From June 21 to Sept. 10, 2025, the Cortile delle Armi (Weapons Courtyard) of Castello Sforzesco will once again host “Estate al Castello,” the cultural event that has been enlivening Milan’s summer nights for thirteen years. A rich and varied program of live performances, promoted and curated by the City of Milan, will make the city’s evenings truly special with events ranging from pop music to electronic, from jazz to classical, passing through theater and dance.
The 13th edition of Milan’s most anticipated summer festival
For those wondering what to do this summer in Milan, the answer is simple: be surprised by one of the city’s most beloved and long-running festivals. “Summer at the Castle” will once again transform one of the city’s iconic locations into a vibrant open-air stage.
The festival will kick off with the summer solstice, June 21, 2025, and conclude on September 10, offering nearly three months of uninterrupted cultural programming. Performances will be held every evening at 9 p.m. in the striking Cortile delle Armi, where the ancient walls of the Castello Sforzesco will create a unique atmosphere in which history and contemporaneity come together.
To ensure the participation of all citizens, most events will be free or offered at low prices, generally under 15 euros.
More info on the website.
Events already confirmed: the big names of the 2025 edition
The full program of “Summer at the Castle 2025” will be available in the coming weeks, but some events have already been made official and promise unforgettable evenings:
- June 24: Homage to the Beatles. 60 years after the historic concert at the Vigorelli, a special evening between storytelling and music to celebrate the band that revolutionized pop.
- June 29: Gianluca Gotto presents the talk “The Three Ways of Well-Being.” A journey between Eastern philosophy and personal growth.
- July 3: Meg’s sound experimentation, between electronics and poetry.
- July 9: Eugenio Finardi brings to the stage “Tutto ’75-’25,” an exciting retrospective of his 50-year career.
- July 19: The legendary 99 Posse return live, with a concert of high social and musical impact.
With these names already announced, Milan’s summer cultural festival promises to offer events for all tastes, consolidating its status as the TOP event of the Milanese summer.
“Summer at the Castle”: history and evolution of an iconic event
Born in 2013, “Summer at the Castle” has quickly established itself as one of Milan’s most anticipated and attended summer events. Now in its 13th edition, the festival has been able to renew itself while maintaining the winning formula that has decreed its success: a transversal calendar that embraces different genres, offering space for both established names and emerging talents.
The festival represents a quality cultural alternative for those staying in the city during the summer months, transforming Milan into a widespread stage where art and culture become accessible and shared.
“Summer at the Castle” perfectly embodies the spirit of a Milan that never stops, that knows how to reinvent itself and offer meaningful cultural experiences even during the season traditionally dedicated to vacation.
The Castello Sforzesco: history and emblem of Milan.
An exceptional setting for this Milanese cultural festival, the Castello Sforzesco is not just a container for events, but an integral part of the experience. Built in the 15th century at the behest of Francesco Sforza, this imposing complex represents one of the most significant historical-architectural testimonies of the city.
Today, the castle houses important museums and art collections, including the famous Sala delle Asse decorated by Leonardo da Vinci, serving as a bridge between Milan’s glorious past and its vibrant present. With more than 1.5 million visitors annually, Castello Sforzesco is one of the city’s busiest cultural hubs, organizing on average more than 200 events a year including exhibitions, concerts, lectures and festivals.
During “Summer at the Castle,” this treasure chest of history is transformed into a natural stage where ancient stones echo musical notes and recited words, creating a unique and unrepeatable atmosphere. Attending a performance in the Cortile delle Armi means immersing yourself in a multisensory experience, where contemporary art dialogues with centuries of history.
How to take part in “Summer at the Castle 2025”
For those who want to take part in this unmissable event this summer in Milan, here is essential practical information:
- Time: shows start at 9 pm.
- Location: Castello Sforzesco – Cortile delle Armi, Piazza Castello 3, Milan.
- Tickets: available on Mailticket, from 14.95 euros.
- Full program: available at milanocastello.it
We recommend booking early, as many events quickly sell out.