Notte Rosa in Romagna: the shows and events not to be missed

At 10 pm in Piazzale Roma, Riccione will host ‘Magia in movimento’, a show conceived and directed by Kledi Kadiu. The square will be transformed into a large open-air theatre, where some of the leading figures in Italian and international dance will take to the stage with performances ranging from classical ballet to contemporary fusion, including Latin American dance. Guests include Giada Lini, Graziano Di Prima, Marianna Suriano, Giacomo Castellana, Anbeta Toromani, Alessandro Macario and the duo Riva & Repele. The event is free of charge and will offer the public a show designed to celebrate the universal language of the body and movement.

In Cattolica, Piazza Primo Maggio will be transformed into a huge open-air dance arena for the Radio Gamma DJ Party, which will kick off the celebrations for its 50th anniversary. From 9 pm, music, lights and entertainment will keep the crowd going until late into the night, thanks to the DJs from the Romagna-based radio station, who will be playing a selection of contemporary hits, summer anthems and evergreens sure to get all generations dancing. An evening designed for those who love to dance and experience the Notte Rosa in the heart of the city.

In Bellaria-Igea Marina, the success of the Space Invaders & Franky Party Vocalist DJ set continues. On Saturday evening, the party moves to Piazzale Alda Merini in Igea Marina, where, from 9.30 pm, the DJ duo Space Invaders and Franky Party Vocalist will take the audience on a musical journey through big hits, rock-dance sounds and summer vibes. In Coriano, the Jashgawronsky Brothers’ original show “Pop Bins” will bring to the stage a surprising mix of comedy, music and theatre. The four artists, famous throughout Europe for their ability to transform everyday objects into musical instruments, will present a witty and engaging show in which brooms, buckets, bins and recycled materials take centre stage in a performance that is one of a kind. The event starts at 9.15 pm in Via Malatesta.

In Verucchio, the Notte Rosa takes on the colours of conviviality and the discovery of the local area. From late afternoon, a guided walk will set off from Villa Verucchio towards the historic centre, followed by a musical aperitif and the enchanting ‘Dinner under the stars’ in Piazza Malatesta. An opportunity to savour the finest local cuisine and experience the village in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.

In Cesena, the traditional Festival of St John, one of the city’s most cherished events. The historic centre is home to food stalls, markets, live music, shows and events celebrating folk traditions. In Bertinoro, as part of the Drinkin’ Jazz Festival, the spotlight is on singer-songwriter music with a concert by Alessandro Lanzoni, one of the most interesting jazz pianists of his generation.

In Savignano sul Rubicone, the ‘Rapsodia per la Notte Rosa’ festival will feature one of the weekend’s most original events. In Piazza Borghesi, writer Alessandro Barbaglia and musician PitrekSpitrek will take the audience on a journey through the legendary theme tunes of Japanese cartoons from the 1970s and 1980s, from Goldrake to the giant robots, with stories, live music and interesting facts that blend nostalgia and pop culture.

The second edition of the Avvertenze Arte Award – AAA Eccellenze Premiasi, a dance gala directed by Monica Ratti and dedicated to celebrating artistic excellence in Emilia-Romagna, will take place in Piazza Garibaldi, Cervia. The show will combine dance, art and awards for figures who have distinguished themselves on the regional cultural scene.

In the Comacchio area, in Lido degli Scacchi, the Notte Rosa continues with a concert by Fred De Palma, one of the most popular Italian artists on the urban and Latin pop scene. The evening will begin at 9.30 pm with a DJ set, entertainment and performances by up-and-coming artists, whilst from 10 pm the singer will take to the stage to perform his most famous hits and the tracks that have earned him millions of streams and numerous platinum discs.

On Sunday, the Notte Rosa reaches its final stage, coinciding with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. After two days of concerts, DJ sets and major events, the region offers a programme that combines entertainment, live music, culture, nature and folk traditions.

The most eagerly awaited event of the day is undoubtedly the Frecce Tricolori Air Show in Bellaria-Igea Marina. As has become tradition, the grand finale of the Notte Rosa will be provided by the National Aerobatic Team, which will once again fly over the Romagna coastline, offering one of the most spectacular moments of the entire weekend. The programme will kick off at around 4.15 pm with a series of aerial displays, whilst the highlight is scheduled for after 6 pm, when the Frecce Tricolori will trace the colours of the Italian flag in the sky in front of thousands of spectators.

In Rimini, the final evening of the Notte Rosa will be dedicated to the most authentic traditions of Romagna with the Liscio Street Parade. The Belvedere in Piazzale Kennedy will be transformed into a huge open-air dance hall where, from late afternoon onwards, dancers and enthusiasts of all ages will bring the square to life whilst awaiting the evening concert. At 9 pm, the Roberta Cappelletti Orchestra – one of the most beloved performers of Romagna-style liscio – will take to the stage, presenting a repertoire that blends the great traditional classics with the most popular tunes. Afterwards, the party will continue with a DJ set to keep the crowd entertained until late into the evening.

A completely different atmosphere awaits the audience in Montescudo-Monte Colombo, where the evocative event ‘From Bach to Led Zeppelin – A Sunset Concert by Candlelight’ will offer an immersive experience combining music and scenery. From 8.45 pm, bathed in the light of a thousand candles, the audience will be able to lose themselves in a musical journey ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach to Ennio Morricone, from Hans Zimmer to The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, in one of the most enchanting spots in the Rimini hinterland.

Gatteo will host the Solstice Festival, a long day combining music, traditions and a magical atmosphere. The festivities will begin at dawn in the courtyard of the Malatesta Castle with a classical music concert dedicated to the sunrise. In the evening, Piazza San Lorenzo will host the group Menamè, who will treat the audience to the sounds of Salento’s musical traditions, whilst the festival will draw to a close with a performance by Canclan – Cantautori Clandestini, who will take centre stage in a show dedicated to the great Italian singer-songwriters, featuring tributes to Francesco Guccini, Franco Battiato, Fabrizio De André and I Nomadi.

In Cervia, 21 June will also coincide with the traditional Music Festival. Between Piazzetta Pisacane and Piazza Garibaldi, from 7 pm to 10 pm, pupils from the “Gioacchino Rossini” Municipal School of Music will take centre stage in a series of free concerts featuring soloists, rock and pop bands, ensembles and young musicians. An opportunity to showcase the talent of the younger generation and celebrate music on the day dedicated to this art form in over 120 countries around the world.

In Codigoro, against the stunning backdrop of Pomposa Abbey, Nina Zilli and the Martini Big Band will take to the stage. The concert, organised as part of the celebrations marking the millennium of the historic abbey’s reconsecration, will combine the charm of one of the most important sites in the cultural heritage of Emilia-Romagna with the voice of one of the most acclaimed artists on the contemporary Italian music scene. An evening that promises excitement, elegance and superb live music.

Bellaria-Igea Marina will be focusing on children with the “Pink Children’s Week”, scheduled for 16 to 20 June. Five days of outdoor activities, workshops and educational experiences. On Saturday, the festivities will continue with the Bellaria Pink Carnival. From 9.30 pm to 11.30 pm, the parade of fancy-dress floats will wind its way along Viale Panzini and Lungomare Colombo, transforming the centre of Bellaria into a hub of entertainment, music and fun. After its stop in Igea Marina, the carnival thus arrives in the heart of Bellaria, confirming that it is an event suitable for all ages.

Misano Adriatico will be celebrating the night with one of the summer’s most eagerly awaited events. On Saturday at 9 pm, the seafront will be transformed into a huge open-air party thanks to the traditional Summer Carnival, featuring floats, masked groups, music and a riot of colour, all coming together to create a long parade that will captivate both adults and children alike on an evening filled with fun and entertainment.

The Night of the Witches returns to San Giovanni in Marignano, concluding on 23 June with Vinicio Capossela and his show “Rituale vegetale”. For five evenings, from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm, the historic centre of the village will be transformed into a place suspended between reality and imagination. The theme for the 2026 edition will be “Roots. The Call of the Earth” and will feature international artists, spectacular displays of light and colour, markets, good food, performers, fantastical creatures, music and storytelling. The squares and alleyways will become an open-air theatre, with an atmosphere capable of drawing adults and children alike into an experience linked to the summer solstice, tradition and imagination.

In Riccione, the Notte Rosa weekend will be aimed primarily at children and families with the return of the ‘Kids Family Festival’, which runs until Saturday. Piazzale Ceccarini, from 4 pm to 11 pm, will become the heart of an event dedicated to children and young people, featuring creative workshops, play areas, make-up stations and interactive sessions that combine entertainment, learning and educational development. Among the most eagerly awaited events will be a parade of children’s favourite characters, from Gumball and Darwin to Geronimo Stilton, including the Smurfs, the 44 Cats, Ladybug and Chat Noir, and the Crybabies. On Thursday 18 June at 9.00 pm, Vincenzo Schettini, the professor from ‘La Fisica che ci piace’, will take to the stage to share his engaging way of explaining science. On Friday 19 June from 8.30 pm, Alberto Pellai and Michele Liuzzi will take centre stage for a discussion on school, adolescence, social life and technology. On Saturday 20 June at 9.00 pm, psychologist Osvaldo Poli will take to the stage, whilst at 10.00 pm there will be a grand finale with a show dedicated to the world of K-pop, featuring music, dance and choreography inspired by the genre’s major international stars.

In Gatteo Mare, the programme for children and families will feature ‘The Pink Night of the Princesses’. The parade will set off at 9.30 pm from Piazza della Libertà and wind its way through the town’s streets, adding to the atmosphere of the Gatteo Mare Summer Village. The stars of the show will be fairy-tale princesses, wearing costumes created by costume designer Anna. For the little ones, it will be a chance to meet their favourite characters, have their photo taken with them and enjoy a free evening with a fairy-tale atmosphere.

In Cervia, from 18 June to 20 August, the Cervia Nature Park will be hosting ‘Young Park Rangers’. The initiative will take place from 10.00 to 12.00 and is aimed at children aged between 7 and 12. Participants will be able to experience a day in the life of a park ranger, helping staff to prepare and distribute food to the animals, monitoring the enclosures, checking on the welfare of the park’s residents and gaining a first-hand insight into nature conservation work. There is a participation fee of 18 euros.

The Notte Rosa will also be coming to the major theme parks along the Riviera. There’ll be plenty of evening entertainment in Ravenna, where Mirabilandia will be celebrating the Notte Rosa on Saturday with special events. The park, open from 5 pm to 11 pm, will host a special evening opening dedicated to the ‘Summer New Year’, whilst from 9 pm to 11 pm, Piazza della Fama will host ‘Comedy Night’, an evening of comedy featuring Scintilla, Sergio Sgrilli and Paolo Migone, the stars of a show designed to engage families and groups of friends with laughter and entertainment.

Riccione will be celebrating with Oltremare, which, until Sunday, will be lighting up the large dolphin fountain at the entrance to the Family Edutainment Park on Via Ascoli Piceno 6 in pink. From 10 am to 6 pm, the park will offer its unique blend of nature, discovery and fun, all set against the backdrop of the quintessential Romagna summer atmosphere. Aquafan will light up its famous M280 slide in pink, combining the traditional fun of the slides with a visual tribute to the Riviera’s flagship event. Rimini, too, with Italia in Miniatura in Viserba, will join the celebrations from 19 to 21 June. The park at Via Popilia 239 will transform the famous miniature beach into a sea of pink, with flowers, themed displays and illuminated water features that echo the event’s colours. The attractions will be open from 10.00 to 18.30.