Imola di Mercoledì 2026: adventure awaits in the historic centre
There is a special energy running through Imola on summer evenings: from 17 June to 8 July 2026, Imola di Mercoledì is back — the event that for four Wednesdays turns the historic centre into one big stage of shopping, culture, music and good food. Shops open late into the night, craft and antiques markets, guided tours, tastings, sports activities, bouncy castles and much more: there truly is something for everyone.
Four Wednesdays devoted to the “Treasure Hunt”
The 2026 edition promises to be especially engaging: this year’s theme is the “Treasure Hunt”. The old town becomes a trail of discovery dedicated to four great figures of Imola’s history: Leonardo da Vinci, Caterina Sforza, Giuseppe Scarabelli and Saint Francis of Assisi, in a perfect blend of entertainment and evening shopping.
Shops stay open until 11:30 pm, and that is not all: the special openings also involve palaces and museums, which can be explored on free guided tours.
Free guided tours, evening by evening
The season of tours opens in style, with a calendar that leads visitors through the city’s memories. Because — we truly believe it — only by walking among the stones that have lived through history does history stop being a dry mnemonic exercise and finally become an experience.
- Wednesday 17 June – The Historic Garden of the Bishop’s Palace and the Carriage Museum: an evocative itinerary among grapefruit and lemon trees, roses and hydrangeas – 1,500 specimens of flowers, shrubs and trees enhanced by the evening lighting – and the sumptuous eighteenth-century carriages that belonged to Imola’s bishops, complete with their refined original leather harnesses.
- Wednesday 24 June – Guided tour with Prof. Fabrizia Farni, exploring the lives and curiosities of Imola’s most emblematic figures, from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century.
- Wednesday 1 July – With Prof. Riccardo del Monte, discovering the Alidosi dynasty, the ancient family that defended the city for centuries by sword and by cunning.
- Wednesday 8 July – Grand finale at the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), the city’s institutional emblem and keeper of its history.
Good to know: places on the tours are limited. Go to the infopoint at 7:45 pm to book your tickets for the guided routes — all of them free of charge.
Music in the square for every taste
The musical programme caters for every taste too: get ready to sing along to the rhythm of live music in the square.
- Wednesday 17 June – Live karaoke and dancing from the ’60s to today with Pietro Calì.
- Wednesday 24 June – The Arena Spettacoli presents “Pop Explosion – Summer Concert” with the DoreMimosa and GiOI choirs.
- Wednesday 1 July – The stage goes to young talents with the Timeless School Contest.
- Wednesday 8 July – Grand closing night with the Warning Trio and Italian and international rock and pop hits from the ’90s and 2000s.
Romagna flavours and the official t-shirt
And since this is Romagna, no festival is complete without the pleasure of good food. Among the many offerings, Ristocò has prepared a mixed fish starter for 23 euros and a mixed meat one, with cold cuts and finger food, for 22 euros: both served with a spritz or a glass of wine. A perfect occasion to raise a toast to the beauty of Imola!
Want to take home a special souvenir of the evening? Simply show two receipts at the infopoint for a total of 30 euros, spent in at least two businesses of the old town, and you will receive the official t-shirt of the 2026 edition as a gift.
Don’t miss the Treasure Hunt
The choice is huge: you can join a tour dedicated to the excellences of the area, be charmed by a Caribbean dance performance, listen to a concert or stop in the square and try your luck solving intriguing riddles. The detailed programme of the evenings is available on the event’s official website.
Next Wednesday, don’t go out for a simple stroll: step into Sherlock Holmes’ shoes, follow the clues, unveil the secrets and dive into the Treasure Hunt.
Where to stay? We look forward to welcoming you at Podere Zampiera Vecchia
Thinking of joining the evenings and looking for a place to stay? We have the right solution for you. We look forward to welcoming you at Podere Zampiera Vecchia to make your holiday even more special: immerse yourself in the scents of the countryside and savour the pleasure of pure relaxation.
