August is truly the time when summer reaches its peak. It is the perfect time to soak up the sun and enjoy the vibrant energy on the island of Sicily. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just plain fun, this month’s calendar of events has something for everyone. From live music festivals to art exhibitions and everything in between, there is no shortage of exciting events to fill your days.
Festival di Jazz: Festival Arcosoli in Valle dei Tempi
La Valle dei Templi, one of Sicily’s most striking and exciting attractions, recognized by UNESCO as a protected archaeological area, will be the setting for this event. During the Arcosoli Festival, the historic and fascinating valley will come alive under the vibrant and poignant musical night of jazz, offering an experience that will continue until dawn, transporting participants on a journey through a thousand-year history.
This event will feature some of the most renowned international exponents of contemporary jazz, offering three unforgettable evenings of live music.
The festival will open on Friday, August 2nd, with American guitarist Peter Bernstein, known for his collaborations with Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, and Lee Konitz. Saturday, Aug. 3rd, will be the turn of Andrea Braido, considered one of the most talented and versatile guitarists of our time, who has worked with the likes of Liza Minnelli, Lenny Kravitz, Dionne Warwick, and Lionel Richie. Closing on Sunday, August 4th, will feature a performance by Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry, a new exponent of so-called Latin jazz.
More information about the jazz festival in the archeological sites
Admission is free for all three evenings, offering an unmissable opportunity for music fans.
Ortigia Sound System
Now in its 10th year, Ortigia Sound System is the most beloved electronic music festival on the island, known for combining traditional Mediterranean rhythms with contemporary music trends. The festival’s line-up continues to follow excellent artistic direction, always in line with current trends. Among the featured artists are Blawan with his live techno of pure energy, Aho Ssan with his contemporary ambient music inspired by the Parisian suburbs, avant-garde dub trio Holy Tongue, the audiovisual show between dance and post-rock by Italian-German producer David August, and experimental sound artist and singer Antonina Nowacka. In addition, there will be showcases organized by Donato Dozzy’s Spazio Disponibile, with an interesting b2b between Kangding Ray and Neel, and Colombian TraTraTrax.
During the festival, the island of Ortigia is transformed into a fascinating timeless space, where every corner becomes a unique setting where music merges with architecture, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
From August 1st to 4th, we invite you to attend the 2024 edition of Ortigia Sound System, an event that continues to be a milestone in the international electronic music scene.
More information about the international electronic event music
Festival of music in Messina: Mish Mash Festival
From Cosmo to the Three Allegri Ragazzi Morti, this year’s Mish Mash Festival boasts an impressive lineup of artists who will enlive the Castle of Milazzo, in the province of Messina. From August 10th to 12th, the festival promises three days of pure fun, featuring a variety of musical genres. The historic location, with its millennial background, adds a touch of enchantment to the eighth edition of this musical event. The line-up also includes Davide Patania, Lero Lero, 404 SNF, Christiana, The Wizard of Ice Cream, Nothing for Breakfast, The Whipped Dream, Manlio, Phunkadelica, Popa, Sambo and Disco Amore.
More information about the festival of music in Messina
Conca d’Oro Summer Fest
The second edition of the “Conca d’Oro Summer Fest” is back in the city of Palermo. This show once again enlivens the shopping center on Via Lanza di Scalea.
At least 6 different Sicily-related films will be presented:
- 11th of August: Il Grande Giorno;
- 12th of August: Tuttaposto;
- 17th of August: Il Padrino;
- 18th of August: Un Mondo Sottosocial;
- 19th of August: Picciridda;
- 20th of August: Stanizza D’Amuri
Also, save the date because there are performances not to be missed:
- 1st of August: Massimo Minutella & Lab Orchestra e Matranga & Minafò;
- 8th of August: Massimo Minutella & Lab Orchestra e Mago Plip;
- 25th of August: I Sansoni e Minutella & The Lab Orchestra.
The free shows, starting promptly at 8 p.m., will be held in the spacious Outdoor Events Plaza.
A reserved area is available for Conca d’Oro Club members with seating that can be reserved online on cabaret spectacle and movie projection
Barbarotto’s exhibition in Cefalù: “Mare e tradizioni”
On Aug. 3rd at 6:30 p.m., in the Santa Caterina Octagon in Cefalù’s Piazza Duomo, Gaetano Barbarotto’s solo exhibition, “Mare e tradizioni” will open. As Rosalba Gallà tells us, the artist returns to exhibit in the picturesque Arab-Norman town after having elegantly and skillfully explored different aspects of marine life in his previous exhibitions. The latest, “Profondo blu” is now enriched in “Mare e tradizioni”, concluding a truly prolific two-year creative period and dedicating a heartfelt tribute to Cefalù, a town that always welcomes him with enthusiasm.
In this exhibition, the depths of the sea are intertwined with the traditions of Cefalù, especially those of the feast of Jesus the Savior. Among the works, three pieces dedicated to the city stand out: “Stanno arrivando”, with Cefalù on the water and crossed by dolphins, a symbol of tourism; “U Santu a mari”, with Jesus the Savior in the sea depths; and “’Ntinna a mari”, with a mermaid wrapping the pole of Cefalù tradition. The homage extends to all of Sicily with works showing iconic elements of Sicilian traditions immersed in the deep sea.
This exhibition is free and available from August 3rd to 18, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight.
The exhibition of art at Arabian bath: “La Sicilia senza tempo” of Cefalà Diana (Palermo)
Fifty years of industrial history come to life in the Arab Baths of Cefalà Diana. Vintage objects, furniture, and accessories are transformed into the protagonists of a tale celebrating Italian design.
From the mass production of the 1940s to the creative recycling of today, the exhibition “Vintage Gallery, La Sicilia senza tempo” is a tribute to Sicilian creativity.
A project of the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage to rediscover the charm of the island’s lesser-known archaeological parks.
This exhibition brings together half a century of innovation, technology, style, and cultures that have distinguished Italy’s producing design entrepreneurship over time.
It is available from May 28th to September 8th, 2024, Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays and holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free admission
Mandarossa Vineyard Tour
The eleventh Mandarossa Vineyard tour returns this summer from August 3rd through August 4th, 2024, offering an unforgettable weekend between sea and vineyards. The event takes place in its original location, the Bertolino di Mare pine forest, just a few steps from the beautiful Giache Bianche beach. Immersed in a unique natural setting, participants will be able to live a complete experience discovering the territory of Menfi, with guided tastings, practical activities such as grape harvesting, and moments of relaxation and fun.
From masterclasses dedicated to Mandrarossa wines to manual harvesting and grape crushing, the program is packed with activities for all tastes. The little ones can have fun in the children’s area, while adults can relax with live music and tastings of local products. The event also offers the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Menfi, an area awarded the Bandiera Blu for its care for the environment.
More information about the visit to the vineyard
Dance Festival: Catania Tango Festival
From August 13th to 18th, the Catania Tango Festival, renowned among the best International Festivals at the Oscars of Tango 2019, returns to the “Le Ciminiere” Amphitheater. This edition promises to be more cosmopolitan, bigger, and more spectacular than ever, located in a multi-purpose complex near the Central Station, well connected to the airport and the historic center. Le Ciminiere, originally chimneys for dispersing fumes from 19th-century sulfur factories, is now a prestigious center for fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Following the success of 2022, this major event, sponsored by the City of Catania and the Metropolitan City, will once again transform Catania into an international tango capital, propelling it into the legend of world conventions.
More than 25 nations and fans from all over Italy are expected for this unique kermesse, where the magical atmosphere of tango captures emotions in an endless embrace. The program includes a full schedule of seminars and stages at the Romano Palace Hotel, while the tango evenings will take place at the Le Ciminiere Amphitheater.
The event will feature prominent musicalizadores (tango DJs) and be documented by award-winning photographer Michele Maccarrone. Under the artistic direction of Angelo Grasso, the festival celebrates tango in all its facets, offering a comprehensive view of its culture and history, uniting Catania and Buenos Aires in one big cultural embrace.
More information about the festival tango in Catania
Expo of the treasures of Capella Palatina di Palazzo Reale a Palermo: “Thesaurus”
Until Sept. 30th, the Royal Palace is hosting an exhibition that presents an in-depth look at the spiritual aspect of the palace. This event is a journey through a substantial corpus of the famous Capella Palatina di Palazzo Reale.
In this sense, the Palatine Chapel Treasure can be called the “Tesoro delle civiltà mediterranee“. With this exhibition, a “secret” heritage, hitherto known to few, shines again.
“Thesaurus” is the result of a synergy between the Fondazione Federico II and the Fondo Edifici di Culto (Ministry of the Interior), in collaboration with the Prefecture of Palermo, the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, the Archbishopric and Diocesan Museum of Palermo, the Archbishopric and Diocesan Museum of Monreale, the Superintendency of Palermo, the Superintendency of Archival Heritage, the Regional Museum of Messina (MuMe), the Regional Library of Palermo and the Paladino Archives.
This exhibition can be visited This exhibition can be visited Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last admission), Sunday and holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (last admission).
Information about the ticket of the expo of the treasures of Palazzo Reale
Performative event of various art: Segesta Theatre Festival
The Segesta Theater Festival, in its third edition, will offer a summer experience enriched by various artistic performances. Your evening will be enchanted by orchestras, contemporary music, theater performances, dance, and much more.
This event is a festival that, with 22 companies, more than 150 artists and technicians, and a strong involvement of young authors, confirms itself as a reference point for the national and international performance scene. A project that enhances the territory and looks to the future with an innovative and participatory approach.
This event is open to the public (with different tickets depending on the artist) from July 26th to August 25th, 2024.
Information about schedule and tickets of the performative events in Segesta
We hope our list of events in August will help you enjoy an unforgettable experience in Sicily with cultural, musical, food and wine events. Come back often to find out the latest news and be enchanted by the beauty of the island, a perfect combination of art, culture, and authentic flavors.
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