February 2026 in Bologna: ART CITY, Candlelight Experience, shows at the Teatro Dehon, Michelangelo, Pasolini, antiques market, concerts by Massimo Ranieri and Edoardo Bennato
February in Bologna is not just a winter month, but also one that can surprise you. The cultural and artistic calendar promoted by the City of Bologna is more vibrant than ever, fully enveloping the city in an intimate and evocative atmosphere.
Between fairs, concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and special events, the Emilian capital offers countless opportunities to experience the city beneath its porticoes, discovering its most creative and dynamic side. Here’s what to do and see in Bologna in February 2026.
Antique Market – 3 February 2026
On the first Tuesday of every month (excluding July and August) and on the third Tuesday (excluding January, February, July and August), all lovers of antiques and vintage items can stroll along Via Matteotti in search of bargains among stalls selling advertising posters, comics, collectible figurines, evocative prints, lace and embroidery, antique jewellery and much more. Specifically, on Tuesday 3 February the antique market will take place all day until 5:00 pm.
Pasolini | Anatomy of a Murder – until 8 February 2026
Fifty years after the murder committed on 2 November 1975, the Cineteca di Bologna reconstructs the weeks leading up to the death of Pier Paolo Pasolini with an exhibition in his honour, which opened on 30 October 2025 and will remain open until 8 February 2026. Curated by Gian Luca Farinelli, Marco Antonio Bazzocchi and Andrea Speranzoni, the exhibition “Pasolini | Anatomy of a Murder” is hosted at Galleria Modernissimo, the former underpass of Piazza Re Enzo.
Although five decades have passed and the truth about the crime has yet to fully emerge, we can still learn a great deal about what Pasolini wrote, said and did during the final month of his life. Through documents, papers, articles, notes and accounts of events he attended, the exhibition reconstructs the chronology of the weeks preceding his death.
ART CITY Bologna – 5 to 8 February 2026
From 5 to 8 February 2026, ART CITY Bologna returns for its 14th edition. This long weekend is entirely dedicated to contemporary art, featuring exhibitions, events and initiatives promoted by the City of Bologna. The project is developed in collaboration with BolognaFiere on the occasion of Arte Fiera and under the artistic direction of Lorenzo Balbi, Director of MAMbo – the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna, part of the Civic Museums Sector of the City of Bologna.
The 2026 edition also includes a special collaboration with the city institution par excellence devoted to knowledge, education, dialogue and change: the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. Founded nearly 1,000 years ago and long a cultural, political and civic reference point for the city, the University boasts a history deeply intertwined with that of Bologna and its urban landscape, through the palaces and buildings that have hosted its activities over the centuries. ART CITY therefore pays tribute to this cultural heritage with a contemporary art itinerary that weaves through the locations of this prestigious institution.
During ART CITY Bologna, the entire city will transform into a stage for Italian and international contemporary culture, reflecting its richness and vitality through a wide range of artistic initiatives proposed by institutions, galleries and independent spaces. A specially curated, unmissable programme for art lovers.
Concerts at Teatro EuropAuditorium – 5 and 15 February 2026
The 2026 theatre season kicks off with a bang. On the evening of Thursday 5 February, Massimo Ranieri takes the stage at the EuropAuditorium with his show “Tutti i sogni sono ancora in volo (e continuano a volare)”. A new concert written by Ranieri himself together with Edoardo Falcone, it is a major show filled with stories, personal anecdotes and his most beloved songs of all time.
But that’s not all. Just a few days later, the EuropAuditorium also hosts the concert of Edoardo Bennato. A rebellious artist, rock pirate, icon of musical and ideological nonconformism and the first to bring rock and blues into Italian singer-songwriter music, Bennato returns live to Bologna on Sunday 15 February 2026 with his new tour “Sono Solo Canzonette 2025”. On stage, he will present a powerful “jukebox” of old and new songs that have made him a cornerstone of Italian music, touching on the themes that have always been close to his heart and are more relevant than ever: the contradictions of society, the female universe, and concern for the world we live in.
Michelangelo and Bologna – until 15 February 2026
The exhibition opened on 14 November 2025 and will run until 15 February 2026. “Michelangelo and Bologna” arrives in the city, celebrating the genius of Michelangelo with an unprecedented focus on his relationship with the Emilian capital.
Curated by Cristina Acidini and Alessandro Cecchi, respectively President and Director of the Casa Buonarroti Foundation in Florence, the exhibition takes place at Palazzo Fava to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564). The project stems from the desire to restore to Bologna the role it played in the growth and artistic maturation of the “Michelangelesque genius”.
Candlelight Experience in Bologna – 14–15, 20–21, 27–28 February 2026
For lovers of music and candlelit concerts, February 2026 is the perfect time to be in Bologna. At the Oratorio San Filippo Neri, a new way of experiencing music arrives, spanning a wide range of genres: classical, jazz, pop, film scores and ballet. A rich and varied programme ranges from the Beatles to Vivaldi, from Ludovico Einaudi to Queen, from Coldplay to many others. Professional musicians from all over the world will perform with the aim of making each show unique and unforgettable. Events are scheduled for the last three weekends of February 2026.
A New Season of Shows at Teatro Dehon – 25 and 28 February 2026
At Teatro Dehon in Bologna, Adriano Pariante and Davide Omino take the stage with “Pota Boyz”. Not just Zelig, then: the Emilian capital will also get to enjoy this interactive, high-energy show live. The appointment is on the evening of Thursday 25 February 2026.
But that’s not all at the Dehon. On Sunday 28 February, Tiziana Foschi and Nina Fucci also arrive with the show “Rimetti a posto la stanza” (“Tidy Up Your Room”). A mother anchored to her protective nature, watching an overly adult daughter she can no longer manage; a mother who manages to be profound only through WhatsApp messages. And a daughter who rebels, quits volleyball, philosophy, her city. This is what awaits you.
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!
