Venice Carnival: the masked balls
Mid-February· Venice, Italy
Why the circuit stops here
The tourists get confetti in the piazza; the circuit gets the private palazzo balls: Il Ballo del Doge and its rivals, costume by appointment, entry by invitation and four figures.
The money signal
Tickets to the top masked balls run €1,500-3,500 before the costume, which can cost multiples more.
Book around the stop
with GetYourGuideThe masked balls are private; the city they dress up is not.
Affiliate links: Rich Circuit earns a commission from GetYourGuide when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Journal
Latest dispatches and guides from this stop.
Venice Carnival: the masked balls: why Venice, 16 October
The piazza belongs to the masses. Private palazzo balls require four figure tickets and bespoke costumes. Here is the financial and social calculus for the 2027 circuit stop.
Read article DispatchVenice Carnival: the masked balls: reading the society layer, 21 August
Read article GuideVenice Carnival: the masked balls: how the circuit hits Venice
Read article Dispatch2026 dispatch: Venice Carnival: the masked balls
Read articleWho's there
European aristocracy, costume-grade romantics with serious money, fashion patrons.
How they arrive
- Private aviation is the default: expect FBO slots and hotel helipads to be the real constraint, not tickets.
- The harbour is the venue: berths book out months ahead and the best parties happen on deck, not on shore.
On the calendar
Also in February: Super Bowl · White Turf · Vienna Opera Ball · Rio Carnival: the camarotes · Saudi Cup · Dubai International Boat Show · Frieze Los Angeles