What to do in Nice on the weekend of July 25–26, 2026

The weekend of July 25–26, 2026 will be one of the highlights of the summer season in Nice, offering a rich programme of music, art and cultural events. The capital of the French Riviera will host the new edition of the renowned Nice Jazz Fest 2026, alongside live concerts, classical music festivals, theatre performances and temporary exhibitions in the city’s main museums.

Among the most anticipated events are the major concerts of the Nice Jazz Fest 2026, the Fest’Off 2026, the Nice Classic Festival, as well as exhibitions dedicated to important figures in art and culture such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Yves Saint Laurent.

Here is the complete guide to the best events to experience in Nice during the weekend of July 25–26, 2026.

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🎷 Nice Jazz Fest 2026: the biggest music event of the summer

Nice Jazz Fest 2026

📅 Date: July 23–25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice, official festival venues
🎵 Category: Jazz and blues festival

The Nice Jazz Fest 2026 will be one of the most important music events of the summer on the French Riviera. One of Europe’s most famous jazz festivals, it brings together international artists, emerging talents and innovative musical projects combining jazz, soul, funk, blues and contemporary sounds.

The final day of the festival, Saturday July 25, 2026, will feature an especially rich programme of concerts for music lovers.

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🎤 Nice Jazz Fest Concerts – Saturday July 25, 2026

Lola Young – Nice Jazz Fest

📅 Date: Saturday July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Jazz Fest, Nice
🎵 Category: Concert

British singer-songwriter Lola Young will be one of the most anticipated performers of the day. With her unique style blending pop, soul and alternative influences, she has become one of the most exciting new voices on the international music scene.

Her performance will be a must-see event for fans of modern sounds and powerful vocals.

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Biréli Lagrène – Nice Jazz Fest

📅 Date: Saturday July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Jazz Fest, Nice
🎵 Category: Jazz concert

French jazz guitarist Biréli Lagrène will showcase his extraordinary technique and musical virtuosity. Considered one of the greatest contemporary jazz guitarists, he will deliver a performance dedicated to lovers of high-quality jazz.

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The James Carter Quintet – Coltrane: A Centennial Supreme

📅 Date: Saturday July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Jazz Fest, Nice
🎵 Category: Jazz concert

A special tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane, presented by the James Carter Quintet. The project celebrates Coltrane’s musical legacy through fresh interpretations and contemporary arrangements.

A must-attend event for fans of classic jazz and the history of African-American music.

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Obongjayar – Nice Jazz Fest

📅 Date: Saturday July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Jazz Fest, Nice
🎵 Category: Concert

Nigerian-British artist Obongjayar will bring his unique blend of afrobeat, soul, electronic music and experimental sounds to the festival.

An innovative performance that highlights the international spirit of Nice Jazz Fest.

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The Getdown – Nice Jazz Fest

📅 Date: Saturday July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Jazz Fest, Nice
🎵 Category: Concert

The Getdown will deliver an energetic show combining funk, groove and contemporary jazz influences, perfect for those looking for a vibrant and dynamic live performance.

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Gabriel Jacoby – Nice Jazz Fest

📅 Date: Saturday July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Jazz Fest, Nice
🎵 Category: Concert

Gabriel Jacoby will perform as part of the festival programme, representing the new generation of contemporary jazz artists.

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🎺 Fest’Off 2026 – Jazz takes over the city

Fest’Off 2026 – Nice Jazz Fest

📅 Date: July 16–26, 2026
📍 Location: Various venues throughout Nice
🎵 Category: Jazz and blues festival

The Fest’Off 2026 will accompany Nice Jazz Fest with free concerts and live music events taking place across the city.

During the weekend of July 25, several bands and ensembles will perform:

L’Ethno Machine – Jazz Fest’Off

📅 Date: July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Concert – Brass band

A lively project combining ethnic rhythms, jazz influences and street music energy.

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Melotronic – Jazz Fest’Off

📅 Date: July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Concert – Brass band

A creative musical project mixing electronic sounds, jazz and contemporary influences.

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Les Ouiches Lorènes – Jazz Fest’Off

📅 Date: July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Concert – Brass band

A festive performance combining jazz traditions and street entertainment.

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Le Nice Orleans Jazz Orchestra – Jazz Fest’Off

📅 Date: July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Concert – Brass band

A tribute to New Orleans jazz traditions performed by local musicians.

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Muzsikus Swing – Jazz Fest’Off

📅 Date: July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Concert – Brass band

A swing and gypsy jazz performance full of rhythm and energy.

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Swing Gavinu – Jazz Fest’Off

📅 Date: July 25, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Concert – Brass band

An appointment dedicated to swing music and the most entertaining side of jazz.

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🎼 Nice Classic Festival 2026

Nice Classic Festival

📅 Date: July 21 – August 9, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Classical music festival

The Nice Classic Festival offers a rich programme dedicated to classical music, featuring concerts and events celebrating great composers.

During the weekend of July 25–26, it provides a refined alternative to jazz, perfect for those who wish to enjoy an elegant cultural evening in Nice.

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🎻 L’Oiseau Bleu – Classical Music Festival

📅 Date: Sunday July 26, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎵 Category: Classical music festival

The L’Oiseau Bleu Festival presents a special event dedicated to classical music, featuring selected performers and prestigious musical works.

An ideal appointment for classical music lovers and visitors looking for a more intimate cultural experience.

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🎭 Les Contes d’apéro – Les Rendez-vous de l’été

📅 Date: July 6–26, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎭 Category: Theatre

Les Contes d’apéro returns during the summer with storytelling performances, theatre shows and cultural encounters in a relaxed atmosphere.

The event taking place during the weekend of July 25 offers visitors the chance to discover a more intimate and artistic side of Nice.

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🖼️ Exhibitions to visit in Nice during the weekend of July 25–26, 2026

Merveilles et curiosités du Palais Lascaris

📅 Period: February 13, 2026 – January 11, 2027
📍 Location: Palais Lascaris, Nice
🎨 Category: Exhibition

An exhibition dedicated to the collections and fascinating curiosities of Palais Lascaris, one of Nice’s most beautiful historic buildings.

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André, Jean et les autres…

📅 Period: March 6 – July 31, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎨 Category: Exhibition

A cultural exhibition exploring artists and creative personalities connected to French artistic heritage.

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Chagall à l’œuvre – Un prêt d’exception au musée

📅 Period: May 2 – September 21, 2026
📍 Location: Nice Museum
🎨 Category: Painting exhibition

A special exhibition dedicated to Marc Chagall, presenting works that reveal the artist’s creative process.

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Africa Pop

📅 Period: May 2 – October 18, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎨 Category: Modern and contemporary art

An exhibition celebrating the energy of contemporary African art and its influence on global pop culture.

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Mathieu Forget Exhibition

📅 Period: June 13 – September 27, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
📷 Category: Photography

A photography exhibition showcasing Mathieu Forget’s artistic universe, where movement, body and space come together.

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

📅 Period: June 17 – September 28, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
👗 Category: Fashion and art exhibition

A dialogue between Henri Matisse’s artistic genius and Yves Saint Laurent’s world of fashion, exploring colour, beauty and creativity.

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

📅 Period: June 19, 2026 – April 4, 2027
📍 Location: Nice
🎨 Category: Painting exhibition

A journey through the Belle Époque, focusing on artists, performers and influential figures who shaped European culture.

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Coun – Libera l’Art au Palais Lascaris

📅 Period: June 27, 2026 – January 18, 2027
📍 Location: Palais Lascaris, Nice
🎨 Category: Contemporary art exhibition

A contemporary artistic project hosted inside one of Nice’s most important historic landmarks.

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Nice, dix ans de mémoire et de résilience

📅 Period: July 3–27, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🕊 Category: Commemorative exhibition

A commemorative exhibition dedicated to collective memory and ten years of reflection and resilience in Nice.

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Staring at the Sun

📅 Period: July 10 – September 27, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎨 Category: Contemporary art exhibition

An artistic exploration of light, perception and visual representation.

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Là où le jour cède – Dany Albiach

📅 Period: July 10 – September 27, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🎨 Category: Exhibition

Dany Albiach’s work explores the relationship between space, light and matter through contemporary artistic expression.

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Nissa La Bella – Immersive Exhibition

📅 Period: July 11 – September 5, 2026
📍 Location: Nice
🏛 Category: Historical immersive exhibition

An immersive journey through the history of Nice, from its origins to its transformation into the modern capital of the French Riviera.

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Why visit Nice on July 25–26, 2026?

The weekend of July 25–26, 2026 in Nice offers the perfect combination of international music, art and culture. From the major performances of the Nice Jazz Fest to classical concerts, theatre shows and world-class exhibitions, the city provides an unforgettable summer experience.

For travellers searching for what to do in Nice in July 2026, this weekend is one of the best opportunities to discover the French Riviera through concerts, museums, cultural events and unforgettable summer evenings.