February - Venice Carnival
The city comes alive with thousands of party-goers dressed in elaborate masks and costumes of the most spectacular colours and designs. They are here to attend glittering, traditional masked balls, theatrical performances and lavish private parties.

May - Festa della Sensa
The city celebrates the day of the marriage between Venice and the sea, when the Doge would ride out in his ship, the "Bucintoro", and toss a gold ring into the waters off the Lido.

May - Vogalonga
Each May, the 30 km Vogalonga race sees motorboats give way to rowers in a wide variety of craft.

Punta della Dogana
Mapping the Studio: Artists from Francois Pinault Collection
Venice’s newest museum, dedicated to contemporary art, is housed in a historic, 17th-century complex redesigned by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The museum’s major, permanent exhibition, conceived as a single artistic journey continuing at Palazzo Grassi, features some 300 works from François Pinault's art collection. 

July 20-21, 2013 - Redentore
Palladio’s Redentore church on the island of Giudecca when Venice was suffering from a terrible plague. Venetians promised to go there every year on the third Sunday of July if the plague stopped. Each year they mark the occasion with a spectacular display of fireworks that light up the skies for more than an hour.

September - Venice Film Festival  
Every year the international movie festival, also known as "Mostra del Cinema", takes over the Lido as the world's greatest stars descend on Venice.

September - Historical Regatta 
The most spectacular rowing event of the year is held on the first Sunday in September, with costume parades and rowing races.

October - Venice Marathon
The Venice marathon is a wonderful spectacle as competitors race through the narrow streets and alongside canals.