Discover some of the most adventurous voices in music today.
Biennale Musica 2026 brings together contemporary and experimental music, new composition, electronic music, improvisation, vocal traditions and club culture in the unique setting of Venice. The programme ranges from orchestral and choral concerts to solo performances, live electronics, DJ sets and sound installations, offering a chance to discover some of the most adventurous voices and approaches in music today.
The Festival brings together major international figures – including Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Keiji Haino and Silver Lion Sarah Davachi – with emerging artists and new projects developed through Biennale College Musica. The programme includes The Tallis Scholars, Kara-Lis Coverdale, Asmaa Hamzaoui and Bnat Timbouktou, DJ Nobu, Gigi Masin, KMRU, ONCEIM and the Parco della Musica Contemporanea Ensemble.
Biennale Musica takes place in Venice, across several venues in the historic city and at Forte Marghera on the mainland. Many events are held in the Arsenale, the historic heart of La Biennale di Venezia.
Venice is served by Venice Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport. The main railway stations are Venezia Santa Lucia, in the historic centre, and Venezia Mestre on the mainland. Festival venues in Venice can be reached on foot or by vaporetto; Forte Marghera is easily accessible from Mestre.
Venice offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and apartment rentals, both in the historic centre and in Mestre. Advance booking is recommended.
The Festival is closely connected to the architecture of Venice. Its main venues include the historic spaces of the Arsenale, transformed into concert halls, performance and installation spaces, alongside Venetian theatres and Forte Marghera. Indoor and outdoor locations and unconventional spaces become an integral part of the musical experience.
Visitors can combine the Festival with the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, open at the Giardini and Arsenale during Biennale Musica. Venice also offers an exceptional range of museums, contemporary art foundations and historic architecture, while the islands of the lagoon are within easy reach.
There is no formal dress code: the Festival has an informal atmosphere. Comfortable shoes and layers are recommended, as October in Venice can bring mild days, cooler evenings and occasional rain.
Venice offers plenty of restaurants, cafés and traditional bacari close to the Festival venues. Audiences generally eat in the city before or after performances; booking ahead is advisable for popular restaurants and at weekends.
