The moment the clocks turn back, at five in the afternoon, Milan’s streetlights are already coming on. And that’s exactly the best time to head out: if you’re wondering what to do in Milan in November, the calendar is much fuller than the fog would have you believe.
We’ve put together a list of 18 events you won’t want to miss: concerts, exhibitions, free events, and a few day trips in Lombardy and beyond.
Keep an eye out for them, because several are only happening on one specific evening.
Catrinas with painted faces, orange flowers, and music: the Día de los Muertos parade is back, organized for the fifth year by the Consulate General of Mexico in Milan. The gathering is at 6:00 p.m. The procession will then pass through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the Duomo, Cordusio, and Via Dante, ending at the Castello. Watching is free; to participate in the parade, you must register online. A word of caution: makeup should be inspired by Mexican tradition, not Halloween. It is a festival of remembrance, not of horror.
Candlelight Concerts
Hundreds of lit candles, a band on stage, and an hour of music: Candlelight concerts are perfect for a romantic evening or to unwind after work. Here are our recommendations for November:
- Ludovico Einaudi, Friday, the 6th at 7:30 p.m., at the Auditorium San Fedele.
- Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Saturday, the 7th at 9:30 p.m., at the Auditorium San Fedele.
- Hans Zimmer, Sunday, the 8th at 10:00 p.m., at Casa Schuster.
- Ennio Morricone, Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st, at Spazio Filippetti.
- Tribute to Cremonini, Saturday, the 28th at 9:45 p.m., at Casa Schuster.
Artemisia Gentileschi at the Diocesan Museum
Among the exhibitions in the city this month, the most significant revolves around a single painting. The “Masterpiece for Milan” 2026 is Artemisia Gentileschi’s Annunciation, on loan from Capodimonte. It dates back to 1630 and is the first known work painted by the artist after her arrival in Naples. On display alongside the painting are the results of new diagnostic tests. All it takes is an hour and a stroll through the cloisters of Sant’Eustorgio.
Tickets cost 9 euros (reduced rate 7). Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bob Dylan and Muse at the Unipol Dome
The new Santa Giulia arena is hosting the two most anticipated concerts of November in Milan. Bob Dylan, 85, takes the stage at 9 p.m. for a “phone-free” show: phones remain locked in a sealed case for the entire evening—and perhaps that’s the beauty of it. Less than three weeks later, Muse arrives with The Wow! Signal Europa Tour. They haven’t played in an Italian arena since 2016, when they performed six shows at the Forum.
JazzMi: Gregory Porter at Alcatraz
The 11th edition of JazzMi wraps up with a packed first week of November. In total, there are 160 concerts—61 of which are free—across theaters, clubs, and neighborhood venues. The name to circle is Gregory Porter, a two-time Grammy winner. He’ll perform on Tuesday, November 3, at 9 p.m. at Alcatraz, with tickets starting at 57.50 euros plus fees.
The next day, at the Arcimboldi, it’s time for Ibrahim Maalouf’s trumpet. Here’s the full event program.
Brera Art Gallery by Night
The masterpieces in the collection—from Raphael to Hayez—have a different feel with fewer people around and the evening light. Every Thursday in November, the Pinacoteca is open from 7:20 p.m. to 11:20 p.m., with last admission at 10 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m., tickets cost 3 euros and also include admission to the “100 Years of Brera” exhibition. Reservations at brerabooking.org are required. It’s the most affordable way to experience one of Milan’s great museums in the evening.
ICMA at Fiera Milano Rho
The Motorcycle Show is worth a visit even if you don’t have a motorcycle license. The 2026 edition is the largest ever hosted in Rho: ten pavilions and over 2,100 brands from 52 countries. In Pavilion 22, you’ll find Speed Legends, featuring more than 30 historic MotoGP bikes and the five from the current season. In the Y.U.M. area, you can test ride over 40 vehicles.
It’s open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Nougat Festival in Cremona
Among the day trips from Milan, this is the most indulgent one of the month. About an hour away by train, Cremona is filled with nougat for three weekends. The booths are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the events at the Palatorrone are free. The highlight is Sunday, November 8. At 4 p.m., the historical parade begins, featuring about a hundred participants in Renaissance costumes, while Ernst Knam arrives at the Palatorrone.
In the afternoon, a giant sweet sculpture shaped like a ham will be unveiled, then sliced and offered to the public.
It’s your last chance to see the colors of fall from the train window. The Vigezzina-Centovalli line connects Domodossola to Locarno in about two hours, covering 52 kilometers with 83 bridges and 31 tunnels. The special ticket includes round-trip travel, a reserved seat, and a stop of your choice along the way. For example, you can stop at Santa Maria Maggiore, or at Intragna, which has the tallest bell tower in Ticino.
Book now: weekends fill up fast.
Paw Chew Go at BASE
The city’s liveliest illustration festival returns to BASE with a marketplace featuring over 120 independent illustrators and publishers. There are also talks, workshops, exhibitions, and portfolio reviews. It’s the perfect place to find prints and books to give as Christmas gifts, away from the usual stores. Admission is 7 euros per day or 11 euros for both days.
On Saturday evening, BASE is also hosting a DJ set by 2manydjs; separate ticket required.
The Jazz Room at the Auditorium San Fedele
“Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “What a Wonderful World”: The Jazz Room pays tribute to Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong with a live band, dim lighting, and an hour of swing—just a five-minute walk from the Duomo. Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., with tickets starting at 29 euros. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each section, so it’s best to arrive half an hour early and grab a drink.
It’s the only date this month—the next one is in February.
Milan Music Week and Linecheck
For its tenth edition, Milan Music Week has a new artistic director—now Linus—and a new home. The headquarters is the Fabbrica del Vapore, where all events are free: it’s the week in Milan this fall when you can listen to the most music without spending a dime. The theme is 50 years of punk and disco music.
From November 18 to 21, Linecheck joins the lineup, bringing live music all over the city: Arci Bellezza, Santeria Toscana 31, Germi, Instituto Cervantes, and 21 House of Stories Navigli.
Dreaming, perhaps sleeping at BASE
A whole night spent lying down, alongside strangers, listening. It’s “Sognare, forse dormire” (“Dreaming, Perhaps Sleeping”), the sleeping performance by the EFFE Collective as part of the FAROUT festival. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., a guiding voice and a soundscape accompany the audience from wakefulness to sleep, in search of lucid dreaming. From time to time, musicians and performers appear in the hall. Absolute silence is required. Tickets are on sale on DICE.
The Jury Experience at Casa Cardinale Schuster
Here, you don’t just watch the trial—you decide it. The audience sits among the jury benches, listens to witnesses and evidence, and votes at key moments until a verdict is reached. November’s case is “The Million-Dollar Murder”: a millionaire’s divorce, no DNA evidence, and witnesses who are hiding something. It lasts about an hour, and tickets start at 25 euros.
The next date is December 12.
Milano21 Half Marathon
If you put away your running shoes in September, it’s time to break them out again. Milano21 offers a half marathon and a 10K on a flat, fast course—ideal for trying to beat your personal best. The race starts at 8:45 a.m. You’ll need a medical certificate and to register: the entry fee for the half marathon is 65 euros through October 31.
Race bibs can be picked up on Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st, not on the morning of the race.
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
Four Poe stories and four themed cocktails. “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” “The Raven,” and “The Masque of the Red Death” are brought to life by storytellers in a gothic speakeasy atmosphere. We’re at Casa Schuster, a 16th-century palace just a stone’s throw from the Duomo. The experience lasts 75–80 minutes and is for adults only. It costs 38 euros, with the four drinks included (non-alcoholic options are also available).
The parade runs at 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
BookCity Milan
The fifteenth edition of BookCity is inspired by *Orlando Furioso*: the theme is “Wisdom on the Moon. Seven Days of Books, Reason, and Madness.” Starting this year, writer Marco Balzano is curating the event. Talks, readings, and book presentations are spread across bookstores, libraries, universities, and neighborhoods, extending even to the municipalities within the metropolitan area. As is tradition, many events are expected to be free.
Find the program at bookcitymilano.it. Act fast to meet the authors you’re interested in.
King Panettone in Novegro
For many Milanese, Christmas begins here. Re Panettone, now in its 19th edition, brings together pastry chefs from all over Italy who work exclusively with sourdough starter and natural ingredients. Admission is free, but you must download your ticket from the website, and panettone is sold at a single price per kilo at all booths. For 6 or 10 euros, you can join the People’s Jury and cast a blind vote for the best ones—including savory varieties. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
