Paris Events 2026 (Top Holidays and Festivals in Paris 2026)

Table of contents:

• Public Holidays in France 2026
• School Holidays in Paris 2026-2027
• Major Events and Festivals in Paris 2026

3 January – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

Through 4 January – You can still have fun at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market

Through 6 January – Christmas at Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here.

6 January – Epiphany. Although it is not a holiday in France, the French celebrate this Catholic holiday with the Galette du Roi

7 January to 3 February – Winter Sales in all of France

10 January – Croissant National Day

15 January – Hommage à Molière. The annual Hommage à Molière takes place each year at the Comédie Française, where the famous French playwright died on stage in 1673. There is a free performance at 8 p.m., with tickets available directly at the Comédie one hour before the show

15 to 18 January – The District 13 Art Fair is back at Hôtel Drouot (9 rue Drouot, Paris 9) for three days, showcasing works by 170 of the world’s leading street art and graffiti artists. All the information is here.

14 to 27 January – Les Incontournables UGC. Watch the 20 best films of the previous year at any UGC cinema for only 5€. Check out the program and conditions in this post

20 to 29 January – Fashion Week. The Men’s Fashion Week is scheduled from 20 to 25 January 2026, followed by Haute Couture from 26 to 29 January 2026.

1 February – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

1 February – Paris Follies Ballroom at La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris 14) hosts a glamorous costume soirée celebrating the Golden Jazz Age (1923–1943) with live music, dancing, and vintage flair.

2 February – La Chandeleur. For La Chandeleur (Candlemas), the French eat crêpes! Here’s a list of the best crêpes in Paris (book in advance). You can also buy crêpes to eat on the go

Through 3 February – Winter Sales in all of France

6 February to 10 March – The 12th annual Mille & Une Orchidées exhibition returns to the historic Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, Paris 5), showcasing the natural habitats of orchids through a lush botanical display, a photography exhibition, and two curated discovery trails. Visitors can wander a 1,000 m² floral installation featuring hundreds of rare and exotic orchids, attend workshops and demonstrations (in French), and browse a pop-up boutique selling orchids. More information here.

9 to 11 February – Wine Paris at Paris – Porte de Versailles is a leading wine and spirits trade fair, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from the global wine industry for tastings, masterclasses, B2B meetings, and networking.

10 February – The finale of the Championnat de France des Écaillers (French oyster‑shucking championship) in 2026 is scheduled to take place in Paris on 10 February 2026. It will bring together the best professional écaillers (oyster shuckers) in a competition of speed, skill, and presentation, with the exact prestigious venue to be announced soon.

14 February – Saint Valentine’s Day. Celebrate Saint Valentine’s in the City of Love. Here are some romantic things to do in Paris with your other half

14 February – The Soirée LOVE at the Musée Rodin is an annual Valentine’s‑Day‑themed evening celebrating love with music, dance, workshops, and special activities

15 February – Carnaval de Paris. Also known as “Promenade du Boeuf Gras,” the parade starts in Place Gambetta (Paris 20) and weaves its way to Place de la République

18 February – Chinese New Year’s Parade in Paris 13. This year, China celebrates the Year of the Horse!

1 March – Traditional Chinese New Year Parade in Paris 13. This is the city’s largest and most iconic Lunar New Year procession! It usually begins in the early afternoon and winds through the Asian district around Avenues d’Ivry, de Choisy, Rue de Tolbiac, and Boulevard Masséna, with colorful dragon and lion dances, music, traditional costumes, and cultural performances lining the streets.

Thursdays through 5 March – The prestigious Comédie‑Française (Place Colette, Paris 1) is holding its fourth annual sale of rare stage costumes and accessories from its extensive period collection, priced €50–€500. More information and the exact dates here.

8 March – Half Marathon of Paris! This iconic race attracts thousands of runners of all levels and is known for its lively atmosphere and scenic urban course. Expect road closures throughout the itinerary.

8 to 15 March – The Paris‑Nice! One of France’s most iconic cycling races, the starting point this year is in Achères (a town near Paris).

Through 10 March – The 12th annual Mille & Une Orchidées exhibition returns to the historic Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, Paris 5), showcasing the natural habitats of orchids through a lush botanical display, a photography exhibition, and two curated discovery trails. Visitors can wander a 1,000 m² floral installation featuring hundreds of rare and exotic orchids, attend workshops and demonstrations (in French), and browse a pop-up boutique selling orchids. More information here.

13 March – World Riesling Day! This is the perfect excuse for a day trip to Colmar or Strasbourg in March

14-15 March – Salon du Vintage at the Carreau du Temple (4 rue Eugène Spuller, Paris 3), offering a large space devoted to vintage clothing, accessories, vinyl, and small furniture from the 1950s to the 1990s.

TBD March – Course des Cafés. For this coffee race, each participant will be equipped with a tray on which a glass of water, a croissant, and a coffee will be placed. The goal is to cross the finish line as quickly as possible without dropping anything. This quirky race departs from the Hotel de Ville at 10 a.m

TBD March – The festival Paris Music is a multi‑day music event featuring concerts in unusual and cultural venues across the city and showcases a variety of musical genres and artists in settings like museums, cultural sites, and clubs. More information and dates here.

13 to 22 March – The Foire de Chatou, on the Île des Impressionnistes, features antiques, brocante (second‑hand goods), art, furniture, jewellery, and more from professional exhibitors. This is one of France’s largest and most respected fairs for collectors and antique lovers, with stands selling rare and vintage pieces.

19 to 22 March – Salon des Vins et des Vignerons Indépendants at Espace Champerret (Paris 17). Click here for more info

20 March – Macaron National Day

20 March – Spring in Paris

22 to 24 March – The Printemps du Cinéma 2026 is a nationwide cinema promotion where films are shown in the participating cinemas at a reduced flat rate of €5 per ticket. 

27 March – Cheese National Day

TBD March – Hôtel de Ville Open House. The Hôtel de Ville holds an “open house” in March as part of its spring public access program. It allows visitors to explore the historic building, its grand halls, and sometimes temporary exhibitions.

5 April – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

7 to 12 April – Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art. This is a European-wide festival of artisans (artists, jewelry makers, designers, furniture makers, and ironsmiths) who open their workshops to the public. Use the “near me” function on the website to find the open studios. Entry is free

11 to 13 April – The Paris Café Festival at the Carreau du Temple (Paris 3) celebrates specialty coffee with tastings, barista showcases, workshops, and hundreds of roasters and coffee brands.

12 April – Paris-Roubaix, considered one of the world’s most dangerous cycling races. You can check out the itinerary here

12 April – Marathon of Paris. This event is one of the biggest marathons in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants and showcasing many of Paris’s most beautiful landmarks along the course.

18 to 20 April – Rhum Fest celebrates rhum at Parc Floral in Paris. Click here for the full program

TBD to TBD April – Hanami Spring Festival at Parc de Sceaux. The event celebrates Hanami, the Japanese tradition of admiring cherry blossoms (sakura), with blossoming cherry trees, cultural activities, exhibitions, and outdoor strolls in the park

18 April – Le Disquaire Day. The Record Store Day is celebrated today at over 200 independent record shops in 90 cities throughout France and Belgium. In addition to unique collections and limited-edition records available for purchase, there will be live events, DJ sessions, showcases, and art exhibitions. Check out the website for the full program and participating record stores in Paris

19 to 22 April – Urban Art Fair. This international contemporary street art fair takes place at the Carreau du Temple in Paris 3, and brings together over 40 galleries and more than 100 artists, with exhibitions, live performances, music, talks, and installations celebrating urban art culture.

3 May – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

TBD May – The Fête du Pain, the bread festival (Parvis du Notre Dame), promotes traditional French breadmaking and includes the Best Baguette in Paris contest

8 May – The Armistice (national holiday), end of the WW2 in France

9 May – Nuit des Cathédrales. For the Night of Cathedrals, the participating cathedrals open their doors until midnight and offer a varied cultural and spiritual program, including concerts, exhibitions, conferences, shows, guided tours, meditations, prayers, and periods of silence

9 May – Printemps des Cimitières. Enjoy guided walk tours (in French) and other activities in the most beautiful cemeteries in Paris. The full program is available here

9 to 11 May – Tous à L’Opéra! This nationwide festival brings everyone to the opera, including those who might not normally visit. Check out the full program for Paris

11 to 24 May – The Festival de Jazz Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an annual jazz celebration held in the historic Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés neighbourhood, with concerts in some of its most iconic venues. It showcases both renowned and emerging jazz artists. Check out the full program here

18 May to 7 June – Roland Garros (the French Open). This is the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay court

21 to 24 May – Taste of Paris at the Grand Palais. Taste of Paris is one of the most famous food festivals in France.

TBD May – Champagne Tasting 2026. Held at the Maison de la Mutualité (24 rue Saint‑Victor, Paris 5), this annual event, organized by Terre de Vins, brings together leading Champagne houses for tastings, complimentary workshops, and ticketed masterclasses featuring brands such as Dom Pérignon, Taittinger, Bollinger, and Henriot.

23 May – Nuit Européenne des Musées, when many museums in Paris and France stay open until midnight. Check out the full program

5 to 7 June – We Love Green Festival. This is an environmentally friendly music festival in the Bois de Vincennes. The full program is available here

6 June – Nuit Blanche is the city’s annual all‑night contemporary art festival, when public spaces, museums, parks, and surprising venues across Paris and Île‑de‑France are transformed by artistic installations, performances, projections, and interactive works from evening into the early morning

6 to 7 June – The Week‑end de la Rose at Parc de Bagatelle (Paris 16) is an annual spring garden festival celebrating roses with demonstrations, workshops and activities around the park’s world‑renowned roseraie. It traditionally takes place on the first weekend of June each year as part of Rendez‑vous aux Jardins.

6 June to 19 September – Night Fountains Show in the Gardens of Versailles (Saturdays and holidays). You can buy the tickets here

7 June – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

7 to 29 June – Chopin au Jardin is a free outdoor music festival in Paris dedicated entirely to the music of Frédéric Chopin. It is traditionally held in Parc Montsouris (Paris 14) with recitals every Sunday in June

13 to 14 June – Médievales de Provins. France’s most important Medieval Fair takes place in the lovely Medieval town of Provins

21 June – Fête de la Musique. This French festival celebrates music and the arrival of summer in Paris

TBD June to TBD July – Festival Chopin, at the Orangerie du Parc de Bagatelle. Enjoy six candlelit concerts, two-weekend recitals, and the traditional “Piano à Portes Ouvertes” day. The full program is available here

24 June to 21 July – Summer Sales in all of France

26 June to 28 June – Solidays is a major summer music festival organized by the charity Solidarité Sida, featuring concerts while promoting solidarity and raising awareness of public health issues related to HIV/AIDS. More information here

28 June to 1 July – During La Fête du Cinéma, all films and all sessions in participating cinemas are typically available at a special flat rate (€5 per ticket)

TBD June to TBD September – Classique au Vert. This Paris festival of classical music concerts takes place at Parc Floral. The full program is available here

TBD June to TBD September – Paris Jazz Festival at Parc Floral. The full program is available here

TBD June to TBD July – Festival Chopin, at the Orangerie du Parc de Bagatelle. Enjoy six candlelit concerts, two-weekend recitals, and the traditional “Piano à Portes Ouvertes” day. The full program is available here

5 July – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

5 July – Carnaval Tropical de Paris is a festive parade of music, dance, colourful costumes, and carnival culture along the Avenue des Champs‑Élysées

TBD July to TBD August – Festival Paris l’Été is an annual festival of live arts, featuring a mix of theater, dance, music, circus, performance art, installations, and contemporary shows. It is held across multiple locations throughout Paris and the region, including parks, gardens, urban spaces, monuments, and unexpected venues. More information here

14 July – Fête Nationale (France’s National Day). The most spectacular celebrations and parades take place in Paris! Here’s where to watch the Eiffel Tower fireworks on 14 July.

TBD to TBD July – The Dolcevita Sur Seine festival is an annual, free celebration of Italian culture, featuring cinema, music, exhibitions, and more. It is held at the Arènes de Lutèce

TBD July to TBD August – Paris Plages is back along the banks of the River Seine and the Canal de la Villette

TBD July to TBD August – Cinéma en Plein Air. This open‑air cinema event transforms the prairie du Triangle at Parc de la Villette (Paris 19) into a giant outdoor screen each summer, with a mix of French and international films shown under the stars. It’s free to attend (bring a picnic), with optional paid transats on site. All films are screened in original version with French subtitles (VOST)

TBD July to TBD September – Nocturnes d’Été. The Palais de Tokyo hosts free summer evening openings called Nocturnes d’été, where the museum offers free access to its contemporary art exhibitions one evening per week.

22 July to 15 August – Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre, classical music concerts in the neighborhood of Montmartre. The full program is available here

26 July – Final Stage of the Tour de France at the Champs-Elysées

TBD July to TBD August – Paris Plages is back along the banks of the River Seine and the Canal de la Villette

TBD July to TBD August – Festival Paris l’Été is an annual festival of live arts, featuring a mix of theater, dance, music, circus, performance art, installations, and contemporary shows. It is held across multiple locations throughout Paris and the region, including parks, gardens, urban spaces, monuments, and unexpected venues. More information here

TBD July to TBD August – Cinéma en Plein Air. This open‑air cinema event transforms the prairie du Triangle at Parc de la Villette (Paris 19) into a giant outdoor screen each summer, with a mix of French and international films shown under the stars. It’s free to attend (bring a picnic), with optional paid transats on site. All films are screened in original version with French subtitles (VOST)

TBD July to TBD September – Nocturnes d’Été. The Palais de Tokyo hosts free summer evening openings called Nocturnes d’été, where the museum offers free access to its contemporary art exhibitions one evening per week.

22 July to 15 August – Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre, classical music concerts in the neighborhood of Montmartre. The full program is available here

2 August – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

15 August – Assumption of Mary (public holiday)

24 August – Harvest Festival in Provins. This family-friendly festival celebrates the end of the harvest in 19th-century style.

25 August – The city commemorates the liberation of Paris from German occupation on 25 August 1944

3 September – International Cabernet Sauvignon Day. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most renowned red wine grapes, known for its bold structure, hints of oak, and rich flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry

6 September – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

TBD to TBD September – La Fête de Paris is a relatively new but growing celebration dedicated to the history, culture, and living heritage of Paris. The event includes historical parades, artisan villages, concerts, performances, workshops, a giant guinguette, and more, all free and open to the public. More information here

TBD to TBD September – Les Traversées du Marais is a free cultural festival that invites visitors to explore the historic Marais (Paris 3 and 4) through exhibitions, concerts, performances, workshops, and events in museums and venues across the area.

10 to 13 September – The Village International de la Gastronomie brings together culinary traditions from 60+ countries and French terroirs for tastings, demonstrations, and cultural showcases. It is located along Quai Jacques Chirac by the Seine, near the Pont d’Iéna / Pont de l’Alma, in Paris 7

13 September – The Lavage de la Madeleine brings the spirit of Brazil to the heart of Paris with its traditional parade and the ceremonial washing of the church steps. The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with a vibrant procession for peace, departing from Place de la République and filling the streets with dancers, drummers, and Brazilian music before reaching Place de la Madeleine (Paris 8).

19 to 20 September – Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days), with many museums and other cultural buildings free to visit

22 September – Fall in Paris

16 to 18 October – Nuit des Châteaux. Visit historic castles near Paris and throughout France, all lit up at night. The list of castles participating in the event here

24 October – World Champagne Day. Let’s toast to the world’s most festive drink, exclusively produced in the Champagne Wine Region. Known for its elegance and fine bubbles, here are some curious facts about champagne

1 November – All Saints (national holiday)

1 November – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

7 November – International Merlot Day. This is the perfect excuse to visit Bordeaux and its wine area, especially the Garonne Right Bank (Saint-Emilion, Pomerol,..), where Merlot is king

11 November – The Armistice, end of WWI in France

12 to 15 November – International Photography Fair (Paris Photo) at Grand Palais

19 November – The arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau. This day marks the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, a young, fruity wine made from the Gamay grape variety in the Beaujolais Wine Region

TBD to TBD November – Le Grand Tasting (the Grands Vins festival) at the Carrousel du Louvre

TBD November to TBD January 2027 – Christmas at Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here

TBD November to TBD January 2027 – Illuminations de Noël at Champs Elysées. The holiday season in Paris officially begins with the ceremony of turning on the lights of the Avenue des Champs Elysées

5 to 6 December – Fête de la Sainte Barbe. The Army Museum at Les Invalides celebrates the Fête de la Sainte Barbe (patron saint of French artillery and firefighters) with a week of free activities for the whole family.

6 December – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month

TBD to TBD December – Salon des Vignerons Indépendants. This major wine fair showcases dozens of independent French winemakers, offering tastings, direct encounters, and the discovery of regional wines.

21 December – Winter in Paris

25 December – Christmas (national holiday). Check out our guide to Christmas in Paris

TBD December to TBD January 2027 – Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains (Paris 14)