Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) – French Music Festival, 21 June

Every year on June 21st, the day of the summer solstice, something special happens in France. As the sun starts to go down in the sky, the streets begin to fill up with music. It’s the Fête de la Musique, and whether you’re in a tiny village or a bustling city on the Côte d’Azur, you’re likely to hear everything from jazz and rock to rap, hip hop and classical.

History of the Fête de la Musique

The world owes a huge debt of gratitude to two men who were instrumental in creating this event in 1982. The first is Maurice Fleuret, a composer who was Director of Music and Dance at the Ministry of Culture from 1981-1986. The second is Jack Lang, then Minister of Culture, who suggested they work together. The idea of a popular music festival was born from the realization that paid concerts were often reserved for the elite few. And that the thrill that comes from playing and listening to live music should be available to everyone. Today World Music Day takes place in over 120 countries.

French Streets Come Alive with Music

The joy lies in the fact that anyone can play. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, a child, or a professional musician, it really doesn’t matter. It’s all about celebrating music. People set up in village squares, on street corners, in cafés, and even in front of shops. Some shows are planned, others just pop up. It’s a family friendly event and people sometimes just stroll around close to their neighbourhood. And then wander from one live performance to the next.

It’s fun, it’s (mostly) free, and the music often continues until very late into the night. While 21 June is the official date for the Fête de la Musique, in some cities, like Nice and Cannes, the festival runs from 20-22 June 2025. So make sure you check the programmes and the venues near where you live.

If you haven’t yet experienced the Fête de la Musique, please do yourself a favour and be part of the celebration. It’s a really magical start to summer on the French Riviera.

For more information on the free concerts in your area, please click here.