Experience the Heart of Venice: Six Festivals You’ll Only Find in the Lagoon City

Published on December 15, 2025

Venice is famous for its beautiful canals and amazing buildings. But did you know that it also has many amazing celebrations outside of Carnival? Although Carnival is the biggest celebration, there are unique events that let you see a different side of Venice and its’ history. Here are six unusual events that are unique to Venice and offer different parts of Venetian life.

The Regata Storica (Historic Regatta)

Held every first Sunday in September, the Regata Storica is a colorful and dramatic celebration of Venice’s long maritime history. The festival begins with a grand procession of historic boats, featuring Venetian nobles and dressed in period costumes, gliding along the Grand Canal. This is followed by a thrilling rowing competition where rowers in traditional gondolas race to the finish line. The Regata Storica is not just a sports event, but a vibrant reminder of Venice’s seafaring heritage.

Festa del Redentore

The Festa del Redentore, celebrated on the third weekend of July, is one of Venice’s most important and cherished festivals. It commemorates the end of a plague in the 16th century, with the construction of the Church of the Redentore as a vow of thanks. The festival includes a spectacular fireworks display over the lagoon, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, who gather along the canals or take to boats to watch the show. A highlight of the celebration is the temporary wooden bridge built across the Giudecca Canal, linking the island of Giudecca to the city.

Venice International Film Festival

For cinephiles, the Venice International Film Festival, held annually in late August or early September, is one of the most prestigious and unique events in the world of cinema. The festival, hosted on the Lido Island, is the oldest film festival in the world, offering a glamorous mix of red-carpet premieres, cutting-edge films, and international stars. While it’s a major event in the film industry, the atmosphere in Venice itself transforms into a celebration of artistic cinema, with screenings at historic venues like the Palazzo del Cinema.

La Biennale di Venezia

Every two years, La Biennale di Venezia transforms the city into a hub for contemporary art, architecture, cinema, dance, and music. Known as one of the most significant cultural events in the world, this festival is an opportunity to experience cutting-edge art installations, performances, and exhibitions scattered throughout the city. The Venice Art Biennale, in particular, attracts artists, curators, and art lovers from around the globe, creating a dynamic cultural environment. The festival’s influence extends beyond Venice, impacting global art trends.

Venice Glass Week

For a more niche but equally captivating festival, Venice Glass Week, held every September, celebrates the city’s centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. Venice, specifically the island of Murano, is renowned for its glass production, and this weeklong event invites visitors to experience this fascinating craft firsthand. The festival includes exhibitions, workshops, and open studios where artists and craftsmen demonstrate the process of creating intricate glassworks. It’s an ideal occasion for those keen to explore Venice’s artistic heritage in a hands-on way.

The Feast of Saint Martin (Festa di San Martino)

In early November, Venice celebrates the Feast of Saint Martin, or Festa di San Martino, with a series of local festivities centered around the harvest. Traditionally, the festival marks the time when new wine is ready for consumption, and the Venetians celebrate with tastings, feasts, and local events. Stalls offering traditional foods, including roasted chestnuts and other autumn delicacies, line the streets, and the atmosphere is filled with music and the joy of community. This event offers a more intimate and local experience, away from the usual tourist crowds.

Venice is a city that never ceases to amaze, offering more than just its iconic canals and historic landmarks. Its unusual festivals provide visitors with a chance to experience the city’s vibrant cultural traditions, from centuries-old maritime celebrations to contemporary art showcases. Whether you’re exploring Venice’s artistic legacy at the Biennale, enjoying the dazzling fireworks of the Festa del Redentore, or witnessing the mastery of Murano glassmakers, these unique festivals offer an unforgettable way to connect with the true spirit of Venice. Embrace the magic of the city by visiting during one of these extraordinary celebrations, and dive into the heart of Venetian culture.

Image Caution-The photo is AI-generated and is only for illustration purposes.