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Bologna is an Italian city that needs little introduction. Known for its rich history, delicious cuisine and strategic location in the heart of Italy, Bologna has always been a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

If you live in Bologna or want to live here: May is the perfect month to do so: the city offers a wide range of interesting events for all tastes.

From music festivals and art exhibitions to sports and cultural events, the May calendar in Bologna is full of events not to be missed. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the city's atmosphere, discover its traditions, meet the locals, and enjoy the mild spring weather.

In this article we will find out what events will be happening in Bologna in May. Whether you are interested in music, culture, gastronomy or simply the beauty of the city, there is definitely something for you.

Buckle up and get ready for a trip to discover May events in Bologna!

May exhibitions in Bologna

We are in an Italian art city, which means it is our duty to talk about events starting with the exhibitions you will find in Bologna in May.

Here is a list from which you can choose what most appeals or intrigues you:

  • Le Tarot Mystique, un voyage dans le sacré di Octavia Monaco: an entirely original and creative exhibition dedicated to women, on view until 5 May 2023 at the Nelumbo Gallery;
  • Jago, Banksy, TvBoy e altre storie controcorrente: 60 provocative and non-conformist works by the most controversial artists of the century at Palazzo Albergati, which will be on view until 7 May 2023, so you must hurry;
  • “Atlantide 2017-2023” di Yuri Ancarani: at MAMbo, until 7 May 2023, the artist and director's new project will be on display, bringing to the exhibition various materials produced in the last few years of his career;
  • Wanda Benatti. Celebro l’attimo: the artist's exhibition at Museo Rocca di Dozza, open until 7 May 2023;
  • The dark side of photography: a photographic exhibition that can be visited at Palazzo d'Accursio until 9 May 2023;
  • #wunderkammer il museo delle meraviglie: this is an exhibition of narratives and concerts of the works in the International Museum and Music Library in Bologna, open until 14 May;
  • Non siamo mai stati oggetti: photographer Federico Landi carries out this visual research on the artefacts that make up the Palagi collection of the Museo Civico Medievale in Bologna, an exhibition on view until 14 May 2023;
  • Antologia della moto bolognese (1920-1970): an exhibition dedicated to the history of motorbikes in the Valley of Motors, which will be open and can be visited at the Museo del Patrimonio Industriale until 18 May 2023;
  • Oltre lo spazio, oltre il tempo. Il sogno di Ulisse Aldrovandi: paintings and sculptures will be on show at the Opificio Golinelli until 28 May 2023, starting with the great scientist and then moving on to other leading figures;
  • L’altro Rinascimento: an exhibition of more classical objects on the subject of natural sciences will be on display at the Museo di Palazzo Poggi until 28 May 2023;
  • Paola Pedrizzi personal exhibition: open at Birra Cerqua until 31 May, an exhibition of prints created with a technique reminiscent of the tapestries of ancient England;
  • Milan Vagač. Black box: until 3 June 2023 at Labs Contemporary Art a selection of works that speaks of the relationship between man and technology;
  • Arte al femminile – Artiste a Bologna nel 900: at Casa Saraceni, until 11 June 2023, you can see the collection of female artists who created in Bologna during the 20th century;
  • Warhol, Haring, Basquiat: at Palazzo Belloni the most representative works of these great artists will be on display and you can admire them until 18 June 2023;
  • Pelle –Pep Marchegiani personal exhibition: an impressive display of works at the Arena del Sole Theatre until 22 June 2023;
  • Yōkai: at Palazzo Pallavicini, until 23 July 2023, you can see wonderful Japanese prints, a must-see exhibition if you love the Orient;
  • Rivisitazioni: until 27 July 2023 you can visit a group exhibition of the artists awarded at Zucchelli 2022, at the Fondazione Zucchelli, Zu.Art giardino delle arti;
  • The World of Banksy: also in May, and until 6 August 2023, you will be able to see another retrospective of this absolutely non-conformist artist at Palazzo Pallavicini in Bologna;
  • MENTE ET MALLEO. Da Ulisse Aldrovandi a Giovanni Capellini: storie dal primo museo geologico: until 31 August 2023, you can visit an exhibition organised on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the naturalist's birth at the 'Museo Giovanni Capellini' Geology Collection;
  • Leggiadro Barocco in this exhibition open at Palazzo d'Accursio until 2 September 2023 you can admire the early works of Giuseppe Marchesi, known as Samson;
  • Ilario Fioravanti. Epifanie del dolore e della gioia: an exhibition that reproposes part of the "Fioravanti 100!" project and can be visited at the Complesso di Santa Maria della Vita until 25 September;
  • Sekhmet, la Potente. Una leonessa in città: the divinity with the body of a woman and the head of a lion has arrived from Turin and will be on display at the Museo Civico Archeologico di Bologna until the end of the year, 31 December 2023.

Among the events in May in Bologna, exhibitions are certainly the largest part, because the city has always been characterised by a great artistic ferment.

Theatre events in May

Speaking of events in Bologna, let's also mention a few shows at the theatre where you can entertain yourself and watch famous people perform.

Mark your calendar:

  • Casalinghi disperati: a show by Nicola Pistoia, Gianni Ferreri, Max Pisu and Danilo Brugia at Teatro Dehon from 5 to 7 May 2023;
  • Stagione 2022-2023 al Teatro Celebrazioni: you are still in time to catch the latest music, comedy and prose performances at the theatre until 10 May 2023;
  • Stagione di prosa al Teatro Duse: you can still take part in the 2022-2023 season throughout the month of May;
  • Stagione di prosa al Teatro Celebrazioni: in addition to music, you can also attend shows by personalities such as Sergio Castellitto and Enzo Iacchetti, until 30 June 2023.

Affrettati e cerca se ci sono ancora biglietti disponibili per terminare la stagione a teatro.

Concerts in Bologna in May

Among the events in May in Bologna, music is certainly not to be missed, as we are talking about a popular venue for internationally renowned artists.

If you like listening to live music in Bologna, you can choose from:

  • Lazza: the rapper will be in concert at the Unipol Arena on 6 May 2023;
  • I Leoni del Rock per la Siria e la Turchia: Poggipollini, Portera and Solieri will play at Teatro Celebrazioni on 7 May 2023;
  • Cosmo: will be in concert from 6 to 10 May 2023 at the Estragon Club;
  • Baustelle: 5 live concerts by the band at the Estragon in Bologna from 5 to 12 May 2023;
  • Bollicine di jazz ft. QuartettoZ: they will perform at Teatro Mazzacorati on 13 May 2023;
  • Gianmaria: after his debut at Sanremo, he will be in concert at the Estragon Club on 15 May 2023;
  • Matt Bianco: will be live on 17 and 18 May 2023 at the Bravo Caffè;
  • Tutto scorre…a tempo di rock!: benefit concert for ADMO Emilia Romagna organised by the Rock Bazar Band on 18 May 2023 at Teatro Bibiena in Bologna;
  • AGUA WORLD TOUR 2023: the Chilean band Inti-Illimani and singer-songwriter Giulio Wilson will play at the Teatro Duse on 18 May 2023 to perform this union;
  • Sam Smith: live performance by the British artist at the Unipol Arena on 20 May 2023;
  • Wonder. The World Tour 2023: Shawn Mendes performs at Bologna's Unipol Arena on 31 May 2023;
  • Stagione Concertistica 2022-2023 San Colombano – Collezione Tagliavini: at the San Colombano Museum until 22 June 2023, a calendar of concerts and meetings to enhance the Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini collection of ancient instruments;
  • Modà: on 29 and 30 May 2023 the band will perform at the EuropAuditorium Theatre for a double date.

Live music in Bologna is always a guarantee and allows you to choose from a wide range of events, designed to satisfy all tastes.

Sports events in May in Bologna

Among the May events in Bologna that are already scheduled are sports days.

If you love being outdoors, especially in spring, sign up:

  • Cycling Sundays: 4 appointments to discover the Po Valley by bicycle, the first of which will be on 7 May 2023, when we will ride 15 km to discover the Zena Valley;
  • StraBologna 2023: on 21 May 2023, a non-competitive walk to promote health and sport will take place in the city centre.

These are some ideas if you want to find the motivation to start exercising again.

If, on the other hand, you are interested in trade fair events, Cosmofarma will take place at the BolognaFiere (Bologna Exhibition Centre) from 5 to 7 May 2023. The theme of the event is 'Sustainable Interconnections', so sustainability and environment in the pharmaceutical sector will be discussed.

In conclusion, if you live in Bologna, you will not be bored during the month!

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