Nice’s events calendar revolves around three major anchor festivals, Carnival in February, the Jazz Festival in July, and the Fête de la Musique in June, plus a summer-long program of outdoor concerts, fireworks displays, and neighborhood celebrations.
The city also benefits from its position at the center of the French Riviera, making day trips to the Cannes Film Festival (May) and Monaco Grand Prix (late May) practical additions. This guide covers the specific dates, locations, and practical details for planning a trip around Nice events.
Nice Events and Festivals Calendar 2026-2027
Carnaval de Nice (Nice Carnival) – Mid-February for Two Weeks
The Nice Carnival, established in 1294, is the largest winter event on the French Riviera. The 2026 edition runs February 13 to March 1 (dates approximate, confirmed by November 2025). The festival centers on Place Masséna and the Jardin Albert 1er with three main components: the Corso Carnavalesque (illuminated night parades with giant papier-mâché figures on floats, Thursdays and Saturdays at 20:30), the Bataille de Fleurs (flower battles where costumed performers toss mimosas and roses into the crowd, Wednesdays and Fridays at 14:30)
the Carnival Village (food stalls, rides, and entertainment).
Standing tickets for parade viewing cost €12-15, seated tribune tickets €26-30. Book through nicecarnaval.com. Hotel prices double during Carnival; book Nice accommodation 4-6 months ahead.
Fête de la Musique – June 21
Citywide. France’s national music day fills every square, street corner, and bar in Nice with free live music from amateur and professional performers. The old town becomes a dense maze of jazz combos, rock bands, DJ sets, and classical ensembles playing simultaneously from roughly 18:00 until past midnight.
Place Rossetti, Cours Saleya, and Place Garibaldi are the main hubs. It’s free and draws massive local crowds. Check the Nice weather in June as it’s typically warm and dry (24°C, 34mm rain).
Nice Jazz Festival – Mid-July (5 Days)
The Nice Jazz Festival, founded in 1948, runs over 5 days in mid-July (2026 dates typically the second full week). The 2024-2025 editions took place at the Théâtre de Verdure and Place Masséna after the permanent stage on the Promenade was retired. The lineup mixes international headliners with emerging artists across jazz, blues, soul
world music. Day tickets cost €40-55, 5-day passes around €150. Book through nicejazzfestival.fr. Evenings are warm (around 24°C / 75°F after sunset), and the outdoor venues make for a pleasant concert experience.
Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) Fireworks – July 14
Baie des Anges, 22:00. Nice puts on one of France’s largest Bastille Day fireworks displays, launched from a barge in the bay and visible along the entire Promenade des Anglais. The show runs approximately 25 minutes and draws an estimated 200,000 spectators. Arrive by 20:00 for a good spot on the pebble beach. The Promenade closes to vehicle traffic for the evening. Free. Military parades take place on Place Masséna in the morning.
Les Nuits de la Colline (Summer Evenings on Castle Hill) – July-August
Castle Hill Park. A program of open-air theater, music, and cinema screenings at the summit of Castle Hill runs through July and August on Thursday through Saturday evenings. Most events are free or €5. The panoramic backdrop makes this one of Nice’s most atmospheric summer experiences. Check the city’s cultural website (nice.fr) for the schedule, typically published in June.
Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) – Late November through January 1
Place Masséna and Jardin Albert 1er. Nice’s Christmas market features 60+ wooden chalets selling gifts, decorations, and regional foods (socca, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine). The adjacent ice skating rink (€6 including skate rental) and Ferris wheel (€8) operate through the season. The market opens daily from approximately 11:00 to 20:00 (until 21:00 on Saturdays). The city’s Christmas lights along the Promenade and through the old town are among the Riviera’s best. Free entry to the market.
