Events in Naples today, September 2, 2026: What to do in the city

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Naples truly reopens. The city's pace changes after August: the intense heat gives way to pleasant evenings, major exhibitions enter their final week, and one of the summer's most anticipated events, the Bufala Fest , arrives in the square, transforming Piazza Municipio into a culinary capital for five days. In the province, however, the great patron saint festivals conclude, and Amalfi's Byzantine New Year bids farewell to the public with a special concert. Here's the complete and updated guide to today's events, with times, prices, locations, and booking options, to experience Naples and Campania on a late summer day.

Music and concerts

Tosca in concert in Amalfi, the grand finale of the Byzantine New Year.

Where: Piazza Municipio, Amalfi (Amalfi Coast).
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 9:30 PM.
Entrance: free.
Reservations: not required, free admission.

The 26th edition of the Byzantine New Year , the great historical reenactment that has been animating Amalfi and Atrani for days, closes its doors with an exceptional concert: Tosca takes to the stage in the new Piazza Municipio in Amalfi with the show Le Feminæ si fanno aspetta , a ConversaConcerto in dialogue with the journalist Federico Vacalebre.

The Roman artist, one of the most refined voices on the Italian scene, previews the tour for her new album, Feminæ , accompanied by Massimo De Lorenzi on guitar and Luca Scorziello on drums. An intimate and refined format that blends music and words, perfect for celebrating one of the most evocative events of the Campania summer, in one of the most beautiful villages on the Amalfi Coast.

The Byzantine New Year is much more than a festival: it is the reenactment of the ancient New Year that the Duchy of Amalfi celebrated on September 1st, with historical parades, investitures, and the appointment of the Magister of Amalfi Civilization . A centuries-old tradition that this year dedicated the investiture to Ezio Falcone , archaeologist of taste.

The 26th edition also celebrated local cuisine with round tables and tastings, uniting the history, identity, and gastronomy of the Amalfi Coast: an opportunity to experience the closing of an event that successfully intertwined high culture and popular tradition.

Danilo Rea in concert at the Early Christian Basilicas of Cimitile

Where: Early Christian Basilicas of Cimitile (province of Naples).
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in the evening.
Entrance fee: paid (Pomigliano Jazz ticket).
Reservations: Info and tickets on the official Pomigliano Jazz channels.

Pomigliano Jazz brings one of the most beloved pianists of Italian jazz to a setting of rare beauty: Danilo Rea performs with the Sakamoto & Me project at the Basiliche Paleocristiane of Cimitile , the monumental complex that houses some of the oldest early Christian places of worship in Europe.

The concert is a tribute to the great Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto , who passed away in 2023, reinterpreted through the sensitivity and improvisation of Rea, an artist capable of moving effortlessly between jazz, classical music, and song. A dialogue between East and West, between memory and reinvention, ideally situated in the sacredness and acoustics of Cimitile's basilicas.

Gianluca Capozzi in San Prisco for the patronal festival

Where: San Prisco (province of Caserta).
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, evening hours.
Entrance: free.
Reservation: not required.

In the Caserta area, the patronal festivals at the beginning of September shine, and in San Prisco the festival in honour of San Prisco and Santa Matrona lights up with the concert of Gianluca Capozzi , one of the most beloved names of the new Neapolitan song.

Capozzi, a legendary voice of Neapolitan neomelodic music and the author of songs that have become cult classics for entire generations, brings his hits and new songs to the square in an evening that combines popular devotion and great participation. Caserta's patron saint festivals have always been an occasion where music intertwines with tradition, amidst lights, stalls, and local food specialties.

Patron saint festivals remain the heart of the region's traditional identity: a widespread calendar that touches the villages and brings lights, flavors, and devotion to the squares, in a blend of the sacred and the profane that is renewed each year with great popular participation.

Fiordaliso in concert in Pietravairano

Where: Pietravairano (province of Caserta).
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, evening hours.
Entrance: free.
Reservation: not required.

Also in the province of Caserta, Pietravairano welcomes Fiordaliso , an icon of 1980s Italian music, for an evening dedicated to the era-defining hits. The singer, who has experienced a resurgence in artistic rejuvenation in recent years, performs songs like " Non voglio mica la luna" (I Don't Want to Mica La Luna ), in a square eager to sing along.

This event confirms how Caserta's summer ends on a high note, with a series of free concerts that travel through the province's villages and offer free evenings of folk music, in keeping with the long tradition of Campania's village festivals.

Exhibitions and art

Maria Lai, Being is Weaving at the Madre Museum

Where: Donnaregina Museum of Contemporary Art – Madre, via Settembrini 79.
When: Until October 12, 2026; Monday-Saturday 10:00-19:30, Sunday 10:00-20:00 (closed on Tuesdays).
Admission: full price 8 euros, reduced price 4 euros.
Reservations: not required; info at madrenapoli.it.

The Madre Museum is dedicating a large retrospective to Maria Lai , one of the most significant figures in post-war Italian art: a journey through sixty years of works constructed with threads, fabrics, bread, and words, in a continuous intertwining of art and life.

The title, Essere è tessere (To Be Is to Weave ), is a veritable manifesto: for Maria Lai, sewing, weaving, and tying are not simple artisanal gestures but poetic and political acts, capable of uniting community and memory. The exhibition, curated by Mónica Amor and Carlos Basualdo in collaboration with the Maria Lai Archive and Foundation, retraces the fundamental stages of her research, from her sewn canvases to the famous Legarsi alla montagna (Tying to the Mountain ).

Today, being Wednesday, the museum is open as usual: the perfect opportunity for a weekday visit, away from the weekend crowds. Alongside the Maria Lai retrospective, the Madre is also showing Gli anni. Capitolo 3 and Living Collapse , for a complete day dedicated to contemporary art.

OBEY: Power to the Peaceful, final days at Gallerie d'Italia

Where: Gallerie d'Italia – Naples, Via Toledo 177.
When: Until Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Entrance fee: fee (prices on the Gallerie d'Italia website).
Reservations: recommended at gallerieditalia.com.

Last call for the exhibition dedicated to Shepard Fairey , the American street artist who rose to international fame with Barack Obama's "Hope" poster and his iconic "Obey Giant" series . The exhibition, curated by Giuseppe Pizzuto , closes on Sunday, September 6th: those who haven't seen it yet have only a few days left.

The title, Power to the Peaceful , reflects the pacifist message that runs through Fairey's entire production: an essential, bold and graphically powerful language, rooted in avant-garde art and twentieth-century propaganda, from Futurism to Constructivism, right up to the graphics of political posters.

The exhibition retraces the key stages of the artist's career through silkscreens, installations, and works on paper, illustrating how street art has become a tool for global political and social communication. The immediate power of the images makes this exhibition highly recommended even for those who aren't familiar with contemporary art.

Mimmo Jodice's Color at the Treasure of San Gennaro

Where: Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, Via Duomo 149.
When: Every day until January 10, 2027.
Entrance: with the ticket to the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro.
Reservations: Not required; info at museosangennaro.it.

In the heart of the old town, a stone's throw from the Duomo, the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro hosts an exhibition of extraordinary value: over 40 works that recount the only color work by the great photographer Mimmo Jodice , a Neapolitan master of photography who passed away in 2024.

Best known for his black and white photographs, Jodice experimented with color in a project that intertwines photography, devotion, and Neapolitan identity: the images on display engage with popular faith and the history of the cult of San Gennaro, creating a journey that unites art and spirituality in one of the city's most symbolic locations.

It's an opportunity to see a lesser-known side of the photographer, and also to visit the Treasury, home to masterpieces by goldsmiths and silversmiths from the 14th to the 20th century. The exhibition runs for a long time, but fitting it into a day in the city center is easy and recommended.

Caravaggio's Seven Works of Mercy at Pio Monte

Where: Pio Monte della Misericordia, Via dei Tribunali 253.
When: Every day (timetable on the official website).
Entrance fee: paid (Ticket from Pio Monte della Misericordia).
Reservation: not required.

In the heart of Via dei Tribunali, the Pio Monte della Misericordia continues to guard one of the absolute masterpieces of painting: Caravaggio 's Seven Works of Mercy (1607), still in its original place on the church's high altar.

It is one of the few works by Merisi that remains in the location for which it was painted, making a visit to Pio Monte a unique experience. The complex also includes a rich collection of paintings and the monumental church: a short but informative visit, perfect for combining with a stroll through the historic center, including the Duomo, San Gregorio Armeno, and the Sansevero Chapel.

Philip Colbert in Pompeii: Pop Art Invades the Excavations

Where: Pompeii Archaeological Park.
When: Every day until November 30, 2026 (Park opening hours).
Entrance: with the Pompeii Archaeological Park ticket.
Reservations: recommended at pompeiisites.org.

The giant lobsters of Philip Colbert , the British artist considered Andy Warhol's heir, have invaded the Archaeological Park of Pompeii in a widespread exhibition that creates a dialogue between contemporary pop art and the ruins of the ancient Roman city.

Colbert, famous for his lobster-shaped alter ego, brings an irreverent and colorful reinterpretation of art history to the excavations: his works, scattered along the tour route, create a surprising visual short circuit between the most brazen pop art and the solemnity of archaeology. This project confirms the Park's vocation for blending ancient and contemporary, with no additional cost beyond the entrance fee.

Capri Photography Festival, Travels and Mirages at the Certosa

Where: Certosa di San Giacomo, Capri.
When: August 30th to October 11th, 2026.
Entrance: with the ticket to the Certosa di San Giacomo.
Reservations: not required; information on the festival's official channels.

The Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri hosts the 18th edition of the Photography Festival with the exhibition Viaggi e Miraggi , curated by Denis Curti , and the works of Paolo Ventura dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of the Blue Grotto.

An event that every year transforms the island into a capital of fine art photography, attracting enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. For those planning a day out, Capri in September offers the perfect climate: mild temperatures and clear light, ideal for exploring exhibitions and views of the island.

Pessoa Luna Park in the Moat of Castel Sant'Elmo

Where: Moat of Castel Sant'Elmo, Naples.
When: Until October 4, 2026.
Entrance fee: paid (event ticket).
Reservations: recommended on the official website.

The moat of Castel Sant'Elmo , open to the public for the first time, hosts a stage of the Pessoa Luna Park : a project that combines art, installations and entertainment in one of the most evocative and lesser-known spaces in the city, at the foot of the sixteenth-century fortress.

The location itself is a discovery: the fortress's moat, normally closed, becomes the backdrop for an exhibition and performance that interacts with the imposing Castel Sant'Elmo and the 360-degree view of Naples and the gulf. A must-see for those who love contemporary art in monumental settings, accessible by funicular or the Vomero footpaths.

Drama

Pomigliano Theatre Festival, Letters to the South

Where: Pomigliano Teatro Festival venues, Pomigliano d'Arco (province of Naples).
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in the evening.
Admission: free until seats are filled.
Reservations: Not required; check the festival's official channels.

The Special Events section of the 2026 Pomigliano Teatro Festival continues , offering three events from September 1st to 6th, designed to intertwine languages, generations, and local identities. Following the opening documentary, today it's the turn of Letters to the South , a project that continues the festival's journey of fusion between theater, cinema, and collective memory.

The festival, which has been livening up Pomigliano d'Arco and its iconic locations amidst industrial and post-industrial architecture for years, has become a benchmark for innovative theater in Campania. It's an opportunity to experience the live stage in a popular and participatory setting, far from the more institutional circuits.

Outdoor cinema

Naples Mon Amour: Free Cinema in Piazza Garibaldi

Where: Cavea in Piazza Garibaldi, Naples.
When: Every evening until September 4, 2026.
Entrance: free.
Reservations: not required, free admission subject to availability.

Piazza Garibaldi is transformed into a vast open-air cinema with Napoli Mon Amour , the free film festival that brings the square's auditorium to life with ten evenings of films, guests, and talks. This project brings the big screen to one of the city's most vibrant and iconic locations.

The festival, promoted as part of Summer in Naples 2026 , alternates Neapolitan and international cinema, with directors, actors, and industry professionals engaging with audiences before and after the screenings. Free admission makes the event accessible to all, right in the heart of the neighborhood. It's one of the last opportunities of the season to experience open-air cinema without spending a penny.

Contemporary Naples: Cinema at Villa Floridiana

Where: Villa Floridiana, in Vomero.
When: Every evening until September 17, 2026.
Entrance: free.
Reservation: not required.

On the terrace of Villa Floridiana , with the Duca di Martina Ceramics Museum as its backdrop, Napoli Contemporanea continues : the festival dedicated to recent Neapolitan cinema, with screenings accompanied by meetings with directors and actors.

The festival has seen the likes of Piergiorgio Bellocchio, the Manetti Bros., Edoardo De Angelis, and Alessandro Rak: a program that showcases the vitality of Neapolitan cinema in recent years, spanning comedy, drama, and arthouse animation. The location is one of the city's most evocative: the park at sunset, with its view of the gulf and the warm September light, makes the screening experience even more special.

Summer at Court: A Great Cinema Experience in the Spanish Quarter

Where: Court of the Art of Foqus – Spanish Quarters Foundation, Via Portacarrese a Montecalvario 69.
When: Every evening until September 13, 2026.
Admission: Free (some events may require reservations).
Reservations: check on fondazionefoqus.it.

In the Spanish Quarter, Foqus 's Corte dell'Arte hosts Estate a Corte (Estate at Court ), a festival that brings top international cinema to the heart of one of Naples' most authentic and vibrant neighborhoods. A project that has been uniting culture, urban regeneration, and grassroots participation for years.

The program alternates major international films with auteur works, with a special focus on stories from the South and the Mediterranean. Foqus is also a space for encounters and experimentation, with bookshops, ateliers, and workshops that make the visit a well-rounded experience. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is informal: a chance to experience the city from the ground up, amidst its alleyways, street art, and community.

Festivals of the day

On Wednesday, September 2nd, the calendar of traditional festivals is lighter, as often happens during weekdays at the end of summer: the province's major village festivals are concentrated mainly on the following weekends. However, here are the food and wine events and local festivals not to be missed today and at the beginning of the month.

Bufala Fest 2026, the tenth edition in Piazza Municipio

Where: Piazza Municipio, Naples.
When: September 2-6, 2026, daily from 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
Admission: Free at the Villaggio del Gusto; adult menu ticket €20, child €16, gluten-free €18.
Reservation: Purchase tickets on the event's official website.

It's the symbolic event of this early September in Naples: the Bufala Fest turns ten and returns to Piazza Municipio for five days entirely dedicated to the Campania buffalo supply chain. The event was created to showcase the entire buffalo supply chain, from DOP buffalo mozzarella to meats and cured meats, and has grown over the years to become one of the key events in the regional agri-food scene, attracting thousands of visitors each year, including producers, chefs, institutions, and enthusiasts.

The theme chosen for the tenth edition is Vision , divided into four strategic directions: global markets, technological innovation and artificial intelligence, the green transition, and geopolitical turbulence. The program goes beyond tastings, but also explores how the buffalo supply chain addresses the challenges of the present and future, including traceability, sustainability, and new markets.

Specifically, the Villaggio del Gusto hosts stands from pizzerias, restaurants, pubs, takeaways, pastry shops, ice cream parlors, and dairies: from Pizzeria Palato to Mascolo Bufala Edition , from La Molisana with its Nerano-style spaghetti to the La Contadina dairy, not to mention Merisù 's desserts and Mennella 's ice cream . Every day, there are show cooking sessions in the Taste Space – Casa di Cosmo , along with workshops and themed talks, and live music that enlivens the evenings in the square. Casa Coldiretti also returns with taste workshops, workshops, and meetings, while every evening from 8:00 pm, guided tasting sessions begin with ONAF , the Consorzio Vini dei Campi Flegrei e Ischia , and APROL Campania.

There are three ticket options: the €20 adult menu includes a choice of meal, a sweet or savory dish, a drink, a Guappa liqueur, and a Kimbo coffee; the €16 children's menu and €18 gluten-free menu complete the offer. Piazza Municipio is easily accessible by Metro Line 1 (Municipio stop), the Centrale funicular , or the Bufala Fest Park&Go with Brin parking and trams for a total of €5.

Coldiretti and Confagricoltura farmers' markets

Where: Various squares and locations in the city and province.
When: Weekly appointments (Friday and Saturday, plus special openings).
Entrance: free.
Reservation: not required.

For those seeking local flavours without waiting for the festivals, the farmers' markets of Coldiretti Campania and Confagricoltura Napoli represent a regular event: agricultural producers who directly sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and preserves, at reasonable prices and with zero food miles.

The weekly schedule includes Friday and Saturday openings in various locations, with special events for holidays and special occasions. This is a concrete way to support local agriculture and bring seasonality to the table, in keeping with the zero-mile philosophy that characterizes the Neapolitan summer.

The review of the Patronal Festivals in the Municipalities

Where: all municipalities of Naples.
When: Until October 17, 2026.
Entrance: free.
Reservation: not required.

The series of Patron Saint Festivals promoted by the City of Naples continues: a series of neighborhood festivals celebrating the patron saints of the various municipalities, with processions, music, food stands, and moments of popular gathering.

Patron saint festivals are at the heart of Neapolitan tradition: a widespread calendar that touches neighborhoods and suburbs, bringing lights, flavors, and devotion to the squares. It's worth following the program to discover current or upcoming events in your neighborhood.

Children and families

CoopCulture Summer Camp at the Mann: Art, Play, and Discovery

Where: National Archaeological Museum of Naples (Mann), Piazza Museo 19.
When: August 31st to September 4th 2026, daytime hours.
Entrance fee: fee (campus formula).
Reservations: required at coopculture.it.

For families, the Mann is currently hosting a CoopCulture summer camp that combines art, play, and discovery: a chance to introduce little ones to the world of archaeology through workshops, guided tours, and creative activities among the museum's collections.

The most important archaeological museum in Southern Italy, with its Farnese collections, mosaics, and renowned Egyptian section, becomes the setting for an experience designed specifically for children and young people, who can learn while having fun among statues, frescoes, and artifacts spanning two thousand years of history. A great option for those looking for an engaging activity for their children during this transition week between summer and the reopening of schools.

Tours and excursions

De Rebus Neapolis tours, esoteric and hidden Naples

Where: Old Town of Naples (various locations).
When: Every day, by reservation, in the afternoon and evening.
Entrance fee: fee (cost varies depending on the tour).
Reservations are required on the De Rebus Neapolis association's website or social media channels.

For those who want to discover the lesser-known side of Naples, the De Rebus Neapolis association offers a calendar of themed tours that changes throughout the year. Among the most popular itineraries are Esoteric Naples , among alchemists, mystery cults, and demons, and Hidden Naples , with a visit to the Church of the Girolamini.

There's no shortage of evocative itineraries, such as the Capuzzelle Cemetery , the souls' journey to the afterlife from the Purgatory Complex in Arco to the Church of Santa Luciella, and Virgil's Tomb , from the poet's tomb to the devil of Mergellina, with a final aperitif. Many tours end with an aperitif or a convivial moment: the best way to learn about stories, legends, and places that traditional guides miss.

See Naples in the summer and then Torni, the free tours

Where: Various locations around the city.
When: Until October 4, 2026, by reservation.
Entrance: free.
Reservations: required according to the methods indicated by the organizers.

See Naples in Summer and Then Back is back again this year , a program of free tours that guides residents and tourists through the city's history, art, and traditions through guided itineraries. This initiative is designed to enhance the city's heritage and make it accessible to all.

The program ranges from the most famous sites in the historic center to the lesser-known treasures of the neighborhoods, with expert guides sharing anecdotes, curiosities, and local stories. Participation is free, but places are limited, so reservations are essential. One of the most interesting opportunities for those who want to explore Naples in depth without spending a fortune.

Kayaking in Posillipo at sunset with an aperitif

Where: Departure from the Posillipo coast, Naples.
When: Late afternoon, at sunset (rotating calendar).
Entrance fee: fee (cost of the guided tour).
Reservations: required on the website or the organizers' channels.

A sunset kayak excursion along the Posillipo coast, complete with an aperitif: this is the experience offered by Ammare in Kayak excursions , which this season bids farewell to summer with sunset appointments among the sea, historic villas, and views that light up with golden light over the Gulf of Naples.

The paddle follows stretches of coastline accessible only by sea, past cliffs, coves, and the noble villas of Posillipo, accompanied by local guides' tales of the area. The experience concludes with an aperitif overlooking the sea, in an informal and convivial atmosphere. This activity is suitable for even the most inexperienced, with equipment provided and guides on hand. Weather conditions are a factor, so booking in advance is recommended.

Festivals and reviews

Agerola, the Festival on the Paths of the Gods

Where: Agerola (Colonia Montana Park, Punta Corona Viewpoint, Amphitheatre in Via Carbonara).
When: Until September 12, 2026, various times.
Admission: Depending on the event (many events are free).
Reservations: Check on the festival's official website.

On the upper Amalfi coast, in Agerola , the Sui Sentieri degli Dei Festival continues : a journey through music, theater, words and wonder that brings culture to the panoramic paths overlooking the gulf, among the most beautiful in Italy.

The festival takes its name from the famous Path of the Gods , the trail that descends from Agerola to Positano, offering breathtaking views. Events unfold between the Colonia Montana Park, the Punta Corona Lookout, and the Amphitheater on Via Carbonara, blending artistic performances with nature. It's the ideal way to combine a day spent outdoors, hiking and light trekking, with discovering the local culture.

The Voices Above, the exhibition at the National Museums of Vomero

Where: Castel Sant'Elmo, Certosa di San Martino, and Villa Floridiana.
When: Until October 4, 2026, various times.
Admission: Depending on the event and museum site.
Reservations: check the museums' official channels.

Le voci di sopra continues , the summer festival that brings the National Museums of Vomero to life: Castel Sant'Elmo , the Certosa di San Martino and Villa Floridiana host a programme of music, meetings and performances with one of the most beautiful views of the gulf in the city.

The festival highlights three of the Vomero hill's iconic locations, transforming them into open-air stages. The program spans diverse genres and languages, with evening events that combine art and scenery. It's an opportunity to experience Vomero in a new light, amid terraces, cloisters, and gardens, combining the event with a visit to the museums.

Sports

Naples, European Capital of Sport 2026: events scheduled

Where: various locations in the city (Mostra d'Oltremare and other facilities).
When: Year-round; key events from September 23–30, 2026.
Entrance: free or paid depending on the event.
Reservations: Check on the Naples City Council website.

2026 is the year of Naples European Capital of Sport : a calendar of over 100 events and more than 20 disciplines spanning the entire city, from large-scale demonstrations to neighborhood events. A widespread program involving associations, schools, and citizens.

Among the most anticipated events of the autumn are the Neapolitan Olympic Games , which from September 23rd to 30th will bring the ancient Neapolitan games to life in a modern key, and the Lampadedromia Neapolitana , the torchlight race reminiscent of ancient contests. A blend of sport, art, music, and historical reenactment, discover the sporting and dynamic side of Naples.