Happy Easter weekend in Bologna! We've pulled together the best events happening on April 4th and 5th, 2026. Look out for Easter egg hunts, fantastic puppet shows, and fantastic science workshops at Opificio Golinelli to keep the little ones entertained.
See our top picks
Creative Workshop: Dream Amulet (Ages 8-12)
Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1a
A fantastic, free, hands-on art session for primary schoolers on Saturday afternoon.
Exhibition: Graphic Japan. From Hokusai to Manga
Museo Civico Archeologico
Explore the fascinating world of Japanese art and Manga indoors on Sunday.
Opus Mundi: Creative Journeys between Art and Science Workshops
Opificio Golinelli
Workshops designed specifically for children aged 2 to 13, running both days.
· April 4
8PUPPET SHOWS AT PALAZZO PEPOLI : Catch a classic Bolognese puppet show showcasing the best of the traditional puppet school repertoire. Performances are scheduled for both late afternoon slots.This event is confirmed for Saturday and features classic Bolognese theatre.
PUPPET SHOW WITH GUIDED MUSEUM TOUR : Combine culture and fun with a guided tour of the Museum of the History of Bologna followed by a delightful puppet show featuring 'wooden heads.'This is a unique blend of history and entertainment available only on this weekend.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE MUSEUM OF PREHISTORY : Join the museum for a special Easter egg hunt in the prehistoric exhibits! This event is specifically timed for the late afternoon.It's a dedicated, age-specific Easter activity happening Saturday afternoon.
SYMPHONY CONCERT AT AUDITORIUM MANZONI : An evening of great symphonic works led by conductor Michele Mariotti with the Orchestra of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. This might be a late evening option for families with older children.This is the only listed concert happening exactly on Saturday.
TULIP PARK VISIT : Enjoy the massive bloom of half a million tulips! They have a food area too, perfect for a spring snack break after walking through the fields.It's an outdoor, seasonal spectacle running throughout the weekend.
CREATIVE WORKSHOP: DREAM AMULET (AGES 8-12)FREE : A free creative workshop focused on making a 'Dream Amulet.' This is perfect for kids aged 8 to 12 looking for a structured, hands-on activity.It is confirmed for Saturday and is free, aimed at the older end of our target range.
ANCIENT EGYPT WORKSHOP: FOOD, GIFTS, AND MAGIC : Combine a museum visit with a workshop exploring ancient Egyptian customs related to food, offerings, and magic. Aimed at mid-primary schoolers.A specific, themed, educational workshop running Saturday afternoon.
OPUS MUNDI: CREATIVE JOURNEYS BETWEEN ART AND SCIENCE WORKSHOPS : These workshops blend art and science for a wide age range (2-13) linked to the current exhibition. Check the venue for specific times on Saturday.This is running all weekend and covers a huge age spectrum.
· April 5
4PUPPET SHOW AT PALAZZO PEPOLI : The final Sunday appearance of the traditional Bolognese puppet repertoire this month. Shows are at 4 PM and 5:30 PM.This offers the Sunday performance slot for the recurring puppet shows.
SCIROPPO DI TEATRO (THEATRE APPOINTMENTS) : Theatre appointments dedicated specifically to children aged 3 to 11. The exact venue and time for Sunday are not listed, but the season runs until April 12th.This runs until April 12th, covering Sunday, and targets younger kids perfectly.
EXHIBITION: GRAPHIC JAPAN. FROM HOKUSAI TO MANGA : A visual journey through Japanese art, covering everything from traditional woodblock prints to modern Manga styles. A fantastic option for older kids interested in art.This exhibition closes Monday, April 6th, making Sunday the last full day to visit.
DOMENICHE DETOX DIGITALI (DIGITAL DETOX SUNDAYS) : Part of a regional initiative encouraging families to step away from screens for a day. Check local listings for confirmed free family activities happening in Bologna this Sunday.It happens on the second Sunday of the month, which aligns with April 5th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Bologna this weekend?
The best free option explicitly listed for Saturday is the Creative Workshop: Dream Amulet (Ages 8-12) at Via Michelangelo Buonarroti. You might find specific free activities tied into the 'Domeniche detox digitali' initiative happening Sunday.
Are there any puppet shows running this Easter weekend?
Yes! Palazzo Pepoli has puppet shows running on both Saturday (Apr 4) and Sunday (Apr 5) at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. The Museum of the History of Bologna also pairs a puppet show with a guided tour on both days.
Where can my young children (under 6) go this weekend?
The Opus Mundi workshops at Opificio Golinelli welcome ages 2+. For theatre, check if the 'Sciroppo di teatro' (3-11 years) has an early show time on Sunday, although specific times aren't detailed.
