The weekend of July 18–19, 2026, in Nice will be full of cultural, musical and artistic events. The capital of the French Riviera will offer live jazz concerts, music festivals, summer theatre shows and a wide selection of exhibitions hosted in the city’s main museums and cultural venues.

Among the highlights are the events of Jazz Fest’Off 2026, with free concerts in different locations across the city, as well as major exhibitions dedicated to Henri Matisse, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Chagall, the Belle Époque and the history of Nice.

Here is the complete guide to the events taking place in Nice on July 18 and 19, 2026, including dates, venues, schedules and useful visitor information.

Events and Concerts in Nice on Saturday, July 18, 2026

Les Frères Jacquard – Jazz Fest’Off 2026

Category: Concert – Jazz Fest’Off
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Location: Nice – official Jazz Fest’Off venues (city programme)
Time: To be confirmed according to the official festival schedule

Les Frères Jacquard will be one of the highlights of the Jazz Fest’Off 2026 programme, the parallel event to the famous Nice Jazz Festival, dedicated to free concerts and live performances throughout the city.

The group offers a unique combination of music, comedy and theatrical performance, blending jazz, rock and entertainment with a highly original style.

Useful information:

• Recommended for fans of live music and unconventional performances.
• Access is generally free in Jazz Fest’Off locations.
• Arriving early is recommended due to summer crowds.

Exhibitions Open in Nice During the Weekend of July 18–19, 2026

“Merveilles et curiosités du Palais Lascaris”

Category: Historical exhibition
Dates: February 13, 2026 – January 11, 2027
Venue: Palais Lascaris, Nice

This exhibition invites visitors to discover the collections and curiosities preserved inside the historic Palais Lascaris, one of Nice’s most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture.

The exhibition explores unusual objects, decorative elements and testimonies of aristocratic life in the city throughout history.

Opening hours:

• According to the museum’s official opening schedule.

“André, Jean et les autres…”

Category: Exhibition
Dates: March 6 – July 31, 2026
Venue: Nice

This exhibition focuses on artistic and cultural figures connected with French creativity, presenting personalities, works and influences.

Useful information:

• The weekend of July 18–19 is among the final weeks to visit the exhibition.
• Recommended for visitors interested in modern and contemporary art.

“Trésors, charafi et quoi encore ?”

Category: Historical exhibition
Dates: April 13 – October 30, 2026
Venue: Nice

A journey through objects, memories and curiosities that tell the story of local heritage and popular culture.

The exhibition explores the idea of “charafi”, a term linked to unusual or surprising objects that become valuable witnesses of everyday life and history.

“Chagall à l’oeuvre – Un prêt d’exception au musée”

Category: Painting exhibition
Dates: May 2 – September 21, 2026
Venue: Nice museum venue

A special exhibition dedicated to Marc Chagall, featuring an exceptional loan that highlights the artist’s creative process.

Visitors can explore Chagall’s artistic journey, from preparatory drawings to completed works.

Perfect for:

• modern art lovers;
• visitors interested in 20th-century masters.

“Africa Pop”

Category: Modern and contemporary art
Dates: May 2 – October 18, 2026
Venue: Nice

An exhibition dedicated to contemporary African artistic expressions and their connections with international pop culture.

A colourful journey through modern visual languages and new forms of creativity.

“Exposition Mathieu Forget”

Category: Photography exhibition
Dates: June 13 – September 27, 2026
Venue: Nice

This photography exhibition presents the work of Mathieu Forget, an artist known for images that combine movement, poetry and visual experimentation.

His photographs explore the relationship between the human body, space and perception.

“Henri Matisse – Yves Saint Laurent. Le beau, la mode et le bonheur”

Category: Fashion and art exhibition
Dates: June 17 – September 28, 2026
Venue: Nice

One of the most important cultural events of summer 2026 in Nice.

The exhibition creates a dialogue between the artistic world of Henri Matisse and the fashion universe of Yves Saint Laurent, showing how colours, shapes and compositions influenced both creators.

A must-see event for lovers of:

• modern art;
• fashion;
• design;
• French creative history.

“De la scène à la toile. Artistes et mondaines de la Belle Époque”

Category: Painting exhibition
Dates: June 19, 2026 – April 4, 2027
Venue: Nice

An exhibition dedicated to the Belle Époque, exploring artists, theatre performances and the glamorous world of late 19th- and early 20th-century society.

The exhibition presents paintings and historical documents that recreate the cultural atmosphere of the period.

“Coun – Libera l’Art au Palais Lascaris”

Category: Contemporary art exhibition
Dates: June 27, 2026 – January 18, 2027
Venue: Palais Lascaris, Nice

A contemporary art project hosted inside one of Nice’s most important historic buildings.

The exhibition creates a dialogue between Baroque heritage and modern artistic expression.

“Staring at the sun”

Category: Contemporary art exhibition
Dates: July 10 – September 27, 2026
Venue: Nice

A contemporary exhibition exploring the relationship between light, perception and imagination through artistic research.

“Là où le jour cède” by Dany Albiach

Category: Contemporary art exhibition
Dates: July 10 – September 27, 2026
Venue: Nice

This exhibition presents the work of Dany Albiach, an artist who explores the relationship between space, matter and memory.

“Nissa La Bella – Exposition Immersive”

Category: Immersive historical exhibition
Dates: July 11 – September 5, 2026
Venue: Nice

An immersive experience dedicated to the history and identity of Nice, from its origins to the modern city.

Through images, technology and multimedia storytelling, visitors can discover the cultural heritage of the French Riviera capital.

Music Festivals and Concerts in Nice on July 18–19, 2026

Fest’Off 2026 – Nice Jazz Fest

Category: Jazz festival
Dates: July 16–26, 2026
Venue: Various locations throughout central Nice

The Fest’Off 2026 accompanies the main jazz event in the city with free concerts, street performances and musical events in different neighbourhoods.

It is one of the best summer appointments on the French Riviera for experiencing jazz in a relaxed atmosphere.

Events on Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Nice

Muzsikus Swing – Jazz Fest’Off

Category: Concert – Jazz / Brass band
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Venue: Nice – Jazz Fest’Off locations
Time: According to the official schedule

A lively swing performance bringing festive rhythms and an energetic atmosphere to the city.

Delftsche Studenten Big Band – Jazz Fest’Off

Category: Concert – Big Band
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Venue: Nice – Jazz Fest’Off locations
Time: According to the official schedule

The Dutch formation brings powerful arrangements, jazz energy and the classic sound of a big band orchestra.

Swing Gavinu – Jazz Fest’Off

Category: Concert – Swing / Brass band
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Venue: Nice – Jazz Fest’Off locations
Time: According to the official schedule

A festive swing performance perfect for ending a summer weekend in Nice with music and entertainment.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nice on July 18–19, 2026

• Book tickets in advance for the most popular exhibitions, especially those dedicated to Matisse, Yves Saint Laurent and Chagall.
• July is peak tourist season: arriving early at museums and using public transport is recommended.
• Check the updated Jazz Fest’Off schedule shortly before travelling, as concert times and venues may change.
• Nice’s historic centre is easy to explore on foot, allowing visitors to combine exhibitions, concerts and walks through the Old Town.