10 free things to do in Paris and Île-de-France in October 2026

Whoever said autumn had to mean plaid, steaming tea and nonstop binge-watching? In Paris and across the Île-de-France departments—from Hauts-de-Seine to Seine-et-Marne—autumn in October 2026 unfolds a calendar of free outings that makes you want to pull on your coat. To help you get out without breaking the bank, we’ve picked ten great ideas to share with family, as a couple, or with friends.

The idea is simple: October for everyone. Art lovers will discover free exhibitions to wander through, sheltered from the showers; walkers can roam parks and gardens with coppery reflections; and history buffs can travel back centuries in a single day. As for the sporty (or simply curious), they can line up for quirky races that are a real departure from Sunday jogs. Follow the guide—the bill stays zero.

10 free outing ideas to make the most of October 2026 in Paris:

Free museums and monuments on Sundays: the best plans for October 4 in Paris and Île-de-France.
Which free museum to visit in Paris or Île-de-France on this first Sunday of the month, this Sunday October 4, 2026? We’re happy to revive our little monthly ritual: discovering a museum or monument, with no cost involved! Don’t miss the great plans for this Sunday... [Read more]

Brie-Comte-Robert Medieval Festival 2026: free performances from Seine-et-Marne (77)
The Brie-Comte-Robert Médiévale festival is back for its 27th edition, inviting troubadours, storytellers and druids to the town centre of this Seine-et-Marne commune on October 3–4, 2026, for a free, family-friendly medieval celebration. [Read more]

150th Anniversary Expo: the gigantic, free street-art exhibition takes over a former Zara storefront spanning 2,400 square meters.
The 150th Expo is back, reviving the spirit of the Cabaret du Chat Noir at the former Zara store in Denfert-Rochereau, in Paris's 14th arrondissement. The works of hundreds of urban artists await you free of charge from October 3 to 25, 2026. This year they partner with StreetArt Denfert to offer you no fewer than three floors of discoveries. Note that entry is by free registration—reserve your spots! [Read more]

National Architecture Days 2026: The Program
The National Architecture Days return on October 17–18, 2026, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Over a full weekend, visitors can explore quirky and historic venues while taking part in workshops and meetings with architects. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026 in Île-de-France: workshops, tours, experiments… free outings on the program
The 2026 Science Festival runs from October 2 to 12 in Paris and across Île-de-France, offering many free events for the general public and families. Open laboratories, demonstrations, meetings, performances, and hands-on workshops make up the program for this 35th edition. [Read more]

A giant, free karaoke event dedicated to Céline Dion featuring her vocal look-alike at Boom Boom Villette
To keep the Céline Dion obsession going, a giant karaoke session and a 100% diva-focused night arrive at Boom Boom Villette this Saturday, October 3, 2026. On the menu: cult songs, a vocal impersonator show, and a DJ set — all free to attend! [Read more]

The 2026 Journées Particulières: which LVMH houses to visit and when to book in Paris?
Three days to discover LVMH’s Maisons in a fresh light: Journées Particulières 2026 are back from October 16 to 18. Here’s the schedule of free tours and the dates to know to book. [Read more]

The Animal Walk in Paris 2026: a big free stroll with dogs and cats this Sunday.
After its debut along the Champs-Élysées, the Animal March is returning this Sunday, October 4, 2026, with a new route. This time, dogs, cats and other companions will march along Avenue Foch to the Bois de Boulogne. [Read more]

Paris Pride March 2026: Podium lineup at Place de la Bastille
Piche, Montemarco, Lolla Wesh, and Thea Rose and Allanah Starr await you at Place de la Bastille in Paris this Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the return of Podium, part of the Pride March. [Read more]

Art Basel 2026: the lineup of off-site exhibitions to discover in Paris
What are these monumental installations blooming across Paris? They’re the works from Art Basel Paris’s off-site program, the must-attend event in the Paris contemporary art scene. From October 20 to 25, 2026, come and marvel at these unusual installations. [Read more]

For more ideas:

October 2026's free exhibitions: art lovers’ must-see picks in Paris and Île-de-France
Do you love exhibitions? Us too! And what we love even more is when they're free! To discover the best exhibitions in Paris without hurting your wallet in October 2026, check out our picks. [Read more]

October 2026 in Paris: free or affordable outings to do with kids
Want to enjoy Paris with the family without breaking the bank? In October 2026, the capital is packed with affordable options—from exhibitions and activities to strolls and experiences you can share with the kids. [Read more]

Enjoy free discoveries for everyone!