August 1-15
The Batofar péniche on the Quai François Mauriac (13th, M° Quai de la Gare) is hosting a free open-air video film festival (international shorts, animation, experimental films, all on video) on the “plage” (quayside, not on the boat) nighly from 10pm.
August 1-11
The Clair de Lune open-air cinema festival takes place in a different location around Paris each night, with foreign films in VO (subtitles in French). Opening night is Midnight in Paris, other films include Gainsbourg, Vie Héroïque and Un Monstre à Paris. Free entry, starts 9:30pm, some shows have chairs (reserved for the elderly and handicapped).
August 3 -September 15
The bandstand of the Parc Floral botanical gardens in the Bois de Vincennes (12th, M° Chateau de Vincennes) hosts the Festival Classique au Vert classical music concerts by international musicians every Saturday and Sunday from 4pm-6pm. Entry to the gardens €5.50. The gardens also have playgrounds, a butterfly house, photo exhibits, and gorgeous floral displays, of course!
Through August 11
Paris Summer Festival: don’t miss this amazing theatre and classical music series. Sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture and housed by many of Paris’s finest performance spaces, this season promises many beautiful evenings. Ticket prices vary according to performance.
Through August 18
L’été Defacto will bring some relaxation and entertainment to La Défense this summer, providing a change from this area’s typical image as a business district. The event will consist of cultural conferences, afterwork cocktails, and art installations in the street. Whether you live at La Défense or are just visiting, you are invited to enjoy.
Through August 18
Paris Plages: sand, beach trees, volley balls and bikinis — on the Seine! This year’s edition of the Paris Plages will feature many fun activities.
Through August 21
The Paris Fun Fair (Fête Foraine) is open in the Tuileries (Louvre Gardens), daily 11am-11:45pm (until 12:45am on Friday and Saturday). Free entrance, but you’ll need to buy tickets for each ride on the usual carnival attractions, or have cash for cotton candy and the games where you can win prizes. The Ferris Wheel has excellent views over Paris!
Through August 25
Festival du Canal de l’Ourq This section of the canal running through the Parc de la Villette (19th) all the way into the suburbs is hosting a summer festival with boat rides, paddle oat and canoe rental, Zodiac rides, and “bals dansants” for dancing along the water. The black and white portraits hanging along the Ourq are of anonymous people who work on or along the canal. This is also a great place to go running if you like urban landscapes and graffiti spotting.
Through August 28
Parc de la Villette hosts the most popular outdoor film festival, Cinéma en Plein Air. They always show international classics and popular films (in original language with French subtitlts, many are in English such as Super 8, Harvey Milk, Norma Rae, The Navigators, Social Network, Rio Bravo, The Band Wagon (Fred Astaire!), Ocean’s Eleven and Kubrick’s The Killing). Every night except Monday from sunset (get there no later than 10pm for a good spot) free entry, lounge chair rental possible for €7. Closest metro is Porte de Pantin, follow the crowd.
Through August 29
The Bercy Village pedestrian village (shops, cafés, movie theatre, and a big park) in the 12th is hosting free live music concerts every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm. The program is eclectic, with a mix of pop, jazz, punk, blues, folk, soul and rock music performers from around the world.
Through September 15
Missing the beach this summer? Stop by Glazart to enjoy La Plage, a pleasant beach atmosphere + sand, all inside you favorite 19th arrondissement bar. Free entry and free music most days.
Through September 15
Transport yourself to 1912 at the Titanic shipwreck exhibit. This collection of artifacts from the famous ship has been viewed by over 20 million people worldwide. It promises to spark the imagination and send shivers down the spine. Entry €12.90 to €15.90.
Through September 30
The historic Art Deco restaurant La Coupole (102 blvd du Montparnasse, 14th) is hosting an exposition o feight young Parisian graffiti artists: Alex, 6pack, Done, Moon one, Hopare, Esper, Stack, and Brok. Open free to the public, open daily 8:30am-midnight.
Through September 28
Le Maxi Monster Music Show is not your typical music spectacle. This show invites you to discover a bizarre cabaret of gypsies, bearded women, strongmen, the macabre, the strange and the mystical. The theatre is located in Montmartre, and tickets start at € 20.
Through October 5
Don’t miss one of the most magical events of the summer, the Candlelit Evenings at the Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, just an hour south of Paris by RER and shuttle. Visit the family-owned palace and gardens that inspired Versailles by candlelight, including dinner in the gardens (or bring your own picnic) and a fireworks finale. Every Saturday evening, entry €19.
Other Paris Calendar Links
- For literary events, readings, and classes: Monthly Paris Listing.
- For indie/alternative music concerts see Gigs in Paris
- For art exhibitions, museum news and openings see Paris Muse.
- For mainstream events visit the Paris Office of Tourism.
- For naughty events, see the Naughty Paris Guide.
- Major sporting events and festivals can be found at WhatsOnWhen.
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