Ferragosto Weekend on the French Riviera: Events and Things to Do on August 15 and 16, 2026

The weekend of Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026, brings a particularly rich calendar of events to the French Riviera. While the Côte d’Azur is famous for its beaches, seaside resorts and nightlife, the Ferragosto weekend also offers plenty of opportunities to discover inland villages, attend concerts and live performances, take part in traditional celebrations and explore local food and crafts.

Events are spread between the coast and the hills of the Alpes-Maritimes, involving destinations such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Auron, Isola 2000, Valdeblore and Roubion. The choice is broad, making the weekend suitable both for those looking to celebrate Ferragosto with friends and for visitors who want to combine a day by the sea with an evening of culture or live music.

Ferragosto between tradition and local food in the hinterland

Among the most distinctive events on Saturday, August 15, is the Festival de Mollières, taking place in Valdeblore throughout the day. The event celebrates local traditions and heritage and provides an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the small mountain communities of the Alpes-Maritimes on Ferragosto itself.

On the same day, Roubion hosts the Marché de producteurs locaux, a market dedicated to local producers. It is an opportunity to discover the area’s products and traditions while enjoying a day focused on local flavors. The event takes place on August 15, 2026; since the available information does not specify an exact time, visitors are advised to check the local program before setting out.

In Auron, meanwhile, the Braderie des commerçants runs from August 14 to 16, 2026. The event is dedicated to shopping and special offers from local stores. The Ferragosto weekend is therefore a good time to explore the resort’s center and combine the shopping event with the other activities taking place in the mountain destination.

Concerts and live music on August 15

Ferragosto on the French Riviera will also be celebrated with live music. In Châteauneuf-Villevieille, on Saturday August 15, 2026, the program includes Witch U – Hommage à U2, a concert paying tribute to U2. The event is aimed particularly at rock fans and lovers of major international bands. The available information does not specify the time, so it is advisable to check the local schedule before attending.

Also on August 15, Colomars hosts Supersonic, a pop music concert. The event forms part of the summer entertainment program in the hills around Nice and provides an alternative to the busier seaside resorts.

In Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, the evening features 22! Tribute à Police et Sting, a tribute concert dedicated to the repertoire of The Police and Sting. Taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, it offers another way to spend Ferragosto listening to live music in a more intimate setting than the major Riviera destinations.

Cagnes-sur-Mer also has a musical event on August 15 with a Gospel Concert, dedicated to choral music and gospel sounds. The available information does not specify the exact time of the performance.

Dancing and live entertainment on the Riviera

For those who want to spend Ferragosto evening directly on the coast, Beaulieu-sur-Mer hosts the Ballo degli animatori di Beaulieu-sur-Mer, or entertainers’ dance, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The event is designed to bring music and entertainment to the evening.

A short distance away, Villefranche-sur-Mer hosts the Ballo del Comitato delle Feste, the Festival Committee Dance, also scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. The event combines music and entertainment and forms part of the town’s summer celebrations.

Also in Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Ferragosto program includes Citadell’arte: Spettacoli dal vivo, an event dedicated to live artistic performances. Scheduled for Saturday, August 15, it provides an opportunity to combine a visit to the historic town with a cultural and entertainment experience.

In Cagnes-sur-Mer, meanwhile, the Serate in via Giacosa take place on August 15, 2026, offering another option for an evening of music, summer atmosphere and local nightlife.

Sport and mountains: the Isola 2000 weekend

Ferragosto weekend is also particularly attractive for visitors who prefer sport to seaside events. In Isola 2000, the Sfida sul sentiero dell’Isolienne takes place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026. The event is aimed at outdoor sports enthusiasts and allows participants to experience the mountain landscape through a sporting challenge.

On August 15, the Isolienne Trail Challenge is also scheduled in Isola, an event dedicated to trail running. The available information does not provide an exact starting time, so participants should check the official arrangements and start times in advance.

Also in Isola 2000, the Semaine gourmande runs from August 15 to 21, 2026, with a focus on gastronomy. The first weekend of the event coincides with Ferragosto, giving visitors the chance to combine hiking and outdoor activities with the discovery of local food and cuisine.

In Roquebillière, meanwhile, the Initiation pêche à la truite, an introductory trout-fishing experience, takes place on August 15 and 16, 2026. It is a different kind of activity from the traditional seaside program and may be particularly appealing to those who want to spend the weekend surrounded by nature.

Classic cars and events in Auron

Motor enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the Rassemblement de voitures de collection, a classic-car gathering taking place in Auron on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The event brings vintage cars to the mountain resort and is likely to appeal even to visitors who are not dedicated car enthusiasts.

The weekend in Auron continues on Sunday, August 16, with the Compétition de golf, a golf competition for sports enthusiasts, and the Foire Artisanale, a fair dedicated to arts and crafts. The day therefore offers an opportunity to combine sport, walking and the discovery of local craftsmanship.

Also in Auron on Sunday, August 16, the program includes WITH U – Tribute U2, while Cirque ANGELO will be in town from August 16 to 17, 2026, adding a family-friendly entertainment option to the weekend.

Art and photography on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula

Visitors looking for an artistic Ferragosto can explore “Glimpses” by Daniil Kobizskiy, a photography exhibition taking place in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from August 13 to 23, 2026. The exhibition is therefore open throughout the August 15–16 weekend and provides an interesting alternative to exclusively beach-based activities.

Vence is also hosting a longer-running cultural event with the Salon des antiquaires, open from August 12 to 23, 2026. The Ferragosto weekend is an ideal opportunity to explore antiques and historic objects while enjoying a stroll through the town.

In Saint-Martin-Vésubie, meanwhile, the Exhibitions at the Town Hall, dedicated to painting, are open from August 11 to 25, 2026. The exhibition provides an ideal cultural stop during a trip into the mountain hinterland.

Religious celebrations on Sunday, August 16

Sunday, August 16, 2026, is particularly rich in celebrations dedicated to Saint Roch, a religious tradition strongly rooted in several towns and villages of the French Riviera and its hinterland.

In Cagnes-sur-Mer, the Festival de Saint-Roch takes place, featuring a religious pilgrimage and procession. Scheduled for August 16, 2026, it is one of the traditional events of the day.

Saint-Dalmas in Valdeblore also celebrates Saint Roch with a dedicated festival. The Fête de Saint-Roch – Saint-Dalmas takes place on Sunday, August 16, as part of a series of traditional celebrations that continue in the following days.

In Valdeblore, the Fête patronale de la Sainte-Croix à Saint-Dalmas de Valdeblore also begins on August 16 and continues through August 24, 2026, bringing several days of traditional festivities to the village.

Sunday between music, culture and local traditions

Sunday also brings further cultural events. In Marie, the Zine Band Orchestra – Marie concert takes place on August 16, 2026, focusing on regional and folk music. It is an interesting opportunity for visitors who want to discover a more authentic and traditional side of the Alpes-Maritimes hinterland.

In Valdeblore, also on Sunday, August 16, the program includes the Conference and meeting with the PETITS ENFANTS of Alexis MOSSA, an event dedicated to painting and the artist. The meeting provides a cultural addition to the religious celebrations and walks through the area.

A Ferragosto weekend between the sea and the mountains

The August 15–16, 2026 weekend on the French Riviera offers an exceptionally wide range of possibilities. Those who want to stay on the coast can choose from dances, concerts, performances and cultural events in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Those looking for cooler temperatures can instead head toward Auron, Isola 2000, Valdeblore and the other mountain communities inland.

The main strength of the Ferragosto calendar is its variety. Alongside lively celebrations are events dedicated to sport, gastronomy, crafts, art and religious traditions. When planning the weekend, however, it is important to keep in mind that the available information does not specify exact times for several events. In such cases, it is advisable to check the final schedule with the organizers or local tourist offices before setting off.

For anyone spending Ferragosto on the French Riviera, therefore, August 15 and 16, 2026 offer the perfect opportunity to move beyond the best-known tourist routes and discover a region that combines the glamour of the Riviera with the traditions, culture and landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes hinterland.