Weekend in Nice, March 28-29, 2026: Complete Guide to All Events

The weekend of March 28 and 29, 2026, is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the spring season in Nice. From traditional celebrations in the Cimiez district to running challenges inside the Allianz Riviera, and the closing of major cultural festivals, the city offers a wide range of activities for every type of visitor.

In this article, you will find the complete list divided by category, with all the logistical details to help you plan your days effectively.

🟢 Major Events & Traditions

Festin des Cougourdons The highlight of Nice’s tradition celebrating the arrival of spring. The star is the “cougourdon,” a non-edible gourd that, once dried, is engraved and decorated, transforming into musical instruments or works of art.

• Location: Cimiez Arena Gardens (Jardins des Arènes de Cimiez), Nice.

• Date & Time: Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Info: Free entry. Craft stalls, folk dances, and tastings of local specialties (socca, tourte aux blettes).

• La fête des Cougourdons – Ville de Nice

40th Edition of Italian Cinema Days The festival reaches its final day with screenings and awards.

• Location: Espace Magnan, 31 rue Louis de Coppet, Nice.

• Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026 (Closing).

• Time: Screenings from 11:00 AM; gala evening with the presentation of the “Prix Gioia Mia” at 6:00 PM.

• Info: Films in the original language with subtitles.

• Les Journées du Cinéma Italien 2026 – espacemagnan.com

🔵 Sport & Outdoor

Allianz Riviera Run A unique race that allows you to run inside Nice’s iconic stadium, through the stands, tunnels, and the edge of the pitch.

• Location: Allianz Riviera Stadium, Nice.

• Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026.

• Times: Staggered starts from 10:00 AM (10 km, 7 km, 4 km) and Family Run (2 km) at 2:30 PM.

• Info: Online registration mandatory. Event open to experienced runners and families.

• Billetterie | Allianz Riviera

  

3×3 Beach Volleyball Tournament

• Location: Saint-Laurent-du-Var (beaches).

• Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026.

• Info: Tournament open to all levels, mixed teams allowed.

City of Nice Grand Prix (Skiing) For those who prefer the hinterland, the slopes of Auron host the historic slalom race.

• Location: Auron ski area.

• Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026.

• Info: Slalom races for U16 / Master categories organized by Inter Club Nice.

🟡 Culture & Shows

Mars aux Musées (Grand Finale) The final days of the festival that transforms museums into venues for bold performances.

• Location: Various museums (MAMAC, Matisse, Masséna), Nice.

• Date: Until Sunday, March 29, 2026.

• Info: Special program curated by students from Université Côte d’Azur featuring unusual tours and workshops.

Ballet: “Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven” An unmissable performance by the Ballet de l’Opéra de Nice.

• Location: Opéra de Nice, Rue Saint-François de Paule.

• Date: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2026 (World Premiere/WP).

• Time: Saturday 8:00 PM, Sunday 3:00 PM.

Immersive Show: Luminiscence 360° digital projections and orchestral sounds tell the story of the sky and architecture.

• Location: Basilica of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, Nice.



• Date: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2026.

• Info: Booking recommended for evening sessions.

• LUMINISCENCE Nice à la Basilique Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption

Theater: “Merlin le désenchanteur” An ironic and scientific rewriting of the Merlin myth.

• Location: Nice (Various locations/Partner theaters).

• Date: Weekend of March 28-29, 2026.

🎨 Exhibitions (Open all weekend)

• “Mondes Parallèles”: Exhibition dedicated to naïve art at the Musée International d’Art Naïf Anatole Jakovsky (Until March 31).

• “Leonardo da Vinci”: A journey through art and science at Cités Immersives, Nice.

• “Signature Gestuelle”: Fine art photography by Dominique Jaussein at the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre.

• “Franta, la condition humaine”: Artistic retrospective in Vence (Fondation Émile Hugues).

• “Mother and Son”: Temporary exhibition at Salle Volti in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Until March 29).

🍷 Gastronomy & Relaxation

• Banquet of Yesteryear: At Le Saint-Paul restaurant in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. On Sunday, March 29, enjoy a traditional menu inspired by the village’s historic festivals.

• Post-Ski Relaxation: Wellness activities and après-ski in Saint-Martin-Vésubie, ideal for those coming down from the slopes.

💡 Useful Tips

• Getting Around: Use Tram Line 2 to reach the airport and city center, and Line 3 for the Allianz Riviera Stadium.

• Bookings: For “Luminiscence” and the Opera, tickets tend to sell out quickly; online purchase via official portals is recommended.

• Weather: In late March, temperatures in Nice range between 12°C and 18°C; perfect for the outdoor Festin des Cougourdons.