What to Do in Nice on 17–18 October 2026: Events, Concerts, Theatre and Exhibitions

Weekend in Nice, 17–18 October 2026: What to See and Do

Spending the weekend of 17–18 October 2026 in Nice means discovering a city that continues to offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy culture, music and live entertainment in autumn. The events calendar ranges from contemporary theatre and comedy to rock, jazz and world music concerts, as well as exhibitions and activities for younger audiences.

Highlights include the Les Buissonnières Festival, running from 15 to 18 October, concerts by Les Wampas and Chinese Man Records, theatre performances across the city and art exhibitions taking place throughout the weekend. On Sunday 18 October, visitors can continue exploring Nice through performances, concerts and cultural activities.

Several exhibitions will also be open throughout the weekend, making it easy to combine daytime museum visits with an evening stroll through the Old Town or a night out at a show.

Les Buissonnières Festival: Theatre, Creativity and Audience Participation

One of the main events taking place over the weekend is the Les Buissonnières Festival, scheduled in Nice from 15 to 18 October 2026. The festival offers opportunities to discover performing arts through theatre productions and activities that encourage public participation, with a focus on artistic exploration and experimentation.

On Saturday 17 October, the programme includes several festival events, such as Rêve & Veillée and Les Séparables, two theatre productions worth considering for visitors interested in different approaches to performance. The day also features introductory activities, including Initiation au théâtre autour des Séparables, designed to introduce participants to theatrical expression, and Initiation au théâtre d’ombres autour de Rêve & Veillée, dedicated to shadow theatre.

Visitors can also take part in Devenez reporter des Buissonnières !, an initiative offering a different perspective on the festival and a chance to engage more closely with the performing arts.

On Sunday 18 October, the programme continues with Initiation au théâtre d’objets et à la magie, autour de Chifumi, an activity combining object theatre and magic. For exact times, venues and booking arrangements, visitors should consult the festival’s official programme.

Theatre in Nice: Comedy, Classics and Performances for Every Taste

Theatre plays a major role in Nice’s cultural calendar on Saturday 17 October. Comedy fans can look forward to Toc Toc, scheduled for 16 and 17 October, and Le bal des crapules, also running on 16 and 17 October. Both belong to the comedy genre and offer options for an entertaining evening.

Another production to consider is Mobile Homme, running from 15 to 17 October. Those who prefer French theatre and dialogue-driven performances may enjoy Jules et Marcel / Raimu – Pagnol, scheduled from 16 to 18 October. The production offers an opportunity to rediscover two figures associated with French theatre and cinema.

Saturday’s programme also includes Mariés au premier coup d’oeil and Un 4×4 pour deux, both comedies, as well as La Culotte, Cuisine et dépendances and Sur un air de Bacri. The programme also features Le retour d’Ulysse, scheduled for 17 and 18 October, for visitors looking for a theatrical experience beyond conventional comedy.

For those interested in more experimental stage productions, Collage : paysages poétiques, autour de Lune Rouge, scheduled for 17 October, is another event worth investigating.

Performance times and theatre addresses are not included in the original event listings, so visitors should check the official event pages for updated information and ticket availability before making plans.

Louis Cattelat, Magic and Live Entertainment: Saturday’s Highlights

On Saturday 17 October, Nice also offers stand-up comedy and live entertainment. One of the featured events is Louis Cattelat – Arecibo, a stand-up show that may appeal to audiences interested in the French comedy scene.

Magic enthusiasts can consider Zatanna – Aux frontières de la transcendance, a show dedicated to illusion and magic that promises an experience quite different from a traditional theatre performance.

The programme also lists Monster Trucks & Cascades à Nice – Danglade Show Hells Drivers, an event featuring monster trucks and automotive stunts. It is an option for visitors looking for a high-energy show, particularly families, subject to confirmation of the venue and performance time.

For those who prefer a more educational experience, Saturday 17 October also features the conference Trois monuments emblématiques de la cité d’Antipolis (Antibes), focusing on three landmarks in Antibes. It offers an opportunity to explore the history of the French Riviera beyond Nice itself.

Concerts in Nice on 17 October: Rock, Jazz, Rap and World Music

Music lovers will find a particularly varied programme. On Saturday 17 October, Les Wampas will perform in Nice. Associated with the French punk-rock scene, the band is an appealing choice for anyone who enjoys energetic live performances and rock music.

The same day features Chinese Man Records, an event associated with electronic music and sounds that blend hip-hop, beats and experimentation. It is an interesting option for those looking for contemporary music and an energetic night out.

Fans of jazz and bossa nova can consider Jo Kaiat & Jussanam Duo – Rosa, Jazz & Bossa, which offers a programme built around smoother, melodic sounds. The calendar also includes a concert by Rija Ramanantoanina, an artist associated with world music, and La Rif et nos Men, an event in the rap, R&B and soul genres.

Rounding out Saturday’s musical programme is the Festival CaraïbAzur Nice, dedicated to Caribbean sounds and musical traditions. Those looking for a dance-focused evening can also consider Zona de Perreo.

Piano music and classical repertoire feature in Les nocturnes du piano au CUM. Meanwhile, anyone interested in a vocal performance with a spiritual dimension can look into Quand le Divin se fait Musique, scheduled for Sunday 18 October.

Since the supplied listings do not include start times, venue addresses or ticket prices, it is important to check the organisers’ official channels before buying tickets or travelling between venues.

Sunday 18 October: Concerts, Puppet Theatre and Original Performances

On Sunday 18 October, Nice continues to offer a varied programme combining music, performing arts and entertainment. Musical highlights include LINDAL, scheduled for Sunday, and L’esprit du Cachemire, a world music concert.

For a different musical experience, Quand le Divin se fait Musique offers a programme in the classical vocal and lyrical music category. It is worth considering for those who appreciate singing and the traditions of classical music.

The performing arts programme includes Cosmicomics, a show scheduled for Sunday that shares its title with Mât pendulaire inspiré de Cosmicomics, an exhibition performance listed for 18 October. The calendar also includes Chifumi, a puppet show, and Initiation au théâtre d’objets et à la magie, autour de Chifumi. This introductory activity offers an opportunity to discover object theatre and the storytelling possibilities of magic.

For families and fans of visually inventive performances, puppet theatre provides an appealing alternative to conventional evening shows. Visitors should check performance times, age recommendations and ticket availability to choose the most suitable event.

The weekend also includes Forro de Nice, a musical event running from 15 to 18 October. Forró is a Brazilian music and dance genre, and the event offers a chance to discover different rhythms and traditions, with the possibility of dancing depending on the format.

Exhibitions to Visit in Nice on 17–18 October 2026

Those who prefer to spend part of the day exploring art will find several exhibitions open during the weekend. Saturday and Sunday 18 October are the final days to visit Africa Pop, an exhibition of modern and contemporary art running until 18 October 2026. It is particularly worth considering for visitors who want to see the exhibition before it closes.

The exhibition Quand la terre devient lumière, dedicated to Lilette and Gilbert Valentin, also closes on 18 October. Its title, meaning “When Earth Becomes Light”, suggests an artistic exploration of material, form and light. Visitors should confirm the exhibition venue and opening hours before attending.

Nice, ma ville, mes jardins runs until 31 October 2026 and invites visitors to explore Nice through the relationship between the city and its gardens. It is a suitable choice for those interested in urban landscapes and the city’s green heritage.

Another exhibition worth considering is L’Automne de l’Image, running from 19 September to 29 November 2026. Dedicated to the world of images, it adds another reason to explore Nice’s cultural scene.

From 10 October 2026 to 18 January 2027, visitors can also see Chagall Couture. Un hommage à l’artiste, an exhibition of modern and contemporary art paying tribute to Marc Chagall through a project whose title suggests a dialogue between art and fashion.

Art history enthusiasts may also be interested in De la scène à la toile. Artistes et mondaines de la Belle Époque, open until 4 April 2027, and Léonard de Vinci – À la croisée des arts et des sciences, running until 31 December 2026. The first explores the artistic and social world of the Belle Époque, while the second focuses on the intersection of art and science in Leonardo da Vinci’s work.

Palais Lascaris and Exhibitions to Discover in Nice’s Old Town

Nice’s Old Town offers further opportunities to enrich a weekend with cultural visits. Merveilles et curiosités du Palais Lascaris is scheduled from 13 February 2026 to 11 January 2027. The exhibition provides a reason to include Palais Lascaris in an itinerary devoted to the city’s history and cultural heritage.

The same venue is hosting Coun – Libera l’Art au Palais Lascaris, scheduled from 27 June 2026 to 18 January 2027. Both exhibitions are worth considering for visitors who want to explore Nice’s historical and artistic heritage.

Other exhibitions include Bernard Reyboz – Hors norme, open from 11 September 2026 to 16 January 2027; Frédérique Nalbandian – Durée indéterminée, running from 12 September to 6 November; and La Vague Qui Vient – Rémy Saglier, scheduled from 17 September to 7 November 2026.

Comic-book enthusiasts can also explore Mortimer et le Japon de papier, an exhibition dedicated to the world of comics, running from 1 August 2026 to 31 January 2027. Another long-running exhibition, Un été 2024, is scheduled from 1 August 2026 to 30 July 2028.

These dates make it possible to distinguish between exhibitions closing during the weekend and those remaining open for several more weeks or months. Opening hours, admission fees and precise exhibition locations should nevertheless be checked before visiting.

How to Plan Your Weekend in Nice

To make the most of 17–18 October 2026, consider combining daytime cultural visits with evening performances, while allowing enough time to travel between venues.

Saturday 17 October is a good opportunity to visit exhibitions approaching their closing dates, such as Africa Pop and Quand la terre devient lumière, or explore Palais Lascaris. In the evening, choose between theatre, comedy and live music according to your interests and ticket availability.

Sunday 18 October is ideal for completing an art itinerary, visiting exhibitions that remain open and attending a concert or theatre performance. Activities connected with the Les Buissonnières Festival and object theatre may be particularly interesting for families travelling with children, subject to checking the organisers’ official information.

Before setting off, check updated schedules, venue addresses, ticket prices and any booking requirements. Although the programme is extensive, not all events necessarily take place in the same neighbourhood or at the same time.

Nice on 17–18 October 2026: A Weekend of Culture, Music and Entertainment

The weekend of 17–18 October 2026 confirms Nice as an appealing autumn destination, with a programme combining art, theatre, concerts and activities for different audiences. From exhibitions devoted to history and contemporary art to comedy shows, rock and world music concerts, puppet theatre and the Les Buissonnières Festival, there are plenty of ways to create a personalised itinerary.

For visitors to the French Riviera, planning ahead makes it easier to combine a tour of the Old Town with cultural and musical events. Checking official listings also helps visitors establish whether events are free or ticketed and choose the experiences that best suit their interests.

Nice therefore offers a varied weekend for anyone looking to enjoy culture, entertainment and new experiences in October.