July certainly marks the start of festival season on the Côte d’Azur with a multitude of events to look forward to – including fireworks!
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.
Here are our top picks for the upcoming weekend. And Happy 4th July to all of our American friends, enjoy the 250th birthday celebrations!
– THE WEEKEND –
SATURDAY, 4th JULY
Courtesy PAD Design
The inaugural PAD Design Fair continues throughout the weekend at Place des Lices in Saint Tropez. Visitors can expect a showcase of exceptional historical and contemporary design, bringing together some of the world’s leading galleries, collectors, architects, decorators, and design enthusiasts. Opening hours from 11 am to 9 pm. Tickets may be purchased online. Free admission for residents of Saint-Tropez, Gassin, Ramatuelle, Port Grimaud and La Croix-Valmer.
Courtesy Département des Alpes-Maritimes on Instagram
Les Cols Connectés continue today with the ‘col mystère‘ – which has been revealed as Col de la Cayolle. At an altitude of 2,326 meters, the pass marks the natural border between the Alpes-Maritimes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Part of the prestigious Route des Grandes Alpes, it offers an exceptional panorama of the Var and Bachelard valleys, a reward worthy of the effort. The climb starts from Entraunes (1,250 m) up to Colde la Cayolle, a total distance of 14.6 km and a 7% average gradient. Sign up now!
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!
The Longines Global Champions Tour Monaco three-day showjumping competition concludes today in the Principality. With a very busy programme on offer throughout the day, the event comes to a close with the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco taking place at 8:15 pm tonight. With one of the smallest courses in the world and set against the magical back-drop of Port Hercule and the iconic Prince’s Palace, the event is truly a feast of top-class show jumping alongside some fantastic entertainment. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Ville de Nice
As part of the 250th anniversary of American independence, Ville de Nice invites you to celebrate American Independence Day in the heart of the Promenade du Paillon at Square Général Leclerc. Running from 2 pm to 6 pm, there is a very full programme on offer, highlighting shared history, culture, youth, art, innovation, and the enduring bonds of friendship between Nice and the United States. Free admission, open to all.
The Ville de Menton hosts its Fête de la Saint-Pierre throughout this weekend, An unmissable event that kicks off the summer festivities, it is an opportunity to reconnect with tradition and a great way to start the season! Today’s activities get underway at 2 pm with a Splash Party aux Sablettes with DJ Julien NSR at Plan d’eau des Sablettes which runs until 6 pm. Remember to book your bouée online asap!! This will be followed by a Soirée électro with DJ Bassner (resident DJ at Tomorrowland Winter) at Quai Eugénie, running until 11 pm. Dress code for the weekend – white and blue!
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 Wednesday to Sunday from 2 pm to 7 pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Free admission.
Courtesy La Kermesse Festival
La Kermesse Festival continues in the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice today and runs throughout the weekend. On stage tonight, we have Matt Houston, Kenza Farah, 2Be3 x G-Squad, Lââm, Tragédie, Nâdiya and William Baldé. Food and refreshments are available on site. Tickets may be purchased online.
Video via Sam Sauvage on YouTube
Festival Les Nuits Guitares continues at Jardin de l’Olivaie in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and runs throughout the weekend. The line-up for tonight includes Ken Pop, Kid Sophie, Billie and Sam Sauvage. Snacks and refreshments will be available onsite. Tickets may be booked online. Free admission for children under 10.
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo celebrates its 40th anniversary with a Gala Evening at 7:30 pm in the Grimaldi Forum. What will be on the programme? The content is secret but here are some clues: a procession of dancers, choreographers, musicians and artists who contributed to writing the history of the company. An evening obviously not to be missed. Tickets are no longer available online and you should contact the box office on +377 99 99 20 00
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
The Mairie de Monaco is hosting a Soirée Americaine at the Marché de la Condamine from 7:30 pm tonight to celebrate the 4th July. On the programme, a festive atmosphere, food available on site, and a live concert by the band Vintage Drive for a wonderful and convivial evening in the heart of the Market. Free admission.
Courtesy Festival Oiseau Bleu
The Festival Oiseau Bleu runs throughout July with a series of 12 classical concerts. Starting tonight with Vivaldi! and a programme entirely dedicated to the man himself, it showcases instrumental virtuosity, vocal brilliance, and profound emotion. Taking place at église Saint-Laurent at 8 pm and featuring soprano Maria Krasnikova and the Ensemble Calisto & Caranto. Tickets may be reserved online.
Video via #BAFS – Old School on YouTube
The Direction de l’Animation et des Associations is hosting outdoor screenings in neighbourhoods around Nice. Tonight thete is a screening of Astérix et Obélix : Mission Cléopâtre at 8 pm in Jardin Saint-Isidore (Avenue Auguste Verola) in Nice. Free admission.
There is a second screening of the evening taking place at 9:30 pm at Cours Albert Camus in Nice. The movie this time is Le Robot Sauvage by Chris Sanders (2024). Once again, there is free admission.
Courtesy La Note Bleue
Brooklyn Funk Essentials play La Note Bleue tonight as part of the Summer Festival programme. With a career spanning more than three decades, they have built a reputation as one of the most daring and genre-defying collectives in modern funk. Blending soul, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz, and, of course, deep-rooted funk, their sound has always pushed boundaries while staying firmly grounded in groove. Reserve your table now by calling +377 93 500 502
Video via medici.tv on YouTube
The Festival Les Nocturnes du piano 2026 continue at 9 pm at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Tonight, the talented Arielle Beck, a rising star of the French piano scene, will perform selected works of Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev and Hindemith. This prodigy has been endorsed by Martha Argerich herself and was named “Revelation of 2026” at the Victoires de la Musique Classique. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Trinquette Jazz Club
The Leo Geller Quartet play the Trinquette Jazz Club in Villefranche-sur-Mer at 9 pm tonight. Four musicians will take you on a journey: between psychedelic guitar, swaying rhythms, and poetic saxophone flourishes, Leo Geller’s band evokes a melting pot of influences: John Coltrane, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Fela Kuti, and the Motian/Lovano/Frisell trio. Every note is played with heart and soul. They release their new album this October. Tickets cost €18 (concessions available) and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Ville de Villefranche-sur-Mer
The summer of open air cinema gets underway in the Théâtre de Verdure de la Citadelle in Villefranche-sur-Mer tonight. The first screening of the season is Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic. Tickets cost €6 and there are no reservations. Payment by cash or cheque only. Box office opens at 8:45 pm and screening starts at 9:30 pm.
Video via Universal Pictures on YouTube
More from the Monaco Open-Air Cinema tonight with a screening of Michael, the biopic about the music legend, Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it stars Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long. Screening starts at 9:30 pm. We advise arriving early … you have been warned!
Video via PYRO-TEAM on YouTube
The Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique gets underway in Cannes tonight with Pyro-Team D.O.O., one of Serbia’s most recognised names in pyrotechnics, known for transforming celebrations into unforgettable visual experiences. The display gets underway at 10 pm. Free admission and open to all.
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SUNDAY, 5th JULY
Courtesy PAD Design
The inaugural PAD Design Fair concludes today at Place des Lices in Saint Tropez. The event is a showcase of exceptional historical and contemporary design, bringing together some of the world’s leading galleries, collectors, architects, decorators, and design enthusiasts. Opening hours from 11 am to 9 pm. Tickets may be purchased online. Free admission for residents of Saint-Tropez, Gassin, Ramatuelle, Port Grimaud and La Croix-Valmer.
The Fête de la Saint-Pierre continues today in Menton, an unmissable event that kicks off the summer festivities. Today’s activities get underway at 9:30 am and continue throughout the morning with a mass, procession and wreath-laying, followed by an apéritif in front of the harbour master’s office at 12:30 pm, coutesy of the Ville de Menton. From 2 – 6 pm, there is another Splash Party aux Sablettes with DJ Julien NSR at Plan d’eau des Sablettes. Again, remember to book your bouée online asap!! There will be a seated tasting of soupe de poissons prepared by the association « A Ciocoula » at 8 pm. This will be followed by an 80’s dance party with DJ Julien NSR at Quai Eugénie, running until 11 pm, when the weekend festivities draw to a close with the traditional burning of the boat. Don’t forget – dress code for the weekend – white and blue! Check the Ville de Menton website for the full programme.
Courtesy Festival Oiseau Bleu
The Festival Oiseau Bleu continues today with another performance of Vivaldi!, showcasing instrumental virtuosity, vocal brilliance, and profound emotion. Taking place at Église Saint-François-de-Paule in Nice at 5 pm and featuring the Ensembles Calisto & Caranto. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy La Kermesse Festival
La Kermesse Festival concludes in the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice today. On stage we have O-Zone, Moussier Tombola, Kat Deluna, Cascada, Tom Frager and Lou Bega. Food and refreshments are available on site. Tickets may be purchased online.
Courtesy Les Nuits Guitares
Festival Les Nuits Guitares come to an end tonight at Jardin de l’Olivaie in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. The line-up for the finale includes Memphis Mao, Max Baby, Austern Power and Skip The Use. Snacks and refreshments will be available onsite. Tickets may be booked online. Free admission for children under 10.
Courtesy Hotel Amour Nice on Instagram
Hôtel Amour Nice hosts the Festival Plage Amour, a series of concerts and DJ sets under the stars, with the sunset over the Mediterranean as a backdrop. Tonight we have Acid Arab taking to the stage from 7 pm. Let yourself be swept away by their energy! Tickets may be purchased online.
Video via 2FACTO on YouTube
2 Facto play the Trinquette Jazz Club in Villefranche-sur-Mer at 8:45 pm tonight. A group of longtime friends with diverse influences (jazz, soul, funk, pop-rock) who play covers of international standards in a groove-soul style (Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Sade, Marvin Gaye, Amy Winehouse, Grover Washington, etc.) primarily for the fun of it. 2 FACTO is much more than a cover band; it’s a celebration of friendship and music, an invitation to let yourself be carried away by the magic of notes and harmonies. Tickets cost €18 (concessions available) and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Les Nocturnes du Piano
The Festival Les Nocturnes du piano 2026 conclude tonight at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Tonight, Jorge & Co Tango take to the stage. Made up of Jorge González Buajasán on piano, Blanche Stromboni on double bass, Marion Chiron on bandoneon, and Anne Le Pape on violin, this group of exceptional soloists takes the audience on a journey from Buenos Aires to Paris. In the first part of the evening, Jorge González Buajasán will be giving a recital which will feature a selection of works by Lecuona, Albéniz and De Falla. The second part will feature the group performing between Piazzolla’s Tango Nuevo and Traditional Tango revisited. Tickets may be reserved online.
Video via FilmsActu on YouTube
Open air cinema continues at the Théâtre de Verdure de la Citadelle in Villefranche-sur-Mer tonight. Tonight’s screening is La Vénus Électrique with Pio Marma. Tickets cost €6 and there are no reservations. Payment by cash or cheque only. Box office opens at 8:45 pm and screening starts at 9:30 pm.
Video via ONE Media on YouTube
More from the Monaco Open-Air Cinema tonight with a screening of Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Eve Ridley. When a ruthless and unexpected adversary threatens her world, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly teams up with an unlikely companion and embarks on an intergalactic journey in search of revenge and justice. Screening starts at 9:30 pm. We advise arriving early … you have been warned!
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– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –
Courtesy Département des Alpes-Maritimes
The 31st edition of the flagship cultural event of the Alpes-Maritimes. Les Soirées Estivales, is underway, running until 31 August. There is an eclectic lineup on offer that blends music, theatre, dance, comedy, circus, magic, and live performance for all audiences, and presents longtime favourites alongside new talents. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with Brazil as the flagbearer. Free admission to all events.
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
This summer, the Mairie de Monaco has laid on a wide range of family activities at Port Hercule and Larvotto. These iconic locations in the Principality are transformed into leisure spaces for all ages, with games, entertainment, and food stalls to help you make the most of the summer season. Summer at Larvotto: July 3 to August 16 – trampoline, duck fishing, Iris photo booth, braiding, temporary tattoos, hot dog stand, and shaded area | Summer at Port Hercule: July 10 to August 9 – Sports activities, children’s games, and food stalls. Hours: 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm | Food stalls: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Jazz Sous La Lune Festival takes place on 29 August, 2026. Enjoy an unforgettable summer evening beneath the stars at the enchanting Abbaye de La Colle-sur-Loup. Created by Maiart, this elegant open-air event combines live jazz, Riviera charm and a spectacular historic setting for a memorable night of music and fine dining. Each ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne, a truffle and foie gras tasting, and access to a curated cheese bar by LeChat Noble, specially selected to complement the evening’s performances. On the programme – a live jazz concert featuring Luana Toader and her band, with special guest artists, and a spectacular Michael Jackson Tribute Show, followed by a DJ set to round off the night. A special Jazz Menu will be served in the abbey gardens (advance reservation required by emailing lechatnoble@cheflechat.fr). A cocktail and wine bar will also be available on site. Tickets cost €65 for the evening and may be reserved online.
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 Jazz à Juan on Instagram
The 65th edition of the renowned Jazz à Juan festival 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 Cala del Forte 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 Ville de Nice
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 Wesley Tingey on Unsplash+, licenced under the Unsplash+ License
- All other images/photos as credited
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