Venice Film Festival 2026

<p>The <strong>Venice Film Festival (Mostra del Cinema)</strong> is the oldest film festival in the world, running since 1932, and one of the "big three" alongside Cannes and Berlin. Held on the <strong>Venice Lido</strong> each early September, it's where much of the coming awards season is launched — major premieres, the Golden Lion competition, and a genuine parade of directors and stars walking the red carpet against the backdrop of the Adriatic. For film lovers, it's a bucket-list pilgrimage; even as a passerby, the glamour is infectious.</p><p>The action clusters around the Palazzo del Cinema and the Sala Grande on the Lido's seafront. Expect crowds gathered for celebrity sightings, photographers massed at the carpet, and a buzz of screenings, industry events and beach-town elegance. Unlike Cannes, a portion of tickets is genuinely available to the public, so ordinary visitors can attend some competition and out-of-competition screenings.</p><h3>Practical tips</h3><p>If you want to watch films, register and book online as soon as public tickets are released — the marquee premieres go fastest. Base yourself with an eye on the vaporetto timetable, since you'll be crossing to the Lido daily. Dress up for evening screenings, arrive early for red-carpet vantage points, and book accommodation months ahead, as Venice is at its busiest and priciest during the Mostra.</p>

The festival takes place on the Venice Lido, the barrier island facing the Adriatic. Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), then cross the lagoon by Alilaguna waterbus (the Blue line stops at the Lido) or head first to central Venice and change onto vaporetto Line 1, 5.1 or 6 to Lido S.M.E. From the Lido landing stage it's a short walk or bus ride down the Gran Viale to the Palazzo del Cinema on the seafront. Everything runs on the water, so factor vaporetto times into your festival schedule.