Summer in Valdichiana Senese: events not to miss

Sagra del Bico - June 27–July 6, 2026

  A simple, traditional flatbread made with water, flour, yeast and oil then baked in ash. Every year, the Bico is celebrated during a festival in the hamlet of Le Piazze, where visitors can sample this specialty that is hand-kneaded and cooked in a wood-fired oven. A celebration that brings the entire community together in the spirit of tradition.

Music Festival- July 23–26, 2026

This music festival takes place within the Fucoli Thermal Parks in Chianciano Terme, one of Italy’s most beautiful parks, covering around 10 acres or 4 hectares. Now in its 24ᵗʰ year, this food, wine and music festival has featured performances by artists such as Mondo Marcio, Giuliano Palma and Bowland.

Tria Turris – Medieval Street Artists Festival - June 26, 27 and 28, 2026

A lively weekend to be immersed in the Medieval atmosphere of Chiusi, featuring juggling shows and music. On Sunday, don’t miss the grand historical parade and the Palio delle Torri, a competition between the city’s districts in which 3 towers (weighing about a quintale—100 kilograms or about 220 pounds) are carried on the shoulders of 4 people as they make their way through the historic center to the picturesque setting of Piazza del Duomo.

Lars Rock Festival - July 10, 11 and 12, 2026

An event where many musicians take turns on stage, accompanied by workshops, film screenings, book presentations, readings and other activities.

Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte di Montepulciano - July 17–August 2, 2026

In the heart of summer, a now-well-known festival featuring concerts, theater, dance, performances, experimental art, film and light installations in the most picturesque locations of Montepulciano and the 9 villages of the Valdichiana Senese.

Calici di Stelle - August 10, 2026

On the night of San Lorenzo, Montepulciano comes to life with itinerant wine tastings and other guided tastings at exclusive venues. A great opportunity to sample dozens of Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano wines.

Bravìo delle Botti - August 30, 2026

A full week of events leading up to the final on Sunday, featuring the “Bravìo delle Botti” race, a historical reenactment in which the city’s 8 districts compete for a painted cloth by rolling barrels up an uphill course.

La Terrazza

A must-attend for those who love to focus on culture and current events. Held throughout the summer, prominent figures from the national and international scenes unite to discuss the past, present and future.

Palio di San Cassiano - August

  First, the historical parade in Renaissance-era costumes winds its way through the town’s streets, followed by traditional games held in the central Piazza Matteotti, where the competitions between the 4 districts are held. There is the sack race, piñata, greased pole and pitcher race, culminating in the final event that involves pushing a wheelbarrow that must carry a frog the entire route, with it jumping off.

Giostra del Saracino - August 14: Provaccia (Trials); August 15: Historical parade and Giostra del Saracino

The Giostra del Saracino has been held continuously since 1712, with there being evidence dating back to before 1583 that this event was held sporadically even earlier. Tradition has it that before the actual Giostra on August 15, the Tratta dei Bossoli is scheduled for the 11ᵗʰ and a trial run of Giostra for the 14ᵗʰ. The Giostra is a contest between the 5 districts, re-enacting a battle between knights and the Arab raider who terrorized Christians for a long time, known as the Saracino.

Sarteano Jazz&Blues - August 21, 22 and 23, 2026

A music festival celebrating jazz and blues that takes place in the historic center of Sarteano, where every year renowned local and international artists bring the town’s most iconic squares to life with music.

L’Incantaborgo - July 17, 18 and 19, 2026

Acrobats on stilts tower over the stage alongside illusionists and quick-change artists in an event featuring performers from Sinalunga’s two sister cities: Aÿ-Champagne and Dorking.

Musical performances, dance, rhythmic gymnastics, photography and art exhibitions are slated along with guided tours of the tunnels of Fonte del Castagno and the Etruscan Rooms in Larth.

Extravaganza Birranthology Festival in Scrofiano - August 28, 29 and 30, 2026

  The festival of extravagance, held in Scrofiano, a village just a few miles from Sinalunga, counts 3 evenings of music accompanied by a broad selection of craft beers.

Torrita Blues Festival - June 25, 26 and 27

The rhythm of blues takes center stage in Piazza Matteotti in Torrita di Siena, where the Torrita Blues Festival is held in late June. An event that attracts fans of the genre–and others–every year, thanks in part to the prominent names who take to the stage.

Torrita Biodiversity - Agri-Culture Festival - September

Conferences, exhibitions, meetings with professionals from the agricultural-food sector and other dedicated initiatives for a full immersion in the topic of “biodiversity.”

Tre Gotti al Campino - August 13, 14, 15 and 16

The beer and indie music festival in the Ornella Pancirolli Park of Trequanda. The lineup features up-and-coming local bands and established artists from the Italian Indie music scene. Every evening, a food stand offering local specialties is also open in the park.

These are just a few of the events taking place in the 9 municipalities of the Valdichiana Senese. To stay up to date on all the other events, simply follow the Facebook page of the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e Sapori della Valdichiana Senese.