It’s time to stop dreaming and start packing! The Venice Carnival 2026 (Carnevale di Venezia) is not just an event—it’s a truly amazing, one-of-a-kind plunge into history, magic, and pure spectacle. Get ready to have your breath taken away! Make a dream come true and visit Venice during the Venice Carnival 2026. First of all, this world-famous festival typically spans about three glorious weeks, and the city transforms into a living, breathing stage. During this time there are daily competitions for beautiful costumes and masks. In addition, there are also exhibitions, cultural events, ceremonies, theatrical readings and DJ Sets. Furthermore, night visits to main museums and other places of culture are available. A festive atmosphere fills the streets and waterways. Surely, you will encounter countless people in traditional masquerade costumes and masks.
Secondly, there are many exclusive events and dinners and available to attend. Have a magical evening at an authentic Venetian Ball.
DINNER SHOWS AND BALLS
Want to feel like true Venetian nobility?
Attend a Ball: For a truly unforgettable night, secure a ticket to one of the exclusive events and dinners. Imagine having a magical evening at an authentic, historic Venetian Ball, where you can dance the night away in your own mask and cape. This is where you make a dream come true!
Definitely dress up in masquerade and have the time of your life. There is nothing more exciting than soaking up the atmosphere and becoming a part of Venice Carnival. Not only are carnival parties and masked balls held at the best hotels and palaces of Venice but they also have international entertainers, musical guests and comedians. Not to mention, there are so many to choose from, therefore learn about what each offers and the dress code before you purchase your tickets.
VENICE CARNIVAL 2026
Dates: Saturday, January 31st to Tuesday, February 17th 2026
Plan your Carnival experience to perfection. Take a look at Balls and Parties for Venice Carnival 2026 in this calendar of events! Stay tuned for comprehensive information on Venice Carnival 2026.
Highly Recommended
Il Ballo del Doge
Live the Venetian Dream! The most exclusive (and expensive) international event of the Venice Carnival in which all the guests participate in splendid costumes and Venetian masks!
Il Ballo del Doge is the most lavish costume party of the Venice Carnival.
It is a festive masquerade, a refined society gala, an opulent banquet and an astonishing show. All this and much more…
Saturday, February 14th
The 2026 edition will take place at the majestic Scuola Grande della Misericordia
The Ball of Dreams – Tickets & Info
The Russolo Family Ball February 7, 2026, draws its inspiration from the historic world of the Courtesans—refined, educated, intelligent, and independent women who enjoyed privileges unavailable to most. They moved with ease among royals, ambassadors, and noblemen.
During this exclusive evening in the splendid Palazzo Ca’ Zen ai Frari, the baroque ambiance will transport you into a princely fantasy. Dancers, jugglers, music, performances, delightful cuisine, and fine drinks will let you imagine yourself in Venice at the time of Casanova. The dress code for the Ball of Dreams is historical costume with mask or elegant (evening) costume with mask,
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- In the beautiful majestic beautiful Palazzo Ca’ Zen ai Friari
- Entertainment, dinner, after party
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LE CORTIGIANE DEL DOGE
“Mascheranda” is an historical event of the Venice Carnival. International guests and the fancy atmosphere of this Masked Ball makes for an unforgettable evening.
- Sunday, February 27, 2026 – Enjoy a sit down gala dinner in the elegant frescoed rooms of this breathtaking palace, PALAZZO PISANI MORETTA
- Compulsory dress code for the Mascheranda Grand Ball is full period costume. Therefore, evening dresses and tuxedos are not allowed
- Entertainment
Carnival Packages
You can even choose a from several carnival packages which include, hotel, transfers, costume rentals with fitting, lunch, dinner and Masquerade Ball, gondola tour etc.
VENICE CARNIVAL EVENTS 2026
Amazing and thrilling performances occurred during this 17-day event. To begin with, the official kick-off features the Marie Festival*. The festivities started with a water procession of chosen girls. The procession departs from San Giacomo dall’ Orio and arrives in Piazza San Marco where they made their public debut in traditional costumes. At that point, the Doge crowns one lucky girl to be Maria of the year – the most beautiful maiden of the Venice Carnival.
Festivities continue with the traditional Flight of the Angel. The Flight of the Angel is one of the most awaited events in Venice. It is held from 12 noon to 1:00pm in Saint Mark’s Square. An Angel flys along a rope from the top of San Marco bell tower to the middle of Piazza San Marco. A multitude of participants dressed in traditional costumes welcome the Angel. In addition, the first two days also kicks off with a water parade transforming the Rio di Cannaregio canal into a water stage!
The Ballad of Masks and the beheading of the bull is performed on Fat Thursday, February 28th. Then the final stage of the competition for the most beautiful mask. In addition, was the Flight of the Eagle and performances of various musical concerts. Mardi Gras brings the proclamation of the Maria of Carnival and the Svolo del Leon.
The Marie Festival
The Marie Festival harkens back to the abduction and liberation of twelve brides in the year 1039. Every February 2nd, the day of the purification on Mary – since the 9th century – twelve beautiful maidens represent the city and gathered with their betrothed in the Church of S. Pietro di Castello, to receive the Wedding Sacrament.
The Grand Masquerade: What to Expect on the Waterways
This world-famous festival typically spans about three glorious weeks, and the city transforms into a living, breathing stage.
- A City of Masks: Wander through the calli (alleys) and cross the bridges. You’ll be immersed in a festive atmosphere. It is absolutely electric. Prepare to encounter countless people dressed in breathtaking traditional masquerade costumes and elegant, mysterious masks. It’s an endless, beautiful photo opportunity!
- Daily Spectacle: The days are filled with excitement. There are daily competitions for the most beautiful costumes. These events are a dazzling display of intricate artistry.
- Culture After Dark: Beyond the street theater, the Carnival hosts exhibitions, cultural events, ceremonies, and DJ sets. For a truly unique experience, consider the special night visits. They are available at main museums and other incredible places of culture.