Lyon comes alive throughout the year with festivals, performances, trade fairs and major cultural events. Whether you are visiting for a weekend, a holiday or a business trip, some of these events are a great opportunity to experience a different side of the city.

From Les Nuits de Fourvière to the famous Fête des Lumières, as well as major exhibitions and trade fairs held at Eurexpo Lyon, 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to discover Lyon and its surrounding metropolitan area.

In this article, we have selected some of the main events taking place in Lyon in 2026 to help you plan your stay. Dates and information will be updated as new announcements are made.

Dates: January 28–31, 2026
Location: Institut Lumière – Lyon 8th arrondissement

Organized by the Institut Lumière, this festival brings together sport, cinema and literature, with screenings, discussions and guests from these different fields. An original event offering another way to discover one of Lyon’s most iconic places in the history of cinema.

Dates: February 20–22, 2026
Location: Halle Tony Garnier – Lyon 7th arrondissement

For its 40th edition, the Primevère Fair brings together numerous exhibitors, talks and activities at the Halle Tony Garnier, focusing on ecology and alternatives for a more sustainable lifestyle. Food, housing, gardening, energy and responsible consumption are among the many topics covered.

Dates: March 4–12, 2026
Locations: various venues across Lyon and the metropolitan area

Dedicated to queer cinema, the Écrans Mixtes Festival offers a programme of feature films, short films, documentaries, discussions, talks and special events each year. Screenings take place at various cultural venues throughout Lyon and the metropolitan area.

Dates: March 20–30, 2026
Location: Eurexpo Lyon – Chassieu

A major event on Lyon’s spring calendar, the Foire de Lyon takes over Eurexpo for eleven days, with a wide range of exhibitors focusing on home and living, gastronomy, shopping, leisure and the latest trends. The event also features entertainment and several themed areas for different audiences.

Dates: April 3–5, 2026
Locations: Palais de la Bourse and various venues across Lyon

A must-see event for fans of crime fiction and noir literature, Quais du Polar brings together French and international authors, readers and enthusiasts in Lyon every year. Talks, book signings, conferences, screenings and the famous Grande Enquête take place throughout the weekend at various venues across the city.

Dates: May 13–17, 2026
Locations: various venues across Lyon and the metropolitan area

An iconic festival on Lyon’s electronic music scene, Nuits Sonores takes over various venues across the city with concerts, DJ sets and artistic projects. In 2026, the festival will notably take place at Grandes Locos and La Sucrière, with events also being held at several other venues across Lyon.

Dates: May 28–July 25, 2026
Main venue: Ancient Theatre of Fourvière – Lyon 5th arrondissement

Every summer, Les Nuits de Fourvière presents concerts, theatre, dance, circus and other performances in the exceptional setting of the ancient theatres. The 2026 edition is particularly symbolic as it marks the festival’s 80th anniversary, with performances at Fourvière as well as at other venues across the metropolitan area.

Dates: July and August 2026
Locations: parks, squares and various neighbourhoods across Lyon

Every summer, Tout l’monde dehors! brings Lyon’s public spaces to life with nearly 200 free events. Concerts, open-air cinema, dance, theatre, circus performances and shows offer a different way to enjoy Lyon during the summer months, across many neighbourhoods of the city.

Dates: June 30–August 25, 2026
Location: Place Ambroise Courtois – Lyon 8th arrondissement

Held on Place Ambroise Courtois, L’été en cinémascope offers free open-air film screenings after nightfall. Classics, comedies and animated films make up a friendly summer programme, perfect for enjoying an evening outdoors in Lyon.

Dates: from September 19, 2026
Locations: various venues across Lyon and the metropolitan area

The Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale returns in 2026 for its 18th edition. From September 19, artworks and installations will take over various cultural venues and spaces across the metropolitan area, offering a great opportunity to discover contemporary art while exploring different sites around Lyon.

Dates: October 10–18, 2026
Venues: cinemas and venues across Lyon and the metropolitan area

Dedicated to classic cinema and its history, the Festival Lumière brings together filmmakers, actors and film enthusiasts every autumn for screenings, retrospectives, talks and live film concerts. In 2026, Joel and Ethan Coen will receive the Prix Lumière, awarded to a major figure in cinema in recognition of their lifetime achievement.

Dates: December 5–8, 2026
Venues: various locations across Lyon

One of Lyon’s most iconic events, the Fête des Lumières transforms the city for four evenings with light installations, projections and artistic creations. From the historic centre to Parc de la Tête d’Or, different locations become part of a spectacular nighttime trail that attracts large numbers of visitors every year.

With festivals, fairs and cultural events throughout the year, Lyon offers something different to discover in every season. Before your stay, remember to check the dates and official programmes, as some events may change during the year.

During major events such as Les Nuits de Fourvière, Festival Lumière or the Fête des Lumières, demand for accommodation can be particularly high. Booking your apartment in Lyon in advance will help you plan your stay with greater peace of mind and make the most of your time in the city.

Photo credits : Xavier Caré / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 • Romainbehar / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0 • AI-generated illustration of the Foire de Lyon — OpenAI / ChatGPT • AI-generated summer illustration of Lyon — OpenAI / ChatGPT.