EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

• Bastille Day

14 July
This year Lyon will celebrate Bastille Day with a spectacular fireworks display that will put the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in the spotlight. There’s also a wide range of activities taking place across the city that you can get involved in.

• Les Jeudis des Musiques du Monde

6, 13, 20 and 27 July
Free world music concerts are organised in different areas of the city every Thursday evening throughout July. These concerts are a fantastic way to discover new cultures and new music.

• Fêtons l’été – Tout l’monde dehors

From 7 July to 27 August 2023
There’s no shortage of culture in Lyon this summer with over 200 free events, including open-air concerts, picnics, street performances, outdoor film screenings and much more. A rich and varied programme for a wonderful summer in the City of Lights.

• Open-air cinemas

Each summer, open-air cinemas are set up in several parks across the city. Enjoy a film under the stars and make the most of the warm summer evenings.

• Woodstower Festival

From 23 to 27 August 
Woodstower Festival takes place each year on the shores of Lake Miribel Jonage and features a jam-packed programme of electro, rap and pop concerts (Angèle, Damso, Biga*Ranx…) and exciting activities. This unique music festival offers an immersive and festive experience in a stunning natural setting.

• Biennale de la danse

From 9 to 30 September
This festival lets contemporary dance take centre-stage by inviting performers to present their shows to the general public. And don’t miss the grand finale, the Biennale de la danse Défilé, where thousands of dancers parade through the streets of Lyon.

• European Heritage Days

From 16 to 17 September
The perfect occasion to take part in a range of unusual guided tours and discover sites that are usually closed to the general public like Lyon City Hall, Les Subsistances, Le Carré 30, famous Lyon theatres (Théâtre des Clochards Célestes, Théâtre des Célestins, Théâtre des Marronniers), the municipal archives, the town halls in different areas of the city, libraries and many more.

• Lyon Motor Show

From 28 September to 2 October
Discover the future of cars and mobility over 5 days at Lyon Eurexpo. Don’t miss the fun activities, the chance to see some well-known car brands and the opportunity to try out some of the latest models for yourself.

• Artistic discoveries

From 14 to 22/10 : The Lumière Festival or Grand Lyon Film Festival
Is a celebration of cinema organised by the Institut Lumière. The programme includes film screenings and activities. Like all film festivals, various awards are handed out at the Lumière Festival. In 2022, the film-maker Tim Burton will receive the 14th Prix Lumière.

• Sports events

22/10 : Run in Lyon
A running event not to be missed in the city. 10 km, Semi-Marathon, Marathon and Relay races. Four races in the heart of Lyon.

• Festivals diary

From 07/10 to 12/11 : The Vogue des Marrons
Is a traditional funfair that has been held in Lyon for 150 years. It offers a chance to discover the Croix-Rousse neighbourhood. More than 70 fairground attractions gather here, including merry-go-rounds, candyfloss and toffee apples stalls, hook-a-duck games, bumper cars and more. A fun experience for the whole family.

• Artistic discoveries

From 10 to 12/11 : The Salon du Chocolat
Discover the finest chocolate-makers of the Rhône-Alpes region and France. A chocolate dress fashion show, cookery workshop for kids and tastings: prepare yourself for a treat.

• Sports events

18/11 : The International Marathon of Beaujolais
Is the biggest fun race in France held to celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. The route takes runners through vineyards and chateaus, passing through more than 12 villages and offering 15 opportunities for tasting, including 9 pit stops providing refreshments, all in a super fun atmosphere.

• Festivals diary

From 26/11 : The Christmas Market
Will be held on the square of Place Carnot in Lyon’s 2nd district, for a month. More than 90 stallholders will set up shop in the wooden chalets, offering arts and crafts, jewellery, decorative items, woodwork, games and toys, Christmas gifts, gourmet food and more. The perfect place to do your Christmas shopping.

• Artistic discoveries

From 7 to 12/12 : La Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights)
Over the four days of the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), Lyon’s iconic monuments and buildings are beautifully illuminated, with breath-taking light installations and projects. Traditionally, on the 8th of December, the people of Lyon place lumignons (small lanterns) on their windowsills and balconies when night falls.

• Sports event

02 & 03/12 : SaintéLyon
SaintéLyon is a hugely popular night-time ultramarathon. All of the races are held at night, adding to the challenge of the course! It is a mixed trail-and-road race, which takes runners through hilly terrain between Saint-Étienne and Lyon.

• Festivals diary

Lyon’s Contemporary Art Biennale
Lyon’s Contemporary Art Biennale explores the art trends of today. It is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Lyon, offering a hand-picked selection of artworks, which are displayed in the unique setting of the Fagor Factories for nearly four months.

• “Vive la Magie” international magic festival

29 and 30 January
At the Lyon labour exchange, an unbelievable show of extraordinary magic.

• SIRHA

From 19 to 23 January
At the Eurexpo centre, the most prestigious trade convention for the food and beverage sector, hospitality, and food production.

• Primevère exhibition

From 17 to 19 February
Exhibition supporting the environment, sustainable development, and nature.

• Wintower Festival

From 24 to 26 February
At the Halle Tony Garnier, two days for 35 artists to represent urban culture. Guests include Polo & Pan, Alonzo, Mr Oizo, The Avener, Feder, Pechko, and more

• Valentine’s day

14 February
Enjoy a cosy night out in the capital of gastronomy.

• Foire de Lyon

From 31 March to 10 April
Since 1916, this fair has been an unmissable event for business, encounters, and festivity. Browse the latest innovations and trends for home decor, shopping or eating out. Special times for all ages: Innnova’Lyon, KidExpo, baby exhibition.

• Tutankhamun exhibition – Discovering the forgotten Pharaoh

Until 24 April
At the Sucrière centre, this exhibition retraces one of the largest archaeological explorations in history.

• Quais du Polar festival

From 31 March to 2 April
Since 2005, this has been the must for lovers of detective novels. Meet and greet with authors from around the world, conferences and more. Each year, Quai du Polar takes you around Lyon on an urban detective chase.

• Lyon Open Parc

From 18 to 25 May
Meet at the Parc de la Tête d’Or for one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the South of France. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or David Goffin will battle it out on clay courts.

• Les Nuits Sonores

From 18 to 25 May
Five days of music from over 200 artists of all genres.

• Les Nuits de Fourvière

June and July
Since 1946, at the ancient Fourvière theatre, this festival is devoted to performing arts: theatre, music, dance, circus, and more. With over 150 shows and artists such as Michel Polnareff, Benjamin Biolay or Zazie.