Venice in 2026 promises a vibrant calendar of events that blend centuries-old tradition with contemporary culture. From glamorous festivals and cutting-edge art exhibitions to historic regattas and seasonal celebrations, this year’s highlights showcase the city’s unique charm, waterways, and lively public life. Whether you’re planning a short escape or a longer cultural pilgrimage, here’s a guide to the most important events in 2026.
Until March 1, 2026
Murano Illumina il Mondo in Piazza San Marco. Beautiful chandeliers, the result of collaborations between internationally renowned artists and some of the most prestigious Murano furnaces, will be lit every evening between the arches of the Procuratie Vecchie in Piazza San Marco.
Until February 17th, 2026
The ice skating rink in Campo San Polo. Open every day, with the possibility of skate rental
From January 31st to February 17th
This year the Venice Carnival celebrates the Olympics with a theme that intertwines history, art, and sport, paying tribute to the universal themes of play and challenge.
“Olympus – The Origins of the Game” evokes mythology and the harmony of body and mind, but also recalls the Venice of centuries past, when Carnival was a grand stage for competitions, acrobatic performances, and feats of collective skill—a precursor to the spirit of the modern Olympics.
Most anticipated Carnival events of this year:
– The Arsenale Water Show “The Call of Olympia” from February 6
– Official Dinner Show “Il Canto di Ambrosia” from February 7
From Saturday 9 May to Sunday 22 November 2026 (preview 6, 7, 8 May)
The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia – In Minor Keys by Koyo Kouoh
25th of April.
St Mark’s Day / Festa del Bocolo – A feast in honour of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. On this day Venetian men give their loved ones a single red rose known as a “Bòcolo”.
17th of May 2026 (The first Sunday after Ascension Day)
Festa e Regata della Sensa – The symbolic marriage of Venice to the sea. The Mayor of Venice, civic dignitaries and religious and military representatives leave St Mark’s Square and sail, accompanied by boats and rowers in historic costume, to the Port of S. Nicolò where they ritually throw a ring into the ocean. A laurel wreath is also laid in memory of those lost at sea. There is a ceremony of the “Wedding with the Sea” in front of the Church of S. Nicolò di Lido followed by a Regatta of the Sensa and Holy Mass at the church of S. Nicolò di Lido. A Sensa market also takes place at S.Nicolò.
May 24th 2026
Vogalonga – A spectacular event attracting worldwide interest from spectators and participants alike. The vogalonga is a strenuous but friendly rowing race from St Mark’s Basin to the island of Burano returning via the Cannaregio Canal and Grand Canal before finally ending at the Punta Della Dogana. All kinds of rowing boats are involved, many from overseas. Started in 1975 by a group of rowing enthusiasts, the event is a visual feast with more than 2000 boats and more than 8000 participants.
From May 27th to May31st, 2026
VENICE BOAT SHOW Arsenale, Venice once again hosts one of the main international trade events dedicated to boating (with 270 exhibitors and 300 boats on a water basin of 55,000 sqm). The exhibition venue is the Arsenale of Venice.
Last week of June
Festa di San Pietro in Castello – traditional festivities celebrated in this ancient parish found to the east of the city.
18- 19 July – (Third Weekend in July)
Festa del Redentore– One of the Venetians’ most loved events which came into being as a feast to give thanks for the end of the plague of 1575. A pontoon bridge is built every year from the Zattere in Dorsoduro over to the Church of the Redentore on the island of Giudecca. At sunset on the Saturday a large number of decorated boats begin congregating in St Mark’s Basin and people line the lantern-strung waterfronts to party, eat traditional food and to wait for the fireworks to begin (a breathtaking spectacle which begins at 11.30pm and lasts until after midnight). A wonderfully atmospheric evening which is followed on the Sunday with church services and a regatta on the Giudecca Canal.
From 2 to 12 September 2026
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival – For cinephiles, the Venice Film Festival is a highlight of the cultural calendar. From glamorous red carpet events to thought-provoking screenings, the festival will captivate audiences and shine a spotlight on some of the most compelling cinematic works of the year.
6 September 2025 (the first Sunday in September)
Regata Storica – This spectacularly colourful Venetian event, is a re-evocation of the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she renounced her throne in favour of Venice. There is a procession of 16th century style boats, dozens of multi-coloured and decorated craft with people in period costume and numerous races, all watched and cheered on by crowds of supporters lining the banks of the Grand Canal.
25 October 2026
Venice Marathon
21st of November
Festa della Salute – One of the most moving and best loved of all Venetian events. Every year on the 21st of November, Venetians make a pilgrimage to the plague church of Santa Maria Della Salute (St. Mary of Health) to pray to the Virgin Mary and to light candles. Gondoliers visit bringing their oars to be blessed. A pontoon bridge is built across the Grand Canal from Santa Maria del Giglio to the Salute and the huge doors of the church are opened to the city and its visitors.
