To treat yourself to a (good and beautiful) show sometimes requires breaking your piggy bank and, as we all know, especially in these times of high inflation, not everyone can afford it.
Fortunately, there are a number of free shows on offer in Paris, for those who can't afford it and for everyone else too. Whether financed by private patronage or public subsidy. But that doesn't mean we can't continue to support artistic creation.
Circus, dance, theater, comedy, shows for young audiences, music... No discipline escapes the rule of presenting shows free of charge, for whatever reason. And sometimes, it's as part of a festival.
In many cases, access to these shows is free of charge, but the number of seats is limited and tickets must be reserved inadvance.
Whether it's showcases presenting extracts from a show, full-length shows, creations in the making or open-air shows performed in the heart of thepublic space, there are always free shows to see in Paris.
The Sebastopol Comedy Club: stand-up comedy in a Paris hotel
The Sebastopol Comedy Club is the unusual comedy stage that awaits you in the heart of the 123 Sebastopol hotel in Paris. Every weekend, in the heart of a hotel, you'll find a stand-up stage hosted by established artists. [Read more]
A free, anti-blues Sunday night cabaret, every last Sunday of the month at Poinçon
Poinçon occupies a former railway station on the Petite Ceinture in the 14th arrondissement. Every first Sunday of the month, head there to discover a cabaret that stands out from the crowd! [Read more]
Following the waves: the art of Lars Fredrikson, Anastasia Ax and Christine Ödlund at the Swedish Institute
Sponsored - The Swedish Institute presents an exhibition and events featuring images, installations and sculptures by Lars Fredrikson, Anastasia Ax and Christine Ödlund. Poetry, readings, a concert, animated objects, movement... Experience the Suivre les ondes season, from March 8 to June 16, 2024! [Read more]
C'est Carnaval à la Communale de St-Ouen: free, festive events this spring
From March 23 to May 4, 2024, it's carnival time at La Communale! Saint-Ouen's freshly inaugurated gourmet hall kicks off its first cultural season by exploring these colorful festivities around the world, with a host of events on the program. [Read more]
Bal kréyol at Hôtel de la Marine: a festive event celebrating Creole culture
The enchanting tunes of the Caribbean take us on a journey to the Hôtel de la Marine: this April 27, 2024, enjoy the bal kréyol, a free show for all. [Read more]
Esprit Jardin, the free plant festival of Versailles 2024, program
Esprit Jardin celebrates the Fête des Plantes de Versailles on April 27 and 28, 2024. On the program: plant and equipment sales, workshops, entertainment, shows and much more with free admission. [Read more]
Sabay Festival 2024: Cambodian New Year at the Grande Pagode de Vincennes with street food and entertainment
Celebrate the Cambodian New Year at the Sabay Festival at the Grande Pagode de Vincennes on Saturday April 27 and Sunday April 28, 2024. On the program: live entertainment, street food and more. With free admission, this festival is sure to take you on a voyage of discovery! [Read more]
Tous à l'Opéra 2024: free visits to four major opera houses in Paris and the Île-de-France region
On the occasion of the 17th edition of "Tous à l'Opéra", four prestigious Parisian and Ile-de-France establishments open their doors to you on Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May 2024. The perfect opportunity to discover the splendor and beauty of these exceptional cultural venues, free of charge. [Read more]
Rambouillet celebrates the Fête du Muguet 2024: float parade, funfair and fireworks display
We know Rambouillet by its forest and the château that once served as the presidential residence... But have you heard of the Lily of the Valley Festival? Celebrated in the town for over 100 years, it's a must-see event in the Yvelines every May. [Read more]
La Fête du rire, a free comedy and solidarity event on May 5
La Fête du rire is a festive evening of solidarity that will take place on May 5, 2024 from 6:30 pm at Le Poiçon Paris, a lively venue in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The evening is all about laughter: stand-up comedy, laughter yoga, a hypnosis show and other surprises! [Read more]
Tip: Un neuf trois Soleil 2024, the free festival for toddlers in Seine-Saint-Denis
From May 13 to June 16, 2024, the Seine-Saint-Denis département is organizing a festival dedicated to babies and toddlers: with an entirely free program and dozens of shows presented in the département's various parks, it's the best deal of these months of May and June not to be missed with the kids! [Read more]
Onze Bouge 2024, the 11th arrondissement's festival of free shows, is back!
The very cool Onze Bouge festival returns for another edition in the streets of Paris' 11th arrondissement, from May 16 to 20, 2024. On the program: dance, theater, music and comedy shows, all presented free of charge for all our enjoyment - we're running, of course. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2024 at the Théâtre Intercommunal d'Etampes (91): the evening program
This Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Théâtre intercommunal d'Etampes is taking part in the Nuit des Musées, offering a cultural program accessible free of charge to all. [Read more]
Carreau du Temple celebrates its 10th anniversary: roller dance, show and dance workshops
You're invited to the Birthday Party at Carreau du Temple, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in style on May 18, 2024! On the program: a huge roller dance, shows, readings and workshops, for a day of dancing! [Read more]
Printemps des Rues 2024, the free, festive street arts festival
Printemps des Rues, the festival offering free circus, dance and theater performances, is back for all to enjoy on May 25 and 26, 2023. [Read more]
Parades(s) 2024, Nanterre's free street arts festival
The Parade(s) festival, which celebrates the street arts, returns to Nanterre from May 31 to June 2, 2024. On the program for this free event: circus, street theater, dance and artistic workshops for the whole family. [Read more]
Knights' tournaments, shows and period costumes for the Dourdan Medieval Festival (91)
The Fête Médiévale de Dourdan, a not-to-be-missed event in southern Essonne, returns on June 1 and 2, 2024 for two days of entertainment on the theme of the Middle Ages. Embark on a two-day journey to the heart of the Middle Ages! [Read more]
Paris Dance Project: Benjamin Millepied organizes free dance shows throughout the city
Benjamin Millepied, renowned French dancer and choreographer, is taking over the capital with his Paris Dance Project, during which a dozen choreographers will stage performances in June 2024. [Read more]
Good plans for families: the P'tit festival and its free children's shows return on June 8
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, a family and cultural event is coming to Paris: it's the P'tit Festival, taking place in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, all day Saturday with completely free shows, from 10am to 6pm for children aged 0 to 3. [Read more]
And 20 l'été, the 2024 program of the free street arts festival Paris 20e
The "Et 20 l'été" Festival returns to the 20th arrondissement of Paris from June 13 to 16, 2024, offering free shows open to all. An event not to be missed! [Read more]
Festival Jogging 2024, the arts and sports event at Carreau du Temple
From June 26 to 30, 2024, the Jogging Festival returns to the Halle du Carreau du Temple. The event puts the spotlight on exhibitions, shows, workshops, practices and projects at the crossroads of arts and sports. [Read more]
Ile-de-France celebrates theater 2024: free events at leisure centres
The Ile-de-France region is once again celebrating theater at its leisure resorts from July 9 to August 29, 2024. This year, the leisure islands of Créteil, Cergy-Pontoise, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Port aux Cerises will be hosting free shows and workshops (booking required). [Read more]
Paris Sports Ball: voguing during the Olympic Games at Trocadero Champions Park
In early August, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, voguing invites itself onto the Champions Park stage, for an exceptional, free show given by dancers from the House of Revlon. [Read more]
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