July in Ferrara is the city staying out late. The squares fill with music, the air smells of evening, and at the table the pace changes: rawer, fresher, lighter. Here is what we like this month, in town and at our place.
If you're looking for July events in Ferrara, and then somewhere to sit down before or after, here is how we live it.
What's on in town
This month the city plays. Two festivals take centre stage, and they cross paths in the heart of Ferrara.
- Ferrara Summer Festival, the big concerts in Piazza Ariostea, until 26 July. Among the dates announced, Helloween on 18 July. (Individual concert dates can change: a last-minute check never hurts.)
- Ferrara Sotto le Stelle, the independent music festival, from 20 to 28 July, in the courtyard of the Castello Estense and at the Delizia di Benvignante, in Argenta. At the Castello: Ministri on the 22nd, The Notwist on the 23rd, Emma Nolde on the 25th.
Two different souls of the same summer: the big square and the castle courtyard. We like them both. And we like the idea of dinner first, taking our time, and then a short walk towards the music.
What's good right now, on the plate
In summer the kitchen lightens up on its own. It's hot, and the fish asks for it.
At this time of year we work a lot with crudo, raw fish, and with fish in its most direct form: little heat, ingredients that speak for themselves. The ostriche mignon di Goro are back, the small oysters from Goro, a small local product that Paolo likes to tell you about in person.
There's room too for pesce azzurro, the oily fish of the Adriatic: sardines and anchovies, the humble cooking of the coast, raised up by a proper frying or an old-fashioned marinade with vinegar and bay leaves. Nothing complicated. Good things.
And then there are the off-menu specials from the sea, which change often in July: the market decides, Paolo tells you at the table. Cuttlefish, its ink, a few raw dishes of the day. While it lasts.
And in the glass
With summer fish, we choose a wine that's fresh and savoury. Our pick of the month comes from close by: the wines of the sands of Bosco Eliceo, grown on soils made almost entirely of sand, a few metres from the Adriatic.
We like the Fortana Rosé, the sparkling wine from the Uva d'Oro grape: born as an aperitivo, but it goes beautifully with fish too. Alternatively, a white from Bosco Eliceo, light, with those faintly saline notes that come from the sea. Low alcohol, freshness, bubbles: perfect for a July evening.
It's the thread we like best: wine and fish born from the same liquid landscape of sand, lagoons and salt. The savouriness that ties vineyard and plate together.
Frequently asked questions
What are the big events in Ferrara in July 2026?
Two music festivals above all: the Ferrara Summer Festival in Piazza Ariostea (until 26 July) and Ferrara Sotto le Stelle, between the Castello Estense and Argenta, from 20 to 28 July. Individual concert dates can vary: best to check the official channels before you set off.
What should you eat at this time of year?
Fish in its summer version: crudo, Goro oysters, pesce azzurro. And the off-menu specials from the sea, which change from day to day. We tell you about them at the table.
Which wine goes with summer fish?
A fresh, savoury one. Right now we like the wines of the sands of Bosco Eliceo: the Fortana Rosé or a light white, with their faintly saline notes.
If you're passing by
July is lovely like this: a long evening, a light dish, a cool glass, and then the music a few steps away. If you're going to a concert, the table beforehand is the best part of the evening.
We're here, as always. If you're passing by, we look forward to seeing you. And if you already know us, you know the best thing is when you come back.
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