Free festival guide

The Pride March: here is the date for the 2026 LGBTQI+ parade in Paris

The LGBTQI+ Pride March, formerly known as the Gay Pride, is set to return to Paris this summer. So, when will this parade take place in 2026? Find out the date of the upcoming Paris edition of the Pride March.

Hors Limites 2026: The Free Contemporary Literature Festival Spanning the Entire Seine-Saint-Denis

From March 27 to April 11, 2026, the Contemporary Literature Festival Hors Limites will take over libraries, media centers, and cultural venues across Seine-Saint-Denis. The lineup includes musical readings, youth activities, and performances—all completely free to attend!

Be rebellious and stay true to yourself! : Free textile workshops at Cité Maraichère for International Women's Day

On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, la Cité Maraîchère will host the Débordeuses collective from March 6th to 8th, 2026, for a free eco-feminist festival. Featuring workshops in rebellious embroidery, upcycled fashion, and committed brunches, this event encourages reinterpretation of textile arts to challenge the societal expectations placed on women.

Thank You Day 2026: The Free Vietnamese Festival at La Bellevilloise Featuring Entertainment and Food

Following the success of its inaugural edition, Cảm ơn Day is returning to Paris on February 8, 2026. This free Vietnamese festival organized by Banh Mi Media will take place once again at La Bellevilloise in the 20th arrondissement, offering a full day of activities, Vietnamese cuisine, workshops, and live performances. Please note that while the daytime activities and market are open to the public free of charge from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the evening showcase requires a ticket.

Read to your heart's content: the free literary festival celebrating Hachette’s bicentennial at Palais Brongniart

From March 13 to 15, 2026, the Palais Brongniart will host the "Grandes Rencontres Hachette - Lire à la folie" festival, a free event celebrating two centuries of publishing. With signings, talks, and workshops, this festival encourages visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating world behind the pages of a book.

Dolcevita on the Seine: the schedule for the open-air Italian film festival at the Arènes de Lutèce

La Dolcevita on the Seine is back from July 2 to 6, 2026, bringing a taste of Italy to Paris. For five days, enjoy film screenings and free activities at the Arènes de Lutèce!

Effractions 2026: The Free Contemporary Literature Festival at La Gaîté Lyrique

From February 18 to 22, 2026, the contemporary literature festival Effractions will return to La Gaité Lyrique, exploring the boundaries between reality and fiction through a series of discussions and workshops.

Lueurs de Mantes: the free light walking trail in the heart of Yvelines 2026 is waiting for you

Lueurs de Mantes makes its grand return from January 15 to February 1, 2026, in Mantes-la-Jolie for a third edition that promises an even more immersive experience. This free light trail through Yvelines lights up the city center, turning it into an open-air museum with eight brand-new installations, a captivating drone show, and two intimate concerts.

Classical Languages Festival: Free Talks, Workshops, Theatre, and Films in Versailles

On February 6 and 7, 2026, Versailles comes alive with the Ancient Languages Festival, celebrating classical languages through expert talks, engaging workshops for all ages, lively performances, and film screenings.

Paris Deco Off 2026: Interior decorators, creators, and designers open their doors to the public

Paris Déco Off and Paris Déco Home, the must-attend events for design enthusiasts, are making their return from January 14 to 17, 2026. This upcoming edition promises to be a celebration of art, culture, and craftsmanship.

The Paris Science Festival: a free, interactive event inviting you to explore science in the 18th arrondissement

On February 4, 2026, the 18th arrondissement will turn its town hall into a giant hands-on science hub for the second edition of the Le Pari(s) des Sciences festival. Visitors can look forward to interactive exhibits, games, exhibitions, and screenings—all designed to explore a variety of topics in a fun and free way.

La Parisienne 2026: Free Festival, Women’s-Only Race or Walk, and Yoga Sessions – The Dates

The Parisienne, the legendary race weaving through the streets of the capital, is making its grand comeback! Mark your calendars for September 11 to 13, 2026, for this all-female event featuring a free festival, yoga sessions, and a host of surprises!

What's in the works: the textile and fashion exhibition between India and France at the Mobilier National

The Mobilier National will be showcasing the textile creations of India and France, which have been intertwined for centuries, in an exhibition that doubles as a festival, from December 4, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

Festival des Livres, des Artistes 2025: a free celebrity book fair in the 7th arrondissement

On December 6 and 7, 2025, the Maison de la Chimie will host the free festival "Des Livres, Des Artistes" (Books, Artists), where many personalities will meet the public to talk about their works.

A big medieval festival in the Yvelines this Saturday: craft market, shows, and entertainment

If you're looking for a great idea for a free and original outing in the Yvelines, Mantes-la-Jolie will be transformed into a medieval city on Saturday, November 22, 2025. For the 575th Onion Fair, the city center will offer entertainment, shows, and period craftsmen.

The free street art festival at the Poste du Louvre 2025, photos and program

Calling all street art fans! The Street Art & Contemporary Art Festival at the Poste du Louvre is back for a third edition from November 15 to 23, 2025, in the 1st arrondissement in central Paris. And the icing on the cake is that the 350 m² exhibition and live performances are free! Head over to discover more than 200 works and meet the artists.

Informing the world of tomorrow: Reporters Without Borders' free festival at the Gaité Lyrique

On November 15, 2025, the Gaîté Lyrique will host the "Informing Tomorrow's World" festival, organized by Reporters Without Borders to celebrate 40 years of commitment. A day of meetings and workshops, but also a festive evening to defend press freedom.

Japanese Festival and Martial Arts Night: immerse yourself in Japan and discover Pantin's hidden gems.

On November 15 and 16, 2025, Pantin will host the third edition of the Japanese Festival and its Martial Arts Night for two days of immersion in Japanese cuisine, creative workshops, and spectacular martial arts demonstrations.

2025 Niflette Festival in Provins: pastry tastings, workshops, and a gourmet market

The niflette is the specialty pastry of the town of Provins, and on November 11, 2025, the medieval city will honor it by organizing a new edition of its Fête de la Niflette. The program includes tastings and free workshops for the whole family!

Les Puces de l'Illu 2025: the contemporary illustration festival at the Campus Fonderie de l'Image

The Campus Fonderie de l'Image is organizing the 13th edition of the Puces de l'illu on December 6 and 7, 2025. Come and discover a selection of illustrators, screen printers, engravers, publishers, gallery owners, and independent booksellers, and find an original work of art!