Except when the Carnevale is in full swing, Venice after dark is pretty moribund. Locals head to Mestre and the mainland for nightlife, as high rents and zealous noise policing close down as many late bars as manage to open. That said, the city's calendar of special events is often impressive, though the bias is definitely towards high culture. To find out what's on in the way of concerts and films, check Un Ospite di Venezia or Leo Bussola or go to www.govenice.org.