Must-see cultural festivals in Italy in early May

Cultural festivals in early May 2026: highlights

As May begins, a wide range of festivals and cultural events enliven Italian cities and regions. Here is a concise selection spanning dance, alpine culture, listening-oriented music and social inclusion initiatives.

• Alpine Culture Fest — Tirano (SO), May 1-3, 2026: the inaugural edition focuses on mountain communities' traditions, craftsmanship and local produce, with markets, workshops and public talks.
• Danza in Rete — Vicenza (until May 24, 2026): the ninth edition of the diffuse dance festival featuring performances, collaborations and encounters between artists and local communities.
• Long Playing — Venice, Apr 29 / May 27 / Jun 3, 2026: a listening series curated by Palazzo Grassi and SSH! Iuav, centered on long-form listening experiences and shared attention.
• Prima Persona Plurale — Turin, May 5-7, 2026: three days of workshops, talks and artistic moments focused on independent living for people with disabilities, coinciding with the European Independent Living Day.
• Detroit Love — Bologna, May 1, 2026: a musical event bringing Detroit-related electronic music artists and sessions to Bologna.

This roundup summarizes some of the main programs announced for early May. For full schedules, ticketing and venue information, consult the official pages of each festival.