MIDA – International Craft Fair 2026

MIDA, the International Craft Fair 2026 in Florence

MIDA (Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato) returns to the historic Fortezza da Basso from April 25 to May 3, 2026, celebrating 90 years of creativity, design, and “made by hand” excellence in the heart of the city. If you want to experience Florence beyond museums and monuments, MIDA is the perfect spring event: a place where you can meet makers, watch craftsmanship in action, and bring home something that truly feels like Italy.

MIDA – International Craft Fair 2026: confirmed dates and venue

The official MIDA site confirms the 2026 dates as 25 April to 3 May 2026 and the location as Firenze, Fortezza da Basso. Firenze Fiera’s official event listing confirms the same public opening window, stating the Fortezza da Basso will host the 90th edition of MIDA from 25 April to 3 May 2026.

The MIDA website frames the setting beautifully, describing the Fortezza da Basso as a Medici-era jewel that becomes the backdrop for nine days of craft, innovation, and tradition. For travelers, this is part of the appeal: you are not just shopping, you are exploring craftsmanship inside one of Florence’s most distinctive historic venues.

What MIDA is and why it belongs in Florence

MIDA’s official site states that the event has been running since 1931, celebrating the art of handmade work and showcasing creations by Italian and international artisans. That timeline matters because it positions MIDA as a long-running cultural institution, not a pop-up market, which is why it draws serious makers alongside casual visitors and design lovers.

Florence is famously connected to craft traditions, from leather goods to goldwork and textile artistry. MIDA gives travelers a concentrated way to experience that tradition in one place, with the added excitement of seeing how modern design and materials are reshaping what “artisan-made” looks like today.

What you’ll find inside: categories and highlights (verified)

The official MIDA website lists a wide range of fair categories, including:

• Home décor and furnishings (Complementi d’arredo)
• Clothing and accessories (Abbigliamento e accessori)
• Goldsmithing, jewelry, and fashion jewelry (Oreficeria, gioielleria e bigiotteria)
• Food and gastronomy (Gastronomia)
• Artistic crafts and “one-of-a-kind” pieces (Artigianato artistico e pezzi unici)
• Objects and gift items (Oggettistica)
• Design (Design)
• Beauty and wellness (Bellezza e benessere)
• International craftsmanship (Artigianato internazionale)

The same site also highlights programming concepts like “Officine esperienziali” (exclusive workshops with master artisans), historic exhibitions tied to the event’s 90-year story, and themes around innovation meeting tradition. For visitors, this is a strong hint that MIDA is not only about browsing stalls, it’s also about learning, watching techniques, and stepping into a living craft culture.

Tickets and pricing: what’s confirmed right now (and what is not)

The official MIDA homepage and Firenze Fiera’s event listing confirm dates, venue, and the 90th-edition framing, but they do not publish a complete 2026 ticket price list in the content retrieved here. Because of that, it would be inaccurate to state a confirmed 2026 admission price for MIDA Florence without the official “tickets and times” page for the 2026 edition.

For production writing, the most accurate approach is:

• State that MIDA 2026 is confirmed for April 25 to May 3 at Fortezza da Basso.
• Tell readers to check the official MIDA site’s tickets section closer to the event for the current year’s entry prices, discounts, and any evening access rules.

If you’re budgeting a Florence trip, assume you’ll spend more on what you discover inside than on entry itself, because handcrafted pieces, limited editions, and artisan foods can be tempting.

How to plan your visit: best ways to enjoy MIDA

MIDA runs for nine days, so you can shape the experience around your travel style. If you love browsing and meeting makers, consider a weekday visit when aisles can feel calmer and conversations at stands are easier.

A simple way to structure your time:

• First loop: scan categories quickly and note the stands you want to revisit.
• Second loop: spend time on your top two categories, like jewelry and design, or food and décor.
• Final hour: buy the pieces that still feel “right” after you’ve seen everything.

This approach keeps you from purchasing too fast and helps you avoid the common fair problem of buying something early, then seeing a better version later.

Florence travel tips around MIDA (local relevance)

Because MIDA is held at Fortezza da Basso, it’s easy to integrate into a Florence itinerary that includes the historic center. Plan a day with a classic Florence morning, then give your afternoon to MIDA so you’re not trying to squeeze craft discovery into the final hour when you’re tired.

Late April and early May are also ideal for walking Florence. Pair your fair visit with an evening stroll, a relaxed meal, and a gelato break, and you’ll get a day that feels both culturally rich and wonderfully unhurried.

Verified Information at a glance

• Event name: MIDA – Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato (International Craft Fair) 2026
• Event category: International craft fair / trade and public exhibition
• Confirmed city: Florence (Firenze), Italy
• Confirmed venue: Fortezza da Basso
• Confirmed dates: April 25 to May 3, 2026
• Confirmed edition milestone: 90th edition
• Verified history note (official site): The event has run since 1931
• Verified fair categories (examples): Décor, fashion/accessories, jewelry, gastronomy, artistic crafts and unique pieces, design, beauty/wellness, international crafts
• Ticket pricing: Not confirmed in the official pages retrieved here; check the official MIDA tickets page when the 2026 ticket details are published

If your 2026 Florence plans fall between April 25 and May 3, make time for MIDA at Fortezza da Basso, wander the aisles with curiosity, talk to the makers, and let Florence’s craft heritage surprise you with something beautiful you can carry home and remember long after the trip ends.