Music festival
On 21 June, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, France fills its streets, squares and parks with free music, played by professionals and amateurs alike.
Photo: Shalev Cohen / Unsplash
21 June every year
Streets, squares, parks, cafés and concert halls all over France, and in cities worldwide.
Wander between free concerts, discover new styles of music and, if you play, join in.
Faites de la musique !: Make music!, a play on the festival’s name
The Fête de la Musique began in Paris in 1982. The idea came from Jack Lang, then France’s Minister of Culture, and Maurice Fleuret, the ministry’s director of music. It was simple: on the summer solstice, anyone who plays an instrument or sings should be able to perform in public, and everyone should be able to listen for free. Its name is a pun: fête de la musique means music festival, while faites de la musique, which sounds the same, means make music.
On 21 June, towns and cities across France host thousands of free concerts. Choirs, brass bands, rock groups, DJs, jazz trios and classical ensembles perform on stages, pavements and church steps. Concert halls and museums often open their doors, and many cafés put musicians outside. The festival has spread far beyond France, and cities in many countries now hold their own music day on the same date.
There are no tickets and no single programme: part of the fun is wandering and discovering music you would never normally hear. Daytime events in parks and squares tend to be calmer, while city centres get busy in the evening.
Hold your own Fête de la Musique:
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Check the local programme from the town hall or tourist office, and start in parks or quieter squares in the afternoon. City centres can be crowded and loud after dark, so agree a meeting point and consider ear protection for younger family members. Concerts are free, but buying a drink at a café that hosts a band is a nice way to say thank you.
Yes. Free concerts open to everyone are the heart of the festival. A few indoor venues may still ask you to book because space is limited.
Amateur musicians are at the heart of the festival and many people simply play in the street. Local rules on noise and public space still apply, so check with the town hall before setting up.
No. It began in France in 1982, and cities in many countries now hold music days on 21 June inspired by it.
