What is Happening in Paris: Events, Concerts & Festivals

January Events in Paris

The Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain

For a long weekend every January, the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain (World Circus Festival of Tomorrow) attracts young acrobats, tightrope walkers, jugglers, trapeze artists, and other circus artists to the city of light. Along with light-hearted entertainment, this festival in Paris shows include balance acts, trapeze, manipulation, tightrope walking, the Cyr wheel, and Korean plank (teeterboard) acts. Marvel at the diversity of form and style offered by the world of the circus as artists from around the world showcase their skills under the big top of Cirque Phénix.

Venue: Cirque Phénix, Pl. du Cardinal Lavigerie, 75012 Paris

Date: January

Admission: €24 - €86 

February Events in Paris

Chinese New Year

Every year toward the end of January or in early February, Paris’ Asian communities take to the streets in a celebration of colour, cultural dances, parades, and other festivities for Chinese New Year. Also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the occasion is celebrated over a two-week period. No guide to what is happening in Paris is complete without mentioning this cultural event, as it attracts revellers and onlookers from across the city and further afield. 

Chinese New Year is also the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s Chinese, South-East Asian, and Japanese-Korean neighbourhoods. If you love Asian culture, you won’t want to miss out on celebrating Chinese New Year in Paris. Enjoy parades, fireworks, lion and dragon dances, martial arts, ribbon dancers, acrobats, children’s activities, and, of course, Asian cuisine.

Venue: Various locations, with some of the biggest celebrations taking place in the Bastille Market area, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Quartier Asiatique (13th Arrondissement), and Belleville (10^th, 11^th, 19^th, & 20^th Paris Arrondissements).

Date: 29^th January 2025

Admission: Free.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris

For three days of the year, Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris turns the city of lights into an oenophile’s paradise. This Paris event sees the expo centre at Porte de Versailles come alive with tastings, conferences, conversations, workshops, a variety of other wine-related events, food stalls, and more. Please note that this event is not open to the general public. Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is reserved for wine and spirits professionals, associated businesses, and journalists.

Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 1 Pl. de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris

Date: 10^th – 12^th February 2025

Admission: To be confirmed

International Agricultural Show

Does country life speak to your soul? If so, then the International Agricultural Show is a must-attend Paris event. Held annually at the Parc des Expositions, the 50-year-old show is an opportunity to discover livestock, terroir products, and regional and international gastronomy from approximately 1,000 different exhibitors. 

You’ll find cattle, goats, pigs, other farmyard animals, and dogs and cats in the first pavilion. From there, you can head to the gourmet food pavilions for a spot of shopping before learning about the latest gardening and agricultural trends in the crops and plants section. Last but not least, explore various jobs in the farming and agricultural sectors and meet a range of people involved in the industry. You can also watch competitions, attend workshops, and participate in a range of special activities during the show. 

Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 1, place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris

Date: 22^nd February – 2^nd March 2025

Admission: Adults €15, €8 for children aged 6 – 12, free for children under 6.

March Events in Paris

Carnaval de Paris

Held shortly before the start of the Christian fasting season of Lent, the Carnaval de Paris is a modern tradition with roots going all the way back to the 16^th century or earlier. At the heart of this festival in Paris is a festive parade through the city streets, led by the mascot Pimprenelle, an impressive Limousin cow in a lovely red dress. Join the Paris Carnival parade and enjoy masks, costumes, and music as the crowd wends its way from Place Gambetta to the Place de la République.

Venue: Place Gambetta, 75020 Paris

Date: 2^nd March 2025

Admission: Free

Banlieues Bleues Festival

If jazz, blues, world, and electronic music get your toes tapping, you won’t want to miss out on the acclaimed Banlieues Bleues Festival. Featuring a variety of Paris concerts in different locations in Seine-Saint-Denis, the festival turns the spotlight on local and international artists. In addition to soaking up music from different genres, you can also enjoy artistic and cultural education courses, master classes, workshops, conferences, and participatory projects. 

Venue: Various locations in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Date: 14^th March – 11^th April 2025

Admission: Varies from free up to €18

April Events in Paris

Paris Marathon

Calling all runners! Gain a unique perspective on the French capital by participating in one of the world’s most prestigious races over a distance of 42.195km, namely the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (Paris Marathon). One of the world’s biggest marathons, the race offers you the chance to compete against world-class runners, see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, and make incredible memories.The route of this famous Paris event begins at the Arc de Triomphe, takes in the Champs Élysées, the Bois de Vincennes, and Boulogne, and offers glimpses of landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. You’re sure to agree that the Paris Marathon is a sporting experience unlike any other.

Venue: Arc de Triomphe, Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Date: 13^th April 2025

Admission: €149 - €379

Festival Chorus

A music lover’s dream, the Festival Chorus des Hauts-de-Seine is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy various styles of music, from hip-hop, rock, and pop to electronic music, French chanson, and original creations by a stellar array of artists and bands. In addition to some great Paris concerts, the festival also offers a range of other activities, such as a climbing wall, giant football target, human table football, rides, and retro arcade games. Festival Chorus has something for all ages, making it a superb outing for the whole family. Bring the kids, have fun, and discover new music at an impressive performing arts venue on an island in the Seine.

Venue: Seine Musicale, Île Seguin, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt

Date: 2^nd – 6^th April 2025

Admission: Free – €65

May Events in Paris

Nuit Européenne des Musées

Whether you’re a culture vulture, a history buff, or even someone who hasn’t spent much time in museums, the Nuit Européenne des Musées (European Night of Museums) was made for you. The 20th edition of this beloved annual Paris event will see a great many of the French capital’s museums and monuments open free of charge late into the night. 

In addition to exploring fascinating exhibitions by yourself or on guided tours, you can also enjoy musical performances, workshops, demonstrations, and much more. A few of the many monuments and museums open on the night include the Petit Palais Museum of Fine Arts, Yves Saint Laurent Museum Paris, National Orangerie Museum, the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Paris Sewer Museum, Centre Pompidou, and the House of Victor Hugo.

Venue: Various.

Date: 18^th May 2025

Admission: Free

French Open

If you’re a tennis fan, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see the action unfold at one of the toughest, most physically demanding tournaments in the world. Also known as Roland-Garros, the French Open is also the world’s premier clay court championship. This iconic Paris event is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments, held after the Australian Open and before Wimbledon and the US Open. The French Open attracts the sport’s biggest names, and being there in the thick of it is an unforgettable experience. 

Venue: Stade Roland Garros, 2 Av. Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris

Date: 20^th May – 9^th June 2025

Admission: €25, €12 for under 25s

Salon du Chocolat

What chocoholic doesn’t dream about being surrounded by the popular confection in all its exquisite forms? Salon du Chocolat, also known as the Paris Chocolate Show, is a yearly trade fair dedicated to the international chocolate industry. However, considering the many activities on offer, it’s easy to think of Salon du Chocolat as a chocolate festival in Paris! 

The event brings together chocolatiers, confectioners, pastry chefs, cocoa producers, major brands, food bloggers, and chocolate lovers from around the world. Spend time discovering chocolate and confections from different countries, attending live chef demos, meeting chocolatiers and producers, enjoying fun activities, and even watching competitions and a chocolate fashion show. Why dream about a chocolate lover’s heaven when you can experience it for yourself in Paris?

Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 1 Pl. de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris

Date: 30^th October – 3^rd November 2025

Admission: Adults €16, children aged 3 – 12 €8

Villette Sonique

Showcasing rock, pop, electronic, noise rock, experimental, post-punk, and other music genres, the Villette Sonique festival in Paris has gained something of a cult following. Immerse yourself in incredible music with the free open-air program during the day, or purchase tickets for the evening program held in the Parc de la Villette’s music venue’s concert halls. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover new artists and bands and meet fellow music lovers from Paris and further afield.

Venue: Parc de la Villette, 211 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris

Date: Usually the last weekend in May

Admission: To be confirmed

June Events in Paris

Paris Fashion Week

With official and unofficial events aplenty, Paris Fashion Week always grabs the attention of the world’s fashionistas. Even if you don’t crack an invitation to one of the many shows by top and upcoming designers, it’s still worth soaking up the atmosphere as trendsetters turn the city’s streets into their own runways. 

Four of these Paris events take place every year, with June’s being dedicated to spring and summer menswear. The other Paris Fashion Weeks take place in January (autumn/winter menswear), February (autumn/winter womenswear), and September (spring/summer womenswear). 

Venue: Various

Date: 18^th – 23^rd June 2025

Admission: By invitation

Tour de France

The Tour de France is arguably the world’s most prestigious annual men’s multiple stage bicycle race. It’s also one of the best reasons you’ll have for visiting Paris in June. The race’s route changes every year, with some editions starting in or visiting other European countries. Regardless of where this iconic race starts, it has ended on the Champs-Élysées in Paris since 1975. 

The 2024 Tour de France will depart from this tradition and end in Nice, due to the Summer Olympics taking place over the same time. The race’s finish line should return to the famous Parisian avenue from 2025. If you’re travelling to France for this year’s race, make Paris your gateway and take in a few of the city’s sights before continuing your journey.

Venue: Various

Date: 29^th June – 21^st July 2025

Admission: Free for spectators

Nuit Blanche

Unique among Paris events, Nuit Blanche turns every street into an art gallery and a stage on which to celebrate contemporary art. Follow trails lit by moonlight, neon lights, and other lights, and discover concerts, exhibitions, installations, music, staged scene sets, avant-garde projects, and spectacular creations by French and international artists. Public transport stays open throughout the night, allowing you to plan your own route for encountering art and gaining an entirely new perspective on this amazing city.

Venue: Various

Date: 1^st June 2025

Admission: Free

Fête de la Musique

In the city of light, 21 June means two things, namely midsummer and Fête de la Musique. For 40 years, this festival has filled the city’s streets with music from almost every genre imaginable. While you can find professional and amateur musicians almost everywhere you go, the best places for Paris concerts are the large gardens and squares where you’ll find large stages. 

Make your way to locations such as the banks of the Seine, the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Petit Palais, the Louvre, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Place Denfert-Rochereau, and the Jardin des Tuileries and prepare to be amazed.

Venue: Various

Date: 21^st June 2025

Admission: Free

Fête des Tuileries

Whether you are travelling with young children or you’re young at heart, no summer stay in Paris is complete without a visit to the Fête des Tuileries. This traditional funfair transforms the world-renowned Tuileries Garden with 60 exciting attractions and stalls selling traditional treats. Delight your children (or inner child) with the palace of mirrors, ghost trains, bumper cars, chamboultout games, a Ferris wheel, and much more. You’re bound to work up an appetite with all the fun activities, but not to worry, as you can sort that out with hot sandwiches, crisps, Italian ice creams, doughnuts, pancakes, toffee apples, and candy floss.   

Venue: Jardin des Tuileries, Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris

Date: June – August 2025

Admission: Free entrance with various prices for rides.

Versailles Masquerade Ball

Be part of the court of the Sun King returning to life for a new era with the annual Versailles Masquerade Ball. Formally known as the Grand Bal Masqué, this immersive and undeniably magical Paris event takes place in the gorgeous Orangerie du Château de Versailles. Experience a truly electrifying atmosphere as you party until dawn in baroque-style costume and mask to clubbing music alongside other revellers, dancers, and performers in a unique setting. You’ll never look at Versailles the same way again.

Venue: L’Orangerie du Château de Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles

Date: 8^th June 2025

Admission: €115 – €530

Festival du Théâtre de verdure du Jardin Shakespeare

Are you a fan of the Bard? Immerse yourself in a Paris festival that celebrates wordsmiths such as Shakespeare, Molière, and Jean de la Fontaine through mediums such as comedy, circus acts, puppet shows, readings, stories, and more at the Festival du Théâtre de verdure du Jardin Shakespeare. 

Every year, the festival of the Shakespeare Garden at the Bois de Boulogne features different themes suitable for all audiences. While there, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the garden’s smaller themed areas inspired by Shakespearean plays such as Hamlet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Tempest.

Venue: Jardin Shakespeare, Allée de la Reine Marguerite, Route de Suresnes, Le Pré Catelan, Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris

Date: June – September 2025

Admission: Free

July Events in Paris

Paris l'Eté Festival

Experience summer vibes at a diversity of venues around the city with Paris l'Eté. Since 1990, this Paris festival has brought free or moderately priced concerts, circus acts, dance, and theatre to monuments, parks, and indoor venues, giving locals and tourists the opportunity to enjoy first-class entertainment and make lasting memories. Take your pick from more than 70 different performances over the duration of the festival.

Venue: Various

Date: 3^rd – 16^th July 2025

Admission: Mostly free, with various prices for some events

Bastille Day

Celebrate France’s national day like a local! Known in France as Quatorze Juillet, Bastille Day is a Paris event that’s marked by spectacularly vibrant festivities. Get into the spirit by watching the traditional military parade along the Champs-Élysées, dancing, fireworks, street parties, performers, special illuminations, and more. Brave the crowds at the Eiffel Tower for the French capital’s best fireworks display. 

Venue: Various

Date: 14^th July 2025

Admission: Free, with various prices for some Bastille Day events

August Events in Paris

Rock en Seine

If rock music is your scene, make your way to Paris of Rock en Seine. This festival at the Domaine Nationale de Saint-Cloud in the André Le Nôtre-designed garden at the Château de Saint-Cloud's Park offers you the chance to indulge in five days of Paris concerts by top-notch artists from around the world. Party the day and night away to bands such as Fred Again, Massive Attack, PJ Harvey, the Offspring, Blonde Redhead, Gossip, Kasabian, the Hives, the Kills, Yves Tumor, and others in a stunning setting.

Venue: Domaine Nationale de Saint-Cloud, 1 Av. de la Grille d'Honneur, 92210 Saint-Cloud

Date: 21^st – 25^th August 2025

Admission: €81 – €139

Classique au Vert

For several weekends every summer, one of the most beautiful parks in the city of light becomes a must-visit destination for lovers of classical music. Classique au Vert is where chamber, instrumental, orchestral, recital, quartet, jazz, world, and vocal music and nature meet. Whether you’re an aficionado or a neophyte, you’re sure to find something on the program to enchant your ears at this series of Paris concerts.  

Venue: Parc Floral de Paris, Jardin Botanique de Paris, Esplanade du château de Vincennes, 75012 Paris

Date: 26^th June – 8^th September 2025 

Admission: Free

September Events in Paris

Jazz à La Villette

Make the transition from summer to autumn with talented artists and an eclectic program of great music at Jazz à La Villette. This annual jazz festival at the Parc de la Villette musical venue highlights inspiring contemporary artists working across all styles of jazz while remaining true to its historic roots. 

You’ll discover that there’s much more than excellent concerts to this festival in Paris. You will also have the chance to attend jazz-focus exhibitions, master classes, and film screenings. 

Venue: Grande Halle de La Villette, Parc de la Villette - 211 avenue Jean Jaurès - 75019 Paris

Date: 28^th August – 8^th September 2025

Admission: €12 – €48

Paris Autumn Festival

Get your fix of culture at the Paris Autumn Festival. With almost 50 shows in an array of institutions and venues in the city, such as the Centre Pompidou and Théâtre de l’Odéon, and in the greater Île-de-France region, you have plenty of options to choose from. This multi-disciplinary festival in Paris includes dance, film, music, theatre, and the visual arts, so no matter what your preferences are, there’s something on the program for you.

Venue: Various

Date: September – December 2025

Admission: To be confirmed

Journées du Patrimoine

Looked forward to by lovers of art, culture, and history, the Journées du Patrimoine or Heritage Days offer a unique opportunity to explore sites not usually open to the public, visit museums for free, and participate in a plethora of enriching activities. Now in its 41st edition, this Paris event is celebrated by a variety of institutions in the capital and greater Île-de-France. 

Among them are the French National Library, Sainte-Chapelle, the Bourse de Commerce, the Historical Library of the City of Paris, and Théâtre du Châtelet. Along with exploring all sorts of interesting sites, you can attend guided tours, workshops, and demonstrations as part of this superb cultural experience.

Venue: Various

Date: 21^st – 22^nd September 

Admission: To be confirmed

Paris-Versailles Walk

Do you enjoy walking, hiking, and similar footslogging? Make your stay in the French capital one to remember by being part of the Paris-Versailles Walk, also known as Paris-Versailles – La Grande Classique. 

Join thousands of walkers at Quai Jacques Chirac at the foot of the Eiffel Tower before continuing along the city’s beautiful streets for 16km until you finish at the Avenue de Paris at the Château de Versailles. 

Venue: Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris

Date: 29^th September 2025

Admission: €33 – €40

October Events in Paris

Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre

When most visitors hear the name Montmartre, they immediately think of the Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Cœur, and the bohemian artists of the fin de siècle, rather than vineyards. One of the neighbourhood’s hidden gems, the Clos Montmartre is one of Paris’ few urban vineyards. 

The vineyard was established in 1933, and ever since 1934, has been at the heart of the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, properly known as Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre. Soak up the atmosphere of this festival in Paris, where you can enjoy parades, exhibitions, live music, wine tastings, workshops, a market, and fireworks.

Venue: Clos Montmartre, Rue des Saules 75018 Paris

Date: 9^th – 13^th October 2025

Admission: Free, with various prices for some events

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is not to be missed if you’re a fan of horseracing. This prestigious Paris event is nothing less than Europe’s most valuable race, so it’s not surprising that it attracts top trainers and horses to the ParisLongchamp racecourse from around the world. Watch racing of the highest quality and let the action, the adrenalin, and the vibrant atmosphere set you abuzz with excitement. 

Venue: Hippodrome ParisLongchamp, 2 Rte des Tribunes, 75016 Paris 

Date: 5^th – 6^th October 2025

Admission: €10 – €299

November Events in Paris

Pitchfork Music Festival Paris

Seven days. 10 venues. 80 artists. If you love alternative rock, dance, electronic, and hip-hop music, Pitchfork Music Festival Paris is for you. Catch cutting-edge performers and influential artists at venues such as Badaboum, Eglise Saint-Eustache, Le Trianon, Café de la Danse, and Trabendo. Among the headline acts to have been announced for the 2024 festival in Paris at the time of writing are Cate le Bon, Chanel Beads, June McDoom, Rocket, Snow Strippers, and Tiberius B.

Venue: Various

Date: To be confirmed

Admission: From €23.60

December Events in Paris

Ice Skating

Enjoy that most wintery of activities in the city of light when you go ice skating at one of Paris’ many ice rinks. They’re often located conveniently close to Christmas markets, so you can have oodles of fun working up an appetite before heading to the stalls for seasonal treats and spicy vin chaud. A few of the best ice rinks to visit include the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink, Patinoire Pailleron, and Patinoire Sonja Henie. 

Venue: Various

Date: December 2025 – February 2026

Admission: Varies

New Year’s Eve

Known in France as le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre, New Year’s Eve is the biggest Paris event in December. The celebration attracts people from around France and all over the world, many of whom hope to enjoy at least one iconic event, namely the huge party and fireworks and light display on the Champs-Élysées. There are plenty of other things to do, of course, from enjoying a champagne cruise on the Seine to feasting in one of the city’s top restaurants, partying the night away in a club or taking in a cabaret or comedy show at a theatre.