Looking for events in Venice in October 2025? In this guide by Venice Insider Guide we have selected the 8 best not to be missed.
Here we are with our notebook in hand: Venice in October 2025 is not a quiet month, far from it. If you’re planning a lagoon trip, this is the ultimate guide to the most popular events. Our goal is to help you understand what is happening, why it’s worth it and how to fit it in your itinerary.
Discover the 8 events in Venice in October 2025 in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
What’s happening in Venice in October 2025?
The truth is October in Venice is a cultural stage: the summer heat fades away, the crowds thin out (but don’t disappear) and the city becomes a laboratory for design, music, architecture, craftsmanship and fashion.
Most of the events in Venice in October 2025 are related to the Biennale - especially Architecture which is on until November - and music and creative festivals that find their home in iconic places like the Arsenale, the Gardens, the churches and the exhibition spaces of the city.
Among these:
- The Biennale Architettura 2025, open to the public from May to November.
- The Biennale Musica 2025, from 11 to 25 October.
- Events like the Venice Design Week (11-19 October) and the Venice Fashion Week (20-26 October).
But it doesn’t stop here: the calendar includes craft fairs, independent music initiatives, special nights and even Halloween celebrations in a lagoon style.So: October is not a transition month, but a key moment to discover Venice in its most creative and international form.
Are there festivals in Venice in October 2025?
Yes, and many. Many events in Venice in October 2025 take the form of real festivals, not always in the classical sense of the word, but with structured programs, scattered locations and curatorial themes.
Among the main ones:
- Biennale Musica 2025: international contemporary music festival with concerts, sound installations and experimental projects.
- Venice Design Week: a week of exhibitions, workshops and talks on innovation and creativity.
- Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano: more like a fair, but with a program of events and meetings on Italian craftsmanship.
If you like structured and themed events, October is the perfect month for you: live it in Venice.
Is it worth going to Venice in October 2025?
Absolutely yes, but with some precautions. See what you can expect.
Benefits of attending events in Venice in October 2025
- Less crowds: shorter queues and more pleasant streets to walk.
- Unique atmosphere: the autumn light gives the city golden and poetic colors.
- Rich cultural program: the concentration of events is one of the highest of the year.
- Nice climate: no suffocating heat, but no winter cold.
- Authenticity: with fewer tourists, you can live a more “real” experience.
Tips for events in Venice in October 2025
- Unstable weather: bring an umbrella and suitable shoes.
- High water: possible flooding, especially in St. Mark’s Square.
- Limited tickets: book in advance concerts and exhibitions.
- Reduced hours: some shops and restaurants may close earlier.
- Variable transportation: vaporetti may be affected by bad weather or events.
Remember: October is one of the best months to visit Venice, especially if you plan your visit around one of the main events.
Events in Venice in October 2025
What are the main appointments? Here is the complete calendar of events in Venice in October 2025.
1. Venice Fashion Week (20-26 October)
What
Sustainable fashion, excellence craftsmanship and Made in Italy. Shows, presentations, workshops and talks hosted in historic palaces, ateliers and exhibition spaces.
When
20-26 October 2025.
Where
Scattered throughout the historic center, in galleries, hotels and iconic spaces.
Practical tips
- Many events are free, others by invitation only: check the official program.
- Book in advance, it can get crowded.
- Also explore the collateral exhibitions for young designers.
2. Venice Design Week (11-19 October)
What
Design week with exhibitions, talks, installations and workshops throughout the city. The 2025 theme is “Tempora”, on the temporal dimension of design.
When
11-19 October 2025.
Where
Galleries, studios, shops and Venetian palaces.
Practical tips
- Perfect for design lovers and innovation.
- Keep an eye on the official map to follow the events.
- Book the workshops in advance: they sell out quickly.
3. Venezia Sounds 2025 (25 October)
Venezia Sounds 2025 is a benefit concert that will take place on Saturday 25 October at Arsenale Tese. The idea is to combine live music and social commitment: the proceeds will support cancer research, particularly immunotherapy, through the Giancarlo Ligabue Foundation and Medicine Rocks Association.
After the success of the previous editions, the event returns with a lineup of big names in the Italian scene - including Planet Funk, Subsonica, Saturnino, Casino Royale and Mace Dj Set - under the artistic direction of Samuel Romano.
Doors open at 18:30 with DJ set, and the live show starts at 20:00 and will go on until late night. Tickets are available on Vivaticket and part of the proceeds will go to research projects.
4. Salone Artigianato (2-5 October)
What
The Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano celebrates Italian craftsmanship: ceramics, glass, textiles, jewelry and traditional and modern handicrafts. Talks, demonstrations and practical workshops are planned.
When
2-5 October 2025.
Where
Arsenale di Venezia.
Practical tips
- Great for buying unique pieces and meeting the master craftsmen.
- Hours are generally 10:00-19:00.
- Perfect for combining culture and high-quality shopping.
5. Venice Cocktail Week (22-26 October)
Venice Cocktail Week takes place from 22 to 26 October 2025 in Venice. During this week, bars, venues and bartenders of the city will propose themed events, tastings, special cocktails and late openings, transforming the Venetian nightlife into a stage for creative mixology.### 6. Biennale Architettura (every day in October)
What
The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, curated by Carlo Ratti, is one of the main appointments of the year. The theme is “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.”, about the relationship between natural, artificial and collective intelligence.
When
Open all month October.
Where
Arsenale and Giardini, with collateral exhibitions throughout the city.
Practical tips
- Spend at least half a day visiting Arsenale and national pavilions.
- Collateral exhibitions are often surprising and less crowded.
- Some pavilions are closed on Monday, so plan accordingly.
7. Biennale Musica (11-25 October)
What
International contemporary music festival with concerts, installations and performances. The 2025 theme is “The Star Within”.
When
11-25 October 2025.
Where
Theaters and cultural spaces throughout the city.
Practical tips
- Space out between electronic music, minimalism and sound installations.
- Tickets start from 25 €, with discounts for students and under 26.
- Book in advance for main events.
8. Halloween (31 October)
What
Halloween is not a Venetian tradition, but more and more venues are organizing events: night tours, shows, dinners and parties.
When
31 October 2025.
Where
Bars, venues and tourist agencies in Venice.
Practical tips
- Join a ghost tour of the city.
- Book in advance for the most popular dinners and experiences.
Conclusion
October 2025 in Venice is a month that breathes culture. The city comes alive with architecture, music and design events, but also with craft fairs, fashion shows and independent initiatives.
To make the most of this season with the best events in Venice in October 2025:
- Plan your trip around the events you like most.
- Book tickets and accommodations in advance.
- Leave room for spontaneity: Venice loves to surprise, especially in autumn.
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