In Vinci, near Florence, from Friday until Sunday the 16th edition of the Unicorn Festival, the biggest fantasy event in Italy, with elves, fairies and fantastic creatures.
During the three days, attendees can visit about 300 shows such as elves' weddings, unicorn parties, elves' parades, live music concerts, and special exhibitions. Fun competitions include Challenge of Magical Arts or the Best Fantasy Creature Contest. Festa dell'Unicorno features eight themed areas, featuring cosplay, role-playing activities, and celebrity guests. Meet star actors like "Highlander" Christopher Lambert, Sean Austin, who starred in Lord of the Rings, or Isaac Hempstead-Wright, starring as Bran Stark in Game of Thrones.
Don't forget to visit the fair market in the centre of the medieval town with themed venues, animations, and shows. The final day of the festival features a large pyrotechnic show over the 13th-century Guidi castle, dominating the town.
The town of Vinci is famous not only for its well preserved medieval castle. It's renowned as the birthplace of the genius artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. Don't miss Museo Leonardiano with the display of the inventions from Leonardo's notebooks as well as Casa Natale di Leonardo, the house where Leonardo da Vinci was born. There are a few copies of his drawings and other works.
Learn more about the Unicorn Festival in Vinci
Also, check our list of the best hotels in Vinci and book your stay during the event.