Events at Ippodromo San Siro
Horse racing, I-Days festival, food events, and seasonal markets — everything happening at Milan's iconic racecourse.
The Ippodromo SNAI San Siro has evolved from a pure horse racing venue into one of Milan's most versatile event spaces. Sitting on 160 hectares of green parkland, this historic racecourse now hosts music festivals, food events, outdoor cinema, and seasonal markets throughout the year. Here's your complete guide to what's on.
🏇 Horse Racing Season
The flat racing season runs from March to November, with meetings typically held on weekends and select weekdays. Major race days include:
- Gran Premio di Milano (June) — Italy's top Group 1 flat race with an electric atmosphere
- Oaks d'Italia (May) — Classic race for three-year-old fillies
- Gran Premio del Jockey Club (October) — One of the season's grand finales
- Premio Vittorio di Capua (September) — Prestigious Group 1 sprint
Race days are wonderfully atmospheric and family-friendly. Entry is usually €5–10 (major races may be more), and the dress code is relaxed — this is Italy, not Ascot. Expect good food, local wine, and a lively crowd mixing racing enthusiasts with casual visitors enjoying a day in the park.
🎵 I-Days Milano Festival
The I-Days Milano is the Ippodromo's headline event — one of Italy's largest open-air music festivals, drawing 60,000–80,000 fans per day. Held annually in June, the festival transforms the racecourse grounds into a massive concert venue with multiple stages.
2026 Dates:
- Weekend 1: June 12–14, 2026
- Weekend 2: June 19–21, 2026
Past headliners have included Green Day, The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine, and many more. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and Ticketone, with day passes and multi-day packages available.
Tips for I-Days Attendees
- Gates typically open at 14:00–15:00, with headliners on stage around 21:00–22:00
- Bring sun protection — you'll be outdoors for hours on the open racecourse grounds
- Food and drink stalls are plentiful but pricey; you can eat before at local trattorias
- Staying at San Siro Flats? You're a 5-minute walk from the entrance — skip the metro chaos entirely
🍕 Food Festivals & Markets
The Ippodromo's expansive grounds are perfect for large-scale food and market events. Throughout the year, you can expect:
- Street Food Festivals (Spring/Summer) — Food trucks and artisan vendors from across Italy gather for weekend-long food celebrations
- Mercatini di Natale (December) — Seasonal Christmas markets with crafts, gifts, and festive treats
- Vintage & Flea Markets — Periodic markets featuring antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles
- Beer Festivals & Wine Events — Craft beer fests and Italian wine tastings during warmer months
These events are typically free or have a small entry fee (€2–5). Check the official Ippodromo SNAI website or local Milan event listings for current schedules.
🎬 Other Events
Outdoor Cinema
Summer brings cinema all'aperto screenings — watching a film under the Milan stars, surrounded by century-old trees and the silhouette of the historic grandstand. Bring a blanket and enjoy.
Concerts & Live Music (Beyond I-Days)
The Ippodromo also hosts standalone concerts outside the I-Days framework. In 2026, Maroon 5 performs on June 25. These one-off shows tend to be more intimate than stadium gigs while still offering big-name acts.
Fitness & Wellness Events
Charity runs, morning yoga sessions, and outdoor fitness events use the Ippodromo's green spaces, particularly in spring and autumn.
🎟️ How to Buy Tickets
- Horse Racing: Tickets at the gate on race days, or via ippodromisnai.it
- I-Days Festival: Ticketmaster.it or Ticketone.it — book early as popular days sell out fast
- Standalone Concerts: Major ticketing platforms (Ticketmaster, Ticketone, Vivaticket)
- Food/Market Events: Usually free entry or pay at the gate
Pro tip: For I-Days and major concerts, book your accommodation as soon as you buy your tickets. Hotels and apartments near San Siro fill up quickly during festival weekends.
Explore More Guides
Plan your perfect San Siro stay.