The Café Race 2026, Paris’s iconic event for waiters and waitresses

Paris is far from short on quirky and offbeat activities, but this one has only returned in the last two years, after 13 years of absence: the Café Race. Not everyone can take part; you must indeed be a waiter or a waitress in one of the capital’s many cafés, and run nearly 4 kilometers right through the heart of a historic, bustling neighborhood—the Marais.

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, don’t miss this exceptional race, where the aim is to keep your tray steady, with a glass of water, a coffee and a croissant perched on top, without spilling them! A tribute to the heritage that are Parisian cafés and bistros, after their inclusion in the intangible cultural heritage inventory.

The 400 runners taking part today will have to dress according to the traditional service codes and chase the best time possible. Last year, three starts paced the morning, not to mention the activities and family-friendly animations open to everyone without registration in the afternoon. The program for this new edition will be unveiled soon.

• To be read
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A look back at the 2025 edition of the Coffee Race:

• 7:30 a.m.: Opening of the Village on the Parvis de l'Hôtel de Ville and presentation of race numbers to professionals and apprentices
• 9:15 a.m.: Distribution of race numbers to participants in the general public race
• 9:30 a.m.: Start of the professionals' and apprentices' race
• 10:30 a.m.: Start of general public race
• 11:45 a.m.: Prize-giving ceremony for winners
• 2 p.m.: Children's race!
• 2:30 p.m.: Family relay
• 3:15 p.m.: Children's Race and Family Relay prize-giving ceremony
• 3:45 pm: Interactive quiz on thehistory of Paris bistros
• 4 p.m.: Musical break with a band on the Village stage
• 4 p.m.: Molkky tournament

Meet at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to back your favorite merchant!