The Côte d’Azur is alive and kicking and we have another action-packed programme lined up for the coming week. Read on for our curated collection!
Another week, another great agenda filled with plenty of activities to keep you and yours well and truly occupied! Whatever your tastes, there is something here to keep you occupied .
Here are our top picks for the weekend and week ahead.
– THE WEEKEND –
SATURDAY, 21st FEBRUARY
Courtesy Ville de Nice
The Nice Carnaval Days Grande Braderie concludes today. Get yourself along to the participating retailers and benefit from some last great bargains! Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
One Saturday each month, Le Marché de la Condamine offers you the opportunity to participate in its « Découvertes culinaires », where can discover a culinary specialty with the vendors of the market. Today we have a Tiramisu demonstration and tasting from 10 am. Free admission but note that places are limited.
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur presents eight flat races from midday today. Admission is €5 per person with reduced rates available – tickets available online. Persons with reduced mobility and under 18s get in for free. There is also food and drink available on site. Book your restaurant places online.
Courtesy Villa Arson
Villa Arson in Nice has an open day today from 2 pm to 6 pm. This is a great museum and well worth the visit, offering a unique opportunity to discover the Villa’s various spaces and interact with the teaching staff and students! Free admission.
The second Batailles de Fleurs of the 2026 Carnaval de Nice takes place at 2:30 pm today, running until 4 pm. Floats adorned with floral arrangements form an elegant procession, where music, scents, and colours blend together for a feast for the eyes and costumed characters shower the audience with blossoms! Tickets cost €14 (concessions available) and may be reserved online (while stocks last!) Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Luminescence
The latest immersive experience, L’Odyssée Céleste, continues in the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Nice. This incredible show, designed and executed by Luminiscence, transforms sacred architecture into living narrative through light, sound, and technology. There are two shows per night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Tickets start from €19 and may be reserved online (reduced rates also available).
Courtesy Panda-Events
Panda-Events, in collaboration with Le 109 and the City of Nice, presents REF x Kreattones: Session #4 – Special Portugal in da House. Tonight, Frigo 16 becomes a geographical anomaly. REF has invited Kreattones, and suddenly, Nice is no longer Nice. Everything becomes hotter, more intense. More Portuguese, if you will. Featuring Diana Oliviera, Andy Book and Les Twins. Running from 8 pm to 4 am. Tickets available online.
Carnaval de Nice continues tonight with the second Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé, taking place from 8:30 – 10 pm in Place Masséna. This is a ticketed event and tickets costing €14 may be reserved online (while stocks last!) Vive La Reine!
SUNDAY, 22nd FEBRUARY
Courtesy Semi de Cannes
The Semi de Cannes takes place today, featuring a number of races including the half marathon, and a 5 km and 10 km race. Why not come out and support the runners (unless you are actually participating yourself!) Best of luck to all involved.
Courtesy Département des Alpes-Maritimes
The 2026 Tour des Alpes Maritimes takes place today, featuring a demanding route over short but decisive climbs. With Paris-Nice just around the corner, the race will provide an early test for climbers and general classification contenders aiming to sharpen their form. The race takes the peloton from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Biot.
Courtesy Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur presents eight flat races from midday today, the first leg of the Défi du Galop, a prestigious competition bringing together the best flat racing horses and jockeys of the moment. Free entertainment for the whole family. Gospel concerts by the Shiny Gospel group. Admission is €5 per person with reduced rates available – tickets available online. Persons with reduced mobility and under 18s get in for free. There is also food and drink available on site. Book your restaurant places online.
Photo courtesy and © Ville de Menton, photo by Patrick Varotto
The highlight of the Fête du Citron®, the corsos des fruits d’or transform Menton’s seafront into a dazzling spectacle. Floats adorned with lemons and oranges parade in an explosion of colour and music. Inspired by this year’s theme, these living tableaux, composed of thousands of fruits, captivate with their beauty and creativity. From 2:30 pm on the Promenade du Soleil. Tickets cost €16 (concessions available) and may be reserved online (though nearly sold out)
Courtesy Opéra de Monte-Carlo
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo brings Claude Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande, one of French opera’s defining works, to the stage of the Salle Garnier, starting today, for a four-performance run. Today’s matinée is sold out, but tickets are still available for the remaining performances on Tuesday, (Gala performance) Thursday and next Saturday, all at 8 pm.
– HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK –
MONDAY, 23rd FEBRUARY
Courtesy Antiquites Brocante Cannes
At the heart of the legendary Marché Forville in Cannes, the Monday flea market is a veritable treasure trove for passionate bargain hunters and those curious about great finds. Here you can find everything from tableware, luxury and vintage secondhand goods, to contemporary art and vintage vinyl. Whether you’re a collector, art lover, vintage fan, or simply strolling through Cannes, don’t miss this authentic event every Monday at the foot of Le Suquet!
Photo courtesy and © Ville de Menton
The Fête du Citron® invites you to enjoy an exclusive evening experience and discover the secrets of the festival like never before. Begin with a guided tour of the gardens to admire the majestic citrus structures and learn about their creation through an exclusive documentary on the making of the installations. Then, delve into the municipal workshops and enjoy a private screening of the documentary in a reserved room at the Palais de l’Europe, discovering all the steps that make this festival so unique. Savor a cocktail of Menton specialties including pichade, pissaladière, barbajuans, and many other delicacies, accompanied by local drinks: lemonade and Mentounasc beer (tasting size for adults). Finally, enjoy private access to the 2nd floor of the Palais de l’Europe, offering a spectacular nighttime view of the exhibition and illuminated structures, for a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Sounds like a great evening! Tickets cost €45 and may be reserved online.
TUESDAY, 24th FEBRUARY
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
The Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco hosts Picnic Music, a lunchtime musical interlude. Come and enjoy this special moment to savour your meal, alone, with colleagues, or with friends, while watching a concert projected on the screen in the Atrium. A varied programme on offer – rock, pop, jazz – to pleasantly enhance your lunch break. From 12:15 pm to 13:45 pm. Free entry. Further information available on site or by calling +377 93 15 29 40
The 76th Festival di Sanremo gets underway tonight at the iconic Teatro Ariston and runs until this coming Saturday, 28 February. The festival will once again be presented by Carlo Conti, who assumed artistic direction in 2025. Joining him on stage throughout all five evenings is Italian superstar Laura Pausini, returning to the very place where her extraordinary career began.
Courtesy Fête du Citron®
The Fête du Citron® invites you to enjoy an exclusive evening experience and discover the secrets of the festival like never before. Begin with a guided tour of the gardens to admire the majestic citrus structures and learn about their creation through an exclusive documentary on the making of the installations. Then, delve into the municipal workshops and enjoy a private screening of the documentary in a reserved room at the Palais de l’Europe, discovering all the steps that make this festival so unique. Savor a cocktail of Menton specialties including pichade, pissaladière, barbajuans, and many other delicacies, accompanied by local drinks: lemonade and Mentounasc beer (tasting size for adults). Finally, enjoy private access to the 2nd floor of the Palais de l’Europe, offering a spectacular nighttime view of the exhibition and illuminated structures, for a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Sounds like a great evening! Tickets cost €45 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Ville de Nice / Carnaval de Nice
The Carnaval de Nice continues with the Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé, taking place in Place Masséna from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. Floats are lit up, the visual displays are multiplied tenfold, and the arts and music troupes that enliven the route offer you a true spectacle of sound and light. Tickets cost from €7 and may be reserved online. Special deals are also available. Vive La Reine!
WEDNESDAY, 25th FEBRUARY
Courtesy Ville de Nice / Carnaval de Nice
The third Batailles de Fleurs of the 2026 Carnaval de Nice takes place at 2:30 pm today, running until 4 pm. Floats adorned with floral arrangements form an elegant procession, where music, scents, and colours blend together for a feast for the eyes and costumed characters shower the audience with blossoms! Tickets cost from €14 (concessions available) and may be reserved online. Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Nice La Bella
Niçois folkloric group Nice La Belle play a special concert entitled Chants du Comté at 7:30 pm tonight in the Foyer de l’Opéra de Nice. Celebrating 70 years, this promises to be a memorable evening. Reservations can be made by calling + 33 (0)6 70 70 66 71. Places are limited.
Video via OB2M LIVE Music on YouTube
La Note Bleue in Monaco presents More Than Soul, a band that celebrates Acid Jazz and its legacy by mastering a combination of Jazz, Soul, Funk & Blues influences. Virginie Behem’s powerful and soulful voice backed by her tight 4 piece-ryhthm section will take you back to the heydays of the 80s and 90s Jazz scene. This is part of Les Mercredis Live series, where La Note Bleue gives pride of place to local musicians and new projects from the French Riviera scene. Reserve your place by calling +377 93 500 502
THURSDAY, 26th FEBRUARY
Courtesy Ville de Nice
Ville de Nice hosts Les Balèti after work de l’Opéra in the Foyer Montserrat Caballe of Nice Opera as part of Carnaval de Nice. This event is brought to you by the service Langue Culture et Tradition Niçoises of Ville de Nice. Numbers limited to 100 and you must come in costume! Book you place by emailing service.traditions@ville-nice.fr stating number of people, first and last name, and a mobile phone number.
Courtesy Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Les Jeudis de la Villa continue at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat tonight. The special guest is Tania MOURAUD – Confidences. Tickets cost €120 for each soirée or a package of three for €300 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Fête du Citron®
The Fête du Citron® hosts a Corso Nocturne toight. When night falls on Menton, the nighttime parades bathe the city in a gentle magic. Under the twinkling spotlights, the floats, adorned with lemons and oranges, parade in a symphony of light and colour. The evening concludes in spectacular fashion with a fireworks display at 10:30 pm. Tickets may be reserved online.
FRIDAY, 27th FEBRUARY
Courtesy Cannes Festival International des Jeux
The Cannes Festival International des Jeux gets underway today, running until Sunday, 1st March. Taking place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, the programme includes exhibitions, talks, OFF nights and much, much more! Daily of half-day tickets may be purchased online.
Courtesy Carnaval de Nice
Since 2002, Vipers Queen has established itself as one of the biggest Queen tribute bands in Europe. Hailing from Italy, they pay homage to the legendary British group with a passion and fidelity that captivates audiences worldwide. Relive Queen’s greatest hits live with Vipers Queen on their new “European Tour 2026”. Playing at the Casino Barrière in Menton as part of the Fête du Citron®. Tickets cost €31 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Panda-Events
Panda-Events, in collaboration with Le 109 and the city of Nice, presents LQB SESSION #3 – HORTENSE DE BEAUHARNAIS. While we wait for the upcoming festival taking place from 3-5 April, 2026, the guys are preparing an LQB Session just for you, which is going to be top-notch! So, baddies, buckle up. The next session is going to be… brutal. Featuring HORTENSE DE BEAUHARNAIS // Le Choc Frontal, BOTICKA // L’Immersion Sombre and ROXIE // L’Adrénaline Pure. Running from 8 pm to 4 am. Tickets available online.
– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –
Courtesy Nice Jazz Festival / Ville de Nice
The 2026 Nice Jazz Festival may be five months away (23 – 26 July 2026), but initial ticket sales are now open. Early bird passes costing €120 are available online now, but not for much longer!
Courtesy gouv.mc
In 2026, Monaco will enter the annals of international cycling history by hosting the Grand Départ of the Vuelta a España on August 22nd and 23rd. A world-class sporting event, followed by millions of fans… and you can be part of the action! Why not become a volunteer? Further information and registration available online. The first information meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00 PM in the auditorium of Lycée Rainier III.
Courtesy Ville de Cannes
Calling all budding writers! The Écrire Cannes writing competition is underway – closing date for entries is 27 April 2026. Organized by the Mairie de Cannes and local libraries, this competition invites participants to write a short story on a theme related to the city. This year’s theme is « Cannes durable : imaginons la ville de demain » (Sustainable Cannes: Let’s imagine the city of tomorrow). Further details on the Ville de Cannes website.
Courtesy Casa di Goethe
The Casa di Goethe is opening its art repository and presenting new works, including pieces added to the collection in recent years. Artists from Goethe’s circle, including Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein and Jakob Philipp Hackert, continue to form a focal point of the collection. They are represented in the exhibition with some excellent and particular drawings. Running until 12th April, 2026.
Courtesy Les Plages Électroniques
Tickets sales are also open for the 20th anniversary edition of Les Plages Électroniques, taking place in Cannes this August. You can purchase your festival passes now. Please note that early-bird tickets are sold out.
Courtesy Grimaldi Forum Monaco
The anual summer exhibitions at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco are always something to look forward to. This summer, we will be treated to a major exhibition retracing over a century of passion for motoring in the Principality. Running from July 1st to September 6th, 2026, advance ticket sales are now open.
There is plenty going on in the world of theatre around the region. Check out the programmes at anthéa, Antipolis Théâtre d’Antibes | Théâtre National de Nice | Théâtre de la Cité (Nice) | Théâtre Francis Gag (Nice) | Théâtre de La Semeuse (Nice) | Théâtre de l’Impasse (Nice) | Espace Magnan (Nice) | Théâtre de la Licorne (Cannes) | Théâtre Les Funambules (Cap d’Ail) |
Courtesy Quai des Artistes Monaco
There are also plenty of excellent exhibitions going on throughout the region, with a number coming to an end in the coming days and weeks.
Have a great week, wherever you find yourself!
PHOTO CREDITS
- Lead image RIVIERA BUZZ
- All other images/photos as credited
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