Venice Carnival 2026 Events Schedule

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Venice Carnival 2026 Theme

Each year, a theme for the Carnival is announced in the weeks leading up to it. This year’s theme is “Olympus, the origins of play,” in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 Milan Olympics. Also known as the Venice Mask Festival, this exciting event will take place from February 7th to 17th, 2026. Below, we have listed all the pre-carnival and core traditional events of the Venice Carnival 2026 so you can mark your schedules and prepare accordingly.

Pre-Carnival 2026 Events: January 31st-February 7th

Grand Opening “Floating Parade”

Taking place on February 1st, the Festa Veneziana is a colorful and musical celebration cherished by all. The huge water parade involved masked and costumed individuals rowing their boats across the Venice Grand Canal. Make sure you don’t miss the delicious Venetian street food on sale, including chiacchiere (light, crispy fried dough)!

Boats depart from Venice Station and dock half an hour later at Dogana da Mar.

Carnival Street Show 2026

The official Carnival Street Show 2026 begins with street theater performances in the main city squares like St. Stefano Square, S. Margherita, S. Geremia, and more. These continue every day throughout the entire Carnival period.

The festivities also incorporate a glamorous highlight on January 31st, with the Grand Carnival Ball on featuring a Bridgerton-inspired theme, set in a historic Venetian palace, the perfect way to experience the magic of Venice Carnival in style.

Venetian Mask-Making Workshops

During the Venice Carnival, the tradition of participating in Venetian mask-making workshops adds a hands-on dimension to the festivities. Enthusiasts and visitors alike engage in these workshops to learn the ancient craft of mask making, crafting their own unique and personalized masks using traditional techniques, creating a deeper connection to the rich cultural heritage of Venice and the mystique of the carnival season.

Book Your Venice Carnival Mask Workshop

The Carnival 2026 Events: The Core Events: February 7th-17th, 2026

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Venice Carnivale Events may undergo some last minute changes

The Arsenale Water Show - February 6-8th, 12th-17th

What: Witness a spectacular aquatic performance at the Darsena Grande of the Arsenale, inspired by the epic tales of the Olympics. The performance combines music, visuals, and special effects, creating a truly memorable “theatre on water” experience.
Location: Darsena Grande (Venetian Arsenale)
Time: 18:45 and 21:00
Price: approximately €35 to €50 (depending on seating choice)

“Festa delle Marie” - The Marie Festival - February 7th

What: The Festa Delle Marie in Venice is an annual carnival celebration dating back to the 9th century, featuring a vibrant parade of beautifully adorned young Venetian women known as “Marie” through the city’s historic streets. It commemorates the offering of dowries to humble maidens by the Doge in medieval times.
Location: Departs from San Pietro in Castello. Concludes at St Mark’s Square.
Time: 14:30
Price: Free Entry

The Best Mask Contest - From February 7th (Daily)

What: Don your traditional Venetian mask and join the crowds in St Mark’s Square. Each day’s winners of the Best Mask Contest are entered into the final.
Location: St Mark’s Square
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Price: Free (But, don’t forget to register your mask entry!)

Official Venice Carnival Dinner, Show, and Ball 2026 - February 7th-8th and 12th-17th

What: The ultimate Venice Carnival party. Mouth-watering food, flawless and enchanting musical performances, and the most elite crowd in town.
Location: Ca’ Vendramin Calergi Palace (overlooking the Grand Canal)
Time: 21:00
Price: €600.00

Final of the contest “The Most Beautiful Mask”

What: The climax of the Venice Mask Festival is the eagerly anticipated Best Mask Contest final, where participants showcase their elaborate and intricately designed masks, competing in a dazzling display of creativity and craftsmanship.
Location: St Mark’s Square
Time: 16:30
Price: Free