Tickets Venice

Venice Carnival 2026 Schedule & Events

The Venice Carnival 2026 offers an exciting range of events, from vibrant pre-Carnival street performances, parades, and mask showcases on January 31 and February 1, to the main festivities featuring costume parades, theatrical performances, and gondola processions from February 7 to 17. The tables below list only the free-to-attend events.

📅 Free Pre‑Carnival Events – Jan  31 & Feb 1, 2026

DateEventLocationTimingsDescription

Jan 31

Street theater

Campo Stefano

11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm

Street performances & theatre shows in public squares.

Jan 31

Parade of most beautiful carnival costumes

St. Marks Square

12pm

Public showcase for Carnival masks and costumes

Jan 31

Grand Carnival Ball with Bridgerton

St. Marks Square

5pm to 7pm

Bridgerton Season 4 kick-off in collaboration with Netflix with an open-air ball

Feb 1

Gathering of boats

Dogana da Mar next to the Salute church

10:30am

Gathering of festive adorned boats on Grand Canal

Feb 1

Explosion of the "Pantegana"

Before the Rialto bridge

11:20am

Papier-mâché boat explodes in confetti

📅Free Carnival Events – Feb 7 to Feb 17, 2026

DateEventLocationTimingsDescription

Feb 7, Sat

Feast of the Maries

From Santa Sofia to St. Mark’s Sq.

3:30pm

Gondola procession of 12 Maries

Feb 8, Sun

Carnival costume parades

St. Mark’s Square

9am - 5pm

Daily parade of elaborate costumes

Feb 9, Mon

Costume parade and street theater

St. Mark’s / Campo Stefano

All day

Daily free performances & parades

Feb 10, Tue

Costume parade and street theater

St. Mark’s / Campo Stefano

All day

Daily free performances & parades

Feb 11, Wed

Costume parade and street theater

St. Mark’s / Campo Stefano

All day

Daily free performances & parades

Feb 12, Thurs

Cutting of the Bull’s Head theater show

St. Mark’s Square

5:30pm

Performance depicting victory of Venetian Republic in 1162 against the rebel feudals

Feb 12, Thurs

Costume Parade & Street Theatre

St. Mark’s / Campo Stefano

All day

Daily free performances & parades

Feb 13, Fri

Costume Parade & Street Theatre

St. Mark’s / Campo Stefano

All day

Daily free performances & parades

Feb 14, Sat

Burano Carnival

Burano island

3pm - 11pm

Island‑wide carnival celebrations

Feb 15, Sun

Final Best Costume Competition

St. Mark’s Square

4pm

Showcase of top costumes

Feb 15, Sun

Burano Carnival

Burano island

3pm - 11pm

Island‑wide carnival celebrations

Feb 16, Mon

Costume Parade & Street Theatre

St. Mark’s / Campo Stefano

All day

Daily free performances & parades

Feb 17, Tue

The Flight of the Lion

St. Mark’s Square

12pm

Costumed lion descent event

Feb 17, Tue

Mary of the Year Presentation

St. Mark’s Square

3pm

2026 Maria of the Year reveal

Special events to watch at the Venice Carnival 2026

Bridgerton Ball

  • Timings: February 13, 2026, 8:00 PM
  • Location: Palazzo Pisani Moretta, Grand Canal
  • Why attend: Immerse yourself in the Regency-era glamour at this Bridgerton-themed ball, complete with live music, elegant costumes, and a breathtaking Grand Canal setting.

Selection of the Maries

  • Timings: January 31, 2026, 3:00 PM
  • Location: Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista
  • Why attend: Experience the reinvention of the Maria legend. As per history, 12 young brides in 946 were kidnapped by pirates for their dowry. They were then rescued by the Doge.

The Lion's Descent

  • Timings: February 17, 2026, 12:00 PM
  • Location: Piazza San Marco
  • Why attend: Watch in awe as a costumed lion descends from the bell tower to signal the beginning of the final celebrations. This dramatic, iconic event is a powerful symbol of Venice’s rich Carnival history.

Cutting of the Bull's Head

  • Timings: February 12, 2026, 5:30 PM
  • Location: Piazza San Marco
  • Why attend: Witness the theatrical reenactment of the cutting of the bull’s head, a key moment in Venetian folklore. This traditional performance offers a unique glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage.

Venice itinerary: 1, 2 & 3 days

Alright, you’re coming to Venice for Carnival—good choice! But brace yourself, because it’s going to be packed. The magic of Carnival is in the atmosphere, the hidden corners, and knowing how to dodge the crowds while still getting the best of it. Here's how to make the most of your visit, whether you're here for just a day, or two, even three.

Cannaregio, showing Ponte delle Guglie (Bridge of Spires) in Venice, Italy

Morning

  • Start early in Piazza San Marco by 9 AM, enjoy coffee at Caffè del Doge or Torrefazione Cannaregio. Skip the Basilica and Doge’s Palace; focus on the Grand Costume Parade for peak Carnival energy.
  • Explore the streets of San Marco and soak in the festive atmosphere before the crowds get overwhelming.

Afternoon

  • Head to Cannaregio, a quieter neighborhood. Walk along Fondamenta della Misericordia, grab a spritz and try local cicchetti at Al Timon or Vino Vero.
  • Discover artisan mask shops in San Polo, like Ca’ Macana for unique, handcrafted masks.

Evening

  • Take a traghetto ride across the Grand Canal for just €2—quicker and cheaper than a gondola.
  • For dinner, indulge in seafood at Osteria alla Madonna or enjoy a local gem like Osteria ai 40 Ladroni in Cannaregio.

Pro Tip: Get to Piazza San Marco early to experience Carnival energy before the crowds and take photos with fewer people in the background.

Tre Ponti Bridge over colorful canal houses on Burano Island, Venice.

Same as Day 1, plus:

Day 2 - Morning

  • Visit Rialto Market for a real taste of Venice's daily life.
  • Walk over to Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square with cafes and a local feel.

Day 2 - Afternoon

  • Explore Dorsoduro for quieter streets, art galleries, and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  • Take a scenic Vaporetto ride to Isola San Giorgio Maggiore for panoramic views of the city.

Day 2 - Evening

  • Attend a masquerade ball in St. Mark’s Square if booked.
  • Alternatively, have drinks at the hidden bar Il Mercante or at Caffè Florian for a classic Venetian experience.

Pro Tip: Booking masquerade balls in advance is key, as they can sell out quickly during peak Carnival days.

Top view at Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute in district Dorsoduro and island Giudecca. Evening sunset yachts on sea water.

Same as days 1 and 2, plus:

Day 3 - Morning

  • Explore Palazzo Ducale and its incredible architecture.
  • Visit the Basilica di San Marco for a quieter experience before the crowds arrive.

Day 3 - Afternoon

  • Head to Fondamenta delle Zattere for a relaxing walk along the water.
  • Stop by the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, an iconic Venetian landmark with magnificent views.

Day 3 - Evening

  • Visit the Grand Ball in St. Mark’s Square or attend another Carnival performance.
  • End the night with a drink at Caffè Florian or explore a hidden speakeasy in Venice.

Pro Tip: Avoid peak times at Basilica di San Marco by visiting early in the morning; skip-the-line tickets are a lifesaver during Carnival.

Frequently asked questions about the Venice carnival schedule

The Venice Carnival will take place from February 7 to February 17, though the pre-carnival events will be conducted over January 31 and February 1, 2026.