Events & Festivals in Lyon

A winter festival celebrating the guitar in all its forms, from classical and flamenco to blues and rock. Concerts are held in cozy, acoustically excellent venues. Masterclasses and luthier exhibitions are also part of the program, appealing to players and listeners alike.

This festival focuses on medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music performed on period instruments. Concerts are held in historic churches and halls around Lyon, matching the music to evocative settings. It attracts a dedicated audience of early music aficionados.

A festival devoted to crime fiction pulls in famous authors and devoted fans. Events include book signings, film screenings, themed exhibitions, and discussions held in libraries and cultural centers across Lyon. The atmosphere hooks anyone who loves a solid mystery novel.

A large trade and consumer fair at Eurexpo, with sections dedicated to food, home improvement, technology, and regional products. It's a busy event where businesses show goods and often offer show specials. It appeals to both trade professionals and the general public.

A unique running race where participants follow a course through Lyon's historical center, including passages through traboules, up staircases, and across squares. Different distance categories make it accessible. Runners get to see the city from an unusual, active perspective.

Food trucks and pop-up stalls from France and beyond converge on Lyon to serve creative street food. Options span gourmet burgers and tacos to regional specialties with a twist. The event stays casual and lively. Good for sampling many dishes in one place.

An influential electronic music festival commandeers industrial and unusual venues across Lyon. International DJs and live acts play multiple stages, with emphasis on forward-thinking sounds. The event carries a charged, late-night energy. Younger, dedicated crowds dominate.

A spring flower market that temporarily transforms a central Lyon street into a fragrant garden. Nurseries and florists sell bedding plants, bouquets, and gardening supplies. It's a colorful, pleasant event that signals the arrival of warmer weather in Lyon.

A summer festival of theater, music, and dance develops in the ancient Roman theaters of Fourvière. The program covers contemporary circus, classical concerts, and modern plays. The setting overlooks Lyon and adds something special. It draws a cultured crowd seeking quality performances under the stars.

This comic book and graphic novel festival gathers artists, publishers, and enthusiasts. The event includes exhibitions, drawing workshops, signings, and a large marketplace for buying books and art. Families and fans of illustrated arts flock here.

On the summer solstice, musicians of every skill level perform for free in streets, parks, and squares across Lyon. Genres stretch from rock and jazz to classical and folk. The city becomes one large, informal concert venue. Wander and discover new sounds.

In years when Lyon hosts the Grand Départ, the city becomes the pulse-pounding launch point for the world's most famous cycling race. The event has a team presentation ceremony and the first stage departure, pulling massive crowds to cheer riders. The energy crackles.

Held every even-numbered year, this ranks as a major international dance festival. It spans classical ballet to hip-hop and contemporary, with companies from around the world performing. A popular parade winds through Lyon's streets.

Held every odd-numbered year, this is a major survey of contemporary international art. Installations, videos, and performances are spread across several venues, including a former sugar factory. The event is thought-provoking and draws art professionals and curious visitors from around the world.

A celebration of French and international cheeses takes over Lyon's Halles de la Part-Dieu. Producers offer tastings, cheesemongers demonstrate techniques, and experts lead pairing workshops with wine and bread. Essential for cheese lovers wanting to push past the familiar.

Part of a national event, Lyon's Taste Week spotlights special menus, cooking classes, and market tours led by local chefs and producers. Many bouchons and restaurants join with affordable set menus. An excellent chance to plunge into Lyonnais culinary traditions.

This festival champions independent cinema and first-time directors, screening a curated selection of international feature films and documentaries. Screenings lead into discussions with filmmakers. A chance to catch innovative work before wider release, in an intimate setting.

A traditional autumn fair held on the Croix-Rousse plateau, featuring rides, games, and food stalls. It has a classic, neighborhood feel, with a focus on family entertainment. The name refers to roasted chestnuts, a seasonal treat sold at the fair.

A major film festival honoring the legacy of the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinema from Lyon. It screens classic films, hosts premieres, and awards the Prix Lumière. The event attracts film stars and directors, creating a glamorous atmosphere in the city.

A major running event with a full marathon, half-marathon, and shorter races. The course winds along the Rhône and Saône rivers, passing many of Lyon's landmarks. It draws both elite athletes and thousands of amateur runners, with lively support from spectators.

A nationwide event with strong participation in Lyon. Universities, museums, and labs open their doors for hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and talks designed to make science accessible. It's a fantastic, free family activity that is both educational and entertaining.

Held at Lyon's opera house and other venues, this festival presents a mix of jazz legends and emerging artists. The program spans traditional, fusion, and experimental styles. The acoustics and setting provide an elevated concert experience for serious music fans.

A festival celebrating the cultures of the Mediterranean and Middle East through music, dance, film, and food. Concerts feature traditional and modern sounds, while workshops might include calligraphy or cooking. It's an engaging way to experience different cultural expressions in Lyon.

This is Lyon's signature event. The city's buildings, squares, and riverbanks become canvases for light installations and projections. Artists from across the globe create works that transform familiar landmarks. Massive crowds wander the illuminated streets. The mood feels communal and celebratory. All ages fit in.

Lyon's main Christmas market fills Place Carnot with wooden chalets selling crafts, decorations, and seasonal foods like hot wine and gingerbread. A large Ferris wheel overlooks the festive scene. Classic family activity. Holiday cheer floods the city center.

A traditional Lyonnais celebration honoring the Virgin Mary, marked by families placing lighted candles in their windows. The city glows with these small lights, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere distinct from the larger Fête des Lumières. It's a local custom with deep roots in Lyon.