Venice events: festivals and cultural celebrations

Venice is not only an extraordinary city of art, but also the stage for world-famous events that attract visitors from every corner of the globe. This guide to Venetian events will take you to discover festivals in Venice, cultural events and major events that make the Serenissima even more magical throughout the year.

Main events in Venice: the Serenissima's calendar

The Venice events program is rich and varied, offering unique cultural experiences ranging from contemporary art to millenary traditions. The main Venetian events are concentrated in specific periods of the year, creating moments of great charm and participation.

Venice Carnival: the world's most famous event

The Venice Carnival is undoubtedly the city's most celebrated event, a Venetian festival that transforms the Serenissima into an open-air theater. This historic Venice event traditionally takes place between February and March, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Venetian Carnival highlights:

• Festa delle Marie: Historic reenactment with costume parade
• Flight of the Angel: Spectacular descent from St. Mark's Campanile
• Mask contest: Awards for the most beautiful masks
• Masquerade balls: Exclusive events in historic palaces
• Street performances: Artists and musicians throughout the city

During Carnival, couples visiting Venice can experience an even more romantic atmosphere by combining masquerade balls with a gondola tour through the decorated canals, creating unforgettable memories of the Serenissima.

Venice Biennale: contemporary art and culture

The Venice Biennale is one of the world's most prestigious cultural events, alternating every two years the International Art Exhibition with Architecture. This artistic event takes place at the Biennale Gardens and Arsenale, transforming Venice into the world capital of contemporary art.

Art Biennale presents works by international artists in national pavilions, while Architecture Biennale explores trends and innovations in design and urban planning. Both events offer a cultural experience of the highest level.

Venice Historic Regatta: tradition and spectacle

The Historic Regatta is one of Venice's most beloved traditional events, taking place on the first Sunday of September on the Grand Canal. This sporting event combines rowing competition and historic reenactment, with a procession of period boats that recreates the atmosphere of ancient Venice.

Historic Regatta program:

• Historic procession: Parade of bissone and traditional boats
• Rowing races: Competitions in different categories
• Period costumes: Participants in historic Venetian attire
• Water spectacle: Performances along the Grand Canal

Festivals and cultural events in Venice

Beyond the major events, Venice hosts numerous specialized festivals that enrich the city's cultural landscape throughout the year. 

Venice International Film Festival

The Venice Film Festival, held at Venice Lido in late August-early September, is one of the world's most important film events. The International Exhibition of Cinematographic Art attracts international stars, directors and film enthusiasts.

Biennale Music and Theater

Beyond art exhibitions, the Biennale organizes events dedicated to contemporary music, dance and theater. These performance events take place in evocative locations such as La Fenice Theater and Biennale spaces. These events represent some of the most refined cultural experiences in Venice and offer the opportunity to discover what to see in Venice in a completely different light, between contemporary art and tradition.

Early Music Festival

Venice hosts important musical events dedicated to baroque music and early music, with concerts in historic churches and noble palaces that enhance the city's architectural heritage.

Religious and traditional events in Venice

The Venetian tradition is rich in religious events and celebrations that have been passed down for centuries, offering authentic glimpses of local culture.

Festa del Redentore

The Festa del Redentore, celebrated on the third Sunday of July, is one of the events most cherished by Venetians. The tradition includes a bridge of boats connecting Zattere to Giudecca and evening firework displays.

Regata delle Befane

On January 6th, the Regata delle Befane offers a fun spectacle on the Grand Canal, with Venetians dressed as befane competing in costume.

Seasonal events and special events

Throughout the year, Venice hosts themed events and events that celebrate different aspects of Venetian culture.

Spring events in Venice

The Venetian spring is characterized by:

• Su e zo per i ponti: Non-competitive walk among the bridges
• Vogalonga: Amateur regatta in the lagoon
• Sensa: Celebration of the Marriage to the Sea

Summer events in Venice

The Venetian summer offers numerous opportunities:

• Outdoor cinema: Screenings in Venetian squares
• Summer concerts: Music in gardens and courtyards
• Food festivals: Celebration of Veneto cuisine

Summer food events are the perfect opportunity to discover where to eat in Venice and taste typical Venetian specialties in a festive atmosphere, from traditional cicchetti to Veneto cuisine dishes prepared for the occasion.

Autumn and winter events

The autumn and Venetian winter offer unique atmospheres:

• Art Biennale (odd years)
• Film Festival (September)
• Christmas events: Markets and concerts in churches

To participate in Venetian events, it's important to plan your movements well. Check our guides on how to reach Venice and how to get around Venice during peak periods, when transport is adapted to handle the flow of visitors to major events.

Where to stay in Venice during events

To best experience major Venetian events and participate in all cultural events, the hotel location is fundamental. The B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna offers ideal accommodation during events: strategically located on Tronchetto island, it guarantees direct connection with Venice's historic center and all event venues while maintaining affordable prices.

Tronchetto position advantages during events:

• Direct connection: Water bus every 10 minutes to St. Mark's Square and event venues
• Avoid crowds: Quiet hotel away from center chaos during major events
• Parking steps from hotel: Perfect for those arriving by car for special events
• Competitive prices: Affordable rates even during event peak seasons

From B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna you can easily reach all Venetian event venues: St. Mark's Square for Carnival, the Biennale Gardens for contemporary art, the Grand Canal for the Historic Regatta, the Lido for the Film Festival, and all churches and palaces hosting concerts and cultural events. The position allows you to avoid historic center confusion during major events while remaining perfectly connected to all events.

Book your stay at B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna and experience the most exciting Venetian events, with the peace of mind of returning to a welcoming and affordable environment after participating in the most prestigious festivals and events of the Serenissima. The perfect combination of event accessibility and hotel comfort for your cultural experience in Venice.