April 2026 in Bologna: Graphic Japan, We Will Rock You, Luca Carboni, Louis Tomlinson, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Exposanità
When April arrives, you can’t help but think of spring—the season when everything begins anew. This is perhaps the most beautiful time in Bologna: the days grow brighter, the porticoes fill up again, and the city reveals its most vibrant, open-air side.
Between festivals, exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, the events calendar becomes packed with perfect opportunities to experience Bologna in all its energy. Here’s what to do and see in Bologna in April 2026.
We Will Rock You | The Musical – 1–2 April 2026
We Will Rock You – The Musical is one of the most performed and beloved musicals in the world. Born from the irreverent pen of Ben Elton in collaboration with Roger Taylor and Brian May of the legendary Queen, this extraordinary show has conquered international stages with its overwhelming energy, its universal message and, above all, its timeless power.
A true rock opera, the tour arrives at Teatro EuropAuditorium in Bologna on 1 and 2 April 2026, more powerful than ever, bringing iconic Queen songs back to the stage, sung in the original language and performed strictly live. A now-cult show capable of sweeping the audience off its feet from the very first note, thanks to an explosive selection of legendary tracks that tell the story of a group of young people in search of their freedom of expression.
Graphic Japan. From Hokusai to Manga – until 6 April 2026
For the first time in Italy, a major exhibition visually recounts the key stages of Japanese graphic art in a journey that leads from the Edo period (1603–1868) to the present day. This is the cultural proposal by MondoMostre, which in autumn 2025, in collaboration with the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna, presented a new chapter dedicated to Japanese graphic creativity.
“Graphic Japan. From Hokusai to Manga” arrives in Bologna as an exhibition that strengthens the ties between Italy and Japan—already explored in the context of Expo Osaka 2025. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 6 April 2026.
With more than 250 works including woodblock prints, books, albums, posters and textile stencils, the exhibition path is divided into four major thematic sections: Nature Motifs, Faces and Masks, Calligraphy and Typography, and Contemporary Japonism. Graphic Japan. From Hokusai to Manga presents the most relevant themes and artists of the key historical periods, highlighting the evolution of line, techniques, materials and subjects, as well as changes in use and the ability to innovate while remaining rooted in tradition—preserving the recognizable visual essence of Japanese culture.
Louis Tomlinson and Luca Carboni at Unipol Arena – 9 and 19–20 April 2026
Louis Tomlinson arrives in Italy for the first time in 2026—and he does so starting from Bologna. The English singer will take the stage on the evening of Thursday 9 April 2026 at the Unipol Arena in Casalecchio di Reno, a venue well connected to Bologna’s city center.
Tomlinson comes with his newly released third album, How Did I Get Here?. The lead single is Lemonade, released last autumn. Here, the former One Direction member pushes beyond his limits as a songwriter, composer and performer, presenting himself without filters and holding nothing back.
Just a few days later, the Unipol Arena will heat up again with another artist—this time a hometown legend who needs no introduction. Luca Carboni returns, adding two new dates to Rio Ari O Live after his January stop. His performance, blending music, images and words, will take place on the evenings of Sunday 19 and Monday 20 April 2026.
Bologna Children’s Book Fair – from 13 to 16 April 2026
Bologna is not only about art, music and entertainment, but also about culture and literature. The city will host a unique event that brings together three unmissable appointments for publishing professionals: the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), the world’s leading fair for children’s publishing; BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus), the extension dedicated to general publishing; and the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/Kids), the licensing event focused on brands and properties for younger audiences.
From 13 to 16 April 2026, these three events will take place simultaneously at BolognaFiere, creating the must-attend professional hub for rights exchange across publishing, licensing, illustration and audiovisual sectors.
Each year, an illustrator from a different country is celebrated: for the 2026 edition, the honor goes to Mari Kanstad Johnsen, from Bergen, Norway. She has illustrated nearly 30 books, most of them for children, and is also the author of five. Her books have been widely translated and have won numerous awards in Norway and abroad. As guest of honor, Mari will be the protagonist of many events within BolognaBookPlus, including seminars, talks and portfolio review sessions.
Exposanità at BolognaFiere – from 22 to 24 April 2026
April is also trade-fair season, and Bologna will host the 2026 edition of Exposanità, dedicated to new technologies as indispensable tools—alongside human resources—for ensuring the quality and resilience of Italy’s National Health System.
The adoption of digital solutions, both in clinical and organizational applications, and the redefinition of care settings will be central themes of the upcoming edition. But not only that: discussions will also focus on the management of non-self-sufficiency by professionals and patients, solutions for disability, and rehabilitation pathways aimed at fostering independent living.
From 22 to 24 April 2026, this major event at BolognaFiere is scheduled for professionals in medical equipment, healthcare services and hospital systems.
Queen Rhapsody – 29 April 2026
Did you say Queen fan? Well, then you have to be in Bologna on the evening of Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The Teatro Duse is hosting an unmissable concert: Queen Rhapsody, a show that pays homage to an immortal band and its charismatic frontman, Freddie Mercury, in a theatrical journey that blends music, storytelling, and vision.
From their first album to “A Night at the Opera,” from the legendary Live Aid to the unforgettable Wembley, the show spans the key moments in Queen’s history, retracing the career of the band that rewrote the rules of rock with elegance, power, and unparalleled theatricality. Queen Rhapsody is a rock fairytale, a tribute to the legend of Freddie Mercury and Queen, a hymn to creative freedom, the beauty of excess, and the art of invention. A sincere, moving, and poetic tribute. A tale to be heard with the eyes and seen with the heart.
If you don’t want to miss these events and live outside of Bologna, we recommend booking accommodation in the city center for a unique and immersive experience. Where? At the Ghisiliera B&B, a property with 40 square meters of apartments located in a strategic position for exploring Bologna like a true local.
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