October 2026 in Bologna: A Bologna Not Even a Child Gets Lost, Roberto Bolle, Brunori, Queen, Bologna Jazz Festival, Auto e Moto d’Epoca
October in Bologna brings the colours of autumn and a lively atmosphere that makes the city even more charming. Mild temperatures invite visitors to stroll beneath the porticoes and through the squares of the historic centre, while the calendar fills with concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances, festivals and cultural and food events.
It is one of the best months to discover Bologna’s most authentic side, where tradition meets new experiences. Here is what to see and do in Bologna in October 2026.
A Bologna Not Even a Child Gets Lost – October 6, 2026
On Tuesday, October 6 at 5:00 pm, Bologna will host an event dedicated to the book A Bologna Not Even a Child Gets Lost. What is it about? Authors Claudio Bolognini and Bicio Fabbri will guide participants on a walking tour through Bologna’s historic centre.
The book is a surreal graphic novel dedicated to the city of Bologna, its landmarks and the historical figures from every era who helped make it magical. History and traditions, poetry and song lyrics, street musicians and famous painters, comic artists and free radio stations all come together to lead readers toward the unexpected ending of Betta’s adventure riding on the lion Reno II. A fantastical journey and a true declaration of love for their city, created through words and illustrations by Claudio Bolognini and Bicio Fabbri.
The walking tour is intended for small groups. Advance booking is required, as well as registration with the library. The meeting point is Biblioteca Salaborsa.
Roberto Bolle | Caravaggio at Teatro EuropAuditorium – October 8–10, 2026
Italy’s brightest ballet star meets the darkest and most controversial painter in art history. Roberto Bolle takes on the role of Caravaggio in the two-act ballet of the same name by Roman choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti.
Set to various compositions by Claudio Monteverdi, re-orchestrated symphonically by Bruno Moretti, Caravaggio features La Scala étoile Roberto Bolle in the title role, constantly balancing between darkness and light. Inner conflict merges with artistic expression through solos, duets, trios and quartets, interwoven with ensemble choreography created especially for this production.
Performances will take place from October 8 to October 10, 2026, at Teatro EuropAuditorium, Piazza della Costituzione 4, Bologna.
QUEEN: The Last Tour – Until October 11, 2026
For the first time in Italy, QUEEN: The Last Tour is an exhibition dedicated to the legendary 1986 Magic Tour, the final tour performed by the complete Queen lineup: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, marking its 40th anniversary.
Curated by Pascal Casadei van Raamsdonk in collaboration with A Piece of His Own, the exhibition features photographs by Torleif Svensson, the photographer who followed the band throughout the A Kind of Magic tour, capturing Freddie Mercury’s electrifying stage presence, the audience’s energy and the unforgettable atmosphere of the concerts.
The 37 photographs on display, preserved for decades in the photographer’s personal archive before being rediscovered, tell the story of Queen’s final great journey with Freddie Mercury—from the triumph of Live Aid 1985 to the historic final concert at Knebworth Park, attended by more than 120,000 people.
The exhibition will be hosted at the International Museum and Library of Music, Strada Maggiore 34, Bologna, until October 11, 2026.
Bologna Jazz Festival – From October 13, 2026
As every year, Bologna welcomes back the Bologna Jazz Festival (BJF), which has traditionally taken place in the city during this period for decades. It is considered Italy’s oldest jazz festival, having been founded in 1958.
Starting on October 13, 2026, the city will come alive with world-class concerts. Visitors can expect performances in Bologna’s leading theatres and venues featuring renowned Italian and international artists.
Among the confirmed performers are Fabrizio Bosso Quartet, Al Di Meola Acoustic Trio, Kurt Elling & The Yellowjackets, and Emmet Cohen. Jazz will echo beneath Bologna’s famous porticoes: this is BJF.
TuttoBrunori: Songs and Monologues at Teatro EuropAuditorium – October 19, 2026
Dario Brunori, better known as Brunori Sas, returns to one of the places that suits him best—the theatre—with an entirely new show that blends music, storytelling and spoken word into a single performance.
A complete journey through his poetic and personal universe, where songs intertwine with reflections, memories, stand-up comedy and monologues, all marked by his unmistakable irony and songwriter’s sensitivity.
In TuttoBrunori: Songs and Monologues, the artist offers audiences a comprehensive look at his story, the present day, and the ongoing dialogue between the individual and society that runs through all of his work, accompanied on stage by his longtime band.
The event will take place at Teatro EuropAuditorium on Monday, October 19, 2026, starting at 9:00 pm.
Auto e Moto d’Epoca – October 22–25, 2026
Auto e Moto d’Epoca is a major trade fair taking place in Bologna from October 22 to October 25, 2026, and is one of Europe’s leading events for the classic car and vintage spare parts market. Collectors and enthusiasts will find more than 5,000 classic vehicles from the world’s leading manufacturers available for sale, along with original spare parts and automobilia of every brand and price range.
Held at Viale della Fiera 20, this major event is the beating heart of automotive passion: the largest exhibition of its kind in Europe, where history, design and technology come together in a unique experience. Every vehicle tells an extraordinary story, every stand represents a piece of automotive culture, and every detail offers a journey into the past that continues to inspire the present. With rare spare parts and authentic memorabilia, the exhibition is a landmark event for collectors, enthusiasts and admirers of all ages. It is a place where generations come together, where passion is passed on and renewed, and where the charm of the classic meets the excitement of the future.
Auto e Moto d’Epoca is not just an event. It is an experience to be lived, breathed and remembered.
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!
