1. Verona Opera, Arena di Verona

The Roman Arena in Verona is one of Italy’s most spectacular settings for outdoor opera performances and concerts. Built in the 1st century BC, it’s the third largest Roman arena in Italy. The Arena di Verona summer opera season usually starts in mid-June and runs through early September with performances starting at 9 or 9:15 PM. You can check the schedule and buy Arena di Verona Opera Tickets from the Arena di Verona website.

2. Puccini Festival in Tuscany at Torre del Lago Puccini

Giacomo Puccini lived in a villa in Torre del Lago, a small town on a lake near the coast of Tuscany, and composed many of his operas there. Today there’s a new outdoor amphitheater by the lake that hosts the Puccini opera festival held in July and August, along with various other concerts and ballets. Check the schedule and buy tickets on the Puccini Festival Foundation website.

3. Stresa Festival, Lake Maggiore

Stresa Music Festival, located on Lake Maggiore, features both prominent performers and young winners of music competitions at various indoor and outdoor venues, including theaters, castles, churches, gardens, and villas around the lake. Stresa is accessible by train, bus, car, or boat. Tickets can be purchased through the Stresa Festival website.

4. Opera Theater of Rome, Baths of Caracalla

Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera hosts summer performances at the Baths of Caracalla, a prominent ancient site in the city. Used from the second through sixth centuries, these ancient baths provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor performances. Tickets are available from the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma website.

5. Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia

The Umbria Jazz Festival, held in Perugia, is considered one of Italy’s premier music festivals. It attracts performers from around the globe, and beyond ticketed concerts, there’s a plethora of music taking place in Perugia’s squares and streets. Refer to the Umbria Jazz Festival website for program and ticket details.

6. Ravello Concert Society, Amalfi Coast

The Ravello Concert Society presents concerts primarily featuring classical music from spring through fall in various scenic indoor and outdoor venues. The stunning Amalfi Coast, located south of Naples, ranks among Italy’s top coastal destinations. Concert tickets can be purchased from the Ravello Concert Society website for additional concert and ticket information.

7. Sferisterio Opera Festival, Macerata

The Sferisterio Opera Festival is hosted in the Arena Sferisterio, one of Italy’s elite opera venues, situated amid the picturesque countryside of Macerata in the Marche region. Performances typically run from late July through early August. Tickets can be acquired via the Sferisterio Opera website.

8. Rossini Opera Festival, Pesaro

The Rossini Opera Festival takes place every August in Pesaro, a charming seaside resort town located on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region of central Italy. This festival is entirely dedicated to works by Rossini and hosts performances in both theaters and the Adriatic Arena. For more details and ticket information, visit the Rossini Opera Festival website.