Cannes International Fireworks Festival 2026: dates, program and spectacular shows in the Bay of Cannes

The French Riviera is preparing for another spectacular summer with the return of the Cannes International Fireworks Festival 2026, one of the most anticipated events of the season. Organized by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the famous festival will transform the Bay of Cannes into an open-air stage featuring six major fireworks shows throughout July and August.

Since 1967, the festival has become a world reference in pyrotechnic art, attracting thousands of visitors from across Europe every year. For the 2026 edition, Cannes’ waterfront will once again host breathtaking performances combining music, lights and cutting-edge visual effects along the Mediterranean coastline.

Dates of the Cannes International Fireworks Festival 2026

The fireworks displays will take place on July 4, 14 and 22, and on August 4, 15 and 24, 2026. All shows will begin at 10:00 p.m., except for the July 14 performance, scheduled for 11:00 p.m. in celebration of Bastille Day.

The festival is free and open to everyone, reaffirming Cannes’ commitment to offering accessible and popular cultural events for both residents and tourists.

Each evening will feature approximately twenty minutes of synchronized fireworks choreographed to music, enhanced by immersive visual effects and artistic staging spread across more than 500 meters of the famous Croisette.

International teams competing for the prestigious awards

The Cannes International Fireworks Festival is also a renowned international competition bringing together some of the world’s leading pyrotechnic companies competing for the Vestal Trophy, the Jury Prize and the Audience Award.

The Serbian company Pyro-Team D.O.O. will open the festival on July 4, followed by Poland’s Nakaja Art on July 14. On July 22, China Galaxy Pyrotechnics Co., LTD from China will take center stage.

In August, French company SARL Aquareve will perform on August 4, while Finland’s Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks AB will present its show on August 15.

The closing evening on August 24 will feature a non-competitive performance by Czech company FLASH BARRANDOV Speciální Efekty.

A commemorative edition dedicated to remembrance

The 2026 edition will also carry strong symbolic significance. The July 14 fireworks display will commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Nice attack, creating a moment that combines remembrance, emotion and unity.

Cannes Mayor David Lisnard emphasized that the festival continues to symbolize the city internationally while bringing people together through art, culture and shared experiences.

International jury and online audience voting

The performances will be judged by a panel of professionals from the worlds of culture, music and events. The evaluation criteria will include artistic quality, musical synchronization, technical mastery and aesthetic creativity.

The audience will also play an active role through online voting available on the festival’s official website. The winner of the Audience Award will be announced during the closing ceremony on August 24.

Environmental protection and safety measures

Environmental preservation of the Bay of Cannes remains a priority for the organizers. After each performance, specialized boats and diving teams will conduct extensive clean-up operations both on the water surface and underwater to remove any pyrotechnic debris.

Specific safety protocols related to weather conditions have also been established. Performances may be postponed in the event of strong winds or rough seas to ensure public safety and protect technical teams.

Combining immersive entertainment, international competition and environmental responsibility, the Cannes International Fireworks Festival 2026 once again promises to be one of the highlights of the French Riviera summer season and one of Europe’s most spectacular events.