Bologna's Summer Open-Air Cinema Guide for 2026
Bologna transforms into an open-air cinema during summer 2026. The iconic 'Sotto le Stelle del Cinema' returns to Piazza Maggiore until August 14, featuring restored classics by Cineteca, tributes to Sydney Pollack and Marilyn Monroe, and free admission. Arena Puccini moves to Ippodromo Arcoveggio until September 9 due to renovations, offering 1,000 seats, DJ sets, and recent Italian and international films. Arena Understars in San Lazzaro di Savena runs until September 6, curated by Cinema Galliera, with independent films, animation, and the 'Accadde Domani' series with guest directors. A special 'Cinema sotto le stelle – San Lazzaro Edition' takes place on July 30 at Parco UNA Hoteles, featuring cult films like 'Back to the Future' with DJ sets and buffet. 'A Mente Fresca Sotto le Stelle' in Casalecchio di Reno (August 11-21) is a traveling cinema on wheels, the Cinematografo Viaggiante, offering free screenings in neighborhoods San Biagio, Croce, Ceretolo, and Centro.
Key facts
- Sotto le Stelle del Cinema in Piazza Maggiore runs until August 14, with free admission.
- Arena Puccini relocates to Ippodromo Arcoveggio until September 9, with 1,000 seats.
- Arena Understars in San Lazzaro di Savena runs until September 6, curated by Cinema Galliera.
- Cinema sotto le stelle – San Lazzaro Edition on July 30 at Parco UNA Hoteles features 'Back to the Future'.
- A Mente Fresca Sotto le Stelle in Casalecchio di Reno runs August 11-21, using Cinematografo Viaggiante.
- The article was written by Claudia Giraud for Artribune.
- Cineteca di Bologna restores classic films for the screenings.
- Arena Puccini's move is due to renovation works at Dopolavoro Ferroviario.
Entities
Artists
- Sydney Pollack
- Marilyn Monroe
- Claudia Giraud
- Henry King
- Pupi Avati
- Rodrigo Sorogoyen
- Paolo Genovese
- Toni Servillo
- Valerio Mastandrea
- Margherita Buy
- Vittoria Puccini
- Lino Guanciale
- Edoardo Leo
- Massimiliano Bruno
- Paolo Virzì
- Silvio Orlando
- Emanuela Fanelli
- Monica Bellucci
- Vinicio Marchioni
- Lucio Dalla
- Francesco De Gregori
- Morris Donini
Institutions
- Cineteca di Bologna
- Cinema Galliera
- Artribune
- Parco UNA Hoteles
- Cinematografo Viaggiante
- Ministero della Cultura
- Cinema Revolution
- Ibc Movie
- Galliera
- Gallery 16
- Fun cool oh!
- Biblioteca Casa Bondi
- Cinema Italia
- Mandrioli di Ca' de Fabbri
Locations
- Bologna
- Italy
- Piazza Maggiore
- San Petronio
- Ippodromo Arcoveggio
- Bolognina
- San Lazzaro di Savena
- Palazzo Comunale di San Lazzaro
- Casalecchio di Reno
- San Biagio
- Croce
- Ceretolo
- Centro
- Parco del Dopolavoro Ferroviario
- Via Massarenti
- Castenaso
- Cortile della Biblioteca Casa Bondi