Venice Film Festival 2026: dates, films and a complete guide to the Festival
Every September, the Lido di Venezia becomes the hub of the international film world: actors, directors, producers, journalists and film enthusiasts flock from all over the world to attend the Venice International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events on the global film scene.
The Festival is also a special opportunity to discover the city from a different perspective, with screenings, red carpet events and an international atmosphere that brings the Lido to life for the entire duration of the festival.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the 2026 Venice Film Festival: when it takes place, where to buy tickets, what the main sections of the festival are and how best to organise your visit.
Why is the Venice Film Festival so important?
Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the world’s oldest film festival and one of the most prestigious on the international stage.
The event was established with the aim of promoting cinema as an art form, a form of entertainment and an industry, whilst fostering dialogue between different cultures and languages. Alongside contemporary productions, the festival also focuses on preserving cinematic heritage through the restoration of great classics.
Throughout its history, the festival has showcased some of the most significant works in world cinema and continues to serve as a benchmark for established directors, emerging talent and industry professionals.
When is the 2026 Venice Film Festival taking place: official dates
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will take place from 2 to 12 September 2026 on the Lido of Venice. Organised by La Biennale di Venezia and directed by Alberto Barbera, the event is officially recognised by the FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations) and is considered the oldest film festival in the world still in operation.
For eleven days, the Lido will host world premieres, meetings with directors and actors, press conferences, red carpet events and events dedicated to contemporary cinema. Alongside the programme open to the public, there will also be initiatives aimed at industry professionals, such as the Venice Production Bridge, the international market dedicated to the audiovisual industry, which will take place from 3 to 9 September 2026.
Where does the Venice Film Festival take place?
The Festival is held every year on the Lido di Venezia, the island that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and is home to the Palazzo del Cinema, the Palazzo del Casinò and the main cinemas where the screenings take place.
The Lido is easily accessible from Venice’s historic centre thanks to the vaporetto services. As well as the cinemas, it boasts an elegant seafront promenade, beaches, cafés and restaurants, all of which help to create a lively atmosphere throughout the festival.
Even those not attending the screenings can stroll around the festival area, watch the guests arrive and soak up the energy of one of the year’s most important cultural events.
How can I buy tickets for the 2026 Venice Film Festival?
Tickets to attend screenings can be purchased directly from the Biennale’s official website.
For the 2026 edition, ticket sales began on 23 July, with the option to book screenings at the festival’s various venues.
For those wishing to attend multiple screenings, personalised subscriptions are also available; these are valid exclusively for the holder, non-transferable and non-refundable.
Discounts are also available for:
- under-26s
- over-65s
- holders of the 2026 Biennale Card.
The most eagerly awaited screenings often sell out quickly, so it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.
What are the main sections of the Venice Film Festival?
The Festival programme is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific approach to filmmaking.
The main ones are:
- Venice 83, the international competition which presents up to 21 feature films in world premiere and awards the famous Golden Lion.
- Orizzonti, dedicated to new trends in contemporary cinema and the most innovative cinematic languages.
- Venice Spotlight, which showcases world premieres with a particular focus on different film genres.
- Open – Out of Competition, featuring films, documentaries and special productions presented outside the competition.
- Venice Classics, reserved for restored versions of great films from the history of cinema.
- Venice Immersive, dedicated to works created using immersive technologies and extended reality (XR).
Alongside the official sections, there are also two independent programmes highly appreciated by audiences and industry professionals: the International Critics’ Week and the Days of the Authors, dedicated above all to discovering new talent and independent productions.
Films, directors and guests at the 2026 Venice Film Festival
The 2026 edition promises to be packed with international premieres and major figures from the world of cinema. Competing for the Golden Lion are, amongst others, new films by Danny Boyle, Nanni Moretti, Werner Herzog, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Martin McDonagh and Florian Zeller, alongside works by emerging directors from around the world.
The cast also promises to draw numerous stars to the red carpet on the Lido. Among the actors in the selected films are Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, George Clooney, Robert Pattinson, Rooney Mara, Kate Mara, Luca Marinelli, Alicia Vikander, Susan Sarandon, Alba Rohrwacher and Jasmine Trinca. The international jury will be chaired by actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal, whilst the Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to George Clooney and Ellen Burstyn.
Even without attending the screenings, strolling around the Palazzo del Cinema area allows you to soak up the festival atmosphere and, with a bit of luck, catch a glimpse of the celebrities arriving on the red carpet.
What to do during a day at the Venice Film Festival
A day spent at the Festival can also be an opportunity to explore Venice beyond the most well-known routes.
You can visit museums and historic palaces, wander through less crowded streets and squares, stop at a bacaro to sample cicchetti and local specialities, or treat yourself to a break in one of Venice’s gardens – small green spaces tucked away amongst alleyways, convents, palaces and ancient walls.
Experience the Venice Film Festival from Camping Ca’Savio
Situated between the Venice lagoon and the sea, the Cavallino-Treporti area is a convenient base for combining relaxation, nature and cultural visits. From the Punta Sabbioni port, you can reach Venice and the Lido without sacrificing the tranquillity of the coast.
Staying at Camping Ca’Savio allows you to spend a day at the Venice Film Festival and then return to the tranquillity of the pine forest and the beach, combining culture, the lagoon and relaxation.
To reach the Lido of Venice, you can set off from Punta Sabbioni, situated about 5 km from the campsite; a motorboat departs from here every half hour. The journey takes about 20 minutes to reach the Lido and, from there, the festival venues; continuing on, you’ll arrive just a short walk from St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, passing by some of the lagoon’s most picturesque views by boat, with views of the Biennale Gardens and the island of San Giorgio.
Before departing, we recommend checking the latest timetables and allowing plenty of time, especially on busy days.
You can also buy transport tickets directly from the campsite’s Customer Care office.
Check availability and organise your stay at Camping Ca’Savio.
FAQ
How long does the Venice Film Festival last?
The 2026 edition takes place from 2 to 12 September, comprising a total of eleven days of screenings, talks and events.
Can you watch the red carpet without a ticket?
Yes. Although you won’t have access to the restricted areas, you can stand in the areas open to the public near the Palazzo del Cinema and watch the guests arrive.
Is it worth buying tickets in advance?
Yes. The most popular screenings often sell out, so it’s advisable to book your tickets as soon as they become available.