Festival di Sanremo: Music, History and Dates

• The festival began in 1951 at the Casinò Municipale in Sanremo.
• The competition has been held at the Teatro Ariston since 1977.
• The published RAI regulations list February 16–20 for 2027.
• The 2027 regulations provide for five evenings and 24 artists in the Campioni category.
• The programme, participants and format change from one edition to the next.

The festival began in 1951 as a music competition in Sanremo. The first edition took place at the Casinò Municipale, and in its early years the event was broadcast on the radio. Television was added in 1955. The format thus evolved from a competition for Italian songs into an annual media event that brings together music, stage performances and public debate. Its history is also part of the city’s history: the event made Sanremo known as a cultural destination beyond the Riviera.

The festival was held at the Casinò until 1976; in 1977 it moved to the Teatro Ariston. Since then, the theatre has been closely associated with the event’s visual identity. However, attending the festival does not automatically mean that the building is open to the public outside concert evenings. If you would like to see the venue without a ticket, check the latest information from the city and the theatre beforehand rather than assuming you can take a tour. The stage and festival programme change each year, while the venue in Sanremo remains a familiar point of reference.

The published RAI regulations schedule the 2027 festival for February 16–20 at the Teatro Ariston. The event is set to run over five evenings, with 24 artists in the Campioni category. The regulations also describe specific programme elements and rules for this edition. These details apply to 2027; participants, format, guests and voting cannot be assumed to carry over to later years. Before travelling, check the official RAI website again in case the programme or logistical details have changed.

The official RAI regulations for Sanremo 2027 are the authoritative source for dates and competition procedures. Ticket sales and entry requirements are separate matters: the regulations alone do not constitute an admission ticket. For tickets and entry, consult the channels announced by the organisers directly, and avoid offers whose validity or resale status is not clearly established.

Five consecutive evenings change the rhythm of a trip. If you want to attend in person, first check ticket availability, then book your accommodation and travel. Staying in Sanremo can make it easier to get back after an event, but the best location and transport options depend on the specific address and schedule. If you are staying farther away, check your return journey after the evening’s events before booking rather than assuming there will be a late connection.

You can also visit Sanremo and enjoy the atmosphere of the host city without a festival ticket. Plan a walk around town, a restaurant visit or a visit to cultural sites separately from access to the Ariston. During the event, streets, public spaces and demand may differ from an ordinary day, so include the latest city updates in your plans. There is no need to overfill your itinerary: if you are interested in music history, you can appreciate the festival venues from the outside and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

Sanremo is also a coastal town with its own historic centre. You can combine a visit with a walk along the promenade, architecture and regional cuisine; check which attractions are open on your dates. The Sanremo city guide can help you add local experiences to your festival stay. You can browse accommodation in Sanremo; for each option, check the distance to the theatre, a train station or your planned return route.

If you are staying for several days, you can devote one evening to the festival and another to the city. For a day trip without a ticket, it is worth checking in advance which public areas are accessible and whether events will affect traffic. The guide to Ligurian specialities offers ideas for regional cuisine and other places to eat. Dates and rules must be checked again for future festival years; only the 2027 edition specifically mentioned here is covered by the current RAI regulations.