This weekend on Côte d’Azur is packed with spotlight events: the Cannes Film Festival and 10th & 11th Monaco E-Prix 2026. But let’s take a look what else you could do.
Spring on the French Riviera marks the awakening of the region after the winter season. In May, the rich and famous flock to Monaco and the Côte d’Azur for two major events: the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix™. The Cannes Film Festival is an annual event showcasing new films of all genres, including documentaries, from around the world. Founded in 1946, the invitation-only festival is hosted each year at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
Internationally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, South Korean director, screenwriter and producer Park Chan-wook will preside over the Jury for Feature Films in Competition at the 79th Festival de Cannes. This is a first for Korean cinema.
On Saturday, May 23, on the stage of the Grand Théâtre Lumière, Park Chan-wook and his jury will award the 2026 Palme d’Or as the successor to last year’s, presented by Juliette Binoche to Iran’s Jafar Panahi for It was Just an Accident.
10th & 11th Monaco E-Prix 2026 organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco will be held from 16 to 17 May 2026.
The Monaco E-Prix remains one of the flagship rounds of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Held on the legendary streets of Monte-Carlo, this fully electric race combines sporting performance, technological innovation and a strong commitment to more sustainable mobility.
Over the years, the Principality’s unique layout has delivered highly intense races, with frequent overtakes and often incredibly close finishes. Renowned drivers such as Sébastien Buemi, Jean-Éric Vergne, António Félix da Costa, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans and Oliver Rowland have all claimed victory on this prestigious yet demanding circuit.
Beyond the on-track action, the Monaco E-Prix also offers an immersive experience through its Fan Village, located on Quai Antoine 1er. Open to everyone, this interactive area features entertainment, simulators, live music and activities for all ages, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses will be held on 16 May 2026 at Le Majestic Hotel Cannes. In tribute to the timeless glamour of Monaco and the cinematic brilliance of Hollywood, this exclusive Grand Ball will embody the theme “A Hollywood Dream in Royal Splendor.”
Once upon a time was never meant to remain on the page. It was written for nights like this, when the velvet curtains rise, the chandeliers glow, and you step into the story that destiny reserved for you.
At the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses, the fairytale no longer belongs to books or memory. It belongs to you. Your footsteps will echo through Cannes Film Festival, where myth becomes memory, and every glance becomes a page in history.
This is not simply an evening to attend. It is a story to live.
And don’t forget about the exhibitions. For example, from March 2 to June 15, 2026, Le Méridien Beach Plaza unveils Japan Highlights, an immersive exploration of Japan through the distinct yet complementary perspectives of Franck Solimeis and Carole Micallef.
Blending photography and digital artistry, the exhibition explores the compelling contrasts of a country where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge modernity. Quiet temples, contemplative landscapes, vibrant cities and contemporary aesthetics unfold in a richly immersive artistic experience.
Of course there are other interesting events taking place in Monaco. If you want to learn more about them visit our Calendar.
So have fun and enjoy your weekend!
