Hey travellers, looking for information on Minuetto Ball Venice 2026? You've come to the right place. At Venice Insider Guide, we'll help you discover everything there is to know.
Below you will find all the information you need to know: date, location, how to get there, prices and tickets, dress code for participation, and much more.
The Minuetto Ball Venice 2026
Venice Carnival is back with one of its most beloved and long-running events: the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026.
This is one of the many exclusive masquerade balls that really bring Venice to life during the Carnival season - which, by the way, traditionally runs from late January to mid-February. For a whole month, our beloved city turns into an open-air stage for costumes, music and the usual historic celebrations.
What is this Minuetto Ball all about?
The Minuetto Ball is a right old knees-up - a masked evening that mixes a gala dinner with proper historical dancing in period costume in the lovely Ridotto, right in the heart of Venice.
It's a truly magical atmosphere, like you'd find in a grand European court, with the opera and Baroque music setting the mood. With professional Dance Masters on hand, you get to experience the elegance of the minuet and other historical dances while you dine, chat, and party the night away.
(A fun fact: The Ridotto was founded back in 1638 as the world's first public casino. And for a good chunk of the Venetian Carnival season, it used to be a favourite haunt of Giacomo Casanova and the like.)
One of the many masks to try on...
The Minuetto Ball is particularly good for anyone looking for a stylish historical dance experience with a bit of a dinner party - not too flashy or expensive, and definitely not some of the super-luxurious events that go on in Venice at this time of year.
If you want something more glitzy, there are plenty of other balls to choose from - Tiepolo Ball, Carnival Extravaganza, or even Un Ballo in Maschera, for example.
When is the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 taking place
The Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 is going to be scheduled over select evenings during the core Carnival week, usually starting around 8pm in the evening.
Here are the confirmed dates for the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026:
- Sunday, February 8, 2026 – starting at 8:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 16, 2026 – starting at 8:00 p.m.
- (for the Minuetto Ball 1800 version, with 19th-century music, there are also dates such as February 12 and 15, starting at 8:30 p.m.)
Some years they even throw in the occasional "Minuetto 1800" with music and dances from the 19th century, starting later in the night.
(Dates are subject to change, so do make sure to check the official Carnival calendar before you start making plans...)
Where does the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 take place
Where is Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 located?
It's all happening inside the Salone del Ridotto, which is actually part of the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal - and just a stone's throw from St Mark's Square, in the San Marco district at Calle Vallaresso 1332. You'll be dancing in some of the same halls where the Venetian nobles used to hold their grand parties.
Getting to the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026
Getting to the Ridotto is a doddle - and a right pretty one at that:
You can get off the vaporetto (water bus) at the San Marco - Vallaresso stop. After that, it's about a 5-8 minute walk through the streets and bridges - a great way to soak in the atmosphere before you even get to the ball.
(Top tip: If you're arriving in Venice by train, take a vaporetto down the Grand Canal or enjoy a longer walk through the historic centre via the Rialto area and the Mercerie streets. It's all part of the fun)
Booking the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026
Booking in advance is essential - and you'll usually need to go through the official Carnival event organisers or the people they've approved to sell tickets.
Don't be surprised if it sells out early - and do be prepared to get dressed up in period costume and mask.
(By the way, you can even rent a costume from one of the many specialist ateliers in Venice. Just be sure to book in advance, too!)
Ticket options for the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026
Tickets for the Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 come in three flavours:
- Basic Ticket: included entrance, dinner and dance participation\
- Silver Ticket: includes entrance, dinner and a basic costume rental\
- Gold Ticket: includes entrance, dinner and a more elaborate costume rental
Each ticket caters to a slightly different budget and level of expectation - so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 tickets price
Indicative prices (subject to change depending on the edition and costume category) are typically:
Basic Ticket: around €400
Silver Ticket: approximately €750–€780
Gold Ticket: approximately €900–€930
Prices reflect the exclusivity of the venue, the live entertainment, the historical setting, and the formal dinner service.
Info on Minuetto Ball Venice 2026
Your evening at the Minuetto Ball usually includes:
Live classical and operatic music performed by professional musicians
Dance lessons led by expert Dance Masters
A multi-course gala dinner with wine included (vegetarian options often available upon request)
A fully immersive historical atmosphere created by costumes, décor, and candlelit halls.
A few common questions...
Do I need to sort my own costume?
in most cases, no you don't - Silver and Gold tickets come with a costume rental so you don't need to worry about a thing
What if I've never danced before?
no worries there - our Dance Masters will be on hand to guide you through the steps and make sure you're having a good time.
How long does the thing last?
typically the ball kicks off at around 8:00-8:30 PM and goes on until the wee hours - so make sure you've got a good nights sleep planned for the night after
Conclusion
The Minuetto Ball Venice 2026 is one event you won't want to miss if you've ever wanted to experience Venice Carnival in all its historical glory - from the wonderful dinner to the live music to the candlelit atmosphere - every bit of it is designed to transport you back in time for one unforgettable night
And if you're looking for more insider tips on Venice and what to do there - keep reading us for loads more useful advice on experiencing the city.
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