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Festivals and major events in Lyon
Lyon hosts major events all year: Quais du Polar in spring, Nuits sonores in May, Nuits de Fourvière in summer, Festival Lumière in October, the Festival of Lights in December, and two alternating biennials, contemporary art and dance. The dates below are for 2026 and change every year.
Spring
The Foire de Lyon, at Eurexpo, ran from 20 to 30 March 2026. Quais du Polar, the crime-fiction festival, took place from 3 to 5 April 2026. Nuits sonores, devoted to electronic music and innovative cultures, ran from 13 to 17 May 2026 at Les Grandes Locos in La Mulatière.
Summer
Les Nuits de Fourvière turn the Roman theatres into a stage for theatre, dance, circus and music: 28 May to 25 July 2026. In June, the Lyon BD Festival (12-14 June 2026) and the Lyon Street Food Festival (11-14 June 2026) enliven the city.
Autumn
The Contemporary Art Biennial takes place in even-numbered years: the 2026 edition runs from 19 September 2026 to 3 January 2027. The Dance Biennial alternates with it in odd-numbered years. Festival Lumière, devoted to classic cinema, ran from 10 to 18 October 2026. In November, Silk in Lyon celebrates silk at the Palais de la Bourse.
Winter: the Festival of Lights
From 5 to 8 December 2026, the city becomes an open-air gallery of light, free and very busy. See our dedicated article.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lyon's biggest event?
The Festival of Lights, which draws about 2 million visitors over four evenings around 8 December.
When is the Dance Biennial?
In odd-numbered years, alternating with the Contemporary Art Biennial, held in even-numbered years.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon
The Lumière brothers and the birth of cinemaUpdated 25 October 2026.