Get ready for a busy end of February in Bologna! We have science labs, Carnival parades in the surrounding towns, workshops for the little ones, and fun family gatherings happening this Saturday (Feb 28th) and Sunday (March 1st).
See our top picks
Newborn, Therefore I Am?
La Polveriera
A free morning session for parents with infants on Saturday.
Puppet Show at Palazzo Pepoli
Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della storia di Bologna
A traditional puppet show early Saturday morning.
Let Me Introduce MARGHE - Traveling Through Space!
Casal Learning
A free, age-specific lab for 4 and 5-year-olds Saturday morning.
· February 28
6M'AMANGA WORKSHOP : This is a one-off workshop happening Saturday afternoon. The specific activity isn't detailed, but it's listed under children/youth events, perfect for keeping little hands busy.It’s a Saturday afternoon workshop focused on children's activities, ideal for scheduling before the evening.
LET ME INTRODUCE MARGHE - TRAVELING THROUGH SPACE!FREE : A fantastic free lab explicitly for 4 and 5-year-olds focusing on space travel. Get your little astronauts ready for a morning adventure!It’s a tailored, free educational morning activity for preschoolers.
NEWBORN, THEREFORE I AM?FREE : An early morning, free session listed under Family & Education events. Perfect if you have very young children and are up early on Saturday.It’s a free session specifically scheduled for Saturday morning at La Polveriera.
NEWBORN, THEREFORE I COPYFREE : Another free session at La Polveriera, this one running just after the first one on Saturday. Great for parents with infants interested in early development topics.It’s a second, free session at the same location, maximizing Saturday morning options.
: Head to Monzuno for the Carnival celebrations, featuring music, food stalls, and an afternoon parade of costumes inspired by 70s, 80s, and 90s cartoons. A true local flair day trip!This is one of the few confirmed Carnival celebrations happening *on Saturday* in the immediate Bologna area.
BAROQUE CONCERT AT THE MUSEUM OF SAN COLOMBANO : Enjoy beautiful Baroque music in a museum setting on Saturday afternoon. A relaxing cultural outing for the whole family.A cultural event specifically listed for Saturday afternoon.
· March 1
10: An afternoon event in the vibrant Bolognina neighborhood perfect for families. It’s a recurring Sunday event, so make sure to catch the 4 PM slot this week.It is a recurring Sunday gathering explicitly listed for this date, perfect for wrapping up the weekend.
: The town hosts a traditional Carnival parade with floats, music, and dancing on Sunday afternoon. A fun trip for the family before the start of the week.A confirmed Carnival parade on March 1st in a nearby town.
FREE : Head west for this Carnival parade featuring floats and free refreshments/gifts for attendees. It runs for five hours in the afternoon.It's explicitly free and offers refreshments, making it an excellent budget option for Sunday afternoon.
FREE : The city is running its marathon! Even if you aren't running, heading to the center to cheer on the runners is a great, free, high-energy family outing.A major central event happening Sunday morning/daytime.
FROM COCOON TO FABRIC : An event at the Industrial Heritage Museum on Sunday afternoon focusing on textiles. This could be a fun, hands-on look at how things are made.A specific event at a heritage museum scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
THE JUNGLE BOOK : Catch a screening of The Jungle Book at the theatre in San Giovanni in Persiceto on Sunday afternoon.A classic family movie screening scheduled for Sunday afternoon outside the city center.
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD : A performance of Little Red Riding Hood scheduled for late Sunday afternoon at the Testoni Theatre. Perfect for a classic fairy tale fix.A traditional fairy tale performance scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
: MAST hosts recurring sessions of animated films for kids on Sundays. A great way to catch quality animation indoors.A recurring Sunday cinema slot explicitly for children.
FANTATEATRO SHOW AT DEHON THEATRE : Fantateatro is known for quality children's entertainment. Catch one of their shows at the Dehon Theatre on Sunday afternoon.A reputable children's theatre company putting on a show on Sunday.
IDENTITY, THE PLURAL SELF - DO UT DO 2026 EXHIBITIONFREE : This free exhibition runs through March 8th. While abstract, it's a good cultural option if you need a quiet, free indoor space on Sunday.It's a free, city-center exhibition running on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
7: A family workshop centered around the Fantozzi exhibition happening at Grand Tour Italia. Since it mentions '1 more' date, this is likely a limited run you want to catch this weekend.This is a hands-on family lab tied into a contemporary exhibition.
: This historic Carnival parade featuring the Barbaspein character runs on March 1st. It's a great outdoor option just outside the city limits.It's one of the Carnival events that specifically confirms participation on March 1st.
: The history museum is hosting puppet shows throughout February and April, and there is a session scheduled for Saturday morning.It’s a traditional entertainment form happening early Saturday morning indoors.
: Explore the history of music through guided tours at the museum on Sunday afternoon. A great indoor option if the weather turns.It's a dedicated tour happening Sunday afternoon in a museum setting.
: This exhibition runs until late March, but Saturday is a great day to visit this potentially fun cultural feature based on the famous Italian character.It’s an exhibition that might appeal to parents and older children familiar with the character.
: This interactive exhibit is running through mid-March. Illusion museums are almost always a huge hit with children of all ages.Guaranteed family fun available all weekend and nearly year-round.
FREE : This ongoing installation/exhibit near the station is listed as family-friendly and free entry. A nice low-stakes outdoor option for Saturday.It's free, family-oriented, and spans the entire weekend near the main station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Bologna this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are 3 free events: 'Newborn, Therefore I Am?' at La Polveriera (Sat AM), 'Newborn, Therefore I Copy' (Sat late morning), and the 'Bologna Marathon 2026' where you can cheer as a family (Sun).
Are there any Carnival parades happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Yes, there are several Carnival parades happening outside the city center on Sunday: 'CaldeVale Carnival Parade' in Calderara di Reno, the 'Carnival of Pieve di Cento', and the 'Carnival in Castenaso'.
What is happening on Sunday afternoon in Bologna city center?
For Sunday afternoon, you can head to The Social Hub for the 'Kids & Spritz: Bolognina Sunday!' event at 4 PM, or enjoy the 'Bologna Marathon 2026' atmosphere near Piazza Maggiore.
