Mediterranean Seafood Exposition: held annually in Rimini over several days in late February, this is one of the most comprehensive food and beverage expositions of the coastal area. Local seafood and produce are featured, as are local dishes and also international foods.

Paganello: this is Rimini’s annual Frisbee world cup competition. Young enthusiasts from around Europe flock to the seaside resort for the games, entertainment, music and the fun of being together for a long weekend of playing and partying.

‘Ciccotto’ Trophy: the ancient game of cheecoting is becoming more trendy, and Rimini Beach is the location of the annual championship games, held during a weekend in late spring. In this game, coloured marbles are moved through tunnels and up and down course loops along this giant, sandy track by the sea.

Polo Cup on the Beach: for several years now, this ‘sport of kings’ has chosen Rimini as the venue for its competition. Three days of challenges by teams on their thoroughbreds make for a spectacular show on the sandy beach near the harbour.

Beach Tchouckball Festival: the best international players converge on Rimini’s Viserba beach each year for the championship games in this emergent sport. Teams of nine players compete on several playing grounds, which are similar in nature to handball courts. The game is a blend of sports with a unique aspect, and that is that no physical contact among players is permitted. Adjacent to the competition courts are practice areas for anyone that would like to learn the sport.

Rimini International Traditional & Swing Jazz Festival: from serious jazz aficionados to casual music fans, this event has continued to grow in popularity by the year. Jazz and swing are both featured on the programme, as is Dixieland, the black music form with its roots in the traditional songs of slaves. Attendees are entertained for a full week of concerts by professional musicians from around the world.

The Ancient World Festival: a series of performances, workshops and presentations on archaeology, art, history, literature, lyrical poetry and philosophy are featured at this unique cultural festival. Among the luminaries taking part in these events are names such as Marc Augè, Massimo Cacciari, Luciano Canfora, Eva Cantarella, Umberto Eco, Umberto Galimberti, Paolo Matthiae and Dereck Walcott. The festival now includes the ‘Surgeon's Domus’ as a venue. This is the new archaeological site located in Ferrari square that was opened to the public at the end of 2007.

Cento Giorni in Festa: this 100-day long festival features entertainment, cultural events, music, sport and food-and-wine tastings. The local tourism committee organises more than 500 events that run from June through September; these liven up the city squares and the promenade along the beach, from Miramare to Torre Pedrera.

La Notte Rosa: ‘Pink Night’ is the Italian summer’s equivalent to New Year’s Eve. The event takes over the Riviera with concerts, theatrical shows, themed illuminations and parties on the beach extending for several kilometres. Firework displays are a highlight of the closing portion of the programme on the night of 5 July.

Percuotere La Mente: in July and August each year this special musical event takes place in Rimini, celebrating the best from the worlds of contemporary, classical, folk and international music.

Mod'Art: ‘Bellessere’ is an evening of beauty, fitness and fashion shows that’s organised by Confartigianato Rimini in early July. This is an opportunity for businesses in the Rimini region that are engaged in beauty, fashion and wellness to exhibit what they have on offer.

Summer Opera Concert: performances of operas such as ‘Coro Lirico a Galli’ and ‘Banda Città di Rimini’ have been on recent programmes for this annual concert held in mid-August. Performances are staged in the historic centre, and begin after dark. In case of inclement weather, the concert is held on the following evening.

Duathlon World Championship: a duathlon and triathlon are held along the Rimini Riviera. The city of Rimini plays hosts to athletes and enthusiasts from around the world who come to the Lungomare for these competitions.

Sagra Musicale Malatestiana: the most prestigious of the regional symphonic concert festivals is held in Rimini through September and October. In past years, renowned musicians and orchestras from countries across the globe have participated in this event, including notables such as Ashkenazy, Chailly, Conlon, Gergiev, Maazel, Marriner, Masur, Metha, Pretre, Rostropovich, Sinopoli and Tebaldi.

Mondaino Cheese and Truffles Fair: for two consecutive Sundays in November this food festival is held in Rimini. Visitors have the opportunity to try locally-produced cheeses and even the precious white truffles from the region. Local producers proudly exhibit and sell their goods. Fossa cheese comes from the hills around Rimini and is quite popular.

Montegridolfo Olive Oil Festival: a celebration of the newest pressing of olive oil is held in Rimini in mid-December. The event is a village fair that offers local producers the opportunity to showcase their high quality olive oils. Visitors to the festival have the chance to taste the oils, and also sample sauces that are prepared using the new oil, and are offered canapés and mulled wine as well.