What is there to do in Paris today, this weekend, and this month? Which exciting events and fairs are on the agenda that you simply should not miss? Paris is buzzing all year round, and this weekend and month are no exception. Whether you want to soak up the local atmosphere or simply enjoy a weekend in the City of Light, there is always something special happening on the 2026 events calendar. From open-air concerts to the best exhibitions and food festivals, Paris truly offers something for everyone. In this blog, we take you through the best events scheduled for this weekend and month, so you won’t miss anything in May 2026.
Whether you are a culture lover, a foodie looking for the best restaurants, or simply in search of a unique experience, Paris has it all. We highlight the best events, from major happenings to lesser-known fairs you may not have heard of yet. This way, you can plan your weekend or month in the French capital perfectly, without any surprises. So grab your calendar and discover what Paris has to offer today, this weekend, and in the coming months. On y va?
• Read also: Best Exhibitions in Paris 2026: Art Shows Now & Museums →
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
Events & fairs on the agenda in Paris: what to do in May 2026
• TOUS A L’OPERA – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
8 to 10 May, 2026
From 8 to 10 May, the nationwide event Tous à l’Opéra takes place across France, with participating opera houses in cities including Paris and other major cultural hubs. This annual initiative, organised in collaboration with institutions such as the Opéra national de Paris, celebrates its 19th edition this year under the theme Jeunesses. The aim is to make opera more accessible to a wider audience, offering special activities and events that introduce visitors to the world of opera in an open and approachable way.
Tous-a-lopera.fr →
• LE PRINTEMPS DES CIMETIERES – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
10 May, 2026
During the Printemps des Cimetières festival, the historic cemeteries of Paris are transformed into cultural and ecological spaces. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and poetry readings. At iconic sites such as the Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Montparnasse Cemetery, and Montmartre Cemetery, there are also musical performances and literary walks. In addition, the unique biodiversity of these cemeteries is highlighted, including owls, foxes, and rare plant species.
Paris.fr →
• FETE DU PAIN – PARVIS OF NOTRE-DAME
8 to 17 May, 2026
The 29th edition of the Fête du Pain takes place on the forecourt of the Notre-Dame de Paris, celebrating the French baguette and the art of baking. This free 9-day event, organised by the Boulangers du Grand Paris, features demonstrations, tastings, and competitions. Bakers, former apprentices, and students from across Île-de-France showcase their craftsmanship and passion. The festival highlights the baguette as a key symbol of French culture and UNESCO heritage.
Boulangersdugrandparis.com →
• LUMINISCENCE – EGLISE SAINT-EUSTACHE
23 January to 22 May, 2026
At Église Saint-Eustache near Les Halles, Luminiscence transforms the historic church into a magical work of art. 3D light projections, music, and choral singing create a sensory journey through past, present, and future. On selected evenings, the show is accompanied live by an orchestra and choir, making it a truly immersive experience.
Book your tickets →
• EUROPEAN NIGHT OF MUSEUMS – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
23 May, 2026
On 23 May 2026, the European Night of Museums takes place in Paris and across Europe. During this free evening event, museums stay open late and offer a special programme of guided tours, exhibitions, performances, and interactive activities. Visitors have the opportunity to experience art and heritage in a different, atmospheric way, outside of regular opening hours.
Nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr →
• JAZZ A SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRES FESTIVAL – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
18 to 24 May, 2026
From 18 to 24 May 2026, the Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris festival brings jazz to some of the most iconic venues in Paris, turning the neighbourhood into a vibrant musical stage. Visitors can enjoy concerts in exceptional locations such as the Théâtre de l’Odéon and the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offering a unique and atmospheric jazz experience.
Festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com →
• TASTE OF PARIS FESTIVAL – GRAND PALAIS
21 to 24 May, 2026
The Taste of Paris Festival takes place from 21 to 24 May at the Grand Palais, offering an immersive gastronomic experience. Visitors can discover the very best of modern French cuisine in one location. Over four days, the event features tastings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops, making it a unique opportunity to meet top chefs and explore new culinary trends.
Paris.tastefestivals.com →
• FOIRE DU TRONE – PELOUSE DE REUILLY
March 27 to May 25, 2026
The Foire du Trône takes place from March 27 to May 25, 2026, at the Pelouse de Reuilly in Paris. This major fair offers rides, games, and treats for all ages and is one of the oldest and largest fairs in France.
Foiredutrone.com →
• PARIS BEER FESTIVAL – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
25 to 31 May, 2026
The Paris Beer Festival takes place from 25 to 31 May 2026, bringing together the best craft beers in Paris. For one week, the craft beer scene takes centre stage with tastings, workshops, and events across multiple venues in the city. Visitors can discover new breweries, sample unique beers, and learn more about the brewing process.
Parisbeerfestival.fr →
• ROLAND-GARROS – STADE ROLAND-GARROS
18 May to 7 June, 2026
From 18 May to 7 June 2026, the prestigious Roland-Garros tennis tournament takes place in Paris. This Grand Slam event on clay courts brings together the world’s best players at the iconic Stade Roland-Garros. Over more than two weeks, fans can enjoy thrilling matches, with the finals held during the last weekend. The tournament is a major highlight of the tennis calendar and attracts spectators from all over the world each year.
Rolandgarros.com →
• LES GRANDES EAUX ET LES JARDINS MUSICAUX – CHATEAUX DE VERSAILLES
April 1 to November 1, 2026
Les Grandes Eaux et les Jardins Musicaux (The Musical Fountains Show and the Musical Gardens) takes place from April 1 to November 1, 2026, at the Château de Versailles. Visitors can enjoy the famous fountains and gardens, accompanied by classical music, in a magical historical setting.
Chateauversailles-spectacles.fr →
• AURA INVALIDES – DOME DES INVALIDES
End date not yet confirmed
Aura Invalides takes place in the Dôme des Invalides in Paris. This spectacular light and multimedia experience combines art, technology, and architecture, offering visitors an impressive visual journey within a historic setting.
Book your tickets →
Top 10 best events on the agenda in Paris 2026
1. PARIS FASHION WEEK (various dates in 2026)
Paris Fashion Week is one of the most iconic fashion events in the world and takes place every year in Paris. The event brings together top designers, fashion houses, models, and influencers to showcase the latest collections, from prêt-à-porter to haute couture. With spectacular shows, intimate presentations, and vibrant events across the city, it is a unique opportunity to discover tomorrow’s trends and experience the Parisian fashion world in full action.
Fhcm.paris →
2. NOUVEL AN CHINOIS (February – March 2026)
Chinese New Year brings a colorful and festive touch to Paris every winter. Across the city, but especially in the 13th arrondissement, the new year is traditionally celebrated with spectacular parades, lion dances, fireworks, and street markets filled with treats and handicrafts. It is a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and take part in one of the liveliest events of wintertime Paris.
Parisjetaime.com →
3. NUIT BLANCHE (June 6, 2026)
Nuit Blanche is the annual nocturnal art festival that transforms Paris into one big open-air museum. For one night, museums, galleries, and public spaces open their doors to contemporary art installations, light projections, and performance acts. The event invites both locals and tourists to discover the city in a surprising and creative way, with art in unexpected places and a magical atmosphere that lasts all night.
Parisjetaime.com →
4. FETE DE LA MUSIQUE (June 21, 2026)
Fête de la Musique is the annual music festival that takes place every year on 21 June, marking the start of summer in Paris with a festive atmosphere. Across the city, from streets and squares to parks and metro stations, amateur and professional musicians perform, ranging from classical music to rock, jazz, and electronic beats. The event is free and open to everyone, offering a unique opportunity to experience Paris in a lively, musical ambiance, as the city buzzes with creativity and joy.
Fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr →
5. ROLAND GARROS (May 18 to June 7, 2026)
Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and an absolute highlight for tennis fans. Every year in May and June, Paris becomes the epicenter of international tennis action, with spectacular matches played on the iconic clay courts of Stade Roland Garros. From top professionals to rising stars, the tournament offers excitement, passion, and a unique atmosphere that captivates both sports enthusiasts and visitors to the city.
Rolandgarros.com →
6. PARIS PLAGES (July to August 2026)
Every summer, Paris Plages transforms the banks of the Seine and several city squares into temporary urban beaches. From July to August, visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, deck chairs, palm trees, water activities, and fun events for all ages, all in the heart of Paris. It’s the perfect way to experience the city in a relaxed, summery way without leaving Paris.
Paris.fr →
7. TOUR DE FRANCE (July 4 to 26, 2026)
The Tour de France is the world’s most famous cycling race and traditionally concludes each year in Paris, usually on the Champs‑Élysées. The event attracts the greatest cycling talents from around the globe and an enthusiastic crowd of fans cheering along the route. The finale in Paris is a colorful spectacle full of excitement, flags, and festive atmosphere, making it one of the city’s most iconic sporting moments.
Letour.fr →
8. BASTILLE DAY (July 14, 2026)
Bastille Day, on 14 July, is France’s national holiday and one of the most spectacular events in Paris. The city celebrates with an impressive military parade on the Champs‑Élysées, colorful fireworks by the Eiffel Tower, and numerous parties, concerts, and street activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience French culture, history, and festive spirit, as the entire city buzzes with patriotism and joy.
Parisjetaime.com →
9. FETE DES VENDANGES (October 7 to 11, 2026)
Every year in October, Fête des Vendanges celebrates the grape harvest of the Montmartre vineyard, the only vineyard within the city. During this five-day festival, visitors can enjoy wine tastings, parades, live music, art, and culinary delights. The event combines local traditions with a warm, festive atmosphere, offering a unique opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Paris, right in the heart of vibrant Montmartre.
Fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com →
10. PARIS PHOTO (November 12 to 15, 2026)
Paris Photo is the leading international photography fair, held every year in November at the Grand Palais. The event brings together collectors, galleries, artists, and photography enthusiasts to explore contemporary and classic photography, from iconic works to emerging talents. In addition to exhibitions, the fair offers lectures, book signings, and special projects, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves visual art and storytelling.
Parisphoto.com →
