As I told you last year, staying in Paris during the summer isn’t necessarily a punishment, provided you know how to make the most of it, as there is an abundance of free events during this summer season.
With the beginning of July, various free Parisian festivals will start popping up in the capital, some lasting until the beginning of September.
So, I wanted to create a little guide for you of the free events and festivals that you can discover this summer in the capital.
I will split this article into 3 parts, focusing this first part on music festivals; the 2nd article will focus on outdoor cinema screenings, and the 3rd will gather all the remaining festivals, shows, and entertainment.
La Plage du Glazart
Every year, Glazart pours out 50 tons of sand to set up its beach at Porte de la Villette. The season has been running since June 21st, but you can enjoy it until September 15th, 2013.
On the program: deckchairs, free concerts from Monday to Friday with a focus on discovery, clubbing Saturday afternoons from noon to midnight, and family Sundays with brunch, flea markets, and all kinds of entertainment.
Table of Contents
Le Glazart
7-15 Avenue de la porte de la villette, 75019 Paris
Metro Porte de la villette
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Scènes d’été at La Villette
An eclectic program for these “Scènes d’été” at Parc de la Villette from July 7th to August 25th, featuring various workshops, dance, street performances, and concerts—all with free admission, of course!
On the program: tango lessons, a kite-making workshop, Indian dance workshops, hip-hop concerts, cooking classes (paid, from 20 to 30 €), paper-mâché mask making, singing workshops, and more.
Parc de La Villette, Prairie du cercle sud
211 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
near the canal de l’Ourcq, on the bank near the Zénith
Metro Porte de Pantin or Porte de la Villette
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Soirs d’été OÜI FM festival
We continue from July 8th to 13th, 2013 with the OÜI FM Soirs d’été festival, which is back for a new edition!
On the program: 6 days of free concerts on the square in front of the 3rd arrondissement town hall in Paris.
Place de la République 75003 Paris
Concerts starting at 8 PM
Metro République
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La Grande Prairie at La Bellevilloise
La Bellevilloise
begins its summer transformation from July 12th to September 15th, 2013 with the advent of the “Grande Prairie” on the 500m² of its Loft, which will be covered for the occasion with a huge carpet of greenery.
On the program: acoustic concerts, DJ sets and musical naps, giant wooden games, a pop-up library, yoga, exhibitions, screenings, youth workshops, a cocktail bar, massage sessions, and more.
La Bellevilloise
19-21 Rue Boyer 75020 Paris
Metro Gambetta or Ménilmontant
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The FNAC Live festival
The Fnac Live festival is back for a third edition on the parvis of the Paris Hôtel de Ville for 32 free concerts from Thursday, July 18th to Sunday, July 21st, 2013.
On the program for this event, a great lineup that illustrates the diversity of musical genres, including Olivia Ruiz, Lilly Wood & The Prick, Oxmo Puccino, Keziah Jones, and Alex Beaupain.
A little new feature this year: more intimate concerts will also take place inside the Hôtel de Ville, in the Arcades salon on Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, July 21st. These concerts will be accessible by invitation only, to be picked up for free at Fnac Ile-de-France ticket counters starting July 18th.
Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville 75004 Paris
Metro Hôtel de Ville
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Classique au vert
The Classique au vert festival will take place at the Parc Floral every weekend from August 3rd to September 15th, 2013.
On the program: classical music with cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton, the Armenia Orchestra, and pianist Jean-Bernard Pommier.
Parc Floral – Paris City Botanical Garden
Free entry after paying the park entrance fee (5.50 €)
Metro Château de Vincennes
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Estivales Musicales in the 11th
From August 27th to September 1st, 2013, the 11th arrondissement town hall of Paris is offering a series of six free outdoor concerts as part of the Estivales musicales.
This festival will take place in the gardens and squares of the arrondissement, with a program featuring French chanson, classical music, pop-rock, electro, and even jazz.
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I wish you all a very beautiful Parisian summer, and see you tomorrow to enjoy my article on free outdoor screenings.
- Part 2 of the free Paris summer guide: free outdoor screenings
- Part 3 of the free Paris summer guide: other events
