Events in Cannes on September 12 and 13, 2026: the Cannes Yachting Festival takes center stage

The weekend of September 12 and 13, 2026, in Cannes will be dominated by the world of international yachting thanks to the Cannes Yachting Festival, one of the year’s most important events for yacht, sailing and boating enthusiasts. Taking place from Tuesday, September 8 to Sunday, September 13, 2026, the festival will reach its final weekend with Cannes transformed into a major international showcase for boats, yachts and the latest technologies in the nautical industry.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Cannes Yachting Festival will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while on Sunday, September 13, 2026, opening hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival takes place in two of Cannes’ most iconic locations, the Vieux Port of Cannes and Port Canto, which are connected by a free sea shuttle service allowing visitors to move easily between the two exhibition areas.

Cannes Yachting Festival: what to see on September 12 and 13

The Cannes Yachting Festival is much more than a traditional boat show. It is one of the first major events of the international yachting season, bringing together shipyards, brokers, specialist companies, industry professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.

The 2026 edition is expected to feature more than 680 exhibitors and around 700 boats, with a particularly strong focus on new models and premieres. Visitors will be able to see yachts and boats ranging approximately from 5 to 50 metres in length, discovering new models, technological solutions, equipment and services related to the nautical sector. The event will also feature around 150 world premieres, while total attendance is expected to reach approximately 56,000 visitors.

The Vieux Port, located in the heart of Cannes at the foot of the Croisette, is one of the festival’s two main exhibition areas. It will host mainly motor yachts, superyachts, large day boats, marine equipment and companies providing services to the yachting industry. Access to the Vieux Port is available from the Palais des Festivals and the Pantiero, opposite Cannes City Hall.

The second major area of the Cannes Yachting Festival is Port Canto, located at the eastern end of the Croisette. This part of the event focuses particularly on sailing and leisure boating, with a dedicated Sailing Area, a Power Boat Marina and a brokerage section. According to information published by the Cannes Tourism Office, the sailing area hosts around 120 new sailing yachts over 10 metres, while the Power Boat Marina features approximately 180 day boats. The Yacht Brokerage section brings together more than 45 yachts over 25 metres.

Saturday, September 12, 2026: a full day among yachts and innovation

Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., is likely to be one of the best opportunities to experience the Cannes Yachting Festival and dedicate several hours to exploring its two exhibition areas. The event is not concentrated in a single venue: it occupies a substantial section of the Cannes waterfront and offers two complementary experiences.

A visit can begin at the Vieux Port, where visitors can admire motor yachts and superyachts moored in front of the historic centre and the Palais des Festivals. From there, visitors can continue towards Port Canto using the free sea shuttles operated by the festival. The maritime shuttle service begins at 10 a.m. and runs approximately every 15 minutes, offering an especially scenic way to cross the bay and admire Cannes from the water.

The festival also places a strong emphasis on innovation. The Innovation Route highlights selected solutions recognised for their innovative character and their contribution to the sustainable transformation of the nautical industry. Areas of focus include navigation, sustainable products, new technologies applied to boats and initiatives related to environmental and social responsibility.

For visitors interested not only in yachting as a spectacle but also in the future of the industry, this section provides an interesting insight into the technologies that are changing the way boats are designed, built and used.

Sunday, September 13, 2026: the final day of the festival

The Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 will continue on Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., marking the final day of the event. It will be the last opportunity to explore the yachts on display, meet industry professionals and enjoy the final hours of this major nautical event on the French Riviera.

On Sunday, visitors will once again be able to travel between the Vieux Port and Port Canto using the sea shuttle services provided by the organisers. For first-time visitors, the ability to travel between the two areas by boat makes it easier to organise the day without having to walk the entire length of the Croisette. The official interactive map also allows visitors to locate exhibitors, boats, restaurants, VIP areas, entrances and shuttle stops.

Where is the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 held?

The festival takes place across two ports in Cannes, both easily accessible from the city centre. The Vieux Port is next to the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette, while Port Canto is located at the opposite end of the famous waterfront promenade.

The main city landmark associated with the event is the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, 1 boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, while the exhibition areas themselves extend between the Vieux Port and Port Canto. Cannes railway station is approximately five minutes’ walk from the Palais des Festivals, making the festival particularly convenient to reach by train.

Visitors arriving by car are advised to plan their journey in advance, given the high attendance expected over the weekend. The festival also provides information on local public transport and connections between Cannes and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Useful information for the weekend of September 12 and 13 in Cannes

The Cannes Yachting Festival will therefore be the main major event highlighted for the weekend of September 12 and 13, 2026, in Cannes. On Saturday, the festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while on Sunday it will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will take place between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, with free sea shuttle connections between the two areas.

Visitors are advised to check the official festival information before travelling, particularly regarding access arrangements, tickets and any updates to the programme. Tickets for the Cannes Yachting Festival are available through the event’s official platform.

With its yachts, sailing boats, world premieres, innovative technologies and international atmosphere along the Croisette, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 offers an excellent reason to spend the weekend of September 12 and 13 on the French Riviera. It is an event that brings together spectacle, luxury, innovation and a passion for the sea in the heart of Cannes.