Halloween 2026 in Florence: Events for Families and Adults Across the City

Halloween will be marked across Florence and its surrounding towns on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with events ranging from children’s activities and film screenings to museum visits, live performances and late-night parties.

Although Halloween has no deep roots in Italian popular culture, the celebration has become a familiar part of the autumn calendar over the past 20 years or more, particularly among children and younger generations. Costumes, pumpkin decorations and trick-or-treating are now common in many Italian cities, including Florence.

The occasion remains distinct from Italy’s traditional observances of All Saints’ Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November, which have a much longer religious and cultural history.

This year’s programme includes events in the historic centre, residential neighbourhoods and nearby towns such as Scandicci and Tavarnuzze.

Halloween activities for children in Florence

Several events on Saturday afternoon are aimed at families with young children.

In Piazza Batoni, in western Florence, the square will be temporarily pedestrianised to accommodate Halloween activities, including entertainment inspired by pirates, bubble shows and games.

Another neighbourhood celebration is planned at San Donato Plaza, in the Novoli district, where the Limpar and VIP associations will organise an afternoon of theatre, dance and activities for children.

Cinema screenings are also part of the programme. UCI Cinemas Firenze and UCI Luxe Campi Bisenzio will host special screenings and activities for younger audiences, including animated films featuring the Gruffalo and Shaun the Sheep. The programme also includes face painting and activities for preschool children, with some events extending into November.

In Piazza della Repubblica, the Hard Rock Cafe will organise a Halloween programme for children featuring magic and breakfast activities, followed by a separate evening event for adults.

An evening at the Stibbert Museum

One of the more unusual events will take place at the Stibbert Museum, known for its extensive collection of historical arms and armour.

The museum will hold another edition of Knights in the Night, opening from 6.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Halloween.

The evening programme will include themed decorations and costumed characters appearing among the museum’s collections. Visitors will be able to explore the rooms during the special opening, which combines the museum’s historical setting with Halloween activities.

The museum is located in the Montughi area, north of Florence’s historic centre.

Halloween parties and performances in the historic centre

Several venues in central Florence are organising evening events for adults.

At Full Up Club, in Via della Vigna Vecchia 23R, the programme includes a Halloween party with DJ sets, drag performances and prizes for costumes.

Palazzo Borghese, in Via Ghibellina 110, will host an evening organised by Circolo Borghese, combining dinner with a Halloween party.

At Teatro del Sale, in Via dei Macci 111R, performers Viola Panìk and Mister Punch will present a Halloween-themed burlesque show combining theatre and humour.

The Serial Killer Museum will remain open until midnight on 31 October. Visitors wearing costumes will be able to enter for a reduced admission price of €10.

In the San Frediano area, UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze will host a costume party with music and Halloween decorations.

Meanwhile, the Hard Rock Cafe in Piazza della Repubblica will hold an evening event inspired by Lady Gaga.

Music and Halloween-themed performances

Other events will take place outside the historic centre.

At Limonaia di Villa Strozzi, a cultural and entertainment venue in western Florence, the Halloween programme will feature a Dark Circus theme, with acrobats, live performances, costumed characters and music continuing into the night.

Another circus-themed party is planned at Vivido, with music and performers dressed as characters inspired by horror films and circus entertainment.

A celebration that has become part of city life

Halloween’s growing presence in Florence reflects a wider change in Italian habits over recent decades.

Traditionally, the beginning of November in Italy has been associated with religious observances and remembrance of the dead. All Saints’ Day, on 1 November, remains a national public holiday, while All Souls’ Day, on 2 November, is traditionally a time for visiting cemeteries and remembering deceased relatives.

Halloween, by contrast, has spread largely through films, television, schools and international cultural influences. In Florence, its popularity has also developed alongside the city’s international student community, although celebrations now involve many Italian families and local neighbourhood associations.

The result is a mixture of children’s activities, community gatherings and commercial entertainment rather than a single citywide tradition.

For those planning to attend an event, programmes, admission requirements and booking arrangements vary by venue. Visitors should check details with individual organisers before travelling.

(Cover photo: David Menidrey via Unsplash)

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