This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Fontainebleau’s calendar peaks in June, when two major festivals land in the same month, then quiets down to a Christmas market in December. Most events are free, and the chateau and its grounds double as venues. Pair the dates below with the best time to visit Fontainebleau to catch a festival while the weather holds. Check the things to do in Fontainebleau for specifics.
Fontainebleau Events in Spring
CSI Fontainebleau (April to May)
The international show-jumping competition at Le Grand Parquet runs over several weekends in late spring, drawing riders and spectators to the equestrian stadium at the forest edge. Dates vary each year, so check grandparquet.fr for the exact schedule and ticket prices.
Fontainebleau Events in Summer
Festival de l’Histoire de l’Art (first weekend of June)
One of Europe’s largest art-history festivals, held at the chateau and across town on the first weekend of June. It is free and open to all, with more than 300 talks, screenings, exhibitions, concerts and children’s workshops over three days. Each edition picks a theme and a guest country; the 2026 edition ran 5 to 7 June on the theme of fashion with Morocco as guest, and the 2027 edition runs 4 to 6 June on the theme of magic with Poland as guest. Read the Fontainebleau neighborhoods before you book.
Festival Django Reinhardt (late June)
Founded in 1968 and named after the gypsy-jazz guitarist who lived in Samois-sur-Seine, this festival now splits its programme between Samois and the Parc du Chateau de Fontainebleau. It runs over four days in late June (25 to 28 June in 2026) and mixes jazz manouche with world and contemporary acts. Plan the rest of the trip with the where to stay in Fontainebleau.
Serie Series (late June or July)
A European television-series festival that screens previews and hosts industry panels in Fontainebleau, usually in late June or early July. Screenings take place at the Theatre Municipal and the Ermitage cinema. Dates and public sessions are announced in spring. The Fontainebleau travel tips covers this in more detail.
Fontainebleau Events in Autumn and Winter
European Heritage Days (third weekend of September)
The chateau opens free for the Journees Europeennes du Patrimoine on the third weekend of September, with guided visits to rooms normally closed to the public. Expect queues from mid-morning, and arrive at opening time. Back to the main Fontainebleau travel guide.
Fontainebleau Christmas Market (December)
A small Christmas market sets up in the town centre through December, with food stalls, crafts and lights around the Place Napoleon Bonaparte. The chateau closes on 25 December, but the town and forest stays open. For a guide to winter conditions, see the Fontainebleau weather by month breakdown.
