Monaco’s events calendar is packed with world-class sporting, cultural, and social occasions. The principality hosts Formula 1’s most famous race, a top-tier tennis tournament, Europe’s biggest superyacht show, and an international fireworks competition, all within its tiny borders. Here are the major Monaco events and festivals to plan your trip around.
Monaco Events and Festivals: Major Annual Events
Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix (Late May)
The Monaco Grand Prix is the crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar, held annually on the last weekend of May since 1929. The Circuit de Monaco is the shortest F1 track at 3.337 km, winding through the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine with 19 tight corners and zero room for error. Race day is Sunday, with practice sessions on Thursday and qualifying on Saturday. General admission tickets start around 200 EUR; grandstand seats range from 400 to over 5,000 EUR. The entire principality transforms for the weekend: roads close from Thursday to Sunday, and Port Hercule fills with superyachts. Book hotels 6 to 12 months ahead. The 2026 Grand Prix is scheduled for 28 to 31 May 2026. For help choosing where to base yourself during race weekend, see our where to stay guide.
Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (April)
One of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, held at the Monte-Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (just across the French border, but formally a Monaco event). The clay-court tournament runs for 9 days in mid-April and attracts the world’s top male tennis players. The centre court has spectacular views over the Mediterranean. Tickets range from 40 EUR for early-round day sessions to 500+ EUR for finals. The 2026 edition runs from 12 to 19 April 2026. April weather details are in our Monaco weather by month guide.
Monaco Yacht Show (Late September)
Europe’s largest in-water display of superyachts, held annually at Port Hercule in the last week of September. Over 120 superyachts and megayachts are on display, many available for charter, along with luxury car exhibitions and tender showcases. A one-day pass costs 600 EUR including VAT. The 2026 show runs from 23 to 26 September 2026. The entire port area becomes restricted access during the show.
International Fireworks Festival (July to August)
Monaco’s International Fireworks Competition has run since 1966, with competing nations launching pyrotechnic displays synchronised to music over Port Hercule. Four to five shows take place on selected evenings in July and August, each lasting about 25 minutes. The displays are free to watch from the port area and surrounding hillsides. For the best views, arrive early to claim a spot along Quai Albert Ier or the Rock of Monaco. Our best time to visit guide has details on summer crowds and pricing.
Monte-Carlo Television Festival (June)
Founded by Prince Rainier III in 1961, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival is held each June at the Grimaldi Forum. It presents the Golden Nymph Awards for the best in international television programming. The festival attracts actors, producers, and industry executives, with red carpet events that are free for the public to watch. Passes for screenings and industry events start around 50 EUR. The Grimaldi Forum is in the Larvotto district, covered in our neighborhoods guide.
Monaco Events and Festivals: Seasonal and Cultural Events
Monaco National Day (19 November)
Celebrated annually on 19 November, Monaco’s National Day (Fete Nationale) features a morning Mass at the cathedral, a military parade in the Palace Square, and a gala performance at the Opera. The royal family appears on the palace balcony to greet the crowds. Fireworks over the port cap off the evening. Most businesses and museums remain open; it is a civic celebration rather than a commercial holiday. See our travel tips guide for practical information about visiting Monaco in November.
Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival (November)
Held at the Opera Garnier Monte-Carlo over two weeks in late November, the jazz festival brings internationally acclaimed jazz musicians to the principality. The intimate Belle Epoque opera house seats just over 500, making for a unique concert experience. Tickets range from 50 to 150 EUR depending on the artist and seating.
