This weekend is the grand finale of the Carnaval de Nice 2026, themed "Vive la Reine"! We have some amazing final parade events, plus a dedicated Kids Party on Saturday. Beyond the carnival buzz, there are some fantastic cultural outings and mountain fun available if you are willing to travel slightly out of the immediate city centre.
See our top picks
Snow Carnival Slalom
Piste du Riou, Auron
Free fancy dress slalom up in the mountains on Saturday morning.
Games Morning with Family
Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra
Free board games and creative fun indoors at the library on Saturday.
Story Time: Little World of Albums, Rhymes and Nursery Rhymes
Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra
A free storytelling session perfectly tailored for babies and toddlers (0-3) on Saturday morning.
· February 28
10: This is one of the closing events for the massive Nice Carnival, featuring the illuminated floats parade in the evening. It’s your last chance to see the incredible light show on the famous floats this weekend.It's the final Saturday night parade of the entire Carnival season.
: Witness the elegant procession of floats decked out with beautiful floral arrangements. Characters in amazing costumes parade and shower the public with flowers—a classic Nice tradition.This is one of the last opportunities this season for the famous flower battles.
FREE : The official closing event of the Carnival features the symbolic burning of the King float, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the bay. A great way to end your Saturday night.This is the dramatic, official climax of the entire Nice Carnival.
: An exclusive Kids Party themed around the Nice Carnival! Expect surprises, laughter, face painting, and festive snacks designed just for children.A dedicated, structured party event for children during the busy Carnival weekend.
FREE : Head to the Louis Nucéra Library for a free morning dedicated to playing board games together as a family or with friends. They have family games, party games, and creative construction options.A fantastic free, indoor activity perfect for a break from the outdoor Carnival crowds.
SNOW CARNIVAL SLALOMFREE : If you fancy a mountain trip this Saturday, head up to Auron for a fancy dress giant slalom competition! There's musical entertainment, and prizes for the best costumes.A full day of fun combining the Carnival theme with winter sports outside Nice.
: Catch a fast-paced theatrical improvisation match featuring two teams, an uncompromising referee, and lots of audience interaction. This is high energy entertainment perfect for older kids and teens.A lively, engaging event taking place on the final Saturday of the month.
: See jazz-electro quartet featuring Natacha Atlas. This show blends soul and oriental influences, offering a unique musical experience.A high-quality musical performance happening Saturday evening.
: Master the basics of plant-based baking, learning techniques for making vegan butter, pastry cream, and frangipane. A great hands-on session for food-loving families.It's a fun, skill-based culinary workshop happening on Saturday.
: If you are up for a short trip outside Nice, the traditional Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup kicks off this weekend with a floral procession. It promises beautiful sights and traditional village atmosphere.It's one of the few non-Carnival regional festivals happening right on Saturday.
· March 1
1FREE : Head to the Louis Nucéra Library for a free morning dedicated to playing board games together as a family or with friends. Great way to wind down the Carnival weekend indoors.It's the final day of the weekend, and this free indoor activity is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: These practical workshops offer step-by-step guidance to help you see how digital tools can enhance your daily life. Perfect if you're looking for an indoor activity away from the Carnival chaos.It's a specific skill-building workshop taking place on the Saturday.
FREE : A lovely free reading session at the Louis Nucéra Library, perfect for your youngest ones. Let the librarians transport you into the imaginary world of picture books and rhymes.It's a dedicated session for babies and toddlers (0-3) on Saturday morning.
FREE : The city keeps the Carnival spirit alive by hosting free festive afternoons in various local neighborhoods. Check out the one happening at Square Colonel Jeanpierre this Saturday afternoon!Offers a free, local, and less crowded Carnival experience on Saturday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Nice this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 1) the best free options are the 'Games Morning with Family' at Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra on Saturday, the local 'Carnival in the Neighborhoods' events happening Saturday afternoon, and the 'Snow Carnival Slalom' up in Auron on Saturday.
What is the main Carnival event on Saturday, Feb 28th?
Saturday is packed! The main events are the Flower Parade (Batailles de Fleurs), the evening Illuminated Parade (Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé), and the grand finale: the Burning of the King and Fireworks Display near the Promenade des Anglais at 10:45 PM.
Are there activities for younger children (under 5)?
Yes, look for the free 'Story Time: Little World of Albums, Rhymes and Nursery Rhymes' at Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra on Saturday morning. Also, the dedicated 'Carnival Kids Party' on Saturday afternoon has activities specifically for children.
