
The weekend of August 8–9, 2026 is one of the best times to experience the Principality of Monaco during the summer season. The events calendar features a wide variety of cultural experiences, art exhibitions, live music performances, family-friendly activities and guided heritage tours. From exhibitions dedicated to the Grimaldi family and the history of the automobile to immersive museum experiences and concerts at the La Note Bleue Summer Festival, Monaco offers an exciting programme for every type of visitor.
One of the highlights for families is the Circus Workshops under the Big Top at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, taking place on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Fontvieille Big Top (Chapiteau de Fontvieille). The workshops are held throughout the day and give children and teenagers the opportunity to discover the fascinating world of circus arts through hands-on sessions led by professional performers. Participants can try juggling, balancing and acrobatics while enjoying a unique educational experience at the historic venue of the world-famous Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.
Visitors wishing to discover the history of the Principality can also join the “In the Heart of Monaco – Heritage Tour”, available on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, with guided departures throughout the day from the historic district of Monaco-Ville. This heritage tour takes participants through the Principality’s most iconic landmarks, exploring its rich history, remarkable architecture and long-standing traditions.
Motoring enthusiasts can visit “Monaco and the Automobile, from 1893 to the Present Day”, open on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, during the exhibition’s regular opening hours. The exhibition retraces more than a century of automotive history in Monaco, highlighting the Principality’s close relationship with international motorsport, from the earliest automobiles to Formula One, through historic vehicles, original documents and multimedia installations.
Live music takes centre stage with the La Note Bleue Summer Festival 2026, held at La Note Bleue on Larvotto Beach, on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, with concerts generally taking place in the evening. The festival features an outstanding programme of jazz, soul, world music and contemporary sounds in a relaxed beachfront setting, making it one of Monaco’s most popular summer events.
Among the season’s must-see exhibitions is “Exhibition – The Wedding of the Century”, open on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, during regular opening hours. The exhibition celebrates the legendary wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly through photographs, original documents, elegant garments and historic memorabilia that tell the story of one of Monaco’s most iconic royal events.
Visitors can also explore “Exposition – Patrimoine en danger”, hosted at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco, on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, during museum opening hours. This exhibition focuses on the protection of cultural heritage, highlighting the challenges faced by archaeological and historical sites around the world and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
Art lovers should not miss “Victor Brauner, L’Aventure magique”, presented at the New National Museum of Monaco – Villa Paloma, open on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, during museum hours. Dedicated to the renowned Surrealist artist Victor Brauner, the exhibition features paintings, drawings and artworks that reveal his imaginative universe, rich in symbolism and mystery.
Also continuing throughout the weekend is “Un Mariage sous les projecteurs. Rainier III et Grace Kelly. 12–19 avril 1956”, hosted at the Prince’s Palace Archives, open on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, during scheduled opening hours. Through historical photographs, official documents and archival material, the exhibition recounts the memorable days leading up to the royal wedding that captured worldwide attention.
History and archaeology enthusiasts can also visit “Exhibition – From Toumaï to Sapiens”, on display at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco, open on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, during museum hours. The exhibition explores the evolution of humankind from the earliest hominins to modern Homo sapiens through archaeological discoveries, life-size reconstructions and interactive educational displays.
The same museum also hosts “Exposition Magies d’ailleurs”, open throughout Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, during normal opening hours. The exhibition offers visitors an anthropological journey through magical beliefs, rituals and traditions from cultures around the world, highlighting the diversity of spiritual practices across civilizations.
Finally, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco presents “Exhibition – Mediterranean 2050”, open on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, during regular museum hours. This immersive exhibition explores the future of the Mediterranean Sea, addressing biodiversity, climate change and marine conservation through innovative multimedia installations and interactive experiences.
With such a diverse programme, the weekend of August 8–9, 2026, in Monaco promises something for everyone. Whether you are interested in art, history, live music, family activities or cultural discoveries, the Principality offers an unforgettable summer experience. From internationally acclaimed exhibitions to concerts by the sea and engaging educational events, Monaco once again confirms its status as one of the French Riviera’s premier destinations for culture and entertainment.