Sanremo Music Festival 2026: A Comprehensive Guide
The 76th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival is set to take place from February 24th to February 28th, 2026, at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, Italy. This annual event, organized and broadcast by Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI), remains Italy’s most-watched music event and offers the winner the opportunity to represent the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Key Details and Dates
- Dates: February 24 – February 28, 2026
- Location: Teatro Ariston, Sanremo, Italy
- Broadcaster: Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI)
Hosts and Artistic Direction
Carlo Conti will return as both the artistic director and host of the festival, alongside singer Laura Pausini. Can Yaman will join them as a co-host for the first night of the Big Artists section. Achille Lauro, Lillo and Pilar Fogliati will co-host the second night of the Big Artists section, even as Irina Shayk will co-host the third night. Gianluca Gazzoli will present the Newcomers’ section.
Competition Format
The festival will feature two main competition sections: Big Artists and Newcomers.
Big Artists
Thirty established artists will compete in the Big Artists section. The competition unfolds over five nights:
- Night 1: All 30 Big Artists perform.
- Night 2: 15 Big Artists perform.
- Night 3: 15 Big Artists perform.
- Night 4: All 30 Big Artists perform with cover songs.
- Night 5: Final night with the announcement of the winner.
Newcomers
Four emerging artists will compete in the Newcomers section. Two songs will advance to the third night, February 26th, where the winner will be determined.
Musical Direction
Pinuccio Pirazzoli will serve as the musical director for the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival.
Impact on Eurovision
As has been the tradition since 2015, the winner of the Sanremo Music Festival will be given the first opportunity to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Scheduling Considerations
The festival’s scheduling in late February was influenced by the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which will be held in Italy between February 6th and March 15th, 2026.