Hey travelers, today we’re taking you through the most mysterious and fascinating streets of Venice, where the fog meets the pens of the world’s top writers. Yes, because Venice Noir 2025 is coming, the festival that turns the Serenissima into a literary set in chiaroscuro, crime, thriller and noir.
Find out more in this guide by Venice Insider Guide, your insider’s guide to living Venice like a local.
Venice Noir 2025: International crime, thriller and noir literature festival
Autumn in Venice means soft light, silence broken only by the sound of water and a suspended time. In this scenario Venice Noir 2025 comes to life, the international event for mystery lovers.
For three days, the lagoon city becomes the capital of thriller and noir, hosting writers, editors, journalists and readers who share the same passion for complex plots and dark characters.
The Venice Noir 2025 festival is a journey into the shadows, but also a unique opportunity to discover a different Venice: more secret, more intense, definitely more “dark”.
What is Venice Noir?
Venice Noir is not just a literary festival: it’s an immersive cultural experience. Born to explore the darker side of contemporary narrative, it combines author meetings, theatrical performances, live readings, screenings and workshops.
It’s an event that combines the power of words with the gothic atmosphere of Venice, creating a continuous dialogue between art and city.
Over the years it has hosted big names in international literature and new voices ready to shake up the European noir scene.
Where is Venice Noir 2025
The 2025 edition of the Venice Noir festival will take place in several iconic Venetian locations, perfect to evoke the charm and mystery of the noir genre.
Main venues:
- Ateneo Veneto
- Hotel Ca' Pisani
- Hotel Monaco
Moving from one event to another will be a pleasure: you’ll cross bridges, streets and campi, and get lost in the decadent and mysterious atmosphere that only Venice can offer.
Venice Noir 2025 Dates (14–16 November)
Venice Noir 2025 is November 14–16 2025, the city will be shrouded in shadows and stories.
Three intense days of meetings, presentations and performances where the narrative thrill will be the absolute star.
A perfect weekend for book lovers, mystery enthusiasts and those who love the autumnal charm of the most enigmatic city in the world.
Venice Noir 2025 Programme
Here you can find the full programme of Venice Noir 2025.
Friday 14 November: The festival opens at the Ateneo Veneto with Giuliano Pasini and Fulvio Luna Romero who present their new novels L’estate dei morti and La ghenga degli storti.
Immediately after the famous Venezia Noir guided tour, a journey through crimes and hidden mysteries in the most fascinating places of the city: from La Fenice to the Bovolo staircase, up to St. Mark’s Square.The evening continues with Carlo Lucarelli and Giancarlo De Cataldo talking to Alberto Toso Fei about the link between noir and territory.
Then it’s time to indulge in the pleasure with “Crime & Cocktails” at Hotel Ca’ Pisani, followed by the “Mystery Dinner with the authors” at Essentia restaurant with special guests Anna Mazzola, DV Bishop and Erin Kelly. Meanwhile, the Enoteca al Volto hosts an authors’ dinner in a more intimate and convivial atmosphere.
Saturday 15 November: The day starts at the Ateneo Veneto with Clizia Fornasier and her novel Volevo sognarmi lontana.
In the afternoon, Marco Steiner and Gianni Dubbini Venier will take you on a literary tour of Baron Corvo and Corto Maltese, followed by Marco Azzalini and Livia Sambrotta who will explore the relationship between crime and contemporaneity.
At 17:00 Barbara Baraldi and Paola Barbato will talk about the female characters of thriller and comics.
In the evening the “Venezia Noir” tour will repeat and Massimo Carlotto will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Alligatore. The night will continue with “Noir at the Bar” at Palazzo Experimental and the suggestive gondola tour “Gondola Noir”, from Accademia to St. Mark’s Square.
Sunday 16 November: Grand finale at the Hotel Monaco where Gaetano Savatteri will pay tribute to Andrea Camilleri on his 100th birthday with the presentation of the book Il contastorie di Vigàta.
Followed by a meeting between Giampaolo Simi, Gaetano Savatteri and Andrea Molesini about the dialogue between classic and contemporary noir.The Venice Noir 2025 festival ends with the Venice Noir Award and a final toast “Red by Select” to close this 2025 edition.
Guests Venice Noir 2025
Every year, Venice Noir brings to Venice a panel of international guests. In 2025 we will have cult authors of the crime genre, investigative journalists and successful TV screenwriters.
Big names of the Italian and international literary scene will meet to discuss the future of noir and the evolution of the crime language in contemporary narrative.
From the masters of the Nordic crime to the young talents of the Mediterranean noir, get ready for a mix of styles, cultures and points of view that make this festival truly unique.
Among the headliners are Ian Rankin, Carlo Lucarelli, Massimo Carlotto, Erin Kelly, Barbara Baraldi, Giancarlo De Cataldo.
Faq Venice Noir 2025
How can I buy tickets?
You will find the ticket section on the official website, with options for single events or daily passes.
Are the events in English or Italian?
Both. The festival will have bilingual sessions and simultaneous translation for most international events.
Can I attend if I’m not a noir expert?
Absolutely yes. Venice Noir is open to all: fans, curious and simply book lovers.
Are there free events?
Yes, some readings and outdoor events are free until full capacity.
Conclusion
Venice Noir 2025 is more than a literary event: it’s a sensory experience, a journey into the human soul and the shadows of the most beautiful city in the world.
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Discover with us the real Venice, the hidden Venice and, this time, the noir Venice.