Hey travellers, welcome to this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
What to do in Venice during Carnival 2026? If you're planning a trip to Venice during Carnival 2026, you're in the right place.
This guide's designed for people who want to experience the Venetian Carnival the way the locals do - in an authentic, informed and mindful way. Below you'll find all the official events, historical traditions, must-see shows, and practical tips you need to know, along with some good information on the official program from the City of Venice and the Fondazione Venezia Unica.
Discover all the info in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
Experiencing Carnival 2026 in Venice: traditions, icons and insider tips
When you search for what to do in Venice during Carnival 2026, you're probably looking for a mix of the iconic events, the historical atmosphere and some decent practical advice.
Carnival in Venice 2026 turns the city into a living, breathing stage where history and celebration blend seamlessly together. Walking around Venice during these days means being part of a collective ritual that both locals and visitors participate in - and one that's all about celebrating Carnival in all its authentic form.
So, Venice's Carnival 2026 is a cultural experience that's all about combining entertainment, history, food and those special moments of discovery.
The city transforms into a massive open-air stage, with narrow streets, squares and canals all hosting daily events.
It's a chance to choose from loads of elegant parties, free outdoor shows, historical reenactments and the more intimate experiences like concerts and talks. And it's all happening to a strict schedule, with events spread right across the historic centre and out to the islands.
Venice during Carnival 2026
During Carnival, Venice takes on a different rhythm altogether.
You'll see traditional masks filling St. Mark's Square right from the morning, while all the street artists and international performers bring life to the less touristy districts like Dorsoduro and Cannaregio.
Carnival 2026 is as much about tradition as it is about showcasing the best of Venice - and that includes the focus on sustainability, safety and promoting all things local.
The unique atmosphere of the city
The morning mist, the eighteenth-century costumes, the reflections on the water, and the sound of bells all combine to create an atmosphere that's unlike anywhere else in Europe. Venice isn't just hosting a Carnival - it's living and breathing it.
Which parties should you choose during Venice Carnival 2026?
Venice's Carnival parties are all different - some are exclusive, some are in amazing settings, and some have very specific dress codes.
Some of them take place in the historic palaces that are usually off-limits to the public, while others are in more modern venues that get transformed for the occasion.
Masked parties and gala evenings
The most famous parties are those which require you to dress up in historical costume and book in advance. They're all carefully put together, with live music, theatrical performances and gourmet food.
The balls of the Venice Carnival
The Carnival balls are the epitome of the aristocratic spirit of the celebration. These evening events are inspired by eighteenth-century Venice, with choreographed dances, historical costumes, and spectacular settings.
Tradition and performance
Attending a ball means stepping into a living historical story, where every detail - from the music to the lighting - is all designed to recreate the elegance of the Serenissima.
The parades of the Venice Carnival
The official parades feature masked participants, performers, historical figures, and decorated boats. They're big events that are open to everyone, and a great way to experience Carnival in the open air.
What to do in Venice during Carnival 2026?
There's loads to get involved with - you might want to attend a free show, join one of the exclusive events that need to be booked in advance, visit a museum with extended opening hours, or just wander around and soak up the atmosphere of the masks and art installations.
Official events and cultural initiatives
The official program's got loads of theatre performances, concerts, visual shows and cultural workshops to get stuck into, often connected to the annual Carnival theme announced by the city authorities well in advance.
9 things to do in Venice during Carnival 2026
Visiting Venice during Carnival means a mix of iconic events and personal discoveries.
From attending official shows to visiting traditional mask-making workshops, each day can offer a completely different experience.
1. Arsenale Water Show
Among the things to do in Venice during Carnival 2026 is definitely Arsenale Water Show, on Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8, 2026, and then from Thursday, February 12 through Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The Arsenale Water Show is one of the most popular evening events. This multimedia spectacle on the water combines light effects, music and visual storytelling. The Arsenale, a symbol of Venice’s historic naval power, becomes an immersive scenic space.
2. Official Dinner Show
Among the things to do in Venice during Carnival 2026 is absolutely Official Dinner Show, Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8, and then from Maundy Thursday, Feb. 12, through Mardi Gras, Feb. 17.
The Official Dinner Show blends fine dining with live entertainment. It's an institutional, booked-in-advance event designed for an international audience who are looking for a high-end, well-organised experience.
3. Venice Carnival Street Show
Among the things to do in Venice during Carnival 2026 is absolutely Venice Carnival Street Show, Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1 in St. Mark's Square and Ferretto Square and Saturday February 7 and Sunday February 8 and also from Thursday February 12 to Tuesday February 17, 2026.
The Venice Carnival Street Show animates the squares and open spaces with all sorts of street performers, acrobats, musicians and actors. The shows are free and change daily, offering a dynamic and accessible program.
4. Carnival of Culture
The Carnival of Culture is all about getting to grips with the deeper meaning behind the festive fun. It's an event that lets you explore the history and identity of Venice in talks, conferences, exhibitions and performances.
5. Festa Veneziana - The Waterborne Opening of Carnival
The Festa Veneziana kicks off the Carnival with a splash along the Grand Canal - literally. Decorated boats, rowers in fancy dress and traditional music all come together to celebrate the special bond between Venice and the water.
6. Allegorical float parades
You'll find allegorical float parades mainly on the islands and in selected mainland areas. These events are family friendly and really get local communities involved.
7. Il Ballo del Doge: Venice's Top Event
The Doge's Ball is among the things to do in Venice during Carnival 2026 on Saturday, February 14.
Il Ballo del Doge is one of the most famous and glamourous events of the Venice Carnival. It takes place in a historic palace and you'll need top-end historical costumes to get in. It's an exclusive experience that's internationally renowned.
8. Festa delle Marie - The Medieval Revival
The Feast of the Maries is among the best things to see in Venice during Carnival 2026, the first date for the selection of the 12 Maries is Saturday, January 31, 2026, while the proclamation is February 17.
The Festa delle Marie is a colourful reenactment of a medieval Venetian tradition. The procession makes its way through the historic centre with people in period costume, finally culminating in St. Mark's Square.
9. The Flight of the Angel
One of the best things to see in Venice during Carnival 2026 is to see the Flight of the Angel on February 8.
The Flight of the Angel is one of the symbolic moments of Carnival. A costumed figure swoops down from St. Mark's Campanile right into the square, marking the start of the main Carnival days.
How to attend the Carnival in Venice 2026
So, if you want to go to Carnival, it would be a good idea to book your accommodation & events well before time runs out.
Some of the events are free, while others require official tickets - you can get those through the official channels of the Venice Carnival.
What to eat in Venice during Carnival 2026
During Carnival the Venetian traditional foods really take centre stage. You'll find all sorts of sweet treats like fritole and galani in the historic pastry shops, all made up according to proper local recipes.
Local food specialties and traditions
Loads of the restaurants will be offering special Carnival menus that are inspired by the traditional Venetian cuisine and the fresh ingredients from the lagoon.
The most magical day of Venice during Carnival 2026
The best time for a visit to Venice during Carnival 2026? The most iconic day is often when the Flight of the Angel happens, with the square at St. Mark's reaching its peak of emotion and visual drama. It's the moment when the city lets its hair down and shows its Carnival colours.
So, what do to in Venice during Carnival 2026
So, what to do in Venice during Carnival 2026?
Taking in the Venice Carnival 2026 will depend on you - do you want to be a curious onlooker, a masked star of the show, or a cultural explorer. Every way of doing it is valid and there's a whole program to choose from.
Conclusion
Carnival in Venice 2026 is an event that is incredibly complex and fascinating at the same time - and it's rooted in the city's history. By taking part you'll be entering a living tradition that has been carefully curated and is now internationally famous.
Now that you know all about the things to do in Venice during Carnival 2026, you just have to see them all.
We're the Venice Insider Guide, your go-to for all the insider knowledge on experiencing Venice in style and with confidence.
Follow us Venice Insider Guide and see what all the fuss is about!