Don’t know what to do this weekend of May 29, 30 and 31, 2026 in Nice? Whether you’re a fan of theater, sports or concerts, the city offers a varied program for all tastes, from Friday to Sunday.
Friday, May 29, 2026
The book festival: meet your favorite authors
Take advantage of May 29 to 31 of the 2026 book festival at Albert Ier Garden! On the program: conferences, signings, debates, screenings, readings… It’s an opportunity to explore a multitude of literary genres, “from general literature to comic books, through poetry and children’s literature” (City of Nice). You will also be able to meet the authors who are dear to you. Among them are Valentin Musso, David Foenkinos, Delphine De Vigan and Pierre Assouline.
Location: Albert Ier Garden
Hours: May 29 to 31, 2026
Exhibition: Chagall at Work – An Exceptional Loan to the Museum
Until September 21, this major exhibition brings together 141 works donated to the Centre Pompidou by the Chagall family, presented in Nice in two parts. Sketches of the Opéra Garnier ceiling, models, ceramics and collages reveal the painter’s creative process.
Location: Marc Chagall National Museum, Doctor Ménard Avenue
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
Le Bethel, evening: “Holy Hours” by Food Fiction
Food Fiction takes over the secret patio of Bethel, nestled in the heart of the Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur church, for an intimate break blending relaxation, bar, snacking and musical atmosphere. A suspended moment in a hidden place in Old Nice, between heritage and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Location: Le Béthel (Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur Church), 1 Place du Jésus, Nice
Hours: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Holy Hours), then 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. live concert by Léo Vanelli
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Exhibition: Wonders and Curiosities of Palais Lascaris
Palais Lascaris transforms into a cabinet of curiosities, revealing rare objects, ancient instruments and unexpected pieces from its collections. An immersion in the Baroque spirit of Old Nice.
Location: Palais Lascaris, 15 rue droite
Hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
Square of the Franciscans Hall: last chance to see the trial of great figures
Every Saturday, the TNN stages a fictional trial where a historical or literary figure is judged by a lawyer from the bar and an actor. A lively, funny and educational performance.
Location: Square of the Franciscans Hall (TNN)
Hours: at 11 a.m. (approximately 45 minutes)
Palais Nikaia: the Black Legends concert pays tribute to all African American music
This musical traces a century of African-American music, from Nina Simone to Beyoncé, with live band, choreography and soul train atmosphere. A festive and energetic show.
Location: Palais Nikaïa
Hours: at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Cimiez: last day of the Festival of May!
An emblematic Nice tradition, the Festival of May celebrates local culture with dances, songs, Nice specialties and family activities in the gardens.
Location: Cimiez Arenas Gardens
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nice Opera: last tickets for La Traviata
One of Verdi’s most famous operas returns to the Nice stage. A powerful work carried by a classical production and a top-quality cast.
Location: Nice Opera, 4–6 Saint-François-de-Paule Street
Hours: at 3 p.m.
Quartier du Poulpe: Midnight Tone Quartet, an enchanting jazz concert
An intimate jazz concert carried by a quartet with enchanting sonorities, in the warm atmosphere of Quartier du Poulpe.
Location: Le Quartier du Poulpe, 34 Bd Auguste Raynaud, Nice
Hours: at 7 p.m.
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