This year the Festival comes later than usual. The 76th Sanremo Festival takes place at the Teatro Ariston from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 February 2026, after the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Five live episodes on Rai 1, RaiPlay and Rai Radio2.
Hosts and announced guests
- Carlo Conti: artistic director and host.
- Laura Pausini: announced on 12 January as co-host of all five episodes, 33 years after her win with La solitudine.
- Max Pezzali: the first big guest, announced on 7 January, will perform every evening from a ship linked to the Ariston.
Alongside the main pair there will be other co-hosts, episode by episode: their names have yet to be announced.
The 30 Big artists in the competition
The names were announced on 30 November 2025 on Tg1 and the song titles on 14 December: Arisa, Bambole di pezza, Chiello, Dargen D’Amico, Ditonellapiaga, Eddie Brock, Elettra Lamborghini, Enrico Nigiotti, Ermal Meta, Fedez and Masini, Francesco Renga, Fulminacci, J-Ax, LDA and AKA 7even, Leo Gassmann, Levante, Luchè, Malika Ayane, Mara Sattei, Maria Antonietta and Colombre, Michele Bravi, Nayt, Patty Pravo, Raf, Sal Da Vinci, Samurai Jay, Sayf, Serena Brancale, Tommaso Paradiso and Tredici Pietro.
The Nuove Proposte
Four young artists in the competition: Nicolò Filippucci with Laguna and Angelica Bove with Mattone, winners of the Sanremo Giovani final on 14 December, and two artists selected by Area Sanremo.
Practical info
- When: from 24 to 28 February 2026, final on Saturday 28.
- Where: Teatro Ariston, Sanremo (IM).
- On TV: Rai 1, RaiPlay and Rai Radio2.
- Eurovision: the rules link the Big category win to representing Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
- Official website: rai.it/programmi/sanremo.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sanremo at the end of February?
To avoid overlapping with the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled from 6 to 22 February.
Does Laura Pausini host every episode?
Yes, she joins Carlo Conti for all five.