14 Best Performing Arts in Florence, Italy

Also known as the Amici del Fortepiano (Friends of the Fortepiano), the Accademia Bartolomeo Cristofori sponsors fortepiano concerts throughout the year.

This organization sponsors classical and contemporary concerts at the Teatro della Pergola ( Box office, Via delle Carceri 1 055/210804).

The British Institute of Florence runs several English-language film series; the programmer has a penchant for classic movies. Also on offer here are weekly lectures, courses, and a stunning library.

From June through August, Estate Fiesolana, a festival of theater, music, dance, and film, takes place in Fiesole's churches and in the Roman amphitheater—demonstrating that the ancient Romans knew a thing or two about acoustics.

On June 24, Florence mostly grinds to a halt to for celebrations honoring the city's patron saint. Many shops and bars close, and, at night, a fireworks display lights up the Arno and attracts thousands.

This weeklong documentary film festival happens in November or December with screenings at various venues around town.

The daily Florentine newspaper La Nazione has movie listings. Note that most American films are dubbed into Italian rather than subtitled.

In 2014, a new music hall opened in the area now called the Parco della Musica (Music Park), which was designed by Paolo Desideri and associates. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has taken up residence there, and continues to hold forth at the Teatro Comunale ( Corso Italia 16, Lungarno North 055/287222). Within Italy you can purchase tickets from late April through July directly at the box office or by phone ( 055/277--9309). You can also buy them online.

This magnificent art deco theater shows first-run English-language films throughout the week.

This orchestra performs various concerts of classical music throughout the year at Orsanmichele, the grain-market–turned–church.

The concert season of the Orchestra della Toscana runs from November to June.

On Easter Sunday, Florentines and foreigners alike flock to the Piazza del Duomo to watch as the Scoppio del Carro, a monstrosity of a carriage pulled by two huge oxen decorated for the occasion, arrives in the piazza after making its way through the city center. Using an elaborate wiring system, an object representing a dove is sent from inside the cathedral to the Baptistery across the way. The dove sets off an explosion of fireworks that come streaming from the carriage. You have to see it to believe it.

From mid-October to mid-April, see Italian plays at this 1656 theater, which was once the private venue of the grand dukes and which has undergone several metamorphoses. Its present incarnation dates from the early 19th century.

This large exhibition space, formerly Teatro Saschall, hosts many events throughout the year, including a big and boisterous Christmas bazaar run by the Red Cross, visiting rock stars, and trendy bands from all over Europe.