in general. You can take in films, stage productions, talks, street performances, workshops, and even watch as acrobats and sand artists perform to a live string ensemble. The music is a wonderful mix of classical, jazz, folk, tango, flamenco, and more.
The Eloisa Atti Quintet will be offering free concerts and Max Richter conducts some of Vivaldi's most popular movements. Violin virtuoso Ksenia Milas will join the Lugo Musical Festival Orchestra for several shows, and the Rumba De Bodas will hit the stages with some funky jazz sets. Highlighting the festival will be Gillian Grassie performing the music of Bob Dylan as well as classic jazz, Celtic and folk music.
If all that great music wasn't enough, there will be a circus and theatre shows too. And if you get hungry, there will be a fleet of food trucks after 5 pm. Lugo is only 2-hours southeast of Verona, near the Adriatic Sea, so make it a day trip and enjoy one of the best small festivals in Italy.
Firenze Rocks
Quite possibly the best rock music festival not only in Italy but in Europe, too! After missing a few years due to the pandemic, Firenze Rocks is back with an All-Star stellar lineup of bands. For four days, you will be blown away by Wheezer, Green Day, Nas, Placebo, Muse, Greta Van Fleet, and two of the biggest bands in the world, Metallica and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Over half a million people will attend the concerts, including kids who will have their own special secured play area, but pre-registration is a must. Concerts tickets from the previously canceled concerts will be honored and some concert tickets may still be available online. The event takes place at the Visarno Arena in Florence from June 16 -19, and yes it is further away but it is worth it for the biggest rock concert in Italy.
Festival Bellezza
From June 15th through to October 22nd is one of the most artsy festivals in Verona, the Bellezza Festival. Poets, speakers, stage shows, and music are on the schedule in various lounges, theaters (including the Roman amphitheater), and outdoor venues throughout the city.
Talks by the likes of Massimo Recalcati and Arianna Porcelli Safonov and theatrical musical comedy from Tullio Solenghi are a few non-musical events that will take place. Expect amazing concerts from Simone Cristicchi and the existential Samual Bersani, and Morgan will present a lesson through the music of the Beatles and other 60s rock. Concert tickets vary in price depending on the venue and artist.
I Days Festival
Back to Milan for the I Days festival between June 11th and 15th. For the first time, the event will take place at the MIND (Milano Innovation District), and headliners include Green Day, Weezer, Greta Van Fleet, and Imagine Dragons. Not officially part of the festival, but playing in between the weekends, Korn will be rocking the Ippodromo Milano Trenno. The Ippodromo Milano Trenno is a new arena built to host major concerts.
Rumors Festival
This small but powerful festival is three nights split up over three weeks and takes place at the Teatro Romano di Verona on June 23rd, July 4th & 23rd. The festival offers a little bit of something for everyone starting with the eccentric singer-songwriter and poet Enzo Jannacci. The second evening feature The psychedelic soul music of Black Pumas from America. On the final night, Norwegian folk duo Kings of Convenience showcase their unique folk music.
Bebethoven
Quite possibly the cutest of all the music festivals, Laboratoria Bebethoven is for kids up to 5 years old. It consists of short concerts (30 minutes) and workshops that allow kids to touch and try musical instruments and sometimes take them apart. It all takes place at the Caldogno Bunker in the village of Caldogno, less than an hour northeast of Verona, on the 26th of June.
Yes, you have to drive a little, but your kids (and you) will have a blast listening and learning all about the music of Beethoven.
Affi Medieval Festival
30 minutes north of Verona is the small village of Affi, where you can get dressed up, swing a sword, and drink some mead, all while listening to the troubadours and other players. What better place than Italy to have your first Medieval renaissance fair experience? Every June (2022 dates TBD), the village gets a huge influx of tourists coming to experience the sights and sounds of Medieval times.
Small concerts and wandering musicians will keep you entertained and dancing at the banquet dinners and jousting competitions. Kids and adults alike have a ton of fun at this fair and with one so close to Verona, it would be a shame to miss it.
Garda Jazz Festival
Starving for some great jazz music? From August 1st to 14th, the towns around the beautiful Lake Garda come alive with the sound of jazz. Outdoor concerts, pubs, bars, and other venues will be hosting some of Italy's best and up-and-coming jazz artists. There will also be special jazz seminars and lessons from many of the musicians.
Planning to stay some more days in Verona?
Once you get to Verona and see its beauty, you won't want to leave. And what's the rush? Verona has much to show you, including its great music festivals, so why not stay a little longer and explore some of the fantastic restaurants and street food. Because rain or shine, Verona is terrific!
If you're planning to stay longer in Verona, take a look at our other Verona guides for other fun activities!
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