Best Outdoor Events in Milan this July

The unseasonably wet and windy weather of June has (hopefully) passed: Bring on the sunshine and warm summer evenings! Milan, at this time of year, always has a lot of outdoor events on offer: from music festivals under the stars to glamorous movie nights in historic piazzas and laid-back picnics in the park, the city’s summer calendar is packed with activities that cater to all tastes and ages. Here’s your guide to the unmissable outdoor events in Milan this July.

Music Festivals and Concerts

July kicks off with a bang in Milan as the city hosts several high-profile musical events and gigs of all kinds. The Milano Summer Festival features Iron Maiden on 15^th July and the I-Days festival (July 1–31) both take place at the Ippodromi SNAI racecourse. The Milano Summer Festival features a mix of Italian and international artists. You can find the complete lineup and buy tickets on the festivals’ websites.

American rapper Nicki Minaj will be performing at Rho Fiera Milano on July 3 and

Black Eyed Peas will be playing at the same venue on 16th July. The San Siro Stadium will be hosting the pop phenomenon and one-woman micro-economy Taylor Swift on 13th July.

There are a number of events with a South American theme taking place this month – plus, of course, the opportunity to hear some great music and to enjoy yourself outdoors too: The Milano Latin Festival (July 5 & 6) celebrates Latin American culture with music, dance, food, and drinks. It takes place at the Carroponte di Sesto San Giovanni, just outside of Milan. The Colombian salsa group Niche will be performing at the festival on July 26th. And if your craving for Latin music still hasn’t been satisfied, Mexican singer Christian Nodal will be on stage at Fiera Milano Rho on July 19th.

Open-air cinema and theatre

What is more magical than watching a movie on the big screen or a live theatrical performance under the twinkling stars of a glossy Milan night sky? The AriAnteo has a programme of screenings in several locations around Milan, including Palazzo Reale, Fabbrica del Vapore, Piazza dei Mercanti, Cortile dell’Incoronata and City Life. The summer festival of Milano è Viva – Estate al Castello includes theatre,
dance and music performances in the grounds of Milan’s iconic Castello Sforzesco. It runs from 8th July until 8th September.

The fourth installment of Corti in Giardino will be held on July 3rd, 2024, at the IBVA Foundation in Milan from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM. This outdoor cinema event will feature three short films exploring themes of reception, integration, and assimilation, including Olmo Parenti’s “Real People,” Fatima Kaci’s “La Voix des Autres,” and Alberto Marchiori’s “Colorcarne.” Each film delves into different aspects of the
migration experience, from rescue operations to cultural assimilation. The evening will begin with a solidarity aperitivo and include introductions by filmmakers and human rights advocates. Admission is free, but booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Other outdoor events

If you are looking for an opportunity to talk climate with professionals identifying as women, you will be in the right place at the Women and Climate Milano Picnic. No climate experience is necessary! The group’s gatherings are a fun way to make new friends and chat about all topics, including, of course, climate change, global warming, and the environment. The dinner will be organized by WAC Milan City Lead, Anna Korlath. A pre-event email with attendee names and LinkedIn profiles will be sent out so you can connect in advance. The picnic will be held in BAM, the “Library of Trees” next to Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) so everyone is invited to bring their drinks and snacks to share.

The Sri Lankan Consulate General is hosting a culture festival on July 13th and 14th, 2024, in Milan’s Parco Sempione, showcasing Sri Lankan traditions, cuisine, dance, and art. This free event will feature aromatic curries, street food, and Ceylon tea tastings, along with live cooking and dance demonstrations. Highlights include a traditional Sari fashion show, Ayurvedic wellness treatments, and a variety of crafts, such as wood carving and gemstone exploration. The festival also includes activities for children and a tourist section with information about sustainable travel to Sri Lanka. This celebration aims to deepen intercultural connections and enrich Milan’s cultural landscape.

Finally, Democrats Abroad Italy and Easy Milano are hosting a full-day Independence Day potluck picnic for American citizens at Lago Maggiore on July 7th from 12:00 to 19:00. The event includes a BBQ, games, contests, and music at a boat club in Meina, with refreshments, grills, and beach access. Optional boat tours are available, and transportation options include car, train or bus, with detailed
access and ticketing information provided.

Article By Robert Dennis for Easy Milano

Robert Dennis is a writer and Business English teacher based in Milan. He has been teaching for other 30 years both in the UK and in Italy. A long-time collaborator with John Peter Sloan, Robert published Business English (Gribaudo) in 2020. The book was launched with “Il Sole 24 Ore” and sold in newsstands throughout Italy. Robert has a website for people who want to learn Business English: PayAsYouLearn.com. The site features keywords and phrases, audio and exercises to help professionals improve their language skills. A graduate in English from Oxford University, Robert is a regular contributor to Easy Milano who often writes about plays staged in English in Milan and other cultural events in the city. He is also a translator and “buongustaio” who loves Italian food! robertdennis.it

Featured Image by Giovanni Daniotti