For many, June 21 means the summer solstice and the start of a new season. But for others, this symbolic date undeniably points to the Fête de la musique!
Musical, popular, and free, the Fête de la Musique was created in 1982 at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture. That year, the Ministry of Culture's Studies and Research Service conducted a major survey of French cultural practices. It found that five million people, including one in two young people, play a musical instrument.
From that moment, Jack Lang, Christian Dupavillon, an architect and scenographer who was part of his team, and Maurice Fleuret conceived a large, popular festival with the aim of giving all musicians a platform to express themselves and gain recognition. The very first Fête de la Musique was launched on June 21, 1982, the symbolic day of the summer solstice.
Also, for more than four decades now, the Fête de la Musique has been bringing live music to venues all over Paris and the Île-de-France region. And this 2026 edition stays true to that tradition, with a slew of hot picks to discover across the Île-de-France area on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
If you’re in the Yvelines, head to the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye this June 21, as the municipality rolls out a festive, free, and crowd-pleasing program for all residents to enjoy!
The Key
From 2:30 p.m., explore La CLEF's music classes and workshops. Starting at 6 p.m., four concerts are on the schedule:
- La Brise du Mammouth — hip-hop jazzy
- The Strugglers — Reggae
- Salma — Soul / Jazz fusion
- Figures — Alternative Rock
Combatants' Square
Demonstration and taster session of Breton dances with La Clef’s Breton dance course and the Celtic music group Lodennañ.
New Market Square
During the market, take a musical break with a jazz quintet: trumpet, saxophone, double bass, drums and piano are on the bill.
A Brazilian percussion fanfare that will draw the crowd to the market square for a Capoeira demonstration, the Brazilian martial art performed to music.
Flashback and performances by Soglaam students - Dancehall/Afro/New Style.
The Angelo & Co Orchestra will present a festive, intergenerational program that blends classic hits from the 70s and 80s with current pop, electro, and Latin favorites, bringing together a broad family audience in a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
Dates and Opening Time
On June 21, 2026
Location
La Clef
46 Rue de Mareil
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
culture.saintgermainenlaye.fr
