The Fête de la Musique returns on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Paris as well as all across France! That day, amateur and professional musicians alike pay tribute to living music by delivering outdoor concerts, as well as performances in museums or venues. On each Fête de la Musique, all musical genres take center stage: from rock to electronic, including jazz and hip‑hop, not to mention classical music where violins and cellos resonate and move us.
But what is the Fête de la Musique? A free, popular musical event, the Fête de la Musique was created in 1982 on the initiative of the French Ministry of Culture. That year, the Ministry of Culture's studies and research department conducted a major survey of French cultural practices. It revealed that five million people, including one young person in two, play a musical instrument. So Jack Lang, architect and scenographer Christian Dupavillon, a member of his Cabinet, and Maurice Fleuret came up with the idea of a major popular event to enable all musicians to express themselves and make themselves known. The very first Fête de la Musique was launched on June 21, 1982, the symbolic day of the summer solstice.
And it was a resounding success, with musicians taking to the streets, squares, kiosks, courtyards, gardens, stations and squares to play their music.
It was in 1985 that the Fête de la Musique began to be exported, on the occasion of the European Year of Music. In 2017, more than 120 countries around the world took part in the Fête de la Musique!
If you’re into classical or neoclassical music, then here are the the best free classical concerts and insider tips you won’t want to miss in Paris on Sunday, June 21, 2026, for this new edition of the Fête de la Musique!
At this royal château, a series of classical concerts unfolds in the heart of an English-style garden for Music Day.
Au Château de Fontainebleau, Fête de la Musique is set to enliven the English-style garden of this royal estate. Here is the full lineup for this Sunday, June 21, 2026. [Read more]
World Music Day 2026: Carmina Burana at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the Armenians
Music Day 2026 makes its way to the Sainte-Croix des Arméniens Cathedral with a choral concert centered on Carmina Burana, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. In Paris, the Navigavoce Choirs and On Avait Dit present a version for two pianos and percussion, paced by vocal power and the spirit of shared music. [Read more]
Make Music Day 2026 at the Henner Museum in Paris: classical music takes the spotlight
The Henner Museum is taking part in the new Fête de la Musique! Join us this Sunday, June 21, 2026, to soak up the rhythm of six classical music concerts. For the occasion, the renowned Paris museum will welcome students from École Cortot. [Read more]
World Music Day 2026: classical guitar concert at the Eugène Delacroix Museum
Sunday, June 21, 2026, as part of the new Fête de la Musique, the National Eugène-Delacroix Museum invites you to experience a unique, free musical moment alongside Japanese guitarist Taïki Matsumoto. [Read more]
Music Day 2026 in Paris: Young Talents in concert at the National Archives
For the new edition of Fête de la Musique, join us to celebrate classical music on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at the National Archives in Paris, alongside Jeunes Talents. An opportunity to soak in a musical atmosphere within a historic monument. [Read more]
Music Day 2026: Grand Siècle music highlighted at the Petit Château de Sceaux
Music Day festivities return to the Petit Château de Sceaux this year! On Sunday, June 21, 2026, come enjoy a musical performance that transports you to the spirit of the 17th century! [Read more]
Harp Concert: A Poetic Evening at the City of Economy for Music Day 2026
Celebrate Music Day in Paris with an unprecedented event at the Cité de l’Economie! On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the École Normale de Musique Alfred Cortot brings this venue, housed in the historic Hôtel Gaillard, to life for a one-of-a-kind evening devoted to classical music. [Read more]
Music Day 2026 in Paris: an opéra comique to discover at Place Colette
On the occasion of Music Day 2026, the operetta "The Pirates of Penzance" will take over Place Colette, tucked in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. Join us on Sunday, June 21 to soak up a wealth of classical music! [Read more]
Music Day 2026: Paris police officers to give a free concert at Saint-Roch Church in Paris
For Music Day 2026, discover the Baroque ensemble of the Musique des Gardiens de la Paix in a one-of-a-kind venue in Paris. The musicians will perform a free concert on Sunday, June 21, at Saint-Roch Church. [Read more]
Music Day 2026: more than 110 musicians on the stage at Radio France's Auditorium.
For Music Day 2026, head to the Radio France Auditorium to hear Viva l'Orchestra’s classical repertoire—a group of seasoned amateurs guided by the Orchestre National de France. Meet on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM for this free concert (reservation required) at one of Music Day’s must-visit venues. [Read more]
Les Étés du Louvre 2026: Free concert by the Orchestre de Paris under the pyramid
New and third edition for the “Les Étés du Louvre” festival! The multidisciplinary event will kick off on Saturday, June 20, 2026. On the eve of Fête de la Musique, gear up to enjoy a free concert (reservation required) by the Orchestre de Paris beneath the Pyramid. [Read more]
Please consult this guide regularly, as it is updated according to program announcements.
Dates and Opening Time
On June 21, 2026
Prices
Free
Official website
fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr
