SARDINIA EVENTS: 2026 FORECAST
A journey through established traditions and new summer festivals.
Note on the 2026 Calendar
While major religious and traditional observances (New Year's, Candelieri, Redentore) have fixed or historic dates, detailed schedules for local food festivals and minor concerts are often published just a few months prior to the event. Here you will find confirmed dates and estimates based on historical recurrence.
Cap d’Any: The Classic Format
Alghero's New Year is a guarantee. Every year, from late November to January 6th, the city transforms with Santa's Village, markets, an ice skating rink, and street performances.
2025/2026 Edition: Major concerts confirmed at Piazzale della Pace.
- December 29, 2025: Concert by Raf.
- December 30, 2025: Urban Night with Kid Yugi and Low-Red.
- December 31, 2025: New Year's Eve with Gabry Ponte.
- The Recurring Format: Besides concerts, expect street theater, family games, and the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Porta Terra, events that successfully repeat every year.
Great Concerts at the Amphitheatre
The Alguer Summer Festival confirms itself as the musical event of the Sardinian summer. In 2026, the Ivan Graziani Amphitheatre at Maria Pia will host important stops of world and national tours, gifting evenings of music under the stars.
- August 4, 2026: Claudio Baglioni ("La vita è adesso – Grand Tour").
- August 9, 2026: Il Volo (World Tour 2026–2027).
- August 11, 2026: Mannarino.
- Note: The full schedule is usually enriched in spring with further dates of indie, pop, and rock artists.
The 3 Great Festivals of Sardinia
These events are the pillars of island culture. The dates are linked to consolidated religious or civil calendars and attract visitors from all over the world to admire precious costumes and ancient rites.
- Cavalcata Sarda (Sassari): Expected for May 22-24, 2026 (penultimate Sunday of May). A secular parade of costumes and acrobatic horse riding.
- Faradda di li Candareri (Sassari): Fixed date August 14, 2026. The procession of the great votive candles (UNESCO Heritage).
- Festa del Redentore (Nuoro): Late August 2026. The solemn parade of costumes is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, the culmination of a week of events.
Food Festivals, Carnival & Holy Week
The "Sardinia Events 2026" calendar is full of widespread appointments. From the Barbaricino Carnival to food and wine festivals in the inland villages, every month offers a different flavor.
Exact dates are confirmed by municipalities month by month. Here is what to monitor:
- Carnival (February/March): Unmissable are the Mamuthones in Mamoiada and "Lu Carrasciali" in Tempio Pausania.
- Holy Week (April): Very evocative in Alghero (Rites of the Setmana Santa) and in Castelsardo (Lunissanti).
- Spring/Summer Festivals: Strawberry Festival (Arborea), Cherry Festival (Burcei), Festival of Gattò and Pardule. Check regional portals for specific weekend dates.
Where to find the complete updated calendar?
Since many local events define their program while in progress, we advise you to consult these official sources during your stay:
- Alghero Tourist Portal: For the municipal schedule (exhibitions, theater, sport) updated progressively by the Alghero Foundation.
- Regional Sites ("Eventi Sardegna"): To filter village festivals and fairs by month and location.
Have doubts or want advice on what to do today?
Ask the Aigua Staff