Carnival on Lake Garda – 2026 Edition

The Carnival on Lake Garda is a celebration that blends tradition and fun in breathtaking lakeside settings. During February and March, the towns and villages around Lake Garda come alive with allegorical float parades, masks, shows, family-friendly events, and lively town square parties, attracting visitors from all over Italy and abroad.

In this guide, you will discover the main Carnival events on Lake Garda and nearby destinations, with a complete calendar of festivities, must-see events, and practical tips on what to see and do.
This guide is designed to help you choose the perfect Carnival event and make your winter holiday on Lake Garda truly unforgettable.

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All Carnival dates and float parades on Lake Garda

• Carnival in Desenzano del Garda 2026
  January 31, 2026 – 8:00 PM
  Evening parade of allegorical floats and masked groups.
  First stop of the Carnevale dei Colli.
• Bardolino Carnival 2026
  February 7, 2026 – 2:30 PM
  Masked parade from Piazzale Gramsci.
  In Porto Square: children’s area with balloons and face painting. Food stands offering gnocchi, Fogasa su la gradela and wine, organized by local associations.
• Carnival in Lazise 2026
  March 1, 2026 – from 2:30 PM
  Carnival parade through the streets of Lazise.
• Peschiera del Garda Carnival 2026
  March 15, 2026 – from 2:30 PM
  Carnival parade in Peschiera del Garda. The Venetian Fortress will be filled with colors and joy, featuring masks, allegorical floats, and music.
• Carnival in Castelnuovo del Garda 2026
  April 19, 2026 – 2:30 PM
  21st Carneval de Castelnovo, with parades of groups and allegorical floats.
• Carnival in Salò 2026
  Date and program to be announced.
• Carnival in Malcesine 2026
  Date and program to be announced.

All the dates to celebrate Carnival near Lake Garda

• Cavaion Veronese Carnival 2026
  February 8, 2026 – from 1:30 PM
  Parade through the main streets of the town, with a grand finale at the Teatro Arena Torcolo.
  Main characters of the event: the Queen of the Fogassa and the King of the Gradelon.
• Carnival in San Zeno di Montagna 2026
  February 14, 2026 – 2:30 PM
  Carnival parade in San Zeno di Montagna.
• Villafranca di Verona Carnival 2026
  February 14, 2026 – from 7:30 PM
  Evening Carnival parade through the streets of Villafranca di Verona.
• Carnival in Caprino Veronese 2026
  February 17, 2026 – from 2:30 PM
  Carnival parade through the town center with masks, allegorical floats, and music.
• Nago Carnival 2026
  February 17, 2026
  Traditional Sbigolada of Nago: free distribution of spaghetti with meat sauce, music, entertainment, and a children’s mask contest.
• Volta Mantovana Carnival 2026
  March 7, 2026 – from 7:30 PM
  Evening Carnival parade.

Arco Carnival – 150th Anniversary

This year marks a special anniversary. The Arco Carnival celebrates 150 years of history and tradition, confirming its status as one of the most important events in the Lake Garda area.
Five days of celebrations spread over two weekends: February 7–8 and February 13–14–15, featuring shows, music, and entertainment for all ages.

The grand finale will take place on Sunday, February 15, with special events and the free distribution of a 150-meter-long cake at the Arco Casino.

Carnival Parade Calendar on Lake Garda 2026

Don’t want to miss a single Carnival parade? Check the complete list here.

Carnival in Verona 2026

The Venerdì Gnocolar 2026, the symbolic event of the Verona Carnival, will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026.

For 2026, a completely redesigned parade route is planned, created to meet the logistical requirements of the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies.
The procession will start in Borgo Trento, with assembly in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and will continue along Via 4 Novembre, Ponte della Vittoria, Via Diaz, and Corso Cavour, passing by Castelvecchio and the Regaste, before concluding, as tradition dictates, in the San Zeno district.

Carnival in Venice 2026

No guide would be complete without mentioning the Venice Carnival, considered by many to be the most beautiful Carnival in Italy.
The 2026 edition, scheduled from January 31 to February 17, celebrates the Olympic year with the theme “Olympus – At the Origins of the Game”, a journey through mythology, art, and sporting spirit.

A tribute to historic Venice, where Carnival was spectacle, competition, and wonder: today, as in the past, the city becomes a one-of-a-kind stage, filled with iconic masks, cultural events, and timeless atmospheres.

Have you already chosen where to celebrate Carnival on Lake Garda?