Turin Events and Festivals

(Turin, Piedmont, Italy)

From a traditional festival which celebrates the city's patron saint, to an event which is filled with everything that is chocolate-related, Turin offers an event-packed calendar throughout the year.

During the summer months, Turin's piazzas and parks often serve as outdoor concert venues, whilst the city's major exhibition centre at Lingotto Fiere hosts many trade shows, fairs, festivals and other events. Seasonal things to do in Turin range from the International Book Forum in May, to the Feast of San Giovanni in June each year, a huge procession held to celebrate the city's patron saint, St John the Baptist.

Turin Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Torino Anima Tango - held in the Aldobaraldo district of Turin, this festival of dance attracts some of the best tango dancers in the world. This week-long event kicks off in style on New Year's Eve
• New Year's Eve concert - an open-air concert in the city's main piazza

February

• Automotoretro - held at Lingotto Fiere in Turin and organised by Italy's Associazione Culturale Automotoretro, this fair attracts crowds of vintage car enthusiasts

March

• CioccolaTO - held in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and in a variety of cafes around Turin, visitors can indulge in chocolate tastings, shows and music performances, as well as workshops and competitions
• Piemonte Share Festival - mid-March, held mainly at the Accademia di Belle Arti, this festival celebrates creativity and cultural exchange through seminars, live music sessions and workshops

April

• Il Gioco del Teatro - this international theatre festival attracts young acting companies from throughout Europe
• Turin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - said to rank among the best in the world, this long-established festival screens films which compete for the Ottavio Mai prize
• Turin Marathon - this endurance race attracts participants from all over the world

May

• Turin International Book Forum - more than 100 exhibitors and over 200,000 visitors make this the largest of Italy's publishing industry-related events, held each year in May

June

• Feast of San Giovanni - on the 24th June each year, where participants dress in historical costume and parade through the streets. There are plenty of sideshows to this event, including a firework display and dancing in front of the Turin Cathedral

July

• Centro Interculturale Festival - held in Turin's Intercultural Centre in Corso Taranton. The Centre organises a two-day festival of dance and theatre with a wide range of international shows and workshops
• Docume in the Park - held in the Parco del Valentino in July, a series of documentaries are screened which focus on social and ethical issues from around the world

August

• Identita' e Differenza - mid-August, a summer festival which celebrates identity and diversity. Turin's Piazza delle Culture comes alive with stalls, international food and music

September

• Settembre Musica - over 80 concert performances of classical and modern multicultural music, and involving some well-known names on the musical circuit

October

• Salone del Gusto - mid-October, the Slow Food movement is the focus of this well-established food fair held at Lingotto Fiere. Some 150,000 visitors come to enjoy this five-day festival of gourmet food

November

• Artissima International Fair of Contemporary Art - a contemporary art fair held each year in November, attracting some 200 new galleries from all over the world. As well as paintings and drawings, the fair also showcases sculptures and art installations
• Luci d'Artista - held from mid-November through to mid-January. Light sculptures bring some welcome glitter to Turin's buildings and streets during the winter

December

• Christmas Market - Borgo Dora in Turin comes alive with festive fun every year in December, during the city's Christmas Market