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, for the less well-off and the rest of us too, there are a number of free shows on offer in Paris. Whether financed by private patronage or public subsidy. But let's not let that stop us from continuing to support artistic creation in spite of everything.
Circus, dance, theater, comedy, shows for young audiences, music... No discipline escapes the rule of presenting a show free of charge, for whatever reason. And, sometimes, it's as part of a festival.
Access to these shows is often free, but the number of seats is limited and tickets must be reserved inadvance.
Whether it's showcases featuring 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]
Tip: Comédie-Française offers free Monday tickets to under-28s
Every Monday evening in Paris, the Comédie-Française offers a unique opportunity to young people under the age of 28: 95 free tickets are distributed for its performances in the prestigious Salle Richelieu. Tickets can be collected from the Petit Bureau, one hour before the start of the play. [Read more]
Les kiosques en fête, launch of free events in squares and gardens around Paris
Every year, the Mairie de Paris organizes Kiosques en fête, a program of free events in the gardens of Paris. With 40 kiosks offering music, shows, readings, DJ sets and more, from May to December, you're in for a treat! And the new season gets underway at the beginning of May 2025! [Read more]
Dans(e) la lumière, season 2: the full program for this artistic edition at the EDF Foundation
The EDF Foundation is organizing a second and new edition of its Dans(e) la lumière event, which combines exhibitions and dance performances. Season 2 runs from November 4, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Find out more about the program. [Read more]
2025 Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysées: a unique sound and light show throughout the season
The Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysées are usually marked by a festive kick-off in the company of a muse. This year, 2025, we can expect an even more spectacular edition, as a brand new sound and light show is set to complement the illuminations. [Read more]
The BHV 2025 Christmas window displays: the inauguration with Vincent Niclo and Vitaa in photos
Change of program on Rue de Rivoli. The Christmas window displays at BHV Marais are decked out in the theme "Rêverie de Noël" (Christmas Reverie) from November 18 to December 31, 2025, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The department store offers festive entertainment and gift ideas. Check out the pictures from the opening ceremony, which featured performances by Vincent Niclo and Vitaa. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Serris (77): Christmas market, fireworks, illuminations, and carriage rides
Christmas arrives in Serris in Seine-et-Marne on December 1, 2025, with illuminations, free entertainment for the whole family, a Christmas market, and a show for children. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Enghien-les-Bains: monumental projections and solidarity market on the program
Christmas is back in Enghien-les-Bains, in the Val-d'Oise region, with a host of events to discover from December 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Animated Christmas bubbles, monumental projections, solidarity Christmas market, themed village or ice rink... here's the program imagined by the town for these end-of-year festivities! [Read more]
Lueurs de Mantes: return of the free light trail in the heart of the Yvelines 2026
Mantes-la-Jolie is shining brightly again this winter with the third edition of Lueurs de Mantes in the Yvelines. This free light show is back in a smaller format from Thursday, January 15, to Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a drone show to kick things off. Here's a rundown of the details. [Read more]
An exceptional drone show for Lueurs de Mantes 3 in the Yvelines
For the third edition of Lueurs de Mantes, a fantastic drone show awaits us on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Disneyland Paris' official partner, Dronisos, will be piloting the show that inaugurates the dazzling light trail in Mantes-la-Jolie in the Yvelines. [Read more]
Chinese New Year Parade Paris 13e 2025: photos and video
The famous Chinese New Year parade in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, also known as the Lunar New Year, made a comeback this Sunday, February 9, 2025, much to our delight. [Read more]
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