Events in Menton on October 24–25, 2026: Things to Do This Weekend

Menton is preparing to welcome visitors for the weekend of Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, with a programme combining culture, entertainment, sport, gastronomy and outdoor activities. Famous for its colourful old town, Mediterranean gardens and lemon-growing heritage, this French Riviera town offers plenty of opportunities for an autumn getaway, with activities for adults and families alike.

Highlights include the 10th International Fantastic Film Festival, the International Chess Open and entertainment for younger visitors. There are also exhibitions, guided tours of gardens and historic landmarks, local markets and food experiences that offer a taste of Menton’s culinary traditions.

Saturday, October 24: Sport, family entertainment and cultural events

Saturday begins at 9:00 am with Tennis N’ Roses, a sporting event scheduled in Menton. Listed under sports, it is an option for visitors who would like to start their weekend with some physical activity. The available information does not specify the venue, format or registration requirements, so visitors should check with the organisers for further details.

At 2:30 pm, the programme continues with Madame Chepakoi et la Théière magique, an event listed under entertainment and leisure. Its title evokes a magical, fairy-tale world, making it an appealing option for families looking for things to do with children in Menton. The venue and duration are not included in the available information, so checking the latest details before attending is recommended.

The weekend also coincides with two major cultural and intellectual events. From October 22 to 25, 2026, Menton hosts the 10th International Fantastic Film Festival, bringing fantastic cinema to the town. Both Saturday and Sunday fall within the festival dates, making it an option for fans of genre films and unusual cinematic worlds. The full screening schedule, venues, times and ticket information should be checked through the official event page.

Running from October 18 to 25, 2026, the 23rd International Chess Open also takes place in Menton. The tournament spans the entire week, including both weekend days. It is an event worth considering for chess enthusiasts and anyone interested in a competition that combines strategy, concentration and sporting spirit. The playing venue, match times and spectator or registration arrangements are not specified in the information available.

Sunday, October 25: Cinema, chess and cultural walks

Sunday, October 25, marks the final day of both the International Fantastic Film Festival and the International Chess Open. Visitors spending Sunday in Menton can consider these events after checking the programmes to find out which activities are scheduled that day.

Sunday is also a good opportunity to explore the town at a slower pace. Historic gardens, art exhibitions, the old town and local markets offer alternatives for visitors who prefer to build their own itinerary rather than attend a single event. It is advisable to check opening hours, guided-tour availability and booking requirements in advance, particularly for food experiences and activities organised in small groups.

Exhibitions to visit in Menton on October 24–25

Among the cultural attractions available during the weekend is the Heather McDonough Photography Exhibition, running from September 2 to October 28, 2026. The exhibition remains open during the weekend and offers an opportunity to include an artistic stop in an autumn itinerary. The information available does not specify the exhibition’s subject, venue or visiting hours, so these details should be confirmed through the official listing.

Another cultural highlight is Les jardins enchantés de Cocteau, an exhibition running from March 28, 2026, to January 30, 2027. Dedicated to the enchanting garden world associated with Jean Cocteau, it offers a cultural experience extending well beyond the October weekend. For details about the exhibition, venue and opening hours, visit the official exhibition page.

Visitors can also explore Le Château de la Bête, an exhibition running from July 4 to November 16, 2026. It provides another option for anyone wishing to spend part of the weekend discovering local cultural attractions. The venue, exhibition content and visiting hours should be checked through the official listing.

Families may also be interested in Miss Rainette – Barnadé le scarabée a disparu, scheduled from October 17 to November 1, 2026. The event period includes the October 24–25 weekend, making it a potential option for families. The format, venue, times and booking details should be verified before visiting.

Discover Menton’s gardens: Serre de la Madone and Maria Serena

Autumn is an appealing season to explore Menton’s botanical heritage. The town’s Mediterranean climate and long gardening tradition make its historic gardens an important attraction. One option is the guided tour of Jardin Serre de la Madone, available from October 3 to 31, 2026. The programme covers October 24 and 25, making it a possible choice for visitors interested in nature, landscape and historic gardens.

The guided visit offers an opportunity to discover the garden, although departure times, duration, meeting point and booking arrangements are not specified in the information provided. Checking the latest schedule before setting off is recommended.

Another option is the guided tour of Jardin Maria Serena, also scheduled from October 3 to 31, 2026. It offers an alternative for visitors wishing to discover Menton’s historic green spaces. Opening arrangements, availability and booking requirements should be checked in advance.

Explore Menton on foot: Historic lanes and the Jean Cocteau Museum

Visitors who enjoy exploring on foot can consider Les ruelles de l’histoire, a guided tour scheduled from September 29 to December 29, 2026. The dates include the October 24–25 weekend, offering an opportunity to discover Menton’s history through its old streets. It is a suitable option for those who want to explore the character of the historic centre and include a cultural walk in their itinerary.

Art lovers may also be interested in the guided tour of Le Bastion, musée Jean Cocteau, scheduled from January 2 to November 16, 2026. The October weekend falls within the activity period. The visit offers an opportunity to discover a cultural landmark associated with Jean Cocteau, an influential figure in French art and culture. Visitors should confirm the guided-tour schedule, admission arrangements and opening hours before planning their visit.

These experiences are ideal for discovering Menton beyond its best-known attractions, with time to appreciate its history, art and distinctive identity.

Riviera flavours: Wine tastings, food tours and local products

The October weekend is also an opportunity to discover Menton’s culinary traditions. Soirée dégustation de vins à Menton, a wine-tasting experience, is listed from May 2 to October 31, 2026. The period includes both weekend dates, but this does not necessarily mean that tastings take place every Saturday or Sunday. Visitors should confirm the actual date, time, venue and availability before booking.

Food lovers may also consider the Gourmet Food Tour à Menton, scheduled from August 18 to October 31, 2026. The experience offers a way to discover local flavours through a food-focused tour. The route, tastings included, duration and price are not specified in the available information and should be confirmed with the organiser.

Another option is Expérience gastronomique à Menton, listed from April 21 to October 31, 2026. The activity falls within the weekend period, although its general listing does not guarantee availability at a specific time. Check the booking calendar and participation requirements before making plans.

La Ferme des Citrons: Nature, lunch and lemon-growing traditions

Menton’s connection with lemons is one of the defining features of the area. Visitors interested in discovering this heritage through nature and food may consider Visite guidée et Repas Champêtre à La Ferme des Citrons, scheduled from June 9 to October 31, 2026. The experience combines a guided visit with a countryside meal and may appeal to those looking to spend part of the weekend away from the town centre.

The overall programme includes October 24 and 25, but does not confirm departures on both days. Visitors should check the calendar, meeting time, menu, price and booking requirements.

Another listed activity is Visite guidée et déjeuner à la Ferme des Citrons Menton, available in the annual calendar from January 1 to December 31, 2026. This experience combines a guided visit with lunch and offers another way to explore the relationship between local agriculture, landscape and gastronomy. Availability for the specific weekend must be confirmed with the organiser.

Those wishing to learn more about the area’s signature product can also consider Escapade au coeur du Citron de Menton IGP, an experience dedicated to Menton lemons, which have Protected Geographical Indication status. The activity appears in the annual calendar and may be a good addition to a food-focused itinerary. Visitors should confirm the format, times and booking arrangements before attending.

Menton’s markets: Discover everyday local life

For a more local experience, the calendar includes several markets operating during the year. Marché forain is listed from January 1 to December 31, 2026, and offers a possible opportunity to browse stalls and experience the town’s market atmosphere. However, the annual listing does not specify the actual market days or opening hours, so visitors should check when it takes place over the weekend.

Another option is Marché des Halles de Menton, also listed in the annual calendar. The covered market is worth considering for anyone interested in local produce and regional specialities. Opening hours for Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, should be checked in advance.

The programme also includes Marché du Careï, another market listed throughout the year. Visitors should verify its operating days, hours and stall availability before adding it to their itinerary. A market visit can be a pleasant way to round off a day of sightseeing and local food discoveries.

Eurasia Circus and family activities

Eurasia Circus is scheduled in Menton from October 18 to November 1, 2026, so the October 24–25 weekend falls within its advertised dates. The circus may be an option for visitors seeking entertainment, particularly families. The show schedule, performance times, exact venue and ticket information should be checked through the official event listing.

The town also lists Ateliers créatifs & ludiques pour enfants, creative and recreational workshops for children, in its annual calendar. These activities may appeal to families, but a year-long listing does not mean workshops take place every day. Check the actual dates, age groups, duration and registration arrangements before including them in the weekend itinerary.

For art and craft enthusiasts, Ateliers d’Art ouverts dans le Vieux Menton are also listed throughout the year. The initiative highlights art studios in the old town and may provide another reason to explore its streets. Opening hours and participating studios should be confirmed in advance.

Domaine Gannac: Discover local traditions

Visitors may also consider Visite Guidée du Domaine Gannac, listed from January 1 to October 31, 2026. The dates include the October 24–25 weekend, offering a potential opportunity to discover a local producer or destination associated with the area’s traditions. Visitors should check whether tours are actually available on the dates they wish to attend.

For those who prefer an independent visit, Visite non guidée du Domaine Gannac is listed over the same period, from January 1 to October 31, 2026. This option may suit visitors looking for a more flexible experience, subject to the site’s access arrangements. Prices, duration and opening hours are not provided in the available calendar and should be checked before visiting.

A boat trip along the French and Italian Riviera

If sea conditions and departure schedules allow, another activity to consider is Balade en Mer Mentonnaise, listed from October 1 to November 30, 2026. The experience involves a boat trip to discover either the French Riviera or the Italian Riviera. The October 24–25 weekend falls within the advertised period, but this does not guarantee departures on both days.

Before booking, visitors should check departure times, the embarkation point, duration, prices and possible cancellations due to weather conditions.

Things to do in Menton on October 24–25, 2026: Planning your weekend

Visitors looking to make the most of two days can combine scheduled events with activities that require advance booking. On Saturday morning, Tennis N’ Roses is scheduled for 9:00 am, while Madame Chepakoi et la Théière magique is listed for 2:30 pm. The rest of the day can be planned around the International Fantastic Film Festival or the International Chess Open, once the actual schedules have been confirmed.

On Sunday, October 25, visitors can choose from the cultural events still taking place, exhibitions and guided tours of historic gardens or the old town. Those more interested in food can explore the Gourmet Food Tour, lemon-related experiences and wine tastings, subject to availability.

It is important to remember that the start and end dates of longer-running activities indicate their general programme period, not necessarily daily opening or guaranteed departures on October 24 and 25. Before travelling, consult the official listings for addresses, opening times, prices, booking requirements and possible changes.

The weekend of October 24–25, 2026, offers plenty of ways to discover Menton in autumn, from sporting events and entertainment to exhibitions, historic gardens and Riviera flavours. With a flexible itinerary, visitors can enjoy the town’s culture, nature and local traditions at their own pace.