Milan is a vibrant and dynamic city, rich in events and appointments that attract visitors from all over the world. Each year, the city hosts internationally renowned events, niche festivals, and a variety of fairs and shows that make Milan an unmissable destination for those who love culture, fashion, art, and gastronomy.
In this article, we recap the most important events that take place throughout the year in Milan.
Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious events in the industry. It takes place twice a year: in February/March for the autumn/winter collections and in September/October for the spring/summer collections. During this period, the city fills with designers, models, journalists, and celebrities, with fashion shows and presentations that showcase the latest trends.
Salone Internazionale del Mobile
The Salone Internazionale del Mobile, also known as Milan Design Week, is held in April and is one of the most important events in the world for design and furniture. The fair attracts designers, architects, and design enthusiasts from all over the world. During the week of the Salone, the city comes alive with Fuorisalone, a series of events and installations that take place in various neighborhoods, transforming Milan into a large open-air exhibition.
Milan Film Festival
The Milan Film Festival takes place in September and presents a selection of international independent films. It is a unique opportunity to discover new works and meet emerging directors. Screenings are held in different locations throughout the city, offering a varied and stimulating cinematic experience.
Artigiano in Fiera (also known as Fiera dell’Artigianato)
In December, Milan hosts Artigiano in Fiera, a fair that celebrates craftsmanship and traditional products from around the world. This event is ideal for Christmas shopping, with a wide range of unique and high-quality products. In addition to the exhibition stands, the fair also offers live demonstrations and craft workshops.
EICMA – International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition
EICMA, the International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition, is held in November and is one of the largest fairs in the world dedicated to two wheels. Motorcycle enthusiasts and industry professionals gather to discover the latest innovations in motorcycles, scooters, and accessories. The event also includes shows and motocross races, offering entertainment for all tastes.
Milan Marathon
The Milan Marathon takes place in April and attracts participants from all over the world. The route passes through the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering runners a unique experience. The marathon is accompanied by side events and charitable initiatives, making it an important appointment for sports and solidarity lovers.
La Prima della Scala
On December 7th, the opening of the opera season at Teatro alla Scala is a highly prestigious cultural event. La Prima della Scala attracts the elite of Italian and international society, with a gala evening that inaugurates the opera season with a top-level performance.
Milan Pride
In June, Milan celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with Milan Pride. The parade and related events attract thousands of participants and supporters, promoting equality and civil rights. The event includes concerts, debates, and cultural activities, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere.
MiArt
MiArt is an international fair of modern and contemporary art held in April. The event attracts collectors, gallery owners, and art enthusiasts from around the world, with a wide selection of works by established and emerging artists. MiArt represents a unique opportunity to discover new trends and purchase valuable works of art.
Fiera Milano City
Fiera Milano City hosts various events and fairs throughout the year. Among these are BIT, the International Tourism Exchange, which takes place in February, and Cartoomics, an event dedicated to the world of comics and entertainment, held in March. These appointments attract professionals and enthusiasts from their respective sectors, offering networking and entertainment opportunities.
Other niche events in Milan throughout the year
In addition to the main events, Milan also hosts many niche events that attract enthusiasts from various sectors. Among these:
- MuseoCity: An event held in March that involves the city’s museums, offering guided tours, workshops, and special activities.
- BookCity Milan: In November, this festival celebrates literature with book presentations, meetings with authors, and workshops in various locations around the city.
- Piano City Milan: In May, a festival that transforms the city into a large stage with piano concerts in public and private places.
- Photofestival Milan: An annual event held between September and October that celebrates photography with exhibitions and meetings in various exhibition spaces.
- Milan Digital Week: In March, dedicated to digital culture with conferences, workshops, and interactive installations.
- JazzMi: In October/November, a festival dedicated to jazz music with concerts and performances in various locations around the city.
- Milan Design Film Festival: In October, this event is dedicated to films that deal with design, architecture, and art.
- Milan Music Week: In November, a week of events dedicated to music with concerts, meetings, and workshops.
- East Market Milan: A vintage and second-hand market held periodically in the Lambrate area, with clothing, accessories, records, and more.
- Milan Sake Festival: An event dedicated to Japanese sake, with tastings and seminars for enthusiasts and the curious.
- Wired Next Fest: A festival dedicated to innovation and technology held in May, with conferences, workshops, and labs.
- Orticola: A flower and plant show-market held in May at the Indro Montanelli Gardens.
- Fa’ la cosa giusta!: A fair dedicated to critical consumption and sustainable lifestyles held in March.
- Milan Clown Festival: In February, a festival of clowns and circus arts held in various locations around the city.
- Festival dell’Oriente: An event that celebrates Eastern cultures with shows, workshops, and markets, usually held in February/March.
Milan offers a wide range of events and appointments throughout the year that cater to every type of interest and passion. Whether you are a lover of fashion, art, music, or gastronomy, Milan always has something special to offer.
Plan your visit during one of these events to fully experience the energy and creativity of the city.