Weekend in the city?
In CAGLIARI, there’s never a dull moment: from culture and entertainment to natural beauty, your free time takes on a whole new flavour!
As part of “Carmine 2025”, the community festival promoted by the municipal administration — which will turn Piazza del Carmine into an open-air stage until the end of August — this Friday will feature the performance “From Fire to Disarmament: Giovanna’s Journey”, presented by the nonviolent theatre group Theandric. On Saturday, it's time for the volleyball tournament organised by Gruppo Sportivo Aquila.
On Friday, Exmà will host the final day of the Babel Film Festival, the first international film competition entirely dedicated to works that give voice to linguistic and cultural minorities. The programme begins at 10:00 with the conference “Article 6. The Future of Linguistic Minorities in Italy”, followed at 16:00 by screenings from the Babel Cine Lab. At 18:00, the award ceremony will take place, and from 21:00, Mauro Palmas and Giacomo Vardeu will perform in concert with “Sighida”.
On Friday and Saturday, from 17:00 to 23:00, #BottegaGhetto returns to the Centro d’Arte Il Ghetto, in the historic Castello district: two evenings of artisan stalls, illustrations, prints, books, vintage items, accessories... plus opportunities to create, dance, and be inspired, with art and cooking workshops, live music, and DJ sets. A blend of art, taste, and fun not to be missed. Free entry.
Running throughout the weekend is the National FIAB Italy Bicycle Rally, the eagerly awaited annual event organised by the Italian Federation for the Environment and Cycling, which gathers hundreds of cyclists from across the country for a week of excursions, meetups, and the promotion of active tourism. The 2025 edition, hosted by FIAB Cagliari, features daily cycle touring routes suitable for all fitness levels, including visits to archaeological sites, natural areas, charming villages, and parts of the Sardinian Cycle Route.
The rally also includes cultural and social events, evening gatherings, meetings with institutions, and discussions on urban mobility and cycle tourism as drivers of sustainable development. The initiative is supported by the Municipality of Cagliari, the Region of Sardinia, and various local entities and partners.
Returning to Cagliari’s Public Gardens is DanzEstate, the festival organised by ASMED – Balletto di Sardegna, dedicated to children aged 3 to 13 — and beyond!
On Friday at 17:00, the performance “The Ballad of Colapesce” by MovimentoInActor Con. Cor. D.A. will take the stage. A related dance and theatre workshop will also be held.
On Saturday at 17:00, the show “Prehistory” will be performed by pupils from the IC Quartu Sant’Elena state school. Finally, at 18:15, the Balletto di Sardegna will present “The Wind and the Girl”, a danced fairy tale.
As part of the new theatre festival VOOV – Reflections, Friday at 19:00 will see Gianluca Medas’s play “Angels: the Incident” performed at Sa Manifattura.
Featuring Francesco Civile, with video appearances by Noemi Medas, Pierpaolo Congiu, Roberto Pettinau, Agnese Fois, Filippo Salaris, Jo Perrino, Mauro Sollai, Lisa Zedde, and Stefano Curgiolu.
Throughout the weekend, Teatro Lirico will stage “La Favorita”, a four-act opera with a libretto by Alphonse Royer, Gustave Vaëz, and Eugène Scribe, and music by Gaetano Donizetti. A truly unmissable production — the last time it was performed in Cagliari was back in January 1910.
The Civic Museums of Cagliari continue their programme of events:
A weekend of culture, stories and music in Cagliari!
Looking for something special to do in the city? This weekend, Cagliari offers a rich programme of events that blend literature, theatre, music, and local flavours — perfect for discovering new perspectives and enjoying the city's vibrant cultural life.
Literary Encounters
On Friday at 6 PM, Babeuf hosts a meeting with author Francesco Pala, who will present his latest book “Il dominio della resa”, in conversation with Lucia Cossu.
At the same time, in the scenic Anfiteatro Verde of the former Dondina quarry, writer Carlo Lai presents “Passaggio Remoto”, a heartfelt journey through Sardinian walking trails.
Theatre under the stars
From 13 June, the open-air theatre series “Sotto Questo Cielo” returns to La Vetreria in Pirri. Don’t miss the opening show Friday at 9:15 PM: “Benvenuto in…”, based on real-life psychiatric experiences, adapted by Alessandro Mascia and Pierpaolo Piludu — a powerful and moving story.
🎶 Music in historic settings
As part of “Musicittà 2025”, enjoy two beautiful concerts by students from the Cagliari Conservatoire in two charming locations: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Courtyard of the Conservatoire, on Friday and Saturday.
🌍 Performing arts festival – Giornate del Respiro
On Friday evening at Sa Manifattura, catch the unique performances “Tirannosauro” (7 PM) and “La foresta trabocca” (9 PM).
The grand finale takes place Sunday from 6 PM at the Grendi space (Porto Canale area) with installations, a live concert by Generic Animal (“The Donkey’s Song”), and an energising show by Losinformalls. The evening wraps up with an after-show by Basstation — a true party vibe!
📚 Poetry & storytelling
Friday at 7 PM, Hostel Marina hosts a poetic evening with Alessia Iuliano, presenting her collection “After the Fairy Tale”, in conversation with poet Diego Bertelli.
On Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, head to the Bastion of Saint Remy for a captivating theatrical reading inspired by Sergio Atzeni’s novel “We Passed Lightly Over the Earth”, performed by Figli d’Arte Medas in the enchanting Galleria dello Sperone.
Guided tours and discoveries
Discover Cagliari’s Archaeological Treasures & Exciting Events This Weekend!
Celebrate European Archaeology Days with special openings and unique experiences across the city’s historic sites!
Basilica of San Saturnino
Explore one of Cagliari’s most iconic archaeological landmarks with extended opening hours:
Don’t miss the Saturday 5:00 PM conference, “The Basilica of San Saturnino: the heart of a city’s continuous life”, led by archaeologists Sabrina Cisci and Antonio Vacca, and introduced by the Basilica’s director, Patrizia Tomassetti. Dive deep into the fascinating history revealed by archaeological discoveries!
National Archaeological Museum & Art Gallery
Open for your enjoyment on:
On Saturday evening from 7:00 PM, visit the historic Ex Regio Museum in Piazza Indipendenza and join guided tours of the stunning 16th-century Cannoniere fortifications — a perfect way to soak up local history under the stars.
Live Music Highlight: The Europe
Get ready to rock! The legendary band Europe plays an electrifying concert on Saturday at 6:00 PM at the MusiCA Arena on Viale Armando Diaz. A must-see for rock fans visiting Cagliari.
Falconry Magic at San Michele Castle
Experience the captivating world of falconry in the medieval setting of San Michele Castle. On Saturday evening, watch magnificent falcons soar above the castle walls in a breathtaking show of nature, history, and tradition. Spaces are limited — book your place in advance for this enchanting event!
Cultural Music Evening: Susitikimai – Lithuania Meets Italy
On Saturday at 7:00 PM, enjoy a special concert by flautist Aurora Meli and pianist Gaia Tolu at the Il Cornetto Acustico Cultural Association. This unique intercultural project brings together Lithuanian and Italian compositions in a harmonious musical dialogue.
Sunday Market Treasures
Sunday morning is perfect for treasure hunting! Visit:
Discover antiques, vintage items, jewellery, rare books, and unique collectibles — ideal for souvenir shopping or special gifts.
Musikaleidos International Festival
Cap off your weekend with a sublime musical experience! On Sunday at 8:00 PM, the Cathedral of Cagliari hosts “El Jubilate”, a concert featuring the Spanish vocal ensemble Cantoría, directed by Maestro Jorge Losana, alongside the Hic et Nunc Choir. An evening of exquisite choral music not to be missed.
Absolutely! Here’s your last text translated into polished British English with a welcoming tourist vibe:
Cultural Weekend in Cagliari: Exhibitions, Museums and Treasures to Discover
This weekend, Cagliari comes alive with a rich programme of exhibitions and special openings for all art, history and culture enthusiasts.
Unmissable Exhibitions:
Events and Openings:
Cagliari’s Museums: A Heritage to Explore
The Cittadella dei Musei is a true treasure trove, featuring the National Archaeological Museum, the Art Gallery, the Siamese Art Museum, the Anatomical Wax Collection, and the Ethnographic Museum. In celebration of the European Archaeology Days, there are special openings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with guided tours to the 16th-century Cannoniere and the former Royal Museum in Piazza Indipendenza.
Don’t miss a visit to the elegant Palazzo Regio, once home to viceroys and briefly to the royal Savoy family, and the breathtaking views from the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in the Castello district.
The Marina district offers the Santa Eulalia Museum and an underground archaeological area, while Tuvixeddu, the largest Punic necropolis in the Mediterranean, provides a fascinating historical experience.
The medieval jewel of the San Michele Castle, perched atop its hill with stunning city views, is open until 6 pm (closed on Mondays).
For lovers of smaller, unique museums: the Railway Museum, the Contus de Arrejolas tile museum, and the creative space Coccodè APS offer unforgettable visits.
For those fascinated by childhood memories and traditions, the Fontana collection of dolls and toys in the San Benedetto district is available by appointment.
Places of Worship and Spiritual Heritage
Be sure to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria, the baroque masterpiece San Michele Church, the Basilica of San Saturnino with its archaeological remains, and the shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria.
Natural and Panoramic Experiences
The Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park offers unique landscapes with flamingos and historic salt pans, perfect for walks, cycling, or FAI-organised train tours.
Botanical gardens like the University of Cagliari’s Botanical Garden provide peaceful green escapes to relax and reconnect with nature.
Sea and Coastline
The Poetto beach and Calamosca bay are ideal for refreshing swims or trying water sports such as windsurfing, SUP, kayaking, and canoeing.
Stroll along the Su Siccu promenade, Sant’Elia, or the Marina Piccola harbour to enjoy spectacular sea views and sunsets.
To fully enjoy Cagliari’s treasures, we recommend joining one of the local guided tours available this weekend, offering a deeper discovery of the city’s main attractions, history, art, nature, and traditions.
For up-to-date details on events, opening times and services, visit our official tourism portal, regularly updated by local operators. We look forward to welcoming you to Cagliari for an unforgettable weekend!
https://cagliariturismo.comune.cagliari.it/
