It is the birthplace of opera, of the equal parts popular and polarizing Sanremo, and of the song that launched a thousand thirsty Jude Law memes. And yet, to the uninitiated, the breadth and depth of the Italian obsession with music comes as a surprise, despite its notoriety as one of the most infamously effusive, passionate, and romantic cultures on earth. Though not widely recognized as a modern, popstar-producing powerhouse, music festivals are as frequent as they are far-reaching in Italy. Alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, and Belgium, Italy is frequently listed as among the top ten countries in the world for hosting the most music festivals each year, a stat which shows no sign of slowing down; in 2022, more than 31,000 concerts were held in Italy, compared to 18,000 in 2019. Here is just a smattering of some of these song-centric celebrations, along with some of our favorite places to stay should you wish to partake in them (hint, you should). 

Umbria Jazz Festival (Umbria)

December 28th, 2024 – January 1st, 2025 & July 11th – 20th, 2025

Though not a music genre one instantly associates with Italy, jazz has generated a passionate following across Italy since Carlo Pagnotta founded the Umbria Jazz Festival in 1955. Since then, the festival has played host to names like Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones, Sting, and Lady Gaga with Tony Bennet. The winter festival takes place over New Year’s in Orvieto, while the summer celebrations are in mid-July in one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Perugia.

Where to Sleep: Keep it 13th-century classic at Tenuta di Murlo or go for modern minimalism (with a sensational view) at La Segreta

Ypsigrock (Sicily)

August 7th – 10th, 2025

Summering in Sicily? Just an hour’s drive east of Palermo is Castelbuono, home to Italy’s boutique alt-rock and indie Ypsigrock Festival every summer, whose past artists featured include beloved indie icons The Flaming Lips, Eva Geist, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The dress code for this appropriately rowdy affair is laid-back and light on coverage. Bring your SPF and an appetite–this is one of our favorite food regions in the entire country. 

Where to Sleep: If you’re not camping with the rest of the festival-goers in the town of Castelbuono itself, head to La Calette, a secret gem in nearby Cefalu. 

Liri Blues Festival (Lazio)

June 2025

If this is the first you’re hearing of Isola del Liri, you’re not alone. With a population of less than 12,000, this tiny town in the heart of the Frosinone province seems like an unlikely spot for a week-long international Blues festival. But, in 1988, when the paper mills that provided the population’s primary work opportunities started shutting down, businessman Luciano Dura created the festival in an attempt to draw international artists to the town and bring publicity to its industrial crisis. Offered entirely for free to this day, the festival has generated some serious clout over the years, having hosted artists such as Luther Allison and Jimmy Rogers along with non-blues powerhouses like Jefferson Airplane and the Fleshtones. Over the years, the festival has adopted some of the energy of its Twin City, New Orleans, with revelers seen dancing through the streets well into the wee hours of the morning. 

Where to Sleep: Hotel de Ricci in nearby Rome for those who like a little wine with their Blues, or Tenuta di Bertarello a little further north for pure Lazio luxury. 

Porretta Soul Festival (Emilia-Romagna)

July 24th – 27th, 2025

On the third week in July each summer, the picturesque town of Porretta in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines is flooded with die-hard Soul music fans (there’s even a street in the commune dedicated to Otis Redding). As one of the most revered music festivals enjoying a 30+ year run, Porretta is considered the quintessential “European showcase of the Memphis Sound”. Fuel up for the festival in Bologna, just 60 km north of Porretta.

Where to Sleep: Hotel Metropolitan for access to all of “La Grassa’s” gastronomic treasures, or Casa Maria Luigia (although you may not want to leave). 

Festival Dei Due Mondi (Umbria)

June 27th – July 13th, 2025

Otherwise known as the Festival di Spoleto, the “Two Worlds” Festival is held every June and July and features an array of opera concerts, dance recitals, plays, and visual arts presentations. Originally intended as a transatlantic cultural celebration with its “twin” event held in Charleston, South Carolina, the festival is now celebrated in Italy alone and has hosted, among others, such artists as Allen Ginsberg, Luchino Visconti, Roman Polanski, and Luciano Pavarotti. While not indulging in this onslaught of Italian culture, we recommend exploring any, if not all of the items on this ultimate Umbrian itinerary. 

Where to Sleep: For shockingly stunning views over the Spoleto valley, there’s really only one spot: Borgo della Marmotta.

Arena di Verona Opera Festival (Veneto)

June 20th – September 4th, 2025

Rejoice, all ye traditionalists and opera purists–the Arena di Verona Festival is as classically classy as it gets. Celebrated each summer in the stunning ancient amphitheater in the heart of one of Italy’s most romantic cities, next year’s festival highlights include opera (obvs) from composers ranging from Verdi to Bizet as well as multi-sensory symphonies and a ballet performance from La Scala’s impossibly beautiful Roberto Bolle.

Where to Sleep: If you’re here for opera, we figure you’re the classy type to spend at least a little time in nearby Venice. Opt for Hotel Flora for familial splendor or Violino D’Oro for an extra luxury experience. For those who prefer to stay close to the action, The Butterfly boutique hotel in Verona is sleek, sophisticated, and just steps from the Arena. 

Ravello Festival (Campania)

June to August 2025

Also known as the Wagner Festival, this annual summer arts jubilee is as much about its location as it is about the performances. No shade to the performances, of course, which range from orchestral symphonies to choral recitals and ballet performances, and are all exceptional. But, set atop a cliff against the iconic Amalfi Coast backdrop, they become otherworldly. 

Where to Sleep: Crowds can rent a villa at La Torre della Limonaia in the nearby town of Maiori, while foodies should opt for Don Alfonso, for arguably one of the best meals in the country before navigating the winding road up to Ravello. 

SunANDBass (Sardinia)

September 2025

We love the untameable energy of a packed Italian beach in August, but, for us, the best time to soak up the sun is in early Autumn once most of the crowds disperse (at least the tourist crowds). Sardinia is a sensational pick in shoulder season, and its September SunANDBass festival–whose stage has seen artists like drum n’ bass legend MC Fats and electronic icons DJ Marky and London Elektricity perform–is just what it sounds like: beats, beaches, and boats. 

Where to Sleep: Aethos Sardinia is a must-stay for those looking for true Costa Smeralda glamor or Hotel Catalunya for an aperitivo with an unforgettable view. 

Notte della Taranta (Puglia)

August 2025

If you, like us, harbor fantasies of summers lazing among the olive groves of Puglia, the Notte della Taranta is pure Apulian “estate” energy. The folk festival, occurring in multiple towns throughout the Lecce and Grecia di Salentina provinces in late August, celebrates the traditional dance of the “pizzica”, a rapid, slightly delirious, completely fabulous frenzy of fast footwork often accompanied by an orchestra of mandolins, tambourine, flutes, and accordions. So now you have another reason to visit Puglia–besides the beaches, the wine, the art, the architecture….

Where to Sleep: Masseria Prosperi for classic white-washed luxury or Palazzo Daniele for… well, that shower.