The patron saint of Sestri Levante is Saint Nicholas, celebrated on 6 December.
Between the end of April and the first week of May, the Riviera International Film Festival is held, dedicated to directors under 35, while in the first half of May the town hosts the National Piano Competition. The Andersen Prize is framed by the Andersen Festival of the same name. The Tigullio Rowing Palio sees Santa Margherita Ligure, San Michele di Pagana, Rapallo, Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna and Sestri Levante itself compete every year, between May and August, in a series of rowing races on traditional Ligurian gozzo boats. The town also holds the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth and the church of Santo Stefano del Ponte.
