There are years blessed by the gods. Just as 1998 was for soccer, 2026 promises to be the year of concerts and festivals for Lyon. Indeed, the city and its region are taking on a true catalytic role, offering a rich cultural program designed to suit every taste. So, before you plan your summer vacation, read this article carefully: it might just turn a regretful “Darn, I missed that!” into a proud “I was there!”
Jazz à Vienne
15 days of music, 250 concerts, three-quarters of which are free, with over 200,000 festival-goers each year. Here are the staggering figures for Jazz à Vienne. Add to that the fact that a large portion of the concerts take place in a theater built 2,000 years ago, and you have a legendary festival. This year, the festival won’t be holding back. An already enticing lineup (Vulfpeck, Kokoroko, Marcus Miller, Beirut, Cerrone) for an event you won’t want to miss under any circumstances.
Musiques en Stock
Here’s our top pick for 2026! First , because its annual lineups are incredibly rock-oriented ( Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, The Hives, Nada Surf, The Stranglers… all have played at Musiques en Stock), but also because the festival is free! This year, the spotlight is on Babyshambles, led by the iconic Peter Doherty. Festivals offering such a lineup while remaining completely free are rare: we owe it to them to celebrate them and help spread the word. Well done, and keep making us dream!
A Stopover in New Orleans: The Jazz Room in Lyon
Can’t make it to Jazz à Vienne but you’re a jazz fan? No problem, we’ve got you covered. With The Jazz Room, let yourself be carried away by the melodious sounds of the saxophone and trumpet in the chic and intimate setting of Cirque Imagine. Immerse yourself in the spellbinding atmosphere of a musical experience that transports you straight to the vibrant origins of jazz in New Orleans. Cirque Imagine hosts this live performance, where musicians and singers revisit the great classics and explore the genre!
Les Nuits Sonores
Les Nuits Sonores is to electronic music what the Festival of Lights is to entertainment: a source of pride for Lyon that’s recognized internationally. This year’s lineup promises to be particularly exciting, with the theme “In(ter)dependencies.” Nearly a hundred artists will perform, with headliners galore. During the day, four stages at Les Grandes Locos, and at night, three stages at La Sucrière. A 23rd edition not to be missed under any circumstances.
Les Nuits de Fourvières
Les Nuits de Fourvières made a big splash last year with performances by The Libertines, Fontaines DC, Tinariwen, and Chilly Gonzales. Here’s a sneak peek at what promises to be another 5-star lineup this year! Since its inception, Les Nuits de Fourvières has allowed the people of Lyon to enjoy the greatest artists in an exceptional setting. See you on March 10 to discover the full lineup.
Nantua Fest
Here’s an event that will set many festivalgoers’ hearts racing! Despite its young age, the Nantua Fest is making a big splash again this year. For its 5th edition, taking place May 22–24, 2026, the festival unveils an exceptional lineup: Tayc for urban pop, Josman for rap, and The Avener and Petit Biscuit for electronic music, among other renowned artists. Beyond its lineup, the festival boasts a unique natural setting, perfect for kicking off the summer in the best possible way!
🎟️ Info and tickets here
Want to venture a little further than Lyon for a monumental electronic music event? Even though it’s not a festival, this one-off date has everything of an event not to be missed. Black Coffee takes over the Arènes de Nîmes on May 8, 2026, for a unique orchestral show. South African DJ Black Coffee will perform a one-of-a-kind orchestral concert at the Arènes de Nîmes on May 8, 2026, delivering a 7-hour Afro-house performance in front of 14,000 people. Tickets start at €45 (VIP from €249).
🎟️Info and tickets here
Evasion Festival
Another highlight of the season is the Évasion Festival. This isn’t just a simple festival but a much broader and more ambitious project celebrating its 8th anniversary this year. The concept? A waterfront festival that takes place entirely during the day. The lineup aims to be inclusive and gender-balanced, so the artists are diverse and talented. The icing on the cake is that the festival is going all out on its environmental commitments and offering a whole series of concrete measures to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly festival. We don’t know about you, but we’re jumping right in!
Musilac
Just as Brittany has Les Vieilles Charrues, we have Musilac! A true behemoth set in a lush green setting—that’s the charm of Musilac. Seeing the biggest bands and DJs of the moment with your feet in the water—that’s the promise of the coolest festival of the summer. This year, the stars will be lining up on stage. Cassius, Gorillaz, Jamiroquai, Feu! Chatterton, Orelsan, and Pomme—this is just a glimpse of what awaits festival-goers this year.
Le Printemps de Pérouges
You’re in for a treat. With the Printemps de Pérouges, the best of French and international music is served up on a silver platter. And this year, the lineup is incredible: Lenny Kravitz, Jean-Louis Aubert, Louane, Christophe Maé, and Theodora. They’ll all be gathering in Pérouges at the park surrounding Saint-Exupéry’s childhood home. Nothing less. If you want to sing your heart out in a unique setting, you know where to go…
Les Belles Journées
Here’s the perfect way to wrap up the 2026 festival season. Les Belles Journées in Bourgoin-Jallieu returns for its 12th edition with a rather impressive lineup. Gaëtan Roussel, Feu! Chatterton, Suzane, to name just a few. More than enough to catch up for latecomers who missed out on a summer festival.
Can’t make it to the festivals this summer? Don’t panic! Candlelight in Lyon offers weekly dates featuring tribute concerts in absolutely fantastic venues. Hans Zimmer, Coldplay, U2, but also Mozart and Chopin, not to mention Joe Hisaishi—there’s something for everyone! You’ll regret not having thought of this sooner…
