Nice Events and Festivals
Nice has numerous festivals and events ranging from small gatherings to big celebrations. The most popular festivals are the Carnival de Nice in February, Fête de la St-Jean celebrating June’s Summer Solstice and the renowned Jazz Festival in July.
January
New Year’s Day Concert
This festive concert at the Acropolis celebrates the start of the New Year.
Luna Park
A large fun fair with attractions for the young and young at heart
February
Carnival de Nice
This centuries old celebration features concerts, parties, and numerous parades from February 11th to 28th. The Carnival Parade features large floats, fireworks, and confetti, the Flower Parade features large floats covered in thousands of fresh flowers and costumed performers, and the Parade of Lights is an evening exhibition featuring illuminated floats and fireworks.
March
Nice International Trade Fair
Trade Fair action unfolds at the Palais des Expositions.
Nice Boat Show
Boat lovers gather to see the latest in water craft and accessories.
Nice International Semi-Marathon
This annual three-day event has competitions for various age groups.
Festin des Cougourdons (Gourd Festival)
Local folklore and decorated gourds star at this annual festival taking place every spring. Fascinating shapes of locally grown gourds lend themselves to artistic interpretations.
April
Nice Open Tennis Tournament
Clay court action draws tennis fans.
Nice International Dog Show
Owners show off their prized canines.
Egg Hunt
To celebrate spring, children in Nice are treated to an egg hunt.
May
La Fete des Mai
As the oldest festival in Nice, every Sunday in May brings folk traditions in dancing, picnics, and more to brighten up the Cimiez gardens and amphitheatre.
Fete de la Cuisine
Nice cuisine is highlighted at restaurants throughout the city.
June
 Fête de la St-Jean (Summer Solstice)
As night begins to fall on the longest day of the year, Nice's torchlight procession begins. According to tradition, wood fires are lit on the beach, creating an altogether magical scene. Various activities are on offer such as folk dances, kids' shows, and food stalls of local specialties to celebrate the summer solstice.
Sacred Music Festival
Chapels in the old town celebrate with music.
Fete de la Musique
Free concerts take place throughout the city’s streets and parks.
Salon du Livre
Book fair serves a page-turner for those who love to read.
Fete de la Mer
The fishermen of Nice each year celebrate Saint Peter’s day with mass in the Gesu church, followed by a procession to Les Ponchettes beach in old Nice where a boat is burned in honour of the patron saint.
July
Nice Jazz Festival
The Nice Jazz Festival is one of three major jazz events in Europe, drawing more than 45,000 spectators every summer with its 500+ musicians, 8 days, 75 concerts and 120 hours of magic and music! This eclectic event covers all aspects of jazz music, from African roots to avant-garde sounds, from gospel and blues to fusion and urban funk. Beginning in mid-July at Arènes de Cimiez, a 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, every night from 7pm to midnight, three stages present a prestigious array of world-famous artists in a relaxed, warm and family-like atmosphere.
Nikaia
Every summer, some 20,000 spectators crowd into Charles Ehrmann Stadium for the world-class athletic spectacle.
Bastille Day Celebration
Festivities include fireworks and dancing.
September
Nice International Triathlon
Competition centres on swimming, cycling and a foot race.
Historic Automobile Tour de France
Starting in 1906, pausing for wars, the rally has evolved over the years while retaining great excitement.
October
Mushroom Exhibition
For more than three decades, mushroom lovers have gathered to view the spectacular variety on display. Newcomers can learn how to distinguish a crème from a portabello at the Parc Floral Phoenix.
December
Christmas Village (Village de Noel)
Old-fashioned Yuletide traditions come alive to warm the hearts of young and old.
International Star Regatta
Star-class racing with French Riviera flair
| 
