Venice Events
Venice Carnival
This is what a carnival is all about. The king of Carnivals, the Carnival of Venice, needs no introduction. The world's largest and most famous masked ball has existed since the Middle Ages. Two weeks of street partying alongside actors wearing harlequin outfits and carnival masks. The party starts up every day in the early morning with live music and acting displays, and continues well into every evening. There is everything to see here including jugglers and fire-eaters and the costumes are truly remarkable.
Date: 16 February 2019 - 05 March 2019Venue: St Mark's Square and other venues.
Website: http://www.carnevale.venezia.it
Cost:
Free.
Venice Art Biennale
La Biennale, founded in 1895, is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. The art biennale features hundreds of international artists showing their work in the country pavilions of the Giardini (gardens in the eastern part of Venice), in a former naval shipyard nearby called the Arsenale and in numerous historic palaces, churches and museums scattered about the city and on the surrounding islands. Many of the offsite exhibitions are free.
Date: 11 May 2019 - 24 November 2019Venue: Various venues
Website: http://www.labiennale.org/en/art
Cost:
Entry fees.
Festa Della Sensa
The Festa della Sensa, is one of the city's best known festivals that bring to life the close bond that the city shares with the sea. There is special focus on the art of rowing "Voga alla Veneta", with a water parade of traditional rowing boats from San Marco to the Lido, lead by the Mayor of Venice and other dignitaries.
Date: 01 June 2019 - 02 June 2019Venue: From San Marco to the Lido.
Cost:
Free.
Festa del Redentore
Dating back to 1577, Venetians have celebrated their deliverance from a terrible plague and the construction of Palladio's 'Rendentore' (Redeemer) Church, commissioned for the same reason, with a pontoon of boats, fireworks display and picnics on the water.
Date: 20 July 2019 - 21 July 2019Venue: Chiesa del Retendore
Website: http://www.turismovenezia.it
Cost:
Free.
Venice Film Festival
The internationally acclaimed film festival is every September on the Lido and sees famous personalities and stars descend upon the area to enjoy the recognition of their craft. The Lido becomes busy through this week, and offshoot events often spring up. Some films are industry only but others are open to the public.
Date: 28 August 2019 - 07 September 2019Venue: Palazzo del Cinema, Lido.
Website: http://www.labiennale.org/it/cinema
Cost:
Various.
Historical Regatta (Regata Storica )
This regatta began in the 1200’s as a way of welcoming royalty to the city, as well as recognising and celebrating the city’s expert oarsman who were vital for trade and commerce in that era. Nowadays, the regatta is still a regal affair, with over 300 traditional boats and costumes on display. Each of the smaller islands tends to host its own regatta, but the main sight is still held through the Grand Canal.
Date: 01 September 2019 - 01 September 2019Venue: Grand Canal, Rialto.
Website: http://www.regatastoricavenezia.it
Cost:
Free.
Venice Jazz Festival
International and Italian musicians perform in venues throughout the city, including in Piazza San Marco, Teatro La Fenice, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Palazzo Grassi. Past guests have included big names like Sting, Cesaria Evora and Gilberto Gil.
Date: 25 October 2019 - 13 November 2019Venue: Various venues.
Website: http://www.venetojazz.com
Cost:
Various.
Venice Marathon
For a city that has more waterways than main roads, this spectacular marathon is now in its 32nd year. The race takes place on the fourth Sunday in October starting in Sta, a small country town and finishing in the centre of Venice. A maximum prize of 10,000 Euros is in place for the winner of individual categories. Side events include a family fun run and a pasta party.
Date: 27 October 2019 - 27 October 2019Venue: Throughout the city.
Website: http://www.venicemarathon.it
Cost:
Free.
Festa della Salute
This festival is one of the most religious in Venice and one of the least tourist driven affairs. In 1630 the Plague took its hold on Venice, for the second time in fifty years. The Doge called upon the Virgin Mary to rid them of the curse, and a pilgrimage to her church took place by all those residents of Venice who were able to make the journey. These days, patrons still attend her church to ask for good health.
Date: 21 November 2019 - 21 November 2019Venue: Church of Santa Maria della Salute.
Cost:
Free.
Venice Architecture Biennale
The first Venice architecture biennale opened in 1980. Now in its 13th year, the exhibition is also held in two venues – the Giardini and the Arsenale. This year's exhibition, entitled Common Ground, showcases the best in world architecture and has been organised by the British architect David Chipperfield. Highlights include contributions from big names like Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster and Rem Koolhaas, as well as plenty of fascinating exhibits from lesser-known architects.
Date: 23 May 2020 - 29 November 2020Venue: Giardini and Arsenale
Website: http://www.labiennale.org/en/architecture