Hey travelers - welcome to this guide from Venice Insider Guide! You're about to discover the secret to Il Ballo del Doge 2026, the absolute highlight of the Venice Carnival for anyone with a taste for the elegant, the dramatic, and the historically rich - with a dash of pure magic!
If you're planning a trip to Venice and want to know about this super exclusive event of the Carnival, then this guide is written just for you. And did you know that US broadcaster ABC is so wild about the Doge's Ball in Venice that they've called it "one of ten experiences you need to have at least once in your lifetime"? That's got to be a pretty good reason to show up, right?
Discover on Il Ballo del Doge 2026 with us, in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
The 33rd Edition of Il Ballo del Doge 2026
The Doge's Ball is the undisputed champion of the Carnival of Venice. And 2026 is going to see the 33rd edition of this head-turning masked ball, masterminded by the one and only Venetian designer Antonia Sautter.
It's an event that fuses haute couture and world-class performance with an international guest list of A-listers, collectors, and anyone with a passion for Venice' rich history and culture - all dressed to the nines in their finest period finery, of course.
The Most Unmissable International Event at the Venice Carnival
Il Ballo del Doge 2026 is the crown jewel of the Venice Carnival. Think of it as a Victorian-era fantasy come to life: a night of music, art, theatre, and - of course - glorious costumes, all designed to transport you to another world.
This event is the holy grail of destination parties, drawing guests from all over the world who'll be there to soak up the sights, sounds, and drama of the Venetian Carnival - and to lose themselves in the magic of the night.
What Is Il Ballo del Doge 2026
Il Ballo del Doge Venice 2026 is no ordinary party - it's an immersive experience that marries history with glamour and spectacle. You can expect a mouth-watering dinner, mesmerising performances, live music to dance to, and an atmosphere that's equal parts fairy tale and Venetian tradition.
The level of detail is truly breath-taking - from the elaborate costumes to the meticulous set design - as every element is carefully crafted to transport you to a world beyond time and space.
How the Ballo del Doge 2026 Works
To get in on the action, you'll need to buy a ticket, which comes with different levels of experience, including access to a delicious meal and the main performances. The higher-end options will give you the best seats in the house to see what's going on on stage.
And don't forget that all attendees are expected to wear a period costume, which you can either rent or get custom-made from the official atelier.
The Story of the Ballo del Doge in Venice
The Ballo del Doge in Venice was born in 1994 from the imagination of Antonia Sautter, a brilliant Venetian designer who had a vision of bringing back the grand balls of old Venice.
And over time, it's grown into one of the most talked-about events of the year in Venice, where you'll rub shoulders with the international jet-set and experience some of the most unforgettable moments of the Carnival.
Where is the Ballo del Doge 2026 in Venice
Il Ballo del Doge 2026 will take place in the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a stunning historic building in the Cannaregio district.
The stunning architecture and great layout make it the perfect setting for the magic of the evening to unfold.
When is the Ballo del Doge 2026
The 33rd edition of the Ballo del Doge 2026 will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026 - which just so happens to be Valentine's Day, adding an extra layer of romance and emotion to this unforgettable night.
Il Ballo del Doge 2026 Date: February 14, 2026
This year's edition will be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, set against the backdrop of one of Venice' most iconic festivals - the Venice Carnival.
How Long the Ballo del Doge 2026 Lasts
The whole event lasts for about 7 hours, taking you on a journey of a lifetime through the night.
Dress Code for the Ballo del Doge 2026
The dress code for Il Ballo del Doge 2026 is pretty straightforward - period costume in the style of Venice. Think opulent outfits, delicate masks, and beautiful accessories all designed to transport you back in time to the golden age of Venice.
How Much the Ballo del Doge 2026 Tickets Will Cost
The price of tickets is variable, depending on which experience you go for and where you want to sit. But trust us - it's worth every penny for this truly unforgettable night.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of event and where you'll be sitting:
- Premium sections with dinner: up to around €5,000 - and it's not surprising, given the luxury that comes with dining at one of these tables.
- Standard sections with dinner: around €3,000-€4,000 , which is still a pretty penny - but a smaller price to pay for this event.
- And then there are the after-dinner tickets: just €800 for a party-only ticket and you get to see the rest of the event unfold. Not bad!
Ballo del Doge 2026 Price
Tickets for the Ballo del Doge 2026 are divided up into a bunch of different sections:
- Section Supreme: €5,000 - the top of the line, basically
- Section A: €4,000 - not bad, but you're not getting a view of the stage
- Section B: €3,500 - still an okay spot, but you'll be a bit further away
- Section C: €3,000 - and by this point, you're really towards the back
- Section D: €2,500 - and this is the budget friendly part of the event
- After Dinner Party: party only, after dinner - just around €800
Ballo del Doge 2026 Tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the official event website or through authorized partners. It’s important to book early, as tickets sell out quickly due to the event’s international popularity.
So, tickets can be purchased on the official website or through partner agencies. The best sections (such as Supreme) often sell out very quickly, so booking well in advance is recommended.
FAQ
1. Do I need to book in advance ?
The event is pretty limited capacity, so yeah, booking ahead of time is a must.
2. Can I turn up without a costume ?
No, period costumes are a total must. We cant let it slip that you showed up without one.
3. Where can I hire a costume from ?
There are a few places to rent a costume from: Atelier Antonia Sautter is a good bet in Venice, along with other workshops that've been approved.
4. Does dinner come with all tickets ?
Not on the after-dinner tickets - they're just for the party, not the main meal.
5. How long does the whole event last ?
About 7 hours, through the evening and into the wee hours.
6. Where is the location for this fabulous gala ?
You can find us at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia in the Cannaregio area.
7. Will there be any live shows?
Over 100 international artists are going to be there to put on a show
8. Is the ball okay for kids ?
This is very much an adult event - we'd say its rare to see kids at this sort of event.
9. Can I buy tickets online ?
Yep, that's an option - through our official website.
10. What language is the event in?
It’s international, but organization and instructions are in both Italian and English.
Conclusion
Il Ballo del Doge 2026 is the highlight of the Venice Carnival, a sensory experience combining art, history, fashion and spectacle in one unforgettable night.
If you love luxury, period costumes and memorable celebrations, this is the event to mark on your Venetian itinerary.
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