What’s On in Paris
Ready for a weekend in Paris that’s anything but ordinary? Whether you’re here for the music, the art, the food, or just the pure magic of summer in the City of Light, this weekend (July 18–20) is stacked with events you won’t want to miss.
From world-famous festivals and open-air concerts to secret garden pop-ups, epic fireworks, and even swimming in the Seine (yes, really!), Paris is pulling out all the stops.
We’ve rounded up the best things to do so you can soak up every unforgettable moment.
Lollapalooza Paris
Head to the Hippodrome de ParisLongchamp for three days of epic live music at Lollapalooza Paris. With global stars like David Guetta, Justin Timberlake, Olivia Rodrigo, and Macklemore lighting up the stage, this festival delivers non-stop energy, massive crowds, and a genre-spanning lineup you won’t want to miss.
Enjoy the electrifying energy and a vibrant crowd under the Parisian summer sky.
Free Electronic Picnic at Château Ephémère
Looking for music, food, and a festival feel, all for free? Join the Electronic Picnic at Château Vanderbilt on July 19.
Enjoy DJ sets, a Peruvian brunch, creative workshops, and end the evening with a dazzling fireworks show. It’s the perfect outdoor party for a summer Saturday.
It’s a family-friendly, all-ages celebration of music, culture, and community
Watch Cult Films Under the Stars
From July 15 to 18, CinéClub Paradiso brings a free open-air cinema to La Seine Musicale. Catch beloved classics, groove to DJ sets, and take in the summer vibes along the Seine.
It’s a movie night like no other in a magical riverside setting. It’s the kind of cinematic night that makes Paris feel even more magical.
Valentino’s Garden Pop-Up
Step into a world of luxury at the Valentino Beauty Pop-Up in Montmartre on July 18 and 19. Set in a hidden garden, this immersive fragrance and beauty experience is a chic escape filled with scents, colors, and Parisian flair, totally free to visit.
The garden setting adds a dreamy atmosphere as you explore the brand’s elegant collection.
Keep the Bastille Day Spirit Alive
Bastille Day may be over, but Paris keeps the party going! All weekend, you’ll find post-14 July celebrations like Firefighters’ Balls, live concerts, and open-air art shows across the city. The festive energy lingers long after the fireworks fade.
Paris is alive with post-holiday energy, and locals and tourists alike are soaking it all in
Chill at Paris Plages and Swim in the Seine
Paris Plages is back with riverside beaches, pop-up pools, and yes, swimming in the Seine! Grab a deck chair or cool off in specially designated swim spots along the river. With live music and snack bars nearby, it’s a refreshing way to spend the day.
Between kayaking, dancing to live music, sipping cold drinks, and relaxing riverside, it’s an ideal way to beat the heat.
Explore Paris’s Summer Art Scene
Paris’s art scene shines this weekend with standout exhibits like Mark Leckey’s surreal works at Lafayette Anticipations and medieval meets modern at Le Plateau’s Berserk and Pyrrhia. For a Scandinavian touch, don’t miss Barbro Östlihn’s show at the Swedish Institute.
Most of these exhibits are either free or budget-friendly, so you can enjoy world-class culture without breaking the bank.
Join the Urban Sports Craze
Get active with trendy sports like pickleball at Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s or catch the buzz at Place de Bataille Stalingrad’s fan zone, where live screenings of women’s soccer, Tour de France, and swim meets keep the crowd pumped all weekend.
With a casual, welcoming atmosphere and fun fitness activities for all levels, you can stay active while soaking up summer vibes.
Rock Out with Iron Maiden at La Défense
If heavy metal is your thing, Iron Maiden is in town! Catch their high-energy shows on July 19 and 20 at La Défense Arena. Expect iconic hits, a roaring crowd, and an unforgettable night of pure rock power in one of Paris’s biggest venues.
The show will leave your ears ringing and your adrenaline pumping. Grab tickets while you still can.
Summer Fun at Vincennes Estival Club
Head to Vincennes Estival Club for outdoor concerts, family-friendly fun, and late-night parties. Pair it with the International Day of Castles for special tours of historic châteaux nearby, where storytelling and architecture come alive.
It’s the perfect mix of music, history, and summer festivity for travelers craving both culture and entertainment in one vibrant spot.
Paris Summer Festival
The Paris Summer Festival keeps the city buzzing with outdoor performances of dance, circus acts, and theater in iconic spots. It’s your chance to see top artists light up parks and plazas, no ticket required for many shows.
It’s free or low-cost, and incredibly fun to stumble upon while exploring.
Dive into Japanese Pop Culture at Japan Expo
Though it wraps up July 14, the Japan Expo is a must if you’re in Paris early! Dive into cosplay, manga, anime, and gaming at this colorful event.
It’s one of Europe’s biggest fan conventions and a must-visit if you’re even mildly curious about Japan’s global influence on art, style, and storytelling. Kids and grownups alike will be wowed.
Chill Out at Garden Parvis, La Défense
Garden Parvis offers a laid-back vibe with DJ sets, creative workshops, and pop-up concerts right at the foot of La Défense’s skyscrapers. It’s a lively spot for an afternoon drink, people-watching, or a quick dance break during your city adventures.
If you want to experience a more modern side of Paris with a relaxed, artistic vibe, this is your spot.
Summer Street Eats and Pop-Ups
From riverside food stalls at Paris Plages to Peruvian treats at the Electronic Picnic, Paris is bursting with open-air eats this weekend. Grab some street food, sip on local wine, and soak in the city’s unbeatable summer street life.
Whether you’re craving crepes, global street food, or a refreshing cocktail, the city is serving it all up in open-air style. Come hungry, leave happy.
Fireworks and Light Shows
Beyond Bastille Day’s grand display, keep your eyes on the skies for smaller fireworks and light shows tied to weekend events. From the Château Vanderbilt picnic finale to local neighborhood festivals, you’re bound to catch a spark or two.
Keep your eyes peeled and your phone ready for that perfect summer-night shot. Keep your eyes peeled and your phone ready for that perfect summer-night shot. And if you’re chasing even darker skies and brighter stars, here’s your guide to the best stargazing spots across the U.S.
Relax Like a Local at Paris’s Parks and Gardens
Between big events, don’t miss a lazy afternoon in parks like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or Jardin des Plantes. With pop-up events, music, and local crowds, these green escapes offer a true Parisian summer vibe, no schedule required.
Perfect for picnics, naps, or people-watching, these spots offer the true Parisian rhythm. And if you’re spending your summer in the USA, here’s the guide to finding the next best state park, where lazy trails, quiet lakes, and surprise wildlife sightings turn an ordinary day into a summer memory.
Whether you’re here for one event or want to experience it all, you’ll find a city bursting with unforgettable summer energy. Which one will you try first?
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