In September, it’s back to business as usual after two months of heat, vacations and endless naps. Only, September is back to catch up with your routine. But don’t panic! We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Lyon this September, so you can extend your vacation a little longer.
Heritage Days 2025
How can we talk about back-to-school events without mentioning the famous European Heritage Days? Over the course of a weekend, museums and institutional buildings open their doors free of charge, so that you can enjoy new exhibitions and collections, or just see the inside of buildings that are rarely entered!
Le Salon du Tatouage, The Ink Factory
Here’s another not-to-be-missed event for all art and urban culture aficionados. No fewer than 350 tattoo artists from the four corners of the globe meet in Lyon in September. For three days, meet these artists and enjoy a wide range of events and concerts. The tattoo family awaits you with open arms!
Halle Tony Garnier, 20 Place Docteurs Charles et Christophe Mérieux, Lyon 7
Date: September 19-21, 2025
👉 More info
Particper at World Cleanup Day, the world’s largest environmental action for the community
Want to start the new school year with a good deed? Take part in Clean Up Day! Haven’t you heard of it yet? It’s the world’s biggest environmental initiative. Join one of the many events organized in Lyon for the occasion. To gauge the scale of the event in France:every year, 180,000 participants get involved and, since 2018, 6,800 tonnes of waste have been collected across the country… the equivalent of more than 25 A380s! Let’s keep up the momentum!
Several waste collection sites are being organized in Lyon and throughout the region
Date: September 17 to 21, 2025
👉 More info
L’IF, Illustration Festival #3
Let’s add just the right amount of tangy color at the end of September with the IF (Illustration Festival), back for its third edition. On the program: an array of talented artists will take over the SUBS and the ENSBA Lyon on September 27 and 28 for two days of creativity. Exhibitions, masterclasses, talks, a market of objects, workshops of all kinds… In short, an unmissable event for lovers of original pencil strokes who want to leave with a beautiful poster to hang in their living room.
Les SUBS, 8 bis Quai Saint-Vincent, Lyon 1
Date: September 27 and 28, 2025
👉 More info
The Institut Lumière’s unforgettable tribute to Meryl Streep
Out of Africa, Kramer vs. Kramer, The Devil Wears Prada… Meryl Streep is quite simply the most successful actress of all time (Oscars, Golden Globes, etc.), which makes her, along with Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock and Clint Eastwood (with whom she also co-starred in On the Road to Madison), a veritable sacred monster of cinema. From August 28 to October 5, the Institut Lumière looks back on Meryl Streep’s XXL career through a series of screenings not to be missed by any film buffs in Lyon… It’s sure to be one of the highlights of the fall season.
Institut Lumière, 15 Rue du Premier Film, Lyon 8
Date: until Sunday, October 5, 2025
👉 More info
Candlelight’s XXL harvest of back-to-school concerts
Candlelight concerts transport you to a magical interpretation of your favorite music by candlelight! A number of events are being organized this autumn. Charles Aznavour, Hans Zimmer, Adèle, Abba, Céline Dion… There’s something for everyone! Find out more here!
The mysteries of science with Science Expériences
Binders, homework, the maths teacher… back-to-school isn’t the most fun time of the year, but fortunately it’s possible to learn while having fun! For budding scientists and the curious alike, Science Expériences offers a breathtaking immersion experience at the heart of the mysteries of science. This immersive museum has already attracted over 250,000 visitors and offers a whole host of fun and recreational activities. Here, you can let off steam, experiment, learn and, above all, have fun!
Science Expériences – 32 rue Thomassin, Lyon 2
Date: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (check for special closing days)
👉 More info
The Lyon Biennial
Who said that festivals should only be about music? This autumn, it’s time for dance, with the 21st edition of the Biennale de Lyon, from September 6 to 28. Shows, workshops and performances will keep the city buzzing all month long, prolonging the pleasures of summer…
Several venues in Greater Lyon
Date: September 6 to 28, 2025
👉 More info
The magic of cinema with the Musée Cinéma & Miniature
Immerse yourself in an exceptional universe at the Musée Cinéma & Miniature, a place truly unique in the world. Nestled in the heart of Vieux Lyon, in a 15th-century building listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this singular museum opens the doors to the magic of 7ᵉ art and miniature art. Over 2,000 m² of exhibition space, discover more than 10,000 original pieces from the greatest films. A veritable treasure trove for film buffs, featuring Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Batman. Considered an international reference, the museum recently had the honor of receiving a visit from director Wes Anderson. Ready to be amazed? Behind-the-scenes cinema awaits you.
Musée Cinéma & Miniature, 60 rue Saint Jean, Lyon 5
Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6:30pm and Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 7pm.
👉 More info here
Festival Ninkasi: the return of the blind test
Attention blind test fans: the Ninkasi blind test is back in September. Come and test your musical culture in teams on rap, rock, variety and other music in all the Ninkasi Cordeliers in Lyon on September 22, 2025.
Ninkasi Sans Souci and Ninkasi Guillotière
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025 from 8:30pm
👉 More info