Bologna for the 1 May long weekend

Fancy spending 1 May in Bologna? The Labour Day long weekend is your chance to visit the city in its springtime splendour with a packed programme of concerts, exhibitions, tours and nature itineraries.

Things to do in Bologna for the First of May 2024

Concert in Piazza Maggiore

Once again this year, Bologna's most famous square from 4:30pm to 00:00am will host the eagerly awaited Concert of 1 May with a rich programme of music, debate and live performances.  Great artists and local and emerging exponents will take turns on stage, all united for a single goal: the leader of Kings of Convenience, Erlend Øye & La Comitiva, Giovanni Truppi + Band vs. Sibode Dj, Rumba de Bodas, the young revelation of the Italian rap scene Ele A, rapper Egreen, underground hip hop collective Triflusso, reggae singer Lion D.

Get all details about the event

©RestodelCarlino

Must-see exhibitions and museums

On 1 May, don't miss Painting in Bologna in the Long Nineteenth Century | 1796 - 1915 and Luigi Ghirri. Atelier Morandi | Palazzo Bentivoglio or visit the museums open for the day such as the Pinacoteca Nazionale, Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande.

Discover all spring exhibitions

Unusual perspectives 

We offer you the most evergreen and famous experiences of the city that you cannot skip, such as the Visit to the Clock Tower and Municipal Art Collections, which allows you to visit the Palazzo Comunale and the most beautiful 360° view of Bologna. And if you want to experience the city comfortably by bus, buy your ticket for the panoramic tour by City Red Bus!

On the other hand, the Discover Bologna - 2-hour walking tour in the historical centre is a must, which will take you to the most symbolic places of the Felsina City!

Savouring the city 

Explore the Quadrilatero and Herbs markets in the city centre to experience the atmosphere of the typical and crowded osterie, perhaps touring independently with the Bologna Food Tour Box. 

And if you feel like experiencing and tasting the gastronomic excellence of Emilia Romagna, outside Bologna, check out the Palazzo di Varignana Oil and Wine Tasting or the Parma Cheese & Ham Experience!

Enjoy the city's green side 

Finally, the good season has begun! Expand your horizons beyond the city and check out the following opportunities:

• Train trekking: Archaeology of the past and... Stifonti in the Calanchi hills around Claterna - 1 May
  Registration is already open and will close on 29 April More information (italian only)
• Primaveranda - 19 April to 1 May
  Budrio's great spring festival, full of sporting events, music, culture, and shows that ignite the desire for spring. More info on the event
• E-bike tours in the hills of Bologna - every day
  More info and how to book at eXtraBO Outdoor Infopoint