The 83rd Venice International Film Festival opens on 2 September 2026 and runs until 12 September, making the next two weeks one of the most atmospheric times to be in Venice. For travellers with flexible dates, a visit during the festival adds an unmistakable energy to the city — and tickets for public screenings are more accessible than most people expect.
The Highlights This Year
Opening film: Danny Boyle’s Ink receives its world premiere in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido.
Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement: American actor George Clooney receives the festival’s honorary award at this year’s edition. Ellen Burstyn is the second recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 83rd festival.
Jury President: Filmmaker and actress Maggie Gyllenhaal leads the main competition jury.
Artistic director: Alberto Barbera returns, with Italian actors Greta Scarano and Nicola Maupas hosting the ceremony.
Where the Festival Takes Place
All screenings take place on the Lido di Venezia, a thin barrier island accessible from Venice’s main island (Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia station) by vaporetto. The journey takes around 20–25 minutes. Key venues include the Palazzo del Cinema and the PalaBiennale.
The Lido is a world away from the tourist crowds of Piazza San Marco — quieter, leafy, and easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle.
Getting Tickets
Public tickets go on sale through the official La Biennale website and the festival’s box office at the Lido. For non-accredited visitors, the best approach is:
- Online purchases a few days before the screening you want.
- Day-of queuing at the Palazzo del Cinema for any unsold seats — these are sold at reduced prices from around 90 minutes before screening time.
- Focus on retrospective and sidebar screenings, which are typically less competitive than main competition films.
Ticket prices for public screenings range from approximately €8–€18 depending on the venue and session.
Staying in Venice for the Festival
Accommodation near the Lido should be booked as early as possible — the festival period is among the most in-demand weeks of the year. If you cannot find rooms on the Lido itself, staying in the main Venice island (Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, or Castello) and commuting by vaporetto is practical and pleasant.
For everything you need to know about getting to and around the city, see our full Venice city guide. For the best time to plan a broader Italy trip, our practical guide covers the seasonal calendar.