1.     One option to reach Chioggia from Venice (the one I’ve used): First reach Venezia Lido by water bus (line 6 and 2) and then get bus 11 to Chioggia (it will also get on another ferry boat). Around 1h and half travel. Maybe stay overnight and enjoy the good and affordable fish restaurants.
2.     Taking part in one of the most exclusive parties in the world, “The Ballo del Doge” is possible. Expensive but possible! You can have more info and buy the ticket for this event and others on veneziaopera-tickets.eu
3.     You can rent a costume for the Carnival if you don’t want to bring one from home. Atelier Pietro Longhi has a lot of great options and reasonable prices.
4.     You can easily reach Murano from Venice by public transportation. The quickest way is getting ACTV’s line 4.2 water bus from Fondamenta Nove. When you reach Murano, get off at Colonna stop for glassblowing demonstrations or Museo, close to the Glass Museum and Basilica of Santi Maria and Donato.
5.     I recommend visiting the Archimede Seguso glass factory and Museum.
6.     For a local aperitivo with Aperol spritz go to Campo Santa Margherita, at “the Rosso” (you will find it because of its red tent) you can get the cheapest and better spritz in Venice.