Paris Events In August 2024 – Art, Music, Olympics & La Liberation

August in Paris sizzles! It's the height of summer and the city is filled with vibrant festivals and events, including the popular Rock En Seine and, this year, the Paris Olympics! Grab your crème solaire (sunscreen) and check out our guide to the best Paris activities and events for August 2024.

Liberation of Paris Festivities

In August, Paris celebrates the anniversary of the liberation from Nazi occupation in World War II. It was in fact, on August 25, 1944 that the city was finally liberated from the tyranny of Nazi oppression.

In Charles de Gaulle's victory speech, he famously said, "Paris liberated! Liberated by itself, liberated by its people with the support of the armies of France, with the help and support of the whole of France, of the France that fights, of the only France, of the true France, of the eternal France!"

Although this is not an official French holiday, there will be several events around the city with a major celebration on the front plaza of the Hotel de Ville.

• August 25, 2024

Experience the Magnificence of Versailles

The palace and gardens of Versailles are symbols of grandeur and royal decadence. The royal estate is a don't-miss destination when you're visiting Paris — and close enough that it's an easy day trip. The only way to avoid standing in the long lines is to go the royal route. Book a skip-the-line tour with a driver/guide to make the past come alive. This comprehensive tour includes transportation to and from central Paris.

Rock en Seine

Join the hard-core Parisians who have stayed in the city during August — and rock out! The three-day event takes place at Parc de Saint-Cloud just outside Paris. Started in 2003, there are now five Stages, with 65 bands representing rock, power pop, electric, and folk music — and of course 120,000 music lovers. You can even set up your campsite and sleep overnight. You must book your campsite online, in advance and have a valid pass.

• Pont de Saint-Cloud
• Last weekend in August 2024
• Information…

Silhouette Festival — Free

Created in 2002, the Silhouette Association's aim is to promote short format films to a wide and diverse audience. It is now one of the biggest outdoor short film festivals in France. Over 100 films are shown over nine nights with three juries to select the best films in various categories. Opening night starts with a fun outdoor concert.

• Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge, 19th Arrondissement
• End of August & early September
• Information…

Classique au Vert

At Parc Floral, in the Bois de Vincennes, a classical music festival is staged every summer. Check out the Classique au Vert website for the full schedule.

• Parc Floral, Bois de Vincennes
• Information…

Assomption – Assumption Day

Don't be caught off guard by this unassuming Paris holiday. Virtually everything will be closed including department stores, shops, and many restaurants.

• August 15, 2024
• French National Holiday

Paris Plage Returns in 2025

The popular annual beach-comes-to-the Seine event is postponed until 2025 to make room for Paris Olympic events. Even without a beach, there will be a lot happening on the river! Save your bathing suit for next year!

Cinéma En Plein Air 2024

Since 1990 Parc de la Villette has been the home to the biggest open-air events in Paris. There are outdoor film screenings; dance, music & arts events all summer long.

• Parc de la Villette
• mid July to mid August
• Information…

Été du Canal

Celebrate summer on the canal with music, dance, concerts and boat cruises on Canal de L'Ourcq, an up-and-coming quartier on the Paris canal network. (Northeast Paris region.)

• Canal de L'Ourcq
• July & August
• Information…

Festival Paris l'Été

This annual arts festival featuress dance, music and theatre event in neighborhood venues across Paris. Since 1990 the Paris Summer Festival has been organizing artistic and cultural events throughout the city.

• Last two weeks of July
• Information…

Chopin Festival

A summer filled with dazzling music by Chopin.

• Parc de Bagatelle, 16th Arrondissement
• June & August
• Information…

Fête des Tuileries

Summer-long Fun Fair.

• Jardins des Tuileries, along Rue de Rivoli
• Late June to late August
• Information…

La Nuit aux Invalides

Visit the historic Les Invalides for a dazzling light and sound show. The 2024 Centenary show highlights the events of World War I, told through a child's eyes.

• Cour d'Honneur, Hotel des Invalides, 7th Arrondissement
• July to early September, Wednesdays to Saturdays
• Information…