Summer has been underway for a few days now, and Lyon is already displaying all its summer magic. The terraces are full to bursting, the quaysides are the scene of daytime strolls and evening aperitifs, and the festivals follow one another from one weekend to the next… On the agenda: even more time spent outside enjoying the sun. Picnics, festivals, swimming pools, lakes and open-air exhibitions: here are the events and activities not to be missed this summer in Lyon.
Admire the July 14th fireworks display
On Monday, July 14, 2025 , at 10:30 pm, Lyon will celebrate its national holiday with a spectacular fireworks display fired from Fourvière hill. Visible from the quays of the Saône and many other viewpoints, the pyrotechnic show will light up the sky for around twenty minutes. The Presqu’île will welcome crowds of people to admire the reflections of the rockets on the water in a festive, family atmosphere. Once again, there will be no popular dance this year, but the Town Hall has confirmed that the fireworks will be maintained to perpetuate this tradition so dear to the people of Lyon!
Experience the magic of Candlelight at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière
Let yourself be transported by a unique musical experience in the heart of the crypt of the Basilique de Fourvière with Candlelight. Illuminated by hundreds of candles, a string quartet will perform Coldplay and Imagine Dragons favourites : from Clocks to Believer, Fix You and Viva la Vida. In this historic venue, the exceptional acoustics magnify these pop-rock covers with classical accents. A timeless interlude, to be enjoyed alone, with friends or loved ones!
📍 Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
📆 Friday July 4 and Saturday July 12
Dancing at the Woodstower eco-festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuLPoVNfeQU&t=1s
If there’s one feel-good event you can’t afford to miss this summer, it’s Woodstower! After celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, the festival is back with a sensational line-up that’s already causing a stir. A veritable pillar of the Lyon scene, the festival’s unique atmosphere, offbeat entertainment and enchanting natural setting are sure to win you over. As an added bonus, Woodstower is committed to an exemplary eco-responsible approach, making it one of the greenest festivals in France. For that alone, hats off to you!
📍 Parc de Gerland, allée Pierre de Coubertin, Lyon 7
📅 Thursday July 17 to Sunday July 20, 2025
Enjoy an ice cream at Terre Adelice
What better way to cool off during the heatwave than with an ice cream from one of Lyon’s favorite ice cream parlors? If you like to sample different flavors, Terre Adelice in Vieux-Lyon is the place to go. Elderflower, Red Bean, Agastache or Hibiscus, the ice-cream parlour offers over 150 sweet and savoury flavours on its menu. There’s something for everyone!
Take a dip in one of Lyon’s swimming pools
Summer is gradually settling in Lyon, and with it comes the urge to take a dip! Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking for a cool moment (yes, we’re talking about pools, not drinks), there’s nothing like a dip to invigorate you! After offering you our picks for bars, restaurants, exhibitions and outings, we’ve tackled a classic of the season:Lyon’s top swimming pools!
Dancing in one of Europe’s biggest parades
The Biennale de la danse returns to Lyon for its 21st edition, from September 6 to 28, 2025! For three weeks, the city will live to the rhythm of contemporary dance, with shows, performances and events all over the metropolis. A festival of international renown, the Biennale showcases the creativity, diversity and energy of artists from the four corners of the globe, from key figures to new revelations. Ready to be swept away by the movement?
📆 From Saturday September 6 to Sunday September 28, 2025
Swimming in a magnificent lake around Lyon
Are you more into nature than swimming? In Lyon, we don’t have the luxury of the sea. However, the region is full of great little lakes to swim in in summer. Miribel Jonage, Aiguebelette, Annecy or Nantua – there’s no shortage of options! To guide you, we’ve even put together a selection. It’s all yours!
Immerse yourself in the works of Van Gogh (and the climate) at Studio 24
With over 5 million visitors worldwide , “Van Gogh: the immersive experience” is without doubt one of the most important exhibitions of the decade . Immerse yourself in the unique world of the Dutch genius like nowhere else. From the famous “Sunflowers” to “The Bedroom” and “Starry Night”, all the artist’s masterpieces will be presented in a unique format combining technology and education.
📍 Studio 24 – 24 Rue Emile Decorps, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Lunch cruise on the Saône with Les Bateaux Lyonnais Hermès II
Fancy an original lunch? Embark on an unforgettable lunch cruise from Quai Rambaud and rediscover your city from the Saône and Rhône rivers. Enjoy a 2h30 guided tour of the city’s most emblematic monuments! Aboard the Hermès II boat, enjoy a gourmet three-course lunch prepared with local produce (vegetarian option available). A blend of heritage, relaxation and culinary delights, this experience combines culture and gourmet delights in a unique setting!
📍 Departure point: Bateau Hermès II, 13 bis quai Rambaud – 69002 Lyon
📆 Several dates until Saturday August 2
Celebrate the end of August with a free Open Air at Place du Gros Caillou
A festive, free open air is gearing up for the end of summer on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Gros Caillou in Croix-Rousse! The event will focus on a theme that concerns us all: friendship. On the program? DJ sets, live concerts, shows, projections, beer brewers, talks by experts… and many other surprises!This event, organized by Scène27 in collaboration with the Maison de l’Écologie, Théâtre du Bruit and the Université Populaire de Lyon, promises a friendly and committed atmosphere. The aim is to create a space where we can meet, reflect and celebrate the precious bond of friendship! Save the date and invite your friends!
📆 Saturday, August 30, 2025
📍 Place du Gros Caillou, Lyon 1