May 2026 in Bologna: John Giorno, Ermal Meta, Bologna Wine Week, Eufonica, Luca Argentero, StraBologna, Umberto Eco
May is one of the most beautiful months to experience Bologna: the weather is mild, the squares come alive, and outdoor spaces take center stage. Between festivals, concerts, exhibitions and major cultural events, the city’s calendar fills up with unmissable appointments that gently lead Bologna into summer.
This is the time of year when everything shines and much of what surrounds us reaches its peak. Here’s what to do and what to see in Bologna in May 2026.
The Banksy Exhibition at Palazzo Fava – through May 2026
In the rooms of Palazzo Fava, the exhibition Banksy Archive 01 – The School of Bristol (1983–2005) reconstructs the cultural, urban, and political context in which Banksy‘s artistic language was born and developed. Divided into 32 sections, the exhibition restores historical depth to an artistic phenomenon often reduced to a media icon, drawing attention to the collective roots and cultural scene that preceded and accompanied the rise of the British artist.
Through 300 works, archival materials, unpublished documents, and independent academic research, it is possible to reconstruct the period between 1983 and 2005, a crucial phase in the formation of the iconography and visual strategies that have made Banksy one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. It is in this context that images destined to become universal take shape, such as Girl with Balloon, the girl with the red heart-shaped balloon in its original 2004 version, the Flower Thrower, and Police Kids. This exhibition will be open to the public throughout the month of May, although it actually began on March 27 and will not close until August 2, 2026.
MAMbo hosts “John Giorno: The Performative Word” – until May 3, 2026
Magnetic poet and performer John Giorno transformed the spoken word into an art form. The MAMbo – Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna dedicates John Giorno: The Performative Word to him — the first major institutional retrospective celebrating one of the most radical and visionary figures of contemporary culture.
Opened on February 5 and running until May 3, 2026, the exhibition explores Giorno’s multifaceted practice through different bodies of work, showing how he elevated poetic language in its visual, relational and performative dimensions, pushing words beyond literature into visual arts and telecommunications networks.
Ermal Meta at Estragon – May 8, 2026
Also known for his appearances at the Sanremo Festival, Ermal Meta celebrates 10 years of his solo career in 2026. The singer-songwriter announces a new spring club tour across Italy, bringing his greatest hits and new songs to the stage.
On the evening of May 8, 2026, he will perform live at Estragon Club, located in Via Stalingrado at Parco Nord. For rock music lovers, this is a date not to be missed.
Bologna Wine Week – May 11 to 18, 2026
From May 11 to 18, 2026, the now well-known Bologna Wine Week returns for an entire week dedicated to wine. Between tastings and conferences, hundreds of producers and their labels are expected.
Do you love local and national wines? If I were you, I’d definitely consider stopping by.
Eufonica: Music Is in Everyone – May 15 to 17, 2026
Bologna will host the fourth edition of Eufonica, the Music Fair and its professions, scheduled from Friday May 15 to Sunday May 17, 2026 at Pavilion 33 of BolognaFiere. It is an ideal exhibition space for networking and growth opportunities for those who live and work in the music industry.
“Music Is in Everyone” is the core theme of this national event dedicated to education, the instrument supply chain, and the professions and innovations of music production. More than 300 events are scheduled, aimed at journalists, students, musicians, industry professionals, artisans and luthiers, producers, publishers, technicians and cultural operators.
P.S. The event is free.
Luca Argentero in Bologna – May 22, 2026
Luca Argentero brings to the stage È questa la vita che sognavo da bambino?, an intense and surprising show blending storytelling, music and collective memory. Directed by fellow actor Edoardo Leo, the performance will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 9:00 PM at the Teatro EuropAuditorium.
Through the lives of Luisin Malabrocca, Walter Bonatti, and Alberto Tomba, three icons of Italian sport, Argentero guides the audience on a human and social journey across eras, dreams and contradictions of our country.
The show is a deep and ironic reflection on what it means to become a hero, the price of dreams, and what remains when the spotlight fades. A performance that moves, makes you smile, and invites introspection.
StraBologna through the city center – May 24, 2026
As every year, the city hosts the beloved StraBologna, the most popular non-competitive run in Bologna. Now in its 45th edition, it is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, in the historic center. It’s a big city celebration open to everyone — families, schools, runners and even four-legged friends — promoting health and sport, with the start in Piazza Maggiore.
Usually, there are three routes to suit all levels: mini (about 4.5 km), medium (about 7 km) and maxi (about 10 km). But StraBologna is not just a sporting event — it’s a celebration of the city. If you feel like walking, spending time together and seeing Bologna from a unique perspective, you absolutely have to take part!
The University of Bologna celebrates Umberto Eco – May 27 to 29, 2026
Ten years after his passing, the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna honors a giant of literature. From May 27 to 29, 2026, a special conference dedicated to Umberto Eco will retrace the legacy he left across every field of culture: from fiction to semiotics and media studies.
This will be the first true celebration that the university dedicates to one of its most illustrious masters. By his own explicit wish, no conferences in his honor could be organized within ten years of his death.
Motor Valley Fest in Modena – May 28-31, 2026
Are you a motoring enthusiast? Then this is truly an unmissable event for you! It’s the Motor Valley Fest 2026, a major international event dedicated to the world of motoring, held in the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s “Motor Valley” – the district where brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Maserati are born. The 2026 edition will be held from May 28-31, 2026, in Modena, a city about 40 km from Bologna.
It’s a multi-venue festival, organized across the city’s squares, theaters, museums, and historic spaces, where industry, culture, innovation, and entertainment meet with industry experts and exhibitions of supercars and classic cars. Furthermore, the Motor Valley museums will be involved with special openings and dedicated events: from the Ducati Museum to the Lamborghini Museum, from the Ferrari Museum to the Maserati Museum. All these are located in the Emilia region between Bologna and Modena, easily reachable by car, train, or bus.
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.
Click here to read about the room features, see photos, discover all the extra services, and book your stay!
