Locarno transforms into a world of red carpets, private dinners, open-air premieres, and after-dark celebrations, all set against the backdrop of the Swiss-Italian lakeside town. And while the Piazza Grande screenings are legendary in their own right, some of the festival’s most memorable moments unfold away from the public eye. Through ASMALLWORLD, members gain access to that more private world - one of exceptional events, insider experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments typically reserved for the industry’s inner circle.

7 August 2026 | PalaCinema

The Leopard Club Gala is one of the most sought-after invitations of the Locarno Film Festival. Held in Locarno’s magical centre, this exclusive high-profile event delivers an evening full of cinema and sophistication.

The experience begins with a champagne reception before guests take their seats for an intimate gala dinner alongside some of the film world’s most recognisable names. Over the years, these tables have been graced by the presence of stars such as Emma Thompson, Irène Jacob, Mia Farrow, Andy García, and Meg Ryan, among many others.

Following dinner and official speeches honouring the recipient of the Leopard Club Award, guests are whisked to the picturesque Piazza Grande for a red carpet arrival amid the glow of flashing cameras and the buzz of the evening crowd. There, against a backdrop of centuries-old architecture and warm summer air, guests settle in for an unforgettable open-air screening beneath the stars.

Access to the Leopard Club Gala is typically reserved for members of the prestigious Leopard Club, with a limited allocation also available to ASMALLWORLD Members via the dedicated Event Page.

5 August 2026 | Palexpo (FEVI)

There is a particular energy to opening night at the Locarno Film Festival that sets the tone for everything that follows. Across the streets and piazzas of Locarno, attendees arrive and mingle as the town comes alive with cinematic anticipation. While simply soaking up the atmosphere is an experience in itself, the Opening Night offers a more exclusive way to discover everything that makes the festival so iconic.

The experience begins at Palexpo (FEVI), transformed during the festival into an impressive film theatre, where guests are treated to a silent film screening accompanied by a powerful live performance from the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana. Together, these two elegant artforms create a striking and atmospheric opening to the night.

From there, guests are invited to a refined three-course dinner at one of the city's premier restaurants, before making their way onto the official red carpet at Piazza Grande.

As the evening unfolds, guests settle into the Piazza Grande VIP area for the festival’s main screening, as Locarno’s historic piazza transforms into one of cinema’s most spectacular open-air settings.

The experience culminates at the "Jungle-themed" Opening Party: a chic, stylish event where attendees are free to let their hair down. Dedicated hostesses and stewards deliver high-end service throughout the night, ensuring the needs of guests are taken care of before they realise they have them.

Full details on securing your place can be found via ASMALLWORLD’s dedicated Event Page.

6 - 14 August 2026 | Piazza Grande

For true cinephiles, few invitations feel more exclusive than a seat at the Official Artistic Director’s Dinner. Previously reserved only for filmmakers, juries, and key stakeholders, this extraordinary experience offers rare access to one of the festival’s most private circles — and, for the first time, ASMALLWORLD Members are invited inside.

From 6 to 14 August, only two ASMALLWORLD Members per evening can gain access to an intimate gathering of approximately 50 attendees, including official film delegations and internationally acclaimed figures from the world of cinema. Previous editions have welcomed guests such as Lucy Liu, Willem Dafoe, and Jackie Chan, providing an unparalleled level of intimacy with some of the industry’s most recognisable names.

The experience opens with a welcome cocktail reception, before guests take their seats for a refined three-course dinner crafted by some of Locarno’s leading culinary talents. Later in the evening, exclusive backstage access and a private glimpse behind the red carpet offer guests a rare behind-the-scenes perspective before the night continues in the Piazza Grande VIP area.

Discover more about this exclusive festival experience via ASMALLWORLD’s dedicated Event Page, where access remains highly restricted and availability extremely limited.