Everything you need to know about the programme of “Cinema Under the Stars” in Bologna: films and atmosphere in August in Piazza Maggiore
Summer in Bologna has a very special charm. The days become longer, the tables of bars and restaurants fill up until late in the evening, and the squares become meeting places where you can enjoy the city at a relaxed pace. But there is one event that, more than any other, represents the magic of the Bolognese summer: Cinema Under the Stars, the historic open-air film festival that transforms Piazza Maggiore into one of the most evocative open-air cinemas in Europe.
If you are planning a holiday in Bologna during the month of August, or even just a long weekend, this is an experience that absolutely deserves to be included in your itinerary. After a day spent among porticoes, museums, towers and excellent food, there is nothing more beautiful than sitting in the symbolic square of the city and watching a great film under the summer sky, free of charge.
Cinema Under the Stars 2026: film until August 14
For years, Cinema Under the Stars has been one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Bologna. It is not just a film festival, but a true collective ritual that attracts residents and tourists every evening.
With completely free admission, the 2026 edition will continue until August 14. The programme, organised by the Cineteca di Bologna, offers a journey through great international cinema with restored masterpieces, contemporary films, tributes to great directors and events dedicated to photography and film culture.
The magic of cinema, however, does not stop in the evening. Until August 5, the evening screenings in Piazza Maggiore are accompanied by an afternoon programme at Cinema Modernissimo, the historic cinema in the heart of the city, recently restored and once again one of the symbolic places of Bolognese culture.
The Modernissimo has once again been awarded as the single-screen cinema that recorded the highest number of spectators during the year, confirming how cinema represents an important part of the city’s cultural life. Film lovers can therefore enjoy an entire day dedicated to the big screen: a visit to the city during the day, an afternoon screening at the Modernissimo and, after dinner, the film under the stars in Piazza Maggiore.
Piazza Maggiore: an open-air cinema in the heart of the historic centre
Anyone visiting Bologna for the first time is inevitably captivated by its porticoes, its cafés and Piazza Maggiore. It is the heart of the city, the place where history, culture and everyday life meet every day.
During the day there are tourists, students and families walking between the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio, the Fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo del Podestà. At sunset, however, the atmosphere changes completely: the lights dim, the square slowly fills with people and a huge screen lights up the façade of the historic buildings.
Every screening becomes much more than a simple film: it is a moment of sharing that involves the whole city and allows visitors to watch important works in a truly unique setting. Those staying in Bologna during the first days of August will therefore be able to enjoy the final evenings of the festival, one of the most prestigious cultural events of the Italian summer.
Watching a film outdoors has a special charm. The air is still warm, the silhouette of the Basilica of San Petronio stands out against the evening sky and hundreds of people silently follow the images on the giant screen. It is a slow, relaxing experience and profoundly different from that of a normal cinema.
Bologna, therefore, is not only about concerts, food festivals or theatre performances: for years the capital of our region has been bringing great cinema to its most beautiful square. The murmur of the city gives way to the dialogues of great cinema, the starry sky becomes the ceiling of the theatre and countless spectators share the same experience. It is one of those moments that make your stay in Bologna special.
Our advice for a perfect evening in the historic centre? You can start with an aperitif under the porticoes, continue with dinner in one of the many Quadrilatero osterias, or choose one of the traditional restaurants where you can taste the great classics of Bolognese cuisine, such as tortellini, tagliatelle with ragù or crescentine. After dinner, all you need is a short walk to reach Piazza Maggiore, sit in front of the giant screen and enjoy the film. At the end of the screening, the historic centre still retains all its vitality: the squares are illuminated, the bars and restaurants remain open and a night-time walk beneath the porticoes is the best way to end the day.
Are you coming to Bologna and are you a cinema lover? Our advice is to book an 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!
