As the summer of 2025 draws to a close, two Italian towns are gearing up for major public events that promise excitement, community spirit, and—perhaps most importantly—careful planning to ensure safety and smooth logistics. In Porto Ercole, anticipation is building for the August 27th Lucio Corsi concert, while in Udine, organizers are preparing for the Friuli Doc Run scheduled for Saturday, August 30th. Both events are expected to draw large crowds, and local authorities have rolled out a series of extraordinary measures to manage traffic, crowd flow, and public safety.
First up is Porto Ercole, a picturesque seaside town readying itself for the arrival of music fans eager to see Lucio Corsi perform on the Lungomare Andrea Doria. According to Corriere di Maremma, the municipal government has enacted a raft of special rules to keep the evening running smoothly and safely. The measures, which target both traffic control and the consumption of beverages, reflect the town’s experience in managing large-scale gatherings and its commitment to public welfare.
From the afternoon of August 27th, access to several key areas will be restricted. Specifically, the ZTL Porto and ZTL centro storico zones will close from 4:00 p.m. until the concert concludes and all pedestrians have safely dispersed. The ZTL Paese will follow suit with a closure starting at 6:00 p.m., though officials note that this could be implemented even earlier if crowd numbers swell unexpectedly. The local police have been given discretion to impose additional closures should the influx of attendees exceed expectations—a prudent move, given the popularity of the artist and the scenic venue.
But it’s not just traffic that’s under scrutiny. The sale and consumption of beverages are subject to strict regulations for the duration of the event. From 8:00 a.m. to midnight, the sale of drinks in glass bottles and cans is strictly forbidden. And, in a move aimed at reducing risks associated with alcohol-fueled incidents, the sale of alcoholic beverages for takeaway—including beer and spirits—is banned from 3:30 p.m. until midnight. Thirsty concertgoers need not despair, however: drinking is still permitted inside venues and in designated areas, as long as it’s for on-site consumption.
Security doesn’t stop at sales bans. During the concert, attendees are not allowed to bring glass bottles, cans, or even plastic bottles with caps into the event areas. This rule covers all the main gathering spots: Lungomare Andrea Doria, Banchina Marinai d’Italia, Piazza Ricasoli, via Principe Amedeo, and Piazza Santa Barbara. The aim, officials say, is to minimize hazards and ensure a safe, orderly environment for everyone. As Corriere di Maremma reports, "The measures aim to ensure safety and orderly crowd management during the concert." It’s a comprehensive approach, balancing the festive atmosphere with a firm hand on public safety.
Meanwhile, in Udine, attention is turning to the Friuli Doc Run—a sports event that has become a fixture in the town’s late-summer calendar. Scheduled for Saturday, August 30th, the run will transform the city center into a vibrant, if temporarily restricted, space for athletes and spectators. The Comune di Udine has issued detailed instructions about road closures and changes to traffic patterns, underscoring the logistical complexity of hosting such a large event in a historic urban setting.
On race day, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Piazza della Libertà—the heart of Udine—will be closed to all vehicle traffic. But that’s just the beginning. From 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., transit will be prohibited along the entire race route and on adjacent streets, including via Vittorio Veneto, piazzetta Bertrando, piazza Duomo, via Stringher, piazza XX Settembre, via Nazario Sauro, via Cavour, via Canciani, piazza Matteotti, via Sarpi, piazzetta Marconi, and via Mercatovecchio. The scale of these restrictions reflects both the popularity of the Friuli Doc Run and the town’s determination to keep runners and spectators safe.
Parking is also off the table in some key areas. From noon to midnight, there will be a no-parking zone in both Piazza della Libertà and via Sarpi. And, to further manage the flow of traffic, via Battisti will see its one-way system reversed from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., channeling cars from piazza XX Settembre toward piazza Garibaldi. In a nod to the town’s labyrinthine layout, via Manin and vicolo Sottomonte will become dead ends with two-way traffic during the same hours, allowing access and exit from piazza Primo Maggio and piazzetta Marconi, respectively.
The impact on residents and local businesses is not insignificant. During the event, those living or working on affected streets and squares will not be able to enter or exit their private areas by car. The municipality has urged everyone to plan ahead and to pay close attention to the temporary signage that will dot the race route. As the Comune di Udine advises, "The municipality advises citizens to plan travel and observe temporary signage along the race route." It’s a message that blends encouragement with a gentle warning: these events are for everyone’s enjoyment, but only if everyone does their part.
What’s striking about both Porto Ercole and Udine is the thoroughness of their preparations. From early morning bans on glass bottles to intricate traffic diversions, local authorities are pulling out all the stops. Their actions are rooted in hard-earned experience—Italy, after all, is no stranger to festivals, concerts, and sporting events that draw thousands into tight urban spaces. Yet, each event brings its own set of challenges, and the stakes are always high when large crowds gather in public places.
For Porto Ercole, the Lucio Corsi concert is not just another summer night; it’s a showcase of the town’s ability to host big events while keeping everyone safe. The restrictions on alcohol and containers, while perhaps inconvenient for some, are a small price to pay for peace of mind. And for Udine, the Friuli Doc Run is a celebration of athleticism and community spirit, made possible by a shared willingness to adapt and cooperate, even if it means a few hours of inconvenience for drivers and residents alike.
As both towns prepare for their respective events, one thing is clear: behind every successful gathering lies a web of careful planning, clear communication, and a community’s commitment to safety and enjoyment. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes in Udine or tuning your guitar in Porto Ercole, it’s the invisible work of organizers and officials that makes the magic possible.
