The series of concerts begins on June 21st with the nationwide Festa della Musica. In Milano, it will open with a performance by Ariete, the 2002-born sensational revelation of last year’s Sanremo festival with a history as an independent artist and an innovative voice on the Italian singer-songwriter scene.

Wrapping up, in a two-day event organised by ARCI, will be Cristina Donà and Margherita Vicario. The former boasts a distinguished artistic career and the latter has become famous in recent years, being known in Italian cinemas as the director and author of the film Gloria!.

DJ sets will feature prominent figures such as Mike Joyce of The Smiths, Venerus and Max Cooper.

Other notable names in the lineup include Calexico, The Cinematic Orchestra, Yves Tumor, Marlene Kuntz, Dente and Daniele Silvestri.

There’s also space for theatre with a programme that comprises performances from major theatres such as Piccolo, Parenti and Carcano, as well as many smaller theatre companies that have long been keeping Milano's cultural fabric alive, such as Manifatture Teatrali Milanesi, Compagnia Corrado D’Elia, PACTA arsenale dei teatri, Spazio Tertulliano and Atir.

The performances will be complemented by numerous talks and educational spaces featuring prominent thought leaders and intellectuals such as Mario Calabresi and Massimo Recalcati.

If you're in the mood for a fun evening, halfway between theatre and performance, don't miss DRAMA, Italy's largest queer cabaret, which will enliven the Castello Sforzesco during Pride weekend on June 30th.

The Castello Sforzesco stage will also host two performances organised by Opera Liquida and Le Crisalidi, featuring inmates and ex-inmates, as well as dance performances and shows designed for children.

To celebrate midsummer night, on Ferragosto, Santeria will host the Gran Ballo di Mezza Estate in full Balera dell’Ortica style at the centre of the Castello.

Two true micro-festivals will also be featured within the event: two evenings on June 26th and 27th, organised by the Festival della Bellezza, and the two final evenings organised by ARCI.

You can buy or book free tickets for all Summer at the Castle shows on Mailticket.

The following are not to be brought into the performance area for safety reasons:

• No flammable liquids (e.g. flammable and stinging sprays, including mosquito repellents and deodorants) // Yes to wipes and sticks
• No umbrellas with metal tips // Yes to folding umbrellas
• No helmets
• No cans and metal water bottles // Please note that free water is available in the bar and 2 drinking fountains
• No suitcases, trolleys or large backpacks
• No weapons of any kind and pointed or sharp objects
• No selfie sticks and tripods
• No stadium bugles
• No explosive materials, fireworks, smoke bombs and flares
• No narcotics or poisons
• No bicycles, scooters and the like
• No animals, regardless of breed or size
• No glass containers of any kind
• No alcoholic beverages

As this is an open-air festival, events may be cancelled in the event of rain, and refunds will be available by contacting the operator where the purchase was made. Should the performance be postponed to another date, all those who have purchased tickets will be informed.

To stay informed about changes, due to bad weather, to the shows scheduled in Summer at the Castle 2024, follow the official profiles: Facebook @milanoèviva and Instagram @milanoviva_eventi and @Comune di Milano Cultura.