The Principality is set to close out July in fashion, with a line-up of world-class performances ranging from rock legends to classical masterpieces.
Guitar icon Carlos Santana will make his highly anticipated return to Monaco on Wednesday 23rd July, taking the stage at 22:30 at the Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo on Avenue Princess Grace. The performance, part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025, promises what organisers describe as a ‘hypnotic’ experience.
The festival continues its star line-up on Thursday evening with German techno pioneer Paul Kalkbrenner performing at 20:00. Featuring original saxophonist Chris White, the performance promises to deliver the ‘magnificent musical world’ that has captivated generations of rock fans.
The week’s highlight arrives on Saturday with German hard rock legends Scorpions taking the stage at 22:30. The band, which has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, is set to deliver a truly unforgettable evening for rock enthusiasts.
Jazz Meets Mozart
On Thursday 24th July jazz pianist Thomas Enhco will also present ‘Mozart Paradox’ at 21:30 on Avenue de la Quarantine. The innovative performance will showcase Enhco building bridges between jazz and classical music through solo piano improvisations on Mozart’s timeless themes.
Cinema under the stars
Two outdoor experiences will be offered to film enthusiasts on Thursday 24th July. The New National Museum of Monaco on Avenue Princesse Grace presents John Ford’s western classic ‘The Man Who Killed Liberty Valance’ (1962) at 21:30, following free access to the ‘Cactus’ exhibition from 19:00-21:00, with refreshments provided by The Stop.
Meanwhile, the Stade Louis II transforms into an open-air cinema for the first time as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Luc Besson’s ‘Valerian et la cité des mille planètes’ will be screened on the stadium’s brand-new giant screen at 20:30, complete with deckchairs and popcorn. Doors open at 19:00, but places are limited and invitations must be collected directly from the Stadium Management (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
Family fun
La Note Bleue at Plage du Larvotto on Avenue Princesse Grace hosts two vibrant musical experiences. Friday sees Carlos Lopes bring his Cabo Verde heritage to the stage with a unique blend of Afro Pop, Soul, Jazz, and R&B at 21:00. Saturday’s highlight features the return of Tamo Junto, the South of France’s ‘most infamous Samba band,’ promising to transport audiences to the heat of Brazilian Carnival with their 21:00 performance.
Families can also enjoy Saturday evening’s fireworks at Quai Albert 1er, beginning at 18:00 with free access to inflatable castles and building to the main fireworks display at 22:30, followed by a DJ set.
Palace performances
The week concludes with two classical performances at the Prince’s Palace. Sunday 27th July sees the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra perform Paul McCartney’s ‘Liverpool Oratorio’ in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace on Avenue Princesse Grâce. Conducted by Kazuki Yamada at 21:30, the concert features the CBSO Chorus and Rainier III Academy Children’s Choir in this collaboration between the former Beatle and Carl Davis.
The month’s final concert comes Thursday 31st July with conductor Charles Dutoit leading the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra alongside pianist David Fray. The 21:30 concert in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace features Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1, Ravel’s ‘Valses nobles et sentimentales,’ and Respighi’s ‘The Pines of Rome’.
Theatre and Practical Information
Theatre enthusiasts can experience ‘Du domaine des murmures’ on Tuesday 29th July at 21:30 on Avenue de la Quarantaine. Based on Carole Martinez’s Prix Goncourt des Lycéens-winning novel, the production tells the story of Esclarmonde, a young woman who refuses marriage and chooses religious seclusion in 12th-century France.
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Main photo credit: Thibault Trillet from Pexels