Top Events in Venice: a

year-long journey

Venice is one of the most fascinating and historic cities in the world and every year hosts a series of events not to be missed: some are rooted in the history of the Serenissima Republic, others are linked to religious tradition, but there are also sports, art and cultural events.

Here is an itinerary to discover the main events in the Venice lagoon throughout the year.

If you are planning a visit to the Serenissima, you cannot miss the opportunity to attend any of these events.

Here is the calendar of the top 2026 events in Venice.

Carnevale (Carnival) | 31 January 2026 - 17 February 2026 

During these days the city comes alive with masks and colours. St Mark's Square and other locations host numerous events. One of the most spectacular and surprising is certainly the water show set in the Arsenale: projections, water games, boats and artists' performances make the show magical and exciting.

Su e Zo per i Ponti | 12 April 2026

A 12 km walk for solidarity starting and ending in St. Mark's Square, crossing as many as 49 bridges.

Festa di San Marco (St Mark's Day) | 25 April 2026

On 25 April here in Venice we celebrate the patron saint, St Mark, in addition to celebrating Liberation Day, which occurs throughout Italy. On this day Venetians give their loved ones a rosebud, in Venetian called bocolo.

Biennale Arte | 9 May 2026 – 22 November 2026 (pre-opening 6, 7, 8 May)

The main pavilions of the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition entitled “In Minor Keys” are housed in the Giardini and the Arsenale. Numerous side events are planned, animating the city centre and the mainland.

Venice Boat Show | 27 - 31 May 2026 

The 55,000 square metre water basin of the Arsenale hosts this boat show with local, Italian and international exhibitors. It is possible to admire both yachts and boats of the Venetian and Veneto tradition with minor shipbuilding. Conferences and side events are scheduled.

Festa della Sensa | 17 May 2026 

The Festa della Sensa (Sensa – in Venetian it means the day of Christ’s Ascension) is related to the history of the Serenissima. Also known as the Marriage of the Sea, it offers a spectacular water procession of traditional rowing boats from Saint Mark’s basin to the Lido of Venice island with the launch of a ring in the water.

Vogalonga | 24 May 2026

The Vogalonga is an event dedicated to rowing and against the waves, to spread knowledge and conscious respect for nature and the culture of our city. Crews from all over the world peacefully invade the lagoon with their strictly rowing boats.
The route is about 30 kilometres long and starts from St. Mark's Basin, continues towards Sant'Elena, Burano, Mazzorbo, and ends with the passage through the Grand Canal, Rialto and Punta della Dogana.

Biennale Teatro | 7–21 June 2026

The International Theatre Festival in Venice showcases the best of the contemporary international theatre scene. Performances, shows and meetings with artists animate various locations across the city, turning Venice into a widespread open-air stage.

Concerts in St Mark's Square |  25 June - 6 July 2026

Live music is the star in Venice on July evenings. St Mark's Square turns into a grand open-air theatre and hosts performances by internationally renowned artists.

25 June 2026: Riccardo Cocciante 
27 June 2026: Andrea Bocelli 
29 and 30 June 2026: Claudio Baglioni 
5 July 2026: Orchestra and Choir of the La Fenice Theatre
6 July 2026: Edoardo Bennato

Biennale Danza | 17 July – 1 August 2026

Soloists and dance companies from all over the world take part in this International Festival of Contemporary Dance in Venice dedicated to choreographic research and experimentation. Performances are staged in theatres and evocative venues throughout the city, creating a continuous dialogue between movement, art and architecture.

Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer) | 18 July 2026

This is one of the most popular events in Venetian tradition and takes place on the Saturday before the third Sunday in July. It commemorates the end of a terrible pestilence (1577) that culminated in the construction of the famous Palladian basilica on the island of Giudecca, as a votive offering. A temporary bridge of floating boats is set up to facilitate the pilgrimage to the Redentore Church.
The much-awaited fireworks display in St Mark's Basin takes place on Saturday evening and can be admired directly from the boats or along the banks. For the occasion we offer exclusive access to our panoramic terrace to guests dining at La Caravella: from there you can contemplate the highest fireworks while sipping a cocktail prepared by Il Caravellino Bar.

Homo Faber | 1–30 September 2026

The Giorgio Cini Foundation, on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, hosts Homo Faber, the international exhibition dedicated to high craftsmanship. A curated journey celebrating know-how, manufacturing excellence and the creativity of artisans from around the world.

Venice Film Festival | 2 - 12 September 2026

The annual kermesse hosted at Venice Lido offers world premieres of international films, prestigious awards and unforgettable red carpet moments with internationally renowned actors and directors. Side events include the Settimana Internazionale della Critica, where the Mario Serandrei Award for Best Technical Contribution is given.

Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) | 6 September 2026

On this day, you can breathe the ancient atmosphere of the Venetian maritime republic and the lagoon rowing tradition. The Historical Regatta, the main appointment of the Venetian rowing competitions, offers a splendid water parade with typical boats and figures in costume, which is followed by various competitions along the Grand Canal.

The Venice Glass Week | 12 - 20 September 2026 

A festival dedicated to one of the most appreciated traditional Venetian arts in the world: glass working. Events and exhibitions are scheduled throughout the historic centre.

Salone dell’Alto Artigianato | 1–4 October 2026

The Arsenale hosts the High Craftsmanship Exhibition In Venice, an event dedicated to traditional crafts and Italian excellence. A unique opportunity to explore tradition, innovation and design in one of the city’s most historic industrial sites.

Biennale Musica | 10–24 October 2026

The International Festival of Contemporary Music in Venice explores today’s sound languages through concerts, premieres and special projects. International soloists and ensembles perform in a programme that highlights musical research and experimentation.

La Veleziana | 18 October 2026

La Veleziana is a sailing regatta celebrating Venice’s maritime tradition. Organised by the Compagnia della Vela, it features sailing boats gliding across the lagoon in a unique setting that blends sport, history and passion for the sea.

Venice Design Week | October 2026 

Venice Design Week is a festival dedicated to design offering exhibitions, conferences and events in various locations around the city.

The Venice Marathon | 25 October 2026

The Venice Marathon is one of Italy's most spectacular marathons. The route starts in the Venetian hinterland and ends in the historic centre. In fact, the last 10 kilometres run from Parco San Giuliano to the Giardini, with the striking passage in front of St Mark's Basilica, in the shadow of the bell tower, and the Doge's Palace. You can also run only this last stretch by participating in the VM10K non-competitive race.

Madonna della Salute | 21 November 2026

The Festa della Madonna della Salute commemorates the votive offering of the entire city to the Madonna for the end of a terrible plague between 1630 and 1631. To facilitate the pilgrimage to the Basilica, a temporary floating bridge over boats is built on the Grand Canal and along the calli there are candle dealers selling offerings to the Madonna, as well as sweets of all kinds. According to the tradition on this day you should eat a typical dish: the castradina made with mutton and cabbage.

With all these incredible events scheduled, staying at our hotel in San Marco, just 250 metres from the Piazza, will allow you to fully experience the magic of the city. It is the ideal starting point to reach the event venues and visit museums and monuments, thanks to the proximity of the vaporetto stops or by taking advantage of our private landing for those who want comfort.

We are looking forward to your arrival!