“The parties are for clout, to some degree, but also relationship-building,” Chris Harihar, EVP at the marketing agency Mod Op, told me. “You spend time with clients, partners, and prospects, and the hope is they like you more and want to work with you more. Just don’t drink too much rosé.”
Zack Dugow, CEO of adtech firm The COOL Company, hosted a table at the raucous Bâoli nightclub, where the purchasing of magnums of Champagne — starting at roughly €1,000, or around $1,136, during Lions week — triggers a parade of dancers, giant sparklers, and flags. This happened several times, Business Insider can confirm.
Dugow told me that Cannes does human connection better than any other conference.
“Somewhere around midnight, and especially at 2 a.m. at Bâoli, the conversation shifts,” he said. “You stop talking about work and start talking about life, family, goals, and the things that actually matter. That’s when relationships become real.”
The adtech company Cognitiv hosts an annual “Pink Party” on its yacht, where attendees — you guessed it — wear pink. It also held a Pride Party, in partnership with the LGBTQ+ organization Do the WeRQ and other industry partners at the 3CV Beach.
“These events are not just brand moments. They’re catalysts for conversations, relationships, and impact that outlast the week itself,” Cognitiv CEO Jeremy Fain told me.
“For young professionals, it’s one of the best networking opportunities in the world,” Fain said of the Cannes party scene. “For industry leaders, it’s a rare chance to reconnect with the people shaping the future of marketing, all in one place.”
And beyond the case for partying as a business strategy, there’s also a simpler truth: Sometimes it’s just fun to let loose.
Check out the photos from some of the best Cannes Lions 2026 parties below.
Amazon hosted indie rockers The xx for a Tuesday night concert at its Amazon Port space.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas mingled with guests at the UTA and DoorDash Executive Soirée at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on Tuesday.
The night featured a performance from the rapper Ludacris. Other A-listers in attendance included Paris Hilton, Janelle Monáe, Draymond Green, Alan Cumming, JB Smoove, and Elle Fanning,
The adtech company Cognitiv held a ‘Pink Party’ on its yacht on Tuesday.
iHeart Media held a World Cup watch party for the England vs. Ghana game at the iHeartCafé with podcast hosts Eva Longoria, Hoda Kotb, and Sarah Spain.
RAYE drew the crowds for Spotify’s Tuesday night bash.
Wyclef Jean was the star of the Brand Innovators party Tuesday night on Rado Beach.
The COOL Company, a digital ad firm, hosted clients and friends at a Tuesday evening rager at the Bâoli Cannes club, which ran into the early hours.
French DJ legend Corrone headlined the RTL AdAlliance Party on its beach Tuesday night.
Guests mingled at the official Lions creators’ party on the beach early Wednesday evening.
D-Nice was on the decks at TikTok’s ‘club quarantine’ at the Carlton Hotel on Wednesday.
Yahoo was the talk of the town on Wednesday evening as lines snaked along the promenade for Tiësto.
Mumford & Sons were the headline act at Spotify’s Wednesday beach party.
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