Venice Carnival 2026 - Dates, Best Days, Events

The Venice Carnival is an annual celebration in the city of Venice, Italy. It features dazzling costumes and stunning masquerade masks. During the event, participants often wear 17th-century Venetian dresses, complete with intricate masks, resembling figures straight out of a painting by Canaletto. Numerous events, balls, and masquerade parties are also organized during this period.

When is Venice Carnival 2026?

The Venice Carnival in 2026 will take place on February 7th, and continue to February 17th. Its theme in 2026 is 'Olympus, the origins of play'.

During the Venice Carnival, the pre-carnival period will start several days early with street shows and boat parades, but the costumes and mask displays won't be prevalent yet.

From February 6 to February 17, the carnival period will include a series of activities that include costume shows, parades, and parties organized throughout the city.

When Is the Best Day for Venice Carnival 2026?

The best day to attend the Venice Carnival in 2026 for the grandest celebrations is during the final carnival weekend on Giovedì Grasso (February 7) or Martedì Grasso (February 17).

This period has the most vibrant and exciting events of the carnival. However, it is important to know that this is also the most crowded time.

How Much Is a Ticket for the Venice Carnival?

The Venice Carnival is a public event and many of the activities, such as the parades and open-air concerts, are free to attend. If you plan to participate in specific events or activities, such as masked balls, private parties, and special displays, you need to pay admission fees.

Ticket prices for these exclusive events at the Venice Carnival could vary. They typically range from about €300 to more than €5,000 per person, depending on the event and its level of luxury and exclusivity. If you choose to include a costume rental as part of your experience, you could expect an additional cost ranging from €400 to €800, depending on the intricacy of the costume.

Venice Carnival Dates for 2026, ... 2029

The dates of the Venice Carnival follow Italy's liturgical calendar, so they change each year. The festival could start anywhere from late January to late February and typically lasts 11 days, finishing on a Tuesday.

See the table below for Venice Carnival start and end dates in 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Continue to read: A Full List of Italy Public Holidays