Despite the soaring temperatures, the Côte d’Azur shows no signs of slowing down, with another packed weekend ahead of us.
We have a great line-up of things to do over the weekend. Read on for our carefully crafted and lovingly curated suggestions!
Whatever your tastes, you’ll definitely find something here to keep you and all the family occupied. But, first and foremost, please stay safe.
Here are our top picks for the upcoming weekend.
– THE WEEKEND –
SATURDAY, 27th JUNE
Courtesy Ville de Nice
Sakura Matsuri, la fête du Japon, (the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival) takes place this weekend in Nice. The event is dedicated to the twinning between Nice and Kamakura, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The Ville de Nice will welcome Mr. Matsuo Takashi, Mayor of Kamakura, whose presence will celebrate this 60 years of friendship and cooperation between the two cities. There is a very full programme on offer with a multitude of workshops and talks on the agenda.
Courtesy Théâtre National de Nice
The Théâtre National de Nice Festival de Tragédies presents Mythique ! by the Compagnie Bal d’Arts Légers (BAL). There are two performances today at 10 am and 6 pm at the Musée d’Archéologie de Nice-Cimiez. Tthe museum gardens are transformed into Ancient Greece and audiences of all ages are invited to experience the heroic and mythical world of gods and heroes. Tickets have actually sold out for both performances, but you may add your name to the waiting list.
The French Navy celebrates its 400th Anniversary In Antibes today, starting at 10:30 am. Taking place at Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs and other locations in the town, the programme includes ceremonies, concerts and demonstrations. There will also be a Village de la Marine which will feature immersive experiences for visitors, as well as workshops and there will be representatives on site to discuss careers in the Navy. Free admission.
Courtesy Brocante Cannes
If you are looking to bag yourself a bargain, get along to the Brocante in Les Allées de la Liberté in Cannes, running throughout the weekend. Open from 7 am to 5 pm. Stroll, browse, discover. Then buy!
Courtesy La Crème Festival
La Crème Festival is underway in Villefranche-sur-Mer and runs throughout the weekend. From sunrise to late-night DJ sets, the festival blends sea excursions, yoga, live music, local gastronomy and beachside celebrations in the spectacular setting of La Citadelle. Check out the day’s very full programme on the festival website. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy NEO Art & Culture Lab x VogelART
The exhibition Mimmo Rotella & Friends continues in NEO Art & Culture Lab x VogelART in Nice, a vibrant tribute to the Italian master. Curated by internationally acclaimed artist Gregor Hildebrandt, represented by the prestigious Almine Rech and Perrotin galleries and a long-time admirer of Rotella’s work, the exhibition explores the enduring relevance of his artistic vision. The Vernissage takes place from 6 pm to 10 pm tonight and the exhibition runs from today until 12 July, 2026. The gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2 pm to 7 pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Free admission.
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
The Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco hosts Fabriquer un éventail, 100% récup, a very weather-appropriate workshop, running from 2 – 4 pm. Paper, sticks, and a good dose of imagination: these are the essential ingredients for this creative workshop. With the help of the instructor, get ready to make a fan that will help you face the summer heat with complete peace of mind. A breath of fresh air is blowing through the Library. Admission is free but you need to register in advance. Further information available on site or by calling +377 93 15 29 40
Courtesy Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco
The La Semaine PhiloMonaco continues in the Principality, running throughout the weekend. This year’s theme is « Le Désir » (Desire). The event is organised by Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco and will feature many figures of renown who will engage with the public and participate in conversations, presentations, dialogues, and roundtable discussions, all relating to desire. The events are open to all and will be held in many iconic Monaco venues, such as the Théâtre Princesse Grace, the Yacht-Club de Monaco, the Café de Paris, the Promenade Honoré II and the Hôtel Hermitage. The full programme is available on the official website.
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
As part of the twinning agreement between Monaco and Dolceacqua, an exceptional concert will bring together recorder player Marie-Claire Bert and organist Olivier Vernet at Saint-Georges Church in Dolceacqua at 4 pm today. The concert give the two towns the opportunity to celebrate the historical and cultural ties that have bound them for centuries. Come share a moment of friendship between these two communities. Free admission. The concert lasts approximately one hour.
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
The Mairie de Monaco hosts another edition of Loto & Bingo at LaCondamine Market 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm today. Come and enjoy a friendly atmosphere and try to win many prizes donated by the market vendors. Free admission
Courtesy massenaaroundtheworld on Instagram
Our friends in Masséa Around the World bookstore in Nice welcome Paul Christopher Walton to the store between 5pm and 7pm this evening. There will be poetry, music and short readings celebrating the places that inspire us – from the Côte d’Azur to other landscapes with the power to make us pause, reflect and remember. His latest collection, Poetry of the Côte d’Azur will take centre stage. No need to reserve! Come one, come all!
Courtesy Ville de Nice
La Fête de la Saint-Pierre, Nice’s traditional fishermen’s festival, opens the city’s summer festivities this evening. Celebrations begin at 6:30 pm outside Église Notre-Dame-du-Port, followed by mass at 7 pm. At 8 pm, fishermen and the Fifres et Tambours du Pays Niçois will lead a procession to Quai Entrecasteaux, where the statue of Saint Peter will be taken aboard a boat. La Ciamada Nissarda will perform traditional folk dances before a wreath is laid at sea in memory of fishermen and sailors lost at sea. The evening concludes with the ceremonial lighting of the boat at 9:30 pm, followed by a Balèti with Tchatchao from 10:15 pm.
Video via Films Tous Publics on YouTube
The Direction de l’Animation et des Associations is hosting outdoor screenings in neighbourhoods around Nice. Tonight thete is a screening of Le Voyage de Chihiro at 8 pm in Centre AnimaNice Saint-Pancrace in Nice. Free admission.
Courtesy Ville de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The Ville de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat presents Parade Cirque d’Antan as part of its Les Estivales du Port. Taking place at Quai Virgile Allari from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, you will experience the elegance of the circus of yesteryear as it comes alive before your very eyes. A parade of stilt walkers, jugglers, and acrobats transport you to a bygone era, when the art of the circus shone in all its splendour. Free admission.
Courtesy Festival l’Humour à La Plage
The third edition of the Festival l’Humour à La Plage in Juan-les-Pins concludes tonight with the Grand Gala du Festival. Taking place at La Pinède at 8:30 pm, tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy La Note Bleue
Tamo Junto, one of the most vibrant Brazilian collectives on the French Riviera, takes over La Note Bleue this summer with a lively monthly mini-residency as part of the Summer Festival programme. Known for their infectious energy and deep connection to tradition, the group brings an authentic slice of Brazil’s musical culture straight to the shoreline. Reserve your table now by calling +377 93 500 502
Courtesy Trinquette Jazz Club
The Cathy Heiting Trio au féminin play the Trinquette Jazz Club in Villefranche-sur-Mer at 9 pm tonight. An exceptional vocalist with an eclectic career, author, and composer, Cathy Heiting regularly performs in renowned venues, theatres, and festivals, including Marseille Jazz, Parfum de Jazz, and La Londe Jazz Festival. She invites Maryline Ferrero (pianist) and Aurélie Agullo (drummer) to join her on a journey through the world of jazz, presenting a unique trio repertoire exploring the contemporary woman’s experience and offering a singular perspective on the evolution of the female condition. Tickets cost €18 (concessions available) and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Théâtre National de Nice
The Théâtre National de Nice Festival de Tragédies presents the second and final performance of Bérénice by Jean Racine tonight at 9 pm at the Arènes de Cimiez. Directed by Robin Renucci, it features Tariq Bettahar, Thomas Fitterer, Solenn Goix, Julien Leonelli, Sylvain Méallet, Amélie Oranger, and Henri Payet. The play tells the tale of ill-fated love when the newly crowned King Titus is forbidden to marry the foreign Queen Bérénice. Tickets may be reserved online.
Video via Pixar on YouTube
The 2026 season of the legendary Monaco Open-Air Cinema is underway, once again transforming the Esplanade des Pêcheurs beneath Le Rocher into one of the most spectacular movie venues in Europe. Tonight’s screening is Toy Story 5 by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, voiced by Jean-Philippe Puymartin, Tom Hanks, Richard Darbois, and more! Screening starts at 9:30 pm. We advise arriving early to secure your place … you have been warned!
Advertisement
SUNDAY, 28th JUNE
Video via IRONMAN Triathlon on YouTube
Due to a decision by the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture following extreme heat conditions and the extension of the heatwave alert, the Ramify IRONMAN France Nice and IRONMAN 70.3 Nice races scheduled for today have been cancelled.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer celebrates La Fête de la Saint-Pierre today, starting with mass at 10:30 am at Église du Sacré-Coeur, followed by a procession. The traditional sortie en mer takes place at 11:30 am and the event wraps up with an apéritif at midday. All welcome.
Courtesy Ville de Nice
Sakura Matsuri, la fête du Japon, (the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival) concludes today in Nice. The event celebrates its 60th anniversary this year of the twinning of Nice and Kamakura. There is a very full programme on offer with a multitude of workshops and talks on the agenda.
Courtesy Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco
La Semaine PhiloMonaco, organised by Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, concludes today in the Principality. This year’s theme is « Le Désir » (Desire) and today’s rencontre at 11 am at the Yacht Club de Monaco, is entitled Le désir d’aventure. It features philosopher and psychoanalyist Stéphane Habib, Pierre Casiraghi and philosopher and writer, Bruce Bégout. Tickets have sold out but the organisers say that places may become available and to be present at the venue 30 minutes before the event, on the off-chance.
Courtesy La Crème Festival
La Crème Festival concludes in Villefranche-sur-Mer this evening. There is another very full day on offer from midday until late with plenty of activities and entertainment to keep everyone happy! Taking place in La Citadelle and the Page and Port Darse. Check out the day’s very full programme on the festival website. Tickets may be reserved online.
Video via Filipe Monteiro on YouTube
Filipe Monteiro plays the Trinquette Jazz Club in Villefranche-sur-Mer at 8 pm tonight. He has resided in Nice since 2018, where he is an active participant in the local music scene. Alongside his work as a sideman, he has established himself as the leader of his own band, alongside Yoan Serra (drums) and Michael Berthelemy (B3 organ). Tickets cost €18 (concessions available) and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Contre-Nature Edition 2
Contre-Nature Edition 2, Nice’s annual charity drag show, returns for an evening of spectacular entertainment, creativity and community spirit. Taking place at Les Folies d’Edmonde in Nice at 8:30 pm tonight, this year’s event promises an unforgettable showcase featuring a mix of amateur and professional performers ready to captivate audiences with their talent, passion and flair. Reserve your tickets now! Funds raised through Contre-Nature Edition 2 will support the Centre LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur, a key community resource in Nice that provides support, information, social services and assistance to LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
Courtesy Les Nocturnes du Piano
The Festival Les Nocturnes du piano 2026 are underway at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Tonight, we have a very special evening, featuring Schubert’s Winterreise. There will be a talk at 8 pm given by Philippe Bianconi, followed by the concert with Samuel Hasselhorn at 9 pm. A summit meeting between the undisputed master of French and international piano, and one of the most sought-after performers of German Lieder, winner of the First Prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium in 2018. Tickets may be reserved online.
Video via Universal Pictures on YouTube
The 2026 season of the legendary Monaco Open-Air Cinema continues with a screening of Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth. Screening starts at 9:30 pm. Screening starts at 9:30 pm. We advise arriving early … you have been warned!
Advertisement
– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –
Courtesy Nice Jazz Festival
The full line-up has been unveiled for the 2026 Nice Jazz Festival, with big names like Sting and Busta Rhymes topping the bill. Tickets now available – but you better act fast!
Courtesy Grimaldi Forum Monaco
The anual summer exhibitions at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco are always something to look forward to. This year, 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 close this Tuesday. 30 June.
Courtesy Jazz à Juan on Instagram
The programme for the 65th edition of the renowned Jazz à Juan festival has officially been unveiled, and it promises to be one of the standout music events of the summer. Running from 9th – 19th July, the festival returns to its iconic setting in the Pinède Gould in Juan-les-Pins. Tickets are now on sale.
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 tickets and festival passes now.
A photographic exhibition taking place in Ventimiglia, Sotto Sopra, features the works of Saverio Chiappalone and Luca Coltri. Immerse yourself in a unique environment where you can discover the beauty of the Ventimiglia coast and the underwater wonders of its seabed. Open 7 pm to 10pm, Friday to Sunday.
There is plenty going on in the world of theatre around the region. Check out the various programmes –
Nice
Cannes
Cap d’Ail
Grasse
Courtesy Palis Princier de 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, so do keep an eye on the dates!
Have a great week, wherever you find yourself!
PHOTO CREDITS
- Lead image by Nick Page on Unsplash, licenced under the Unsplash License (edited – cropped)
- All other images/photos as credited
Advertisement
Leave a comment