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Contents
Venice Carnival schedule
Pre-carnival highlights (February 13–21)
Main carnival events (February 22–March 4)
Top events of Venice Carnival
Selection of the 12 Marie
Date: Thursday, February 13
Time: 3pm
Venue: Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista
Description: The ceremonial selection of 12 young women representing Venice’s districts, a centuries-old tradition.
Price: Free
Valentine’s Day Celebration
Date: Friday, February 14
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Piazza San Marco
Description: Romantic music and performances in St. Mark’s Square.
Price: Approximately €95–€130
Rigoletto
Date: Friday, February 14
Time: 7pm
Venue: Gran Teatro La Fenice
Description: Watch a performance of Verdi’s classic opera.
Price: €95–€130
Street Theater & Acrobatics
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 10am to 7pm
Venues: S. Margherita, S. Giacomo, Burano, and other squares
Description: Enjoy free street performances including clowns, circus acts, and music.
Price: Free
Carnival Costume Contest
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 12 noon to 5pm
Venue: Piazza San Marco
Description: Daily masked competitions judged by a panel.
Price: Free
Arsenale Water Show
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 6:45pm
Venue: Arsenale Basin
Description: A 30-minute multimedia show blending dancing fountains, lights, and projections narrating Casanova’s love story.
Price: Free
Festa Veneziana Water Parade
Date: Sunday, February 16
Time: 11am
Route: Punta della Dogana to Rialto Bridge
Description: A vibrant procession of decorated boats with masked performers gliding through Venice’s canals.
Price: Free
Arsenale Carnival Experience
Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 11pm
Venue: Tese of the Arsenale
Description: Enjoy a late-night party with DJs and immersive light shows.
Price: €50–€70
Festa delle Marie Parade
Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 2:30pm
Route: San Pietro di Castello to Piazza San Marco
Description: Witness a historic parade celebrating 12 Venetian women in traditional attire, ending with a ceremony in St. Mark’s Square.
Price: Free
Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo)
Date: Sunday, February 23
Time: 12 noon
Venue: Piazza San Marco
Description: A performer descends from St. Mark’s Campanile, marking the Carnival’s official start.
Price: Free
Virtual Reality Time Travel
Date: Daily
Time: Not specified
Venue: Palazzo Grassi
Description: Explore 18th-century Venice through VR headsets, interacting with digital recreations of Casanova’s haunts.
Price: €30
Casanova’s Reveries Dinner Show
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 9pm
Venue: Ca’ Vendramin Calergi
Description: A lavish masquerade ball with period costumes, live Baroque music, and gourmet dining.
Price: €190
Burano Island Carnival
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Time: 3pm to 11pm
Venue: Burano’s Galuppi Square
Description: Street performances, folk music, and a festive atmosphere on Venice’s colorful island.
Price: Free
Grand Fireworks Display
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Time: 9pm
Venue: Grand Canal
Description: Closing ceremony with lights and fireworks over the water
Price: Free
Best Mask Contest
Date: Daily
Time: Not specified.
Venue: Piazza San Marco
Description: Participants showcase elaborate costumes and masks in categories like Most Traditional and Most Creative. Winners receive symbolic prizes.
Price: Free
Mask-Making Workshops
Date: Daily
Time: Not specified.
Venue: Multiple locations
Description: Craft Venetian papier-mâché masks using 18th-century techniques.
Price: €67+
Treasure Hunts
Date: Daily
Time: Not specified.
Venue: Historic districts
Description: Solve riddles tied to Venice’s history and Casanova’s era, with guided tours through hidden alleys.
Price: €24+
Commedia dell’Arte Shows
Date: Daily
Time: 11:30am to 4pm
Venue: Campo Santo Stefano
Description: Street performances featuring acrobats, jesters, and traditional Italian theater.
Price: Free
Carnival Pub Crawl
Date: Daily
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Venue: Venetian bars
Description: Themed cocktails and cicchetti (snacks) at historic bacari (wine bars).
Price: €74+
What to do when in Venice
Alright, you’re coming to Venice for Carnival—good choice! But brace yourself, because it’s going to be packed. The magic of Carnival is in the atmosphere, the hidden corners, and knowing how to dodge the crowds while still getting the best of it. Here’s what I’d tell a friend visiting:
Venice in 1 day/24 hours (A taste of carnival)
Venice in 2 days/48 hours (A more local take)
Venice in 3 days/72 hours (The ultimate Carnival experience)
You’ve got to be smart. You won’t see everything, so focus on the essence:
Morning
- Start early in Piazza San Marco – By 9 AM, it’s already filling up with masks and costumes. The Basilica and Doge’s Palace? Honestly, save them for another trip. Instead, grab a coffee standing at Caffè del Doge or Torrefazione Cannaregio—don’t sit unless you want to burn €10+ for an espresso.
- Check out the Grand Costume Parade – If it’s happening that day, this is peak Carnival energy: over-the-top costumes, wigs, and masks.
Afternoon
- Escape the madness to Cannaregio – This is where locals actually live. Walk along Fondamenta della Misericordia, find a cicchetti bar (I’d go for Al Timon or Vino Vero), grab a spritz, and snack on sarde in saor or baccalà mantecato.
- Cross to San Polo for the artisan mask shops – Forget the touristy plastic masks—go to places like Ca’ Macana or Tragicomica where they make them by hand.
Evening
- A sunset traghetto ride – Gondolas are overpriced for a short trip, but locals hop on the traghetto (a standing gondola) for €2 to cross the Grand Canal. Try the one near the Rialto market.
- Dinner at Osteria alla Madonna – It’s an institution for seafood lovers. Or, if you want something super local and less touristy, go to Osteria ai 40 Ladroni in Cannaregio.
- End the night at a speakeasy-style bar – Try Il Mercante for the best cocktails. If you're feeling fancy, swing by a masquerade ball (but those require advance booking and €€€).
Day 1: Classic Carnival + Hidden Gems
Same plan as above, but add:
- Take a detour to Castello – The area around Via Garibaldi is chill, with local bars where you won’t be stuck between a million tourists.
- Visit Arsenale for the light shows – Sometimes they have installations during Carnival.
Day 2: Islands & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Morning in Burano (Not Murano!) – Skip Murano (tourist trap) and head to Burano for colorful houses and quiet canals. Try Trattoria al Gatto Nero for seafood pasta.
- Torcello for a real time warp – Tiny island, ancient church, and barely any tourists.
- Back to Venice for aperitivo at Cantina Do Mori – One of the oldest bacari (wine bars), candle-lit and full of history.
Day 1 & 2: Follow the previously stated itinerary.
Day 3: Secret spots + Deep dive into Carnival
- Explore Dorsoduro – This artsy district has chill vibes. Visit Squero di San Trovaso (gondola repair yard), grab a sandwich from Bacareto da Lele, and soak in the real Venice.
- Ghetto Vecchio & Jewish Quarter – Much quieter than the main streets, with incredible history and food. Try Gam Gam for kosher Venetian cuisine.
- Book a secret masquerade event – Some of the best aren’t advertised on mainstream sites. Ask locals or check niche event lists.
Frequently asked questions about Venice Carnival Schedule
What are the dates for the Venice Carnival 2025?
The Venice Carnival will take place from February 22 to March 4, 2025.
What is the theme for the Venice Carnival 2025?
The theme for this year's Carnival is “In the time of Casanova”, celebrating the legendary figure's influence on Venetian culture.
Are there any free events in the Venice Carnival Schedule?
Yes, many events, including street performances, parades, and costume contests, are free to attend, especially in popular areas like St. Mark's Square and Campo Santo Stefano.
How can I purchase tickets for events in the Venice Carnival Schedule?
Tickets for various events, including masked balls and concerts, can be purchased online through platforms like Headout or directly from official event websites.
What are some major events to look out for during the Venice Carnival?
Key events include the Festa delle Marie Parade, Flight of the Angel, and various masquerade balls and concerts throughout the festival period.
Is it necessary to wear a mask during the Venice Carnival?
While it is not mandatory, wearing a mask is a traditional aspect of the Carnival experience and enhances participation in the festivities.
What should I wear to a masquerade ball at the Venice Carnival?
Wear formal attire along with a mask that fits the theme of the ball. Ateliers like Atelier Nicolao offer rentals from €200/day. Check specific dress codes when booking tickets.
Can I bring children to the Venice Carnival?
Absolutely! The Carnival is family-friendly, with many activities suitable for children, including mask workshops, puppet shows, and Burano’s candy-colored festivities.
How do I get around Venice during the Carnival?
Venice is pedestrian-friendly; however, you can also use vaporetti (water buses) to navigate between islands and major locations.
When is the best time to attend the Venice Carnival?
The final weekend (March 1–4) features peak events, but earlier dates (Feb 22–25) are less crowded.
Which are the best spots to watch parades and street performances at the Venice Carnival?
The best spots to watch parades and street performances during the Venice Carnival include Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), Arsenale Basin, Burano Galuppi Square, Riva degli Schiavoni, Campo Santo Stefano, Cannaregio Canal, s. Margherita Square, and Rialto Bridge. Arrive early to find a good spot.