Note this page is arranged by month, to make it easier to see what’s on, when, but it’s worth checking before and after months as many cross over and dates change annually. If you see an event of interest we suggest keeping an eye on the host’s newsletters and socials to keep informed of dates and changes.
While we’re collecting here the recurring annual festivals and events, of course a lot happens in the city more spontaneously. The Secrets of Paris Events Guide is a useful resource for this – and more. Also see Le Carreau du Temple – a large events establishment in the 3rd – for a rotating line-up of cultural and sporting festivals and exhibits, and the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in the 15th for large events and exhibitions.
January
Showcasing vocal and instrumental practices from around the world, the Au de Voix invites the public to a musical journey through new sounds from the four corners of the globe. Check the site for dates and locations.
The largest youth cinema festival in France aimed at children, adolescents and families, this program includes local and international films. Over various venues from January-February.
International circus competition bringing together dozens of acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns, jugglers and trapeze artists to showcase their acts. Over four nights in late January in the Cirque Phénix in the 12th.
On 6 January every year, France celebrates Epiphany with a festival of Galette des Rois (‘cake of the kings’). Parisian bakers and pâtissiers reinvent the classic dish and offer it to customers to find the hidden bean.
The Paris Adventure Film Festival showcases the great outdoors through ‘sporting exploits, daring challenges, scientific projects and enriching experiences’. Running for three days in late January at the Centquatre in the 19th.
Every year the CCI Côtes d’Armor hosts Montmartre’s Festival of Scallops, celebrating the seafood industry of Brittany with demonstrations, tastings and street entertainment, over two days in late January in the Place des Abbesses in the 19th.
Three days and nights in late January highlighting the strength of the French musical creation scene, its emergence, diversity and inclusiveness. In the the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique in the 16th.
Winter Sounds presents jazz, improvisation and contemporary writing, experimental rock and hip-hop, classical and popular music. In various venues in the 14th, as well as greater Paris, in late January.
The Nights of Reading is a national event that celebrates authors and readers with a program of storytelling and events that highlight the pleasure of reading. In late January in various locations.
February
France’s annual cinema awards are held in Paris, usually at a central venue such as the Olympia in the 9th. If you haven’t received your invitation you can at least secure a red-carpet sighting.
Parisians, and the French, celebrate Candelmas every 2 February by making and eating crepes, which are widely available in the markets, at street stalls and at creperies.
Art fair dedicated to ‘presenting, in an original way, a panorama of current Art, as complete as humanly possible, organised by group, managed by a group leader’. Over three days in mid February, in the Grand Palais in the 8th.
The Saint Valentine’s Day race’s aim is ‘to raise public awareness of all forms of discrimination, particularly those related to sexual orientation and gender identity’. In mid-February, in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th.
The Science Fiction Festival of France runs in cinemas and media libraries in more than 50 cities in the country, over two weeks beginning early February. Check the website for talks, readings and screenings in various venues across Paris.
Every February the Paris Face Cachée hosts an ‘underground’ event that aims to engage ‘curious people, eager for adventures and encounters … to discover amazing places, unsuspected professions, and exciting know-how. At various venues.
The International Agricultural Show is France’s leading agricultural event, showcasing
breeders, producers, regions and organisations. From late February, at the Paris Porte de Versailles in the 15th.
March
Every spring,
the Banlieues Blues Festival welcomes international and local jazz and related artists to share their music with a wider public. On the outskirts of Paris from March to April.
The Promenade du Boeuf Gras (Parade of the Fat Ox) is a festive costume parade running through the streets of Paris from Place Gambetta to the Place de la République, in late February or early March. All welcome!
A worldwide event with a unique Parisian twist, Earth Hour in the city sees the great monuments dim their lights, and a series of missions for family adventures. Annually in late March.
The Festival of Wool sees the shepherds of the Sologne sheep of Vernopâture leading the herd to the Villette farm, where participants can engage in all kinds of wool-related activities. In late March in the Parc de la Villette in the 19th.
A traditional annual family carnival – the largest in Europe – with over 250 attractions. Running through March to May, in the 12th.
International Cloud Day invites you to ‘make a date with the clouds and, for a few minutes, rediscover your inner child, marvelling at the sky’, and perhaps consider legal status for clouds. Over one day in late March.
The University of Earth is ‘a meeting place for collective intelligence, enabling citizens and all those who know and do to meet, to learn to live differently, together and with the living’. Over two days on mid-March, from UNESCO House in the 7th.
Design salon ‘inviting exhibitors, great and small, to present exceptional projects and products in an elevated setting, celebrating the culture of global design today’. Over a week in early March, in the Tuileries Garden in the 1st.
The Month of Photography in the 14th is the Photoclub Paris Val-de-Bièvre’s celebration of the art, with exhibitions throughout March, all over the 14th.
Note that Paris Fashion Week runs over different weeks throughout the year, depending on gender and season. Womenswear autumn/winter is usually in March. Check the website for upcoming details.
This festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. Over four days in late March at the Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé cinema in the 13th.
The Citizen Words theatre festival ‘values and supports strong ideas of tolerance, freedom, the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination’. In various venues, from mid-March to mid-May.
The Centre for Poetry presents the Spring of Poets across France every year, with many events celebrating ‘poetic creation, its growing vitality, its reverberating force, its diversity.’ Over two weeks in late March, in various venues.
An annual dance festival hosted by Atelier de Paris, aimed at the young and the curious, seeing inclusive dance performances and workshops in venues across the city, for all abilities. From mid-March to mid-April.
An annual fundraising run/ walk/ roll to support Habitat et Humanisme Ile-de-France. In late March in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.
April
Every April in the Grand Palais Éphémère Art Paris presents a wide selection of contemporary art from all over the world, ‘focusing as always on discovery’.
The Carnival of Women is a mid-Lent celebration of the role of women in daily life, to which all are welcome and invited. From the Place du Châtelet and back, between mid-March and early April.
University rowing race organised by the Aviron de Vinci association, the Rowing Association of the Pôle Léonard de Vinci. Over a weekend in late April or early May, along the Seine from the Port of Grenelle in the 15th.
The Paris Book Festival is an annual literary event dedicated to showcasing the book in all its forms. Over three days in mid April, based at the Grand Palais in the 8th and with satellite events.
This national week of celebrating the decorative arts sees events across the country, and is notable in Paris for the Cour de l’Industrie specially opening its workshops’ doors. In early April in the 11th.
Europe by Europe celebrates auteur cinema from Greater Europe, assembling directors, producers and movie lovers to share films that ‘question, enlighten and bring people together’. Over two weeks in late April in multiple venues.
One of the biggest in the world, the Paris Marathon sees tens of thousands of runners taking a 42km course from the Champs Elysées, to the Bois de Vincennes and Boulogne, and everything in between. In mid April.
Leading international design fair exhibiting International and French galleries of historical and contemporary design. Over three days in early April in the Jardin des Tuileries in the 1st.
Annual film festival celebrating the magic and beauty of Maghreb and Middle Eastern cinema. Over two weeks in early April, in various cinemas in and outside the city proper.
Two weeks of Everyone Compost! An annual national event promoting the practice of local composting, with meetings, tutorials, and classes for private and public establishments. In various locations, in early April.
The city’s Week of Solidarity sees social welfare and charitable organisations opening their doors and arms to train, teach and engage the populace with their important community work. In early April, through various venues across Paris.
Designed to celebrate the increasing focus on bicycling in Paris, the Vélo offers test bikes, competitions, workshops and activities for all ages. Over three days in late April in the Parc Floral in the 12th.
May
The City of Paris celebrates ‘Love is Love’ with The Ball of Love, welcoming all-comers to a joyful and unifying concert program. Over a weekend in mid-May, in the Place de la Bastille in the 4th.
The Saint-Germain Jazz Festival presents ‘unique concerts in exceptional venues, in the cradle of jazz in Europe’. Over a week in mid-May, in various venues.
The Brittany Festival celebrates the region with a week-long program of music, dance, storytelling and more, in late May and centred in the 14th.
Free national public program inviting attendees to experience nature in new ways. Over five days in late May, in various natural spaces across the city.
Every May the national Bread Festival pays tribute to baking artisans, their daily investment and the values of baking. In Paris, festivities occur on the Notre Dame forecourt.
The Paris Fair is ’12 days of shopping, craft and culinary discoveries, and entertainment, with nearly 3500 brands spread across 6 halls’. In early May at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in the 15th.
The Saint Sulpice Fair brings together exhibitions, shows, performances and pop-up stores along themes of Modern Art, Poetry, Antiques, Ecology, Bibliophilia, Mathematics, Prints and Theatre. From late May and through June, in the 6th.
International tennis tournament held at Roland Garros from in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th, from late May to early June.
Every year on 9 May, Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in the continent with public activities. Check Paris’ city site for details.
Paris proudly presents an array of activities in its many historical garden kiosks, and celebrates them through a free public program. From May through to December in Paris’ forty Kiosks.
A spring Festival that opens its spaces wide to musical creation, electronics and the vitality of live performance. From late May through to late June, in the Pompidou in the 4th.
The Night of Literature ‘takes place in a venue, bringing together authors from all over the world’ and ‘aims to introduce the public to the richness of foreign literature published by French publishing houses.’ Over one night in May, check the website for date and location.
Celebrating the local, independent and craft beer movement in Paris and France, and run by the Paris Beer Club. Over a week in late May, at Ground Control in the 12th.
Celebrating the array of art, artists and art worlds represented by galleries in Paris with exhibitions, meetings and exchanges. Over three days in late May, at galleries across the city.
The Spring of the Streets festival reflects the diversity of street arts such as theatre, dance, circus, puppetry and magic. Across a weekend in late May, in the 10th, 18th and 19th.
The International Biennial of Arts and Crafts and Creation presents hundreds of local and international exhibitors, conferences, symposiums and workshops. In late May, at the Grand Palais in the 8th.
A celebration of all things samba (playing, dancing, sharing), with amateur and professional artists performing in over 20 different venues. From May to September.
Every May Taste Paris presents a four-day celebration of food and drink, where ticket-holders can sample new dishes, drinks and specialties direct from their makers. In the Grand Palais in the 7th.
June
Presented by the Paris Philharmonic, this festival of pop brings together new and upcoming artists, from France and worldwide. Over five days in late June.
Presented by Alliance Français, this ‘cycle of literary encounters’ presents the stories of authors from all over the world, who have chosen French as their means of expression and transmission. From June to October, in the 6th.
Every June this street arts festival hosts companies that take over the streets, squares and gardens of the 20th and invites visitors to experience surprising and unexpected things.
The Chopin Society invites all-comers to indulge in and celebrate the famed composer, and meet like-minded fans old and new. Every June-July in the Orangerie in the 1st.
Open-air cinema and concerts celebrating underground artists and ‘guilty pleasures’. Over four days in early July, on the forecourt of the Ménilmontant church in the 20th.
The City of Paris’ Festival of Better Eating celebrates sustainable food and agriculture with a public event, open to all, across the city. Over a week in early June, at multiple venues.
Between late June-early September the city presents three distinct music festivals within the Parc Floral – the Classique au Vert, the Paris Jazz Festival and Pestacles (for the youngsters), all free.
The European Young Talents Festival showcases emerging chamber music talent for three weeks over June-July, at the National Archives in the 3rd.
Every summer the Tuileries Festival invites all ages to partake in a carnival of amusement rides, games of skill and other fairground attractions. In the Tuileries Gardens in the 1st.
Each June the city hosts this major free popular event open to all musicians, amateur or professional, to celebrate live music and the breadth and diversity of musical practices. Across various locations.
Free program of open-air music and dance, 7 days a week from June to September, in the Gaîté Lyrique forecourt and Square Émile Chautemps in the 3rd.
Food, drinks, music and chill in Paris La Défense across late June to late July. Located at the foot of La Grande Arche in 6000m2 of green and shaded space, you’re invited to see La Défense in a new light.
Every June or July the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion presents a week showcasing the collections of the high fashion houses from Paris, France and internationally.
A Europe-wide event, the European Archaeology Days offer opportunities to discover archaeological research, including, in Paris, the history of the city and its hidden ruins. Over three days in June.
Every June Paris invites you to see the city in a different way, at night, by moonlight, neons and other lights. With installations, exhibitions and performances across the city.
A national festival, Forest Nights encourages dialogue between forests, art and cultures with a wide variety of events and activities. Across three weeks in June at various woodsy places.
Halfway between a tournament and a convention, the largest international lightsaber comp in the world welcomes fighters from all walks of life and takes you to a galaxy far, far away. Over a weekend in late June.
A celebration of countercultures in publishing, ‘giving space to marginal, unconventional, and discordant sensibilities, desires, and aspirations, and to affirm a joyful approach to art and publishing’. Over three days in early June at the Palais de Tokyo in the 16th.
A summer-long program of celebrations, performances, events and sub-festivals centred around sport and culture and reclaiming open-air green spaces and waterways. From June to September at various venues.
Holistic wellbeing, yoga, meditation, workshops and massages under the trees. Organised by the City’zen Association, held over a weekend in late June, in the Parc Floral in the 12th.
A cultural event with a mission to support books and writing, and partnering with the Latin Quarter’s town hall, libraries, bookstores, cinemas, theatres and universities. Across a week in early June, in the 5th.
Pride Fortnight celebrates and advocates lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans visibility, finishing with the Paris LGBT Pride March. Over two weeks in June, various venues.
A national festival celebrating the cultures and contribution of refugees through exploring and enjoying culinary heritage. Across June at various locations.
Locally produced book and writers fair aiming to promote literature, writing and reading and featuring established and emerging authors. Over a weekend in late June, in the 6th.
This AIDS solidarity festival offers music and discussion over three days in late June at Longchamps in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.
Every June this sustainable music festival takes over the Bois de Vincennes to deliver a mix of futuristic rap, lyrical pop, sensual house, psychedelic rock, electro-folk, atomic fusion and more. In the 12th
July
Free open-air community film festival developed in consultation with residents and where a shared buffet is encouraged. Over ten days in late July, at various locations in the 12th and the 20th.
A ‘twinning’ festival with a parallel in Rome, celebrating the friendship between the two cities with cinema, music, meetings, exhibitions, theatre and workshops. Over five days in early July, at the Arènes de Lutèce in the 5th.
Canal Summer celebrates the waterways and culture of the north-east of the city with cruises and events. Running across July and August along the Canal de l’Ourcq, the Canal Saint-Denis and the Seine’s northern loop.
Every July this film festival offers unique screenings, concerts, shows and meetings, sharing and celebrating all kinds of cinema, ‘from the banks of the Seine to the Mediterranean’.
A free public concert showcasing popular, emerging and cutting-edge music artists. Held over three days on early July, in the forecourt of the City Hall, in the 4th.
The Arènes Lyriques concerts take place every year from late July to early August, bringing together groups of young soloists – violinists, singers, pianists – around an ephemeral musical program, in the Montmartre Arenas in the 18th.
Summer at the Louvre is an open-air festival of concerts, shows, performances and screenings throughout the museum’s grounds including the pyramid courtyard and Tuileries gardens. Across July, in the 1st.
Large American popular music festival transported to Paris for two days in July, at the Longchamps Hippodrome in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.
Three days of themed films on the rooftop of La Machine, from July to September, in the 18th.
The city becomes a beach from July – September, with three water courses fitted out with coastal kit and hosting events and activities. Along the Seine, Villette Basin and Canal Saint-Martin.
‘Paris Under the Stars’ is delivered by the French Astronomy Association, who runs 21 free observation evenings open to all throughout July-September.
Four stages of electronic music, dancing and clubbing, in the warehouse of the Parc Floral de Paris, in the 12th, on a Saturday in mid July.
Rhizomes celebrates world sound with free open-air shows mixing music, circus and ‘magical strolls’. Across July, in the gardens and arenas of the 18th, the Parc Floral and in greater Paris.
Every July this national bicycle race ends with a large event and celebration along the Champs-Élysées in the city centre.
Highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of rap music, over three days in July in the Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes in the 12th.
August
Open-air cinema and ecology festival across August and September, in various public gardens in Paris’ north-east. Includes garden tour, shared meal and film.
Outdoor film festival programmed to a theme each year and with associated events and activities – freely available. Over two months in late August, in the Marcel Bleustein Blanchet Square in the 18th.
A series of free open-air concerts and short films, with meetings about cinema and strong volunteer involvement. From late August to early September in the 19th.
A celebration of the Indian god Ganesh with a parade, ceremonies, music, dancing, food and drink. Over a day in late August in ‘Little India’ in the 18th.
The three Nights of the Stars are held in late August by the French Astronomy Association, and include hundreds of events (tours, walks, workshops) across the country – use the website map to find out what’s on in Paris.
Outside the city proper, Rock en Seine rates a mention as one of the biggest rock festivals in Europe. Every August the festival welcomes international pop-rock headliners to the Domaine de Saint-Cloud, west of Paris.
September
In late September, two national days dedicated to Library Madness. The public is invited to (re)discover their local library and to participate in the many festive and free events offered to them.
The festival of young European photography is hosted by Fetart, with programming questioning the boundaries between photography and contemporary art. From late September to January at the Centquatre in the 19th.
Fine Arts Paris & La Biennale is an international art fair and ‘showcase of art, culture, savoir-faire and heritage’. Over three days in late September at the Grand Palais in the 8th.
The Festival of Earth Song celebrates classical and traditional music, and poetry. Over three days in September, in the Tropical Agronomy Garden in the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th.
The Autumn Festival promotes creation and openness, and has a wide and varied program of theatre, dance, music, visual arts and performance. From September to December across multiple venues.
This celebration of ‘young cuisine’ showcases contemporary chefs and their personal, identity-based, singular visions. With public workshops, dinners and more over four days in September in the Parc Floral in the 12th.
The Silhouette Festival is nine free evenings of outdoor short film screenings, concerts and meetings, in early September in the Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge in the 19th.
Family carnival over September-October in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.
Paris’ eastern woods hosts this family fun fair from September to October in the 16th.
The Festival of Gardens celebrates the city’s green spaces and those who maintain them, with a program of events in every district. Over a weekend in late September.
Annually following the 2024 Paris Olympics, this national festival promotes and celebrates the role of sport in society and public health, with events throughout the city. Over a day in mid-September.
The Société Centrale d’Apiculture opens its hives to the public and celebrates all things bees over scheduled days in September – check the website for details.
The French Flower Days take place over two days in late September, promoting local French flowers through activities and bouquet hunts – check the website for events and locations across the city.
The European Heritage Days form a weekend of freely open places and events to celebrate European heritage and reveal private spaces. In late September in various venues.
The Open Days of the Artists of Menilmontant throws open the doors of many contemporary artists of the village area. Over three days in late September, in the 20th.
The cultural institutions of the Marais open their doors for a weekend in September.
Celebrating, highlighting and sharing French-speaking theatre of all kinds, this festival is determined to make new creations accessible to all. From late September.
Washing the Madeleine celebrates Brazilian culture with a parade and cultural program over a week in September at various venues.
Around a hundred independent Île-de-France publishers presenting their catalogues and highlighting their work, with an event for everyone. Over three days in early September, in the 4th.
A celebration of the voices and languages of the Mediterranean, and paying tribute to the icons of Mediterranean song, over a night in late September in the Place d’Italie in the 13th.
Over two weeks from early September, this festival offers inspiration from furniture creation to graphic design, interior architecture, decorative arts and even gastronomy. In various venues.
Note that Paris Fashion Week runs over different weeks throughout the year, depending on gender and season. Womenswear spring/summer is usually in September. Check the website for upcoming details.
International festival that traces the Afro-diasporic cultural heritage, over two days in late September in the Parc André Citroën in the 16th.
Paris without Cars is an annual one-day event in late September, aiming to demonstrate what a car-free city might look like for residents and visitors alike.
A ‘village’ festival, the Paris is Worth a Party event is open to all ages with a parade, concerts, shows, a ball and a feast, and more. Over four days in early September in various locations.
25,000 runners compete from the Eiffel Tower to the Chateau de Versailles every September.
Biennial public photograph exhibition designed to draw attention to organisations working in the social and environmental spaces. Mid-September to mid-October at various venues.
Return of Cultures is a program of events in the centres and institutes of Paris: exhibitions, meetings, concerts and workshops across a variety of themes. From September to November, in various venues.
A weekend festival celebrating all forms of Indian music and dance, held in late September in the Place Maurice-Chevalier in the 20th.
Focusing on soloist piano virtuosos, this mid-September three-day festival is at the Serres d’Auteuil within the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.
A showcase for electro culture, this huge parade winds through the capital, beginning in Place Bastille on a Saturday in late September.
A festival celebrating circus in all its forms, in a village atmosphere. Over a week in late September, along the Pelouse de Reuilly in the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th.
October
Biennial design festival exploring and showcasing new experimental designers and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Over a week in late October, alongside Paris Art Week, in multiple venues.
Free national festival celebrating science, technology and innovation with events and activities for all ages and backgrounds. Over two weeks in the first half of October, at various venues.
For five days in October the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival cultivates the imagination with street shows, films, street art, concerts, poetry and song.
The Day of the Night is a one-night event in October highlighting light pollution and nocturnal biodiversity. Use the website to find activities celebrating the dark night and starry sky.
France’s three National Architecture Days in late October aim to introduce and celebrate architecture via a varied program open to all – check the website for events and locations.
Originally a convention for music professionals, now with many events and performances open to the public. Over three days in mid-October, at various venues in Montmartre and Pigalle.
Paris’ annual fair for modern and contemporary art and design assembles over sixty French and international galleries. Over a week in late October, in the Place de la Concorde in the 8th.
My First Festival is an all-ages film festival run by the City of Paris over three days in late October, and focusing on children aged 3 to 12. Check the website for programming and venues.
Annual ‘nomadic event showcasing contemporary, historical, and avant-garde artists with experimental image-based practices’. During Paris Art Week every October, check each iteration for the venue.
Annual non-profit art festival offering ‘a rich selection of cutting-edge artistic projects presented by galleries from around the world … Forward thinking and collaborative, free spirited and audacious.’ Over Paris Art Week in late October.
Other Fashions Week showcases accessible and desirable circular fashion and textiles, and makes visible the creatives committed to changing consumption patterns. In various venues over a week in late October.
Week of Tastes is a nationwide festival dedicated to educating the palette, and showcasing the food system community, in late October at various venues.
Paris’ Committee of Professional Art Galleries hosts this festival alongside Paris Art Week, bringing together many galleries ‘to explore the richness of the Parisian and regional art scenes’.
In late October in various venues.
November
Art Basel Paris ‘builds bridges with France’s cultural industries to create a flagship event radiating throughout the city, embedded in its exceptional cultural ecosystem’. In the Grand Palais every November, in the 8th.
A sombre day of remembrance of the attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015. There are various activities across the city designed to reflect on the day and honour the victims. See city website for details.
A one-day event aiming to raise funds for organisations fighting against disease, the Course of Lights sees light bearers walk or run through the city’s streets every November.
The Turn Up the Sound Festival is an annual free public festival hosted by and in the city’s community libraries, exploring a different theme each year. Across November in multiple venues.
Highlighting a new wave of artists with varied backgrounds and aesthetics, showcasing young contemporary creation. Hosted over three nights in late November by FGO-Barbara in the 18th.
An immersion into three decades of pop culture – the 80s, 90s and 00s – the Iconic Festival combines exhibition and party in a tribute to the eras. Across November, at the Carreau du Temple in the 3rd.
From mid-November to early January the avenue lights up for the festive season and end-of-year celebrations. From 5pm to midnight, and all night on 24 and 31 December.
Festival conceived as ‘a shared space for countries wishing to showcase the latest developments in their national jazz scene within cultural venues in Paris’. From early November to December, various venues.
The Night of the Circus is a major event that celebrates the circus, in all its facets and in all territories, in France and abroad, with a different program each year (check the website for Paris shows). Held in November, in multiple venues.
The autumn Salon of the Other Book promotes independent publishers and the discovery of books that rarely make it to retail shelves. Over four days in late November, at the Women’s Palace in the 11th.
Festival supporting the musical creation of female artists, and showcasing global and local names, established, independent and emerging. Largely over November in various venues.
The Turn Up The Volume festival celebrates musical culture by hosting free public concerts and performances of all genres for all ages. Over early November and December, in over 20 libraries across the city.
An event that imagines ‘it’s 2135. Patriarchy is a thing of the past. A bygone era, but not erased … It’s rediscovered in an unusual place: the National Patriarchal Museum!’ Over 10 days in early November.
A contemporary music festival showcasing music and performers from under-represented territories, and seeking to deconstruct the concept of ‘world music’. In November, in various venues.
Showcasing hundreds of greater Paris artisans and craftspeople , with openings, workshops, displays and more over three days in late November, across multiple venues.
Every year the Dachshunds Without a Home organises this march, ‘the charity and solidarity walk of the little dachshunds in Paris to help the less fortunate’. One day in mid-November, along the Seine.
Photo Days ‘aims to bring together all the places and events related to photography and video in Paris, to offer locals and residents a total photography immersion’. Across November in various venues.
Seven nights of concerts in early November, across multiple city venues, the Pitchfork festival offers an eclectic program of mostly newcomers to the music scene.
The Antique Map, Atlas & Globe Fair is held every year for one day in late November, at the Ambassador Hotel in the 9th.
The Independent Winegrowers’ Wine Fair runs in late November-early December, and offers meetings and tastings from winemakers from all over France.
The Paris Chocolate Fair presents key players in the chocolate and cocoa industry, alongside tastings, workshops and performances. Over a week in early November at the Place de la Porte de Versailles in the 15th.
Leading trade fair for artisan and environmentally friendly wine makers in Italy to show and discuss their wares. Over a weekend in late November, check the website for venue details.
December
From late November and throughout the winter the Jardin d’Acclimatation presents the Lantern Festival, a large luminous and interactive display, in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.
In late December-early January the Museum of Fairground Arts opens its doors for the ‘Festival of Marvellous’, with guided tours, impromptu events and more. In the 12th.
‘The largest indoor ice rink in the world under the glass roof of the Grand Palais.’ Open to all ages, with a dedicated children’s area, from mid December, in the 8th.
Each December the Luminous Odyssey takes over the paths of the Parc Floral to present a display highlighting endangered biodiversity. In the 12th.
Paris puts on a huge number of Christmas markets to celebrate the Yuletide season, each with its own personality. The Paris je t’aime guide keeps track of them all.
The International Rare Book & Graphic Arts Fair ‘brings together booksellers and gallery owners of prints and drawings, specialist publishers and book artisans, to raise awareness of the richness of written, printed or iconographic testimonies’. Over three days in early December.
‘Twenty chalets, an ice rink and a series of sports and cultural activities echoing the DNA of the Park. Visitors can take a gourmet break, fill their sack with gifts to share and enjoy the many activities on offer.’ In the 19th.