The basics
Huge international names descend on Tuscany for a series of open air live shows.
The festival
Since opening in 1998 with Bob Dylan, the festival has seen a host of megastars perform at the Piazza Napolene, including Elton John, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Alicia Keys and even Lee Ryan. Wowsers. Now in its 21st year, the festival can finally drink in the USA. So before it makes its way across the Atlantic for a celebratory hurrah, get yourself down there and soak up some music. Not literally, though.
With a host of huge international stars visiting the city throughout the month of July, Lucca Summer Festival offers something for more or less anyone, except maybe fans of Swahili deep house. But they're just picky.
Our tip
Italians speak Italian, so it is useful to know some Italian words. Like Cornetto. It's also handy to know that Lucca is pronounced Lucca like 'Look, uh', rather than Lucca like 'the lucka the draw'.
Also, the festival organisers have set up an excellent carpooling website, so if you fancy saving a little dough and making some new friends, check it out. Just make sure to do it in pairs at the least. We'd recommend a group of ten.
Watch
Lineup
Getting there
How do I get there?
The festival website provides excellent maps of the venue.
Car
From Florence, take the A11 (motorway), called Firenze-Mare and exit at Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest.
From Genoa, take the A12 (motorway) to Viareggio, then the raccordo A11-A12 (motorway link) and exit at Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest.
From Milan, take the A1 (motorway) towards Bologna then at La Spezia take the A15 (motorway) to Viareggio then take the raccordo A11-12 (motorway link) and exit at Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest.
From Pisa, take the SS12 (road) and head for Lucca city centre.
From Rome, take the A1 (motorway) towards Florence then the A11 and exit at Lucca Est or Ovest.
From Bologna, take the A1 (motorway) towards Florence then the A11 and exit at Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest.
From Viareggio, take the A11-12 raccordo (motorway) and exit at Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest.
Tickets
Pricing
The month consists of a range of shows of different prices (generally between €57 and €100). Have a look at the website to see who is playing when and where.
When can I get them?
Tickets on sale now
Where can I get them?
Tickets are available via Ticket one.