Music, Film and Arts Festivals
This is where new films and live work meet an audience. Venice Film Festival. Cannes Film Festival. Each guide tells you the dates, the highlights, and how to attend.
Festivals
Sep 01, 2027
Venice Film Festival 2027: Dates, Tickets and Visitor Guide
1-11 September 2027: premieres, red carpet, and how the public can attend.
May 11, 2027
Cannes Film Festival 2027: Dates, Tickets and Visitor Guide
11-22 May 2027: premieres, red carpet, and how the public can still join in.
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Everything You Need to Know About Music, Film and Arts Festivals
What are music, film and arts festivals?
Music, film and arts festivals show new work to a live audience. A film festival screens new films. A music festival puts live acts on stage. An arts festival shows work across more than one form. The audience is part of the event, and the program changes from year to year. Music festivals, film festivals, and arts festivals all sit in this section, each with its own program.
Festivals in this section
Check the Venice Film Festival screening dates and how to attend before you plan. Read the Cannes Film Festival screening dates and how to attend for the program. The Venice event takes place in Venice, with screenings across the festival days. The Cannes event takes place in Cannes, with screenings and industry events through the run. Both events show new films to a live audience, with screenings, talks, and red carpet nights. Each festival page gives the dates, the highlights, and how to attend.
How to attend
- Check the dates and the venue first.
- Read the program for screenings or acts you want to see.
- Book seats early where booking is open.
- Allow time for queues at popular screenings.
Plan your visit
Start with the World Festival and Holiday Calendar dates and listings, then read the festival page for the event you want. Dates, opening times, and local rules change each year, so check the festival page before you book or travel. If shared public celebrations interest you too, see the Cultural Festivals parades, stories and visitor notes for street events and seasonal shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The public can buy single-screening tickets through the official Biennale ticketing system. Popular premieres sell out fast, so buy early. You do not need industry accreditation to watch a public screening.
No. Cannes does not sell public tickets for official premieres. Access runs through industry accreditation or invitation. The public can still enjoy the town, La Croisette, and the free open-air Cinema de la Plage screenings on the beach.
Yes. The public viewing area outside the Palazzo del Cinema is free and needs no ticket. Arrive well before the red carpet time for a good spot at the barrier, since it fills early for big premieres.
For Venice public screenings, smart casual is fine, with formal wear for evening galas. For Cannes evening galas, the dress code is strict: black tie for men, evening gown for women, and no sneakers. Check the dress code for your screening before you go.
Book as early as you can. Lido hotels fill months ahead, and popular screening tickets sell out fast once sales open. If the Lido is full or costly, Venice itself works as a base, with a vaporetto ride to the Lido.