Following swiftly on the heels of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the spotlights turn to the 76th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival, taking place from 24 to 28 February.

Once more at the helm is artistic director Carlo Conti – his fifth time in the role – and he’s accompanied each night by Laura Pausini, whose own career began on the Ariston stage back in 1993. Meanwhile, on board the Costa Toscana, Max Pezzali will headline the nightly event MAX FOREVER – The Party Boat.

The sequence is tried and tested: all 30 Big acts will perform on Tuesday 24th; Wednesday and Thursday are for the two groups of semi-finalists and the finals of the New Songs; Friday brings the eagerly-awaited Covers, and Saturday the grand finale and announcement of the winner. Artists in the lineup include Patty Pravo, Raf, Malika Ayane, Arisa, Ermal Meta and Elettra Lamborghini, alongside rappers Luché and Tredici Pietro.

But as ever, Sanremo doesn’t end at the Ariston. Another important venue for the week is The Mall Sanremo, thanks to a special partnership with digital magazine Outpump, the go-to platform for younger generations in the world of pop culture and lifestyle. Marking the occasion is the launch of The Mall Sanremo Lounge, a branded area within the Outpump Hi-Fi space with a busy programme of interviews, content and entertainment. Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, it’s designed as a place for gathering, relaxation and enjoyment, offering prize draws and countless other interactive events.

21st February sees the inauguration of the Suzuki Stage in Piazza Colombo, the setting for the free live concerts that will rock the city (guests include Gaia, Bresh, The Kolors, Francesco Gabbani and headliners Pooh). Other key happenings include the performers’ Eni Green Carpet on 23rd February; the Radio Italia party at the Victory Morgana Bay on the 22nd; and Radio Kiss Kiss on the 27th with Casa Kiss Kiss and the Play Village in Piazza Vesco. Rowenta presents the Shine Wheel in Piazzale Pian di Nave, and the fantasy game FantaSanremo is at Forte Santa Tecla with a dedicated lounge for interviews and events. Also at Forte Santa Tecla from 23rd February to 1st March is an exhibition devoted to Pippo Baudo; the city’s squares and promenade will be enlivened by branded experiences, lounges and live radio broadcasts, turning Sanremo into one huge open-air stage.