The 2026 cultural season in Paris promises to be a busy one, with numerous new productions, the return of major productions, and major events already announced by theaters, concert halls, and cultural venues. This guide lists the most eagerly awaited shows on the Parisian scene in 2026, across all disciplines, to give you an overview of the events that will mark the year.
The program is being built around new proposals and the continuation of trends that emerged in 2025, particularly around the most eagerly awaited plays. Parisian venues are gradually unveiling their projects, and several creations are already among the highlights announced by cultural institutions.
The shows in 2026 are part of a movement of artistic innovation, with renewed scenographic devices and an increased focus on hybrid formats. To complete this selection, you can also check out the new shows for 2026 to discover in Paris and Île-de-France, where the first announcements of the season are presented.
The diversity of the offerings reflects the evolution of cultural practices: musicals, musical performances, comedy, dance, and immersive forms. The year is characterized by an alternation of French productions and international tours, as well as transdisciplinary shows combining theater, opera, ballet, visual arts, and sound and light shows.
This guide is updated regularly throughout 2026, as announcements are made by venues, producers, and companies. It provides an overview to help you plan your cultural outings in Paris and discover the season's most notable creations.
Sting comes to Paris in 2026 with his committed musical "The Last Ship
Get out your diaries, Sting will unveil his committed musical "The Last Ship" at La Seine Musicale, Boulogne-Billancourt, from February 18, 2026. Inspired by the Newcastle shipyards, this work blends rock, working-class memory and theater. Don't miss the box-office launch on June 11. [Read more]
Dance Theatre of Harlem: New York ballet returns to Paris
Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to France after a 40-year absence with two programs at the Palais des Congrès de Paris from February 26 to 28, 2026. [Read more]
Nixon in China: John Adams' opera returns to the Opéra Bastille
From February 24 to March 20, 2026, the Opéra Bastille welcomes Nixon in China, John Adams' opera directed by Valentina Carrasco. [Read more]
The Rise at the Dôme de Paris in April 2026
The Rise, a dystopian musical and choreographic fresco, will be at the Dôme de Paris from April 3 to 12, 2026, with 33 artists on stage. [Read more]
Forever, The best show about the King of Pop: Michael Jackson tribute show at Grand Rex
"Forever, The best show about the King of Pop" is back in Paris After 15 years of performances, the show returns to Paris, but this time at the Grand Rex from February 17 to 20, 2026. [Read more]
Paul Mirabel: upcoming dates for his Molière award-winning show
Par Amour, the new show by comedian Paul Mirabel, has already been announced as sold-out at the Dôme de Paris in November 2025. But don't panic! The comedian returns to the Accor Arena stage for two exceptional dates, on April 10 and 11, 2026. [Read more]
Philip Glass's Satyagraha: Gandhi, non-violence and hypnotic opera at the Palais Garnier
Philip Glass's opera Satyagraha, inspired by the thought of Gandhi, enters the repertoire of the Palais Garnier from April 10 to May 3, 2026, for a series of never-before-seen performances. [Read more]
Hans van Manen: Dutch National Ballet pays tribute to the neo-classical master
Dutch National Ballet celebrates Hans van Manen with four major works by the Dutch choreographer, as part of the TranscenDanses season at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. [Read more]
The Spanish Riding School of Vienna at Paris la Défense Arena in 2026
The prestigious Spanish riding school from Vienna returns to France with two performances of its equestrian show, on February 28 and March 1, 2026, at the Paris la Défense Arena. [Read more]
Top Hat at the Théâtre du Châtelet: tap dance, romance and old-fashioned Broadway
Fred Astaire, tap dancing and unforgettable melodies: Top Hat, Irving Berlin's musical film classic, comes to the Théâtre du Châtelet from April 15 to May 3, 2026 for an elegant stage adaptation. [Read more]
La Cenerentola at the Palais Garnier: Rossini's Cinderella returns to Paris
The Opéra Garnier presents Rossini's La Cenerentola, a sparkling retelling of the Cinderella tale, from June 3 to July 11, 2026, directed by Guillaume Gallienne. [Read more]
Swan Lake: International Festival Ballet at Grand Rex for a classic ballet
On March 15, 2026, the Grand Rex welcomes Swan Lake in a fairytale version by the International Festival Ballet, accompanied by a live orchestra. [Read more]
Ercole amante: Antonia Bembo's baroque Hercules between power and desire at Opéra Bastille
From May 28 to June 14, 2026, Antonia Bembo's Ercole amante makes its debut in the Paris Opéra repertoire, supported by an original staging and singular Baroque vocal writing. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
