The Sanremo Music Festival 2026 (), officially the 76th Italian Song Festival (), is set to be the 76th edition of the annual Sanremo Music Festival, a television song contest held in the of Sanremo, organised and broadcast by (RAI). It will be held between 24 and 28 February 2026 and presented by Carlo Conti, who also serves as the artistic director for the competition.
Format.
The 2026 edition of the Sanremo Music Festival is set to take place at the in Sanremo, Liguria, organised by the Italian public broadcaster RAI. Due to the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics being held in Italy between 6–22 February and 6–15 March 2026, respectively, the festival will take place in the last week of February 2026.
Legal dispute over RAI's role.
In December 2024, the regional administrative court (TAR) of Liguria ruled that the municipality of Sanremo could not directly appoint RAI as the organiser of the event, and that, starting in 2026, a public bid must be held in order to determine the organising company. Two months later, RAI appealed the ruling, arguing that "[RAI's] branding is inseparable from the [festival's] format"; however, the Council of State would later uphold the TAR's decision in May 2025. Despite a unilateral proposal forwarded by RAI, the municipality followed the TAR ruling and published a public tender on 9 April 2025, with broadcasters being able to apply within 40 days. Ultimately, the only applicant was RAI, and, following the ruling of the Council of State, negotiations began between the broadcaster and the Sanremo municipality to define the terms of the new contract.
Presenters.
On 22 May 2024, RAI announced Carlo Contiwho had previously taken on the role in 2015, 2016 and 2017as the artistic director and main host of the 2025 and 2026 editions. Following the 2025 edition, Conti confirmed his position as artistic director and possible host for the 2026 festival.
Selections.
Sanremo Giovani "2025".
A number of artists competing in the festival will be determined through the format, which will include a final in December 2025, presented by Carlo Conti and airing on Rai 1.