Some details about the first edition of Play in the City – Festival of Playful Culture, taking place in Modena from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November.
A co-designed initiative by the Municipality of Modena, Fondazione Collegio San Carlo, Modenafiere, and Ludo Labo, supported by AUSL Modena, Modena Municipal Libraries, and Modena Fa Scuola, and under the patronage of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Play in the City was conceived with the clear aim of creating a cultural event centred on play and playing, focusing on the educational aspects that play can and does offer to various educational institutions such as schools, families, libraries, and universities.
Admission is free to all events for all visitors.
All information is available on the website: https://playinthecity.it
The day of 21 November is dedicated to training, featuring a programme of 24 talks/workshops divided into 6 categories. This is certified training aimed at teachers, educators, librarians, and anyone interested in understanding the potential of play in educational contexts. On 22–23 November, the training pathway Play History will be offered.
https://playinthecity.it/eventi/formazione/
In the morning, the Coppa Watson: Team Mathematics Competition, organised by the Department of Physical, Computer, and Mathematical Sciences of UNIMORE in collaboration with Kangourou Italia, will also take place.
In the evening, you can play in the spaces of Fondazione Collegio San Carlo and participate in the roundtable “Sport as Play”.
Saturday 22 morning: Secondary schools (first and second level) can participate in pathways and workshops: https://playinthecity.it/scuole/
The days of 22 and 23 November feature a dense programme of events, exhibitions, and activities, beginning with school involvement on Saturday morning and continuing with activities open to the general public. On Saturday evening, you can play in the spaces of Fondazione Collegio San Carlo and participate in the Asta Tosta.
Featured Events
Research Institutions and University Booths – Saturday and Sunday – San Carlo Church
Games and activities brought by the research world and research institutions and universities
Scientific Playroom – Saturday and Sunday – San Carlo Church
Tables featuring science-themed games
Sport as Play – Friday at 9pm – Teatro Fondazione Collegio San Carlo
A conversation bridging volleyball and board games, reflecting on the world’s oldest educational tool: play
Siege of Gradara – Saturday and Sunday – Department of Law
The evocative, interactive, and playable model of the Siege of Gradara
Interactive Exhibition “Turno Extra” – Saturday and Sunday – Department of Law
Interactive exhibition offering a gaming experience blending analog and digital
40th Anniversary Book Game Exhibition – Saturday and Sunday – Department of Law
Relive the history of the book game
Training – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – Department of Law
Training sessions on Friday afternoon from 2:30pm; Play History on Saturday and Sunday
Schools – Saturday morning, 9am–1pm – Chiesa Collegio San Carlo
Activities and workshops dedicated to schools. Registrations: educational@play-modena.it
D-Day: Normandy Landing Scenario from Memoir’44 – Saturday and Sunday – Department of Law
The massive scenario simulating the great Normandy landing
Memoir’44 Tournament – Sunday from 9:30am – Department of Law
First national tournament of the new edition of Memoir’44, sponsored by Asmodee Italia
Asta Tosta – Saturday at 7:45pm – Teatro Fondazione Collegio San Carlo
The traditional spectacle auction by Club TreEmme
Game Nights – Friday and Saturday, 8pm–12am – Fondazione Collegio San Carlo
Board games and role-playing games with players from Modena’s most active gaming associations
Role-Playing Games – Saturday and Sunday – Fondazione Collegio San Carlo
Role-playing games and multi-table adventures suitable for beginners and experienced players
Chess – Saturday and Sunday – Fondazione Collegio San Carlo
Explore the world of chess guided by experts from Club 64
Family Arena – Saturday and Sunday – Department of Law – Family Arena space
Game tables and games for children aged 4 and up
Botanicus – Saturday and Sunday – San Carlo Church
Play the game awarded “Best Game of the Year 2025” alongside its creators
Escape Room Cryptolocked – Saturday and Sunday – Fondazione Collegio San Carlo
The mystery behind the disappearance of Majorana