Paris Festivals & Events Calendar 2026: A Month-by-Month Guide for Families
Paris, the City of Lights, is always buzzing with activity, but its calendar of festivals and events truly brings the city to life. From dazzling light shows to delectable food festivals, there's something for every family to enjoy. This guide will take you through the year, month by month, highlighting the best events Paris has to offer in 2026.
January
January in Paris is typically quieter after the holiday rush, making it a good time to visit for fewer crowds. Hotel prices tend to be lower during this month.
Paris Déco Off
Dates: Mid-January
What Happens: A celebration of interior design with showrooms and pop-up installations across the city, mainly in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Sentier neighborhoods.
Where to Go: Various showrooms in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Sentier.
Ticket Costs: Free entry to most showrooms.
How to Participate: Simply walk around the designated neighborhoods and explore the showrooms. Some may offer workshops or talks.
Insider Tip: Check the official website for a map of participating showrooms.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
Winter Sales (Soldes d'hiver)
Dates: Early January (usually starts the second Wednesday)
What Happens: Officially sanctioned winter sales with significant discounts on clothing, shoes, and household goods.
Where to Go: Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché, as well as smaller boutiques throughout the city.
Ticket Costs: Free (but you'll be spending money!)
How to Participate: Brave the crowds and shop 'til you drop!
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning for the best selection.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
February
February can be a romantic time to visit Paris, with Valentine's Day celebrations. The weather is still cold, but there are plenty of indoor activities.
Chinese New Year
Dates: Varies each year (late January/early February)
What Happens: Celebrations with parades, dragon dances, and cultural performances, particularly in the Belleville, 13th arrondissement, and Marais neighborhoods.
Where to Go: Belleville, 13th arrondissement, Marais.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Watch the parades and enjoy the festivities. Many restaurants offer special menus.
Insider Tip: The parade in the 13th arrondissement is the largest and most vibrant.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate, especially around the celebration dates.
Valentine's Day
Dates: February 14th
What Happens: Romantic dinners, special events, and increased prices at popular restaurants and hotels.
Where to Go: Restaurants, Seine River cruises, Eiffel Tower.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly depending on the activity.
How to Participate: Book reservations well in advance.
Insider Tip: Consider a picnic in a park for a more affordable and intimate celebration.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate to high.
March
March marks the beginning of spring in Paris. The weather is unpredictable, but the days are getting longer, and flowers start to bloom.
Paris Book Fair (Salon du Livre)
Dates: Mid-March
What Happens: One of the largest book fairs in Europe, with author signings, talks, and exhibitions.
Where to Go: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Ticket Costs: Approximately €15-€20.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online or at the door. Attend author signings and browse the exhibits.
Insider Tip: Check the schedule in advance to see if any of your favorite authors are attending.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate.
Saint Patrick's Day
Dates: March 17th
What Happens: Celebrations at Irish pubs throughout the city, with live music and Guinness.
Where to Go: Irish pubs in the Latin Quarter and Marais.
Ticket Costs: Free entry to most pubs, but drinks are extra.
How to Participate: Wear green and join the festivities.
Insider Tip: Expect crowds at popular pubs.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
April
April is a beautiful time to visit Paris, with the city in full bloom. The weather is mild, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.
Paris Marathon
Dates: Early April
What Happens: Thousands of runners participate in this iconic marathon through the streets of Paris.
Where to Go: The route starts and ends near the Champs-Élysées.
Ticket Costs: Free to watch; registration fee for runners (around €120-€150).
How to Participate: Cheer on the runners or participate if you're a seasoned marathoner.
Insider Tip: Find a good viewing spot along the route early in the morning.
Hotel Price Impact: High, especially near the start and finish line.
Art Paris Art Fair
Dates: Early April
What Happens: A contemporary art fair featuring galleries from around the world.
Where to Go: Grand Palais Éphémère (Champ de Mars).
Ticket Costs: Around €25-€30.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online or at the door and browse the exhibits.
Insider Tip: Attend the preview day for a less crowded experience.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate.
May
May is a popular time to visit Paris, with pleasant weather and numerous festivals and events.
Nuit Européenne des Musées (European Night of Museums)
Dates: Mid-May
What Happens: Museums across Europe open their doors for free in the evening.
Where to Go: Participating museums throughout Paris, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Check the schedule and visit the museums you're interested in.
Insider Tip: Expect long lines, especially at popular museums. Arrive early.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
French Open (Roland Garros)
Dates: Late May to early June
What Happens: One of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
Where to Go: Stade Roland Garros.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the match and seating (from €50 to several hundred).
How to Participate: Purchase tickets well in advance.
Insider Tip: Grounds passes are a more affordable way to experience the tournament.
Hotel Price Impact: High, especially near the stadium.
June
June is another fantastic month to visit Paris, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities.
Fête de la Musique (Music Day)
Dates: June 21st
What Happens: Free music performances throughout the city, from amateur bands to professional musicians.
Where to Go: Streets, parks, squares, and concert venues throughout Paris.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Wander around the city and enjoy the music.
Insider Tip: Check local listings for specific performances.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
Paris Pride (Marche des Fiertés)
Dates: Late June
What Happens: A celebration of LGBTQ+ pride with a parade and festivities.
Where to Go: The parade route usually starts near the Place de la Concorde and ends near the Place de la Bastille.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Watch the parade and participate in the festivities.
Insider Tip: The Marais neighborhood is a hub for LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate, especially near the parade route.
July
July is a peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and many outdoor events. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
Dates: July 14th
What Happens: Celebrations with a military parade on the Champs-Élysées, fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower, and public concerts.
Where to Go: Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, various parks and squares.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Watch the parade, enjoy the fireworks, and attend a concert.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the fireworks.
Hotel Price Impact: High.
Paris Plages (Paris Beaches)
Dates: Mid-July to late August
What Happens: Artificial beaches are created along the Seine River, with sand, deck chairs, and activities.
Where to Go: Along the Seine River (Voie Georges Pompidou and Bassin de la Villette).
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Relax on the beach, play games, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Insider Tip: The Bassin de la Villette location offers swimming and water sports.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
August
August is another busy tourist month in Paris. Many Parisians take their vacations, but the city remains vibrant with events.
Rock en Seine
Dates: Late August
What Happens: A major rock music festival with international headliners.
Where to Go: Domaine National de Saint-Cloud.
Ticket Costs: Around €60-€80 per day.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online and enjoy the music.
Insider Tip: Book tickets and accommodation well in advance.
Hotel Price Impact: High, especially near Saint-Cloud.
September
September is a lovely time to visit Paris, with fewer crowds and mild weather. It's also the start of the cultural season.
Festival d'Automne (Autumn Festival)
Dates: September to December
What Happens: A multidisciplinary arts festival with theater, dance, music, and visual arts performances.
Where to Go: Various venues throughout Paris.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the performance.
How to Participate: Check the schedule and purchase tickets for the performances you're interested in.
Insider Tip: The festival features cutting-edge and experimental works.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate.
Paris Design Week
Dates: Early September
What Happens: Showcases the latest trends in design, with exhibitions, installations, and open houses.
Where to Go: Various locations throughout Paris, including showrooms and galleries.
Ticket Costs: Free to most events.
How to Participate: Check the schedule and visit the events you're interested in.
Insider Tip: The Marais district is a hub for design-related events.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate.
October
October brings crisp air and beautiful autumn foliage to Paris. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.
Nuit Blanche (White Night)
Dates: Early October
What Happens: An all-night arts festival with installations, performances, and events throughout the city.
Where to Go: Various locations throughout Paris.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Wander around the city and explore the art installations.
Insider Tip: Public transportation runs all night during Nuit Blanche.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate.
Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre)
Dates: Mid-October
What Happens: Celebrates the grape harvest at the Clos Montmartre vineyard, with parades, wine tastings, and local food.
Where to Go: Montmartre.
Ticket Costs: Free to attend, but wine tastings and food cost extra.
How to Participate: Join the festivities and sample the local wine and food.
Insider Tip: The parade is a highlight of the festival.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate, especially in Montmartre.
November
November is a quieter month in Paris, with cooler weather. It's a good time to visit museums and enjoy indoor activities.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Dates: Third Thursday of November
What Happens: Celebrates the release of the new Beaujolais wine, with tastings and festivities at bars and restaurants.
Where to Go: Bars and restaurants throughout Paris.
Ticket Costs: Free to attend, but wine costs extra.
How to Participate: Sample the new Beaujolais wine and enjoy the atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Many bars offer special Beaujolais Nouveau menus.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
Salon du Cheval (Paris Horse Show)
Dates: Late November to early December
What Happens: A major horse show with competitions, exhibitions, and demonstrations.
Where to Go: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre.
Ticket Costs: Around €20-€30.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online or at the door and enjoy the show.
Insider Tip: Check the schedule for specific events and competitions.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate, especially near the exhibition center.
December
December is a magical time to visit Paris, with Christmas markets, festive decorations, and holiday cheer. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)
Dates: Late November to late December
What Happens: Christmas markets with stalls selling gifts, food, and drinks.
Where to Go: Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Garden, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and other locations throughout the city.
Ticket Costs: Free to enter, but items for sale cost extra.
How to Participate: Browse the stalls, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and sample the holiday treats.
Insider Tip: The market at the Tuileries Garden is one of the largest and most popular.
Hotel Price Impact: High.
New Year's Eve (Réveillon du Nouvel An)
Dates: December 31st
What Happens: Celebrations with fireworks, parties, and special dinners.
Where to Go: Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, various restaurants and clubs.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly depending on the activity.
How to Participate: Make reservations well in advance and enjoy the festivities.
Insider Tip: The fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower is a highlight, but expect large crowds.
Hotel Price Impact: Very high.
Visiting Paris during its festival and event seasons provides unforgettable memories. Remember to book accommodations and event tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to secure the best prices and experiences. Bon voyage!