Best festivals in Italy to check out in 2024

This article was written and curated by the TicketSwap team, translated for you with AI. Keen to head to get stuck into a festival in Italy in 2024? This guide cuts through to the essentials, spotlighting Italy’s most exciting cultural happenings alongside a curated selection of Italy's best music festivals for 2024.

Italy packs a punch with its array of festivals, marrying age-old cultural celebrations with a robust lineup of music events. Venice sets the scene with its legendary Carnival, not just a feast for the eyes with its extravagant masked balls but also a prelude to the critically acclaimed Venice Film Festival. 

Then there’s the adrenaline-fueled Palio di Siena, a horse race that’s less about the sport and more a deep dive into medieval competition and city pride.

Music takes center stage at the Verona Arena, where opera isn’t just performed; it’s lived, in one of the world’s most dramatic historic settings. 

Beyond the classics, Italy’s music festivals offer everything from indie to electronica, transforming ancient venues and modern spaces into pulsating hubs of sound and celebration.

Best Italian festivals in 2024 for music lovers

Alongside the Italy festivals and carnival celebrations offering a slice of history and Italian culture, the country also has plenty of music festivals to boast about. 

Here's just a few of our favourites taking place this year...

Decibel Open Air 2024

September 7-8,  Bosco Albergati, Modena, Italy,

Though the finer details of Decibel Open Air 2024 are under wraps, if last year's lineup is anything to go by, get ready for a heavy-hitter list. 

In 2023, the Florence skies echoed with the likes of techno titans Amelie Lens and Boris Brejcha, with the stage seeing a takeover by 999999999 and Loco Dice, delivering relentless beats that kept the crowd moving.

The festival's been praised for its high quality sound and mesmerising light shows, so buckle in for a big one.

AMA Music Festival 2024

12 July-21 August, Villa Ca’ Cornaro, Vicenza, Italy

AMA brings together satellite concerts and experiences onto one stage; not just in celebration of Veneto, but also to bring about greater respect for the planet, the environment, and social sustainability.

Kick off with the rock royalty Queens of the Stone Age on the 5th of July, followed by throwback Italian punk with CCCP – Fedeli alla Linea on the 12th, hip-hop from Tedua on 13th, more punk from legends The Offspring, a triple treat on the 23rd with Coez & Frah Quintale, Il Tre, Clara, and finally Paul Kalkbrenner wrapping things up with an immersive techno journey.

Sonic Park 2024

4 June – 18 July, Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Turin, Italy

Sonic Park 2024 at Turin's Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi isn't just another summer music fest; it's a curated journey through diverse sounds, set against the backdrop of a UNESCO heritage site. 

Kicking off on June 3rd with Dogstar, the lineup boasts the likes of Omar Apollo on June 4th, and the revolutionary Tom Morello lighting up July 1st. Mid-July sees a rapid succession of talent with Geolier on the 12th, followed by Coez & Frah Quintale's dual act on the 13th. Christian De André brings his storied songbook on the 17th, and iconic Pooh wraps up the fest on July 18th. 

Critics have praised Sonic Park for its eclectic mix and historic ambiance, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience Italy's essential music scene.

First Festival 2024

Tue, Apr 30, 10:30 PM, Stadium Genova, Genoa, Italy

FIRST - the self-professed route to finding rhythm amid chaos - hits Genova on April 30th, bringing with it a holy triad of Indira Paganotto's hypnotic techno blends, Sara Landry's raw, intense beats, and Luigi Madonna's dynamic soundscapes, converging at Stadium Genova. Expect a demonstration of electronic brilliance, and kick off festival season with the best in class.

Mast Festival 2024

1-8 & 9-10 August, Sicily A self-professed “center of gravity for artistic expressions”, ‘MAST’ stands for ‘music’, ‘art’, ‘sustainability’ and ‘territory’. Identifying as a multicultural festival, it takes place in South-East Sicily, and promises a new wave of partying. Expect something pretty mind-blowing, in this melange of artforms, from performance artistry to DJ sets and beyond.

Best clubs in Italy

Want to decode Italy's club scene? Read on...

Amnesia Milano, Milan

Amnesia Milano has established itself as a cornerstone of Milan's nightlife, known for its impeccable selection of techno and house music. The club draws a stylish crowd, both local and international, who come for the exceptional DJ sets and the club's reputation for memorable nights. The club has been noted for its advanced sound system and the unique, spacious setting that fosters an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The ceiling is a huge container of technology, with 300 dynamic LED bars and a system of audio and video channels. An 11sq m 4k Ledwall, it’s an authentic dynamic surface that accompanies the music, the rhythm, creating a vortex of energy destined to involve the structure, the public and the artists. Find more of the best clubs in Milan

Spazio Novecento, Rome

In Rome, Spazio Novecento offers an evening of sophistication, seamlessly integrating the historic charm of its location in the Palazzo dei Congressi with contemporary electronic beats.

The venue is a favorite among those who value both top-notch sound quality and the allure of dancing under the open sky, thanks to its expansive outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the Eternal City. Spazio Novecento is celebrated for merging Rome's architectural grandeur with modern nightlife.

Find more of the best clubs in Rome

Basic, Naples

Tucked away near Naples, Basic diverges from the typical club scene. It's a hub where the realms of electronic music and contemporary art intersect, offering an eclectic mix for the discerning crowd. The club's commitment to showcasing underground talents alongside established acts makes it a staple for those seeking an authentic, innovative nightlife experience. Its unique blend of cultural events, from art exhibits to cutting-edge DJ sets, ensures each visit is an unexpected journey through the night.

Rec Club, Naples

“The future of emotions, cradle of memories of the past.” That’s the sentiment the new Rec club shared ahead of its highly anticipated grand opening in Naples. An industrial haven for the underground, the space is set to draw a diverse audience of diehard clubbers as it leans into a roster of the hottest talent on the Italian club circuit. Watch this space – literally.

Find more of the best clubs in Naples

Cocoricò, Riccione

Cocoricò, with its iconic pyramidal glass roof, offers an unforgettable visual and auditory experience in Riccione. As the sun rises, its light floods the dance floor, enhancing the magical atmosphere. This venue is a haven for fans of trance, techno, and house music, known for its energetic crowd and epic parties that stretch into the dawn. The unique combination of its dramatic architectural design and superior acoustics has made it a legendary destination for electronic music fans.

Space, Riccione

Clubbing institution Space Ibiza has a brand new home – in Italy’s Eastern riviera. Due to open in June 2024, the “new gen” club brings with it four main areas, harkening back to the sprawling footprint of its original Ibiza exoskeleton. And, along with the Arena, Garden, Terrace and Lounge, the club will also feature a number of private spaces. Expect big names hitting up the club this summer.

Find more of the best clubs in Riccione

Clorophilla, Puglia

Cradled in Puglia's verdant landscape, Clorophilla is an outdoor club that promises an extraordinary night out under the stars.

The club is renowned for its vibrant themed nights and an impressive selection of DJs, attracting a dynamic mix of partygoers. Set against a backdrop of ancient olive trees and equipped with top-tier sound and lighting systems, Clorophilla offers a pretty enchanting escape.

Viper, Florence

Don’t be fooled by its official moniker, Viper Theatre – this venue’s a serious nightclub and live music venue, and one with real history. The space regularly ranks in the top venues in Italy for live music and regularly welcomes both local and international talent.