Nice is known to have a very lively festival scene. There are a lot of attractions and events that is why you can never run out of things to do all year round. From open air music concerts, street fairs, sporting events and theatrical performances, Nice has got it all. So if you happen to visit Nice, here are some of the city’s annual attractions that you can partake on.

JANUARY

New Year’s Concert – This is usually held on New Year’s Eve at Nice’s Acropolis. Nice’s New Year’s concert is a great way to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
Luna Park – This is a large fair with lots of various attractions for everyone.

FEBRUARY

Nice Carnival - This carnival is the leading winter season attraction on the French Riviera. It features parades, bonfires, fireworks and many more.

MARCH

Nice International Trade Fair – This trade fair is annually held at Palais des Expositions.
Nice Boat Show – A must-see event for boat enthusiasts and the like.
Festin des Cougourdons (Gourd Festival) – This festival which is annually held in Cimiez gardens traditionally symbolizes the end of the winter season. It features gourd painting events and a gourd food fest.
Nice International Semi-Marathon – This annual 3-day event in Nice offers various competitions for tourists and locals alike.
Printemps des Poetes – Nice celebrates their Printemps des Poetes by staging events in various theaters, schools, and cafes.

APRIL

Nice Open Tennis Tournament – A must-see event for tennis enthusiasts.
Nice International Dog Show - Nice locals show off their cute canines.
Egg Hunt – Nice children partake on an Egg Hunt every year to celebrate Spring.
Printemps des Musees – Open museum day. Every year, museums all over Nice waive their entrance fees for just one day. This gives everyone the opportunity to discover Nice’s rich culture and art.
Nice Half Marathon – An annual sporting event where about 4,000 runners compete with each other.

MAY

La Fete de Mai – This event held every Sunday of May in Arenes de Jardins de Cimiez features a series of free events such as music, picnics and folk dancing which celebrates Nice’s history.
Fete de la Cuisine – A celebration of Nice cuisine.

JUNE

Festival de Musique Sacree (Sacred Music Festival) – A celebration of Baroque and religious music held in various churches around Nice.
Nice en Roller – Annual event for rollerblade enthusiasts.
Fete de la musique – Offers free concerts all around the city.
Salon du Livre – Features book fairs all over the city.
Fete de la Mer – Celebration of St. Peter’s day. Nice fishermen celebrate this event with a mass at Gesu church then a procession to Les Ponchettes beach in Old Nice where they burn a boat in honor of St. Peter.
Nice International Triathlon

JULY

Nice Jazz Festival – Internationally acclaimed musicians gather at the Cimiez gardens and amphitheaters to share their musical prowess to the audience.
Bastille Day Celebration – Features fireworks and dancing all over the city.
Musicalia (Theatre de Verdure) – Features Mediterranean and world music. It also features dance performances and film screenings.
Nuits Musicales de Nice (International Academy of Summer Music) – Features concerts in the Cloister of the Cimiez Monastery.
La Castellada – This event is held from the start of July in the Parc du Château. This event runs until the end of September. Actors in costume recount the story of Nice’s past in a 3-hour tour.

AUGUST

Ball for the Liberation of Nice – Celebration of Nice’s liberation.
Nice Musical Nights -A series of classical concerts held at the Opéra de Nice and the Cloitre du Monastere de Cimiez.

SEPTEMBER

Historic Automobile Tour de France
Fete de la San Bertoumieu – A grand market for traditional arts and crafts.
Catherine Segurane ceremony – An annual event held in the Sainte Reparate Cathedral. Nice’s patron saint is commemorated with a special mass and wreath-laying ceremony at the Catherine Segurane memorial.

OCTOBER

Nice-Matin Real Estate Trade Fair
Mushroom Exhibition
Festival Internationale de Musique Militaire – A biennial military tattoo that takes place over the course of a weekend. This popular festival of military music also includes a grand parade.
Fete Patronale de la Ville de Nice Sainte Reparate – A colorful traditional Nicois festival that takes place in the streets of Vieux Nice

NOVEMBER

Rock and Mineral Show
Cap Cyber Multimedia Show
Festival Manca – This international festival features contemporary music performed by world renowned musicians
Challenge de Lutte Henri Deglane - international wrestling contest, with some of the world’s Olympic champions competing for this prestigious prize

DECEMBER

International Rowing Regatta – This event is held in the Baie des Anges. It brings together the world’s best rowers to compete with each other.
Christmas Day Swim – Every year, swimmers brave the chilly waters of the Mediterranean from Nice’s Ruhl Plage.
Nice Christmas Village – This traditional festive market is held at the Place Massena. Forty wooden chalets are set up in the square, selling typical Provencal gifts. There is also an ice-skating rink and children’s entertainment.

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Every month, Nice, France features various special events and attractions which are greatly enjoyed by both tourists and city locals. This month of July, here are some of the events lined up in Nice.  

Voucalia, Festival of Mediterranean Polyphony and Traditional Music.

If you love open-air concerts and gentle Meditteranean music then the Festival of Mediterranean Polyphony and Traditional Music in Voucalia is the perfect event for you.  

Nice Jazz Festival.

Nice Jazz Festival would be held in the amphitheatre and the gardens of Cimiez from July 18 to July 25. Listen to the most prestigious musicians here in this week long celebration of Jazz music. 

Nuits Musicales de Nice / International Academy of Summer Music

Attending one of the classical concerts of Le Nuits Musicales de Nice is a great way to unwind and de-stress.  

Musicalia (Theatre de Verdure)

This concert which would be held at the Theatre de Verdure would take you to a musical journey from India to Persia and Armenia to Argentina and Mexico. 

Bastille Day Celebration.

Take part in France’s national celebration on the 14th of July by participating in the festivities at the Promenade des Anglais. Watch fireworks by the sea or you could even join the open air Grand Ball. 

La Castellada.

Take a two hour walking tour on the Castle Hill and discover the history of Nice and the Château de Nice.  

International Open Summer Chess Tournament.

If you’re into chess, then Nice’s International Open Summer Chess Tournament is definitely the place to be.