In a historic first, internationally renowned artist Marina Abramović will become the first living female artist honored with a major exhibition at Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. Transforming Energy celebrates the artist’s 80th birthday. Curated by Shai Baitel, this unprecedented exhibition integrates Abramović’s pioneering performance art directly into both the temporary spaces and permanent collection galleries, creating a profound dialogue with the institution's historic Renaissance masterpieces.

The Museo Fortuny presents Italy’s first major monographic exhibition of Austrian sculptor Erwin Wurm. Since the 1970s, Wurm has radically expanded the concept of sculpture by blurring the lines between art and daily life, frequently using clothing in ways that echo the legacy of Mariano and Henriette Fortuny.

Explore one of the world's largest and most important contemporary visual art exhibitions! The 61st Biennale Arte presents works engaged with this edition's theme, In Minor Keys. Exhibits are spread across two venues  – Arsenale and Giardini – featuring national delegations from 86 countries shown in both collective exhibition spaces and national pavilions. If you want to try to see it all, count on at least two (very long) days. If you only have a few hours and would like to see some highlights, consider booking one of their reasonably priced tours. 

Held on the first three Sundays of September in the Medieval town of Monselice, this festival commemorates Emperor Frederick ІІ of Swabia stay in 1239. It features archery and strength competitions, a relay race, a chess tournament, the Quintana horse racing, reenactments of medieval arts and crafts, and parades. 

One of the oldest country fairs in the Veneto, the Fiera del Soco combines historical reenactments and modern festivities that involve the whole village of Grisignano di Zocco. Concerts and other public shows are held, as well as medieval games and puppet shows for children. There is also a huge open air craft market winding through the town center. Those who love good cooking will find many stands where you can sample and buy typical local products. 

The wine festival in Vo’ is one of the liveliest and most attended events in autumn thanks to its many activities and attractions. These include a bike tour around the Euganean hills and the tastings of local wines and cakes, and a spectacular parade of floats made entirely of grapes. 

Held on the last weekend of October until November 1st, this “sagra” festival is dedicated to the freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, and a great opportunity for the uninitiated to see how this magic nectar is actually produced. You can visit the mill and see how the olives are pressed and then poured into the containers which the farmers use to store the bright green olive oil Tuscany.