Avignon’s event calendar is dominated by one giant: the Festival d’Avignon, which transforms the city into the world’s largest theater stage every July.. Avignon weather by month But the city also hosts a contemporary dance festival in February, a classic car show in March, a city-wide music celebration in June, and one of Provence’s best Christmas markets in December. Plan your visit around these Avignon events and festivals to experience the city at its most animated.
Avignon Events and Festivals: Main Events
Festival d’Avignon (4 to 25 July 2026)
The Festival d’Avignon is the undisputed heavyweight of Avignon’s events calendar and one of the world’s most important performing arts festivals.. best time to visit Avignon Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the 2026 edition (80th anniversary) runs from 4 to 25 July. The official program (Festival IN) features around 50 productions spanning theater, dance, opera, and performance art, staged in historic venues including the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes. Alongside the official festival, the OFF program runs concurrently with more than 1,500 shows in 150+ venues across the city, from proper theaters to converted chapels and cafes. Ticket prices range from €10 to €35 for IN shows and €5 to €25 for OFF performances. The city’s population swells from 90,000 to over 300,000 during the festival. Book accommodation at least 6 months in advance if you want to stay inside the city walls. The 2026 edition marks the first time in 25 years that IN and OFF run simultaneously.
Les Hivernales (February)
Les Hivernales is a 10-day contemporary dance festival held in February, bringing international dance companies to Avignon for performances and workshops.. things to do in Avignon Venues include the CDC Les Hivernales theater and various sites around the city center. It’s a smaller-scale event with around 5,000 attendees that draws dance professionals and enthusiasts rather than mass tourism. Tickets typically cost €10 to €20 per performance. Exact February dates vary each year.
Avignon Motor Festival (March)
The Avignon Motor Festival is a classic car and motorcycle event held over a weekend in late March at the Parc des Expositions.. where to stay in Avignon It features more than 300 exhibitors, an auction of vintage vehicles, and a rally through the Provencal countryside. Attendance is around 30,000 over the weekend. Tickets cost €12 for adults at the door. Parc des Expositions, Chemin des Felons, 84000 Avignon.
Fete de la Musique (21 June)
The Fete de la Musique is a nationwide French celebration held on the summer solstice.. Avignon travel tips In Avignon, dozens of free music performances take over the streets, squares, and bars from late afternoon until well past midnight. Genres range from classical ensembles in the cloisters to rock bands in Place de l’Horloge and DJ sets outside cafes. It’s a lively, informal night that costs nothing to enjoy. The whole city participates, and the atmosphere is festive and family-friendly in the early evening, becoming more club-like after 23:00.
Avignon Christmas Market (Late November to December)
The Marche de Noel d’Avignon runs from late November through December in Place de l’Horloge.. Avignon neighborhoods guide Around 50 wooden chalets sell Provencal santons (hand-painted nativity figurines), regional foods including calissons, nougat, and mulled wine, crafts, and Christmas decorations. An ice skating rink is set up nearby, and the city strings lights across the main streets. It’s modest compared to Strasbourg or Cologne but authentically Provencal , the focus is on local products rather than mass-market Christmas kitsch. Free entry. Opens daily from around 11:00 to 20:00, with extended hours on weekends. For more on Avignon travel guide, see our Avignon travel guide.
Avignon Events and Festivals: Month by Month Calendar
- February: Les Hivernales (contemporary dance festival, 10 days)
- March: Avignon Motor Festival (classic cars at Parc des Expositions)
- June: Fete de la Musique (21 June, free music performances city-wide)
- July: Festival d’Avignon IN and OFF (4-25 July 2026, 80th edition, theater and performance art)
- August: Jazz Festival in nearby Villeneuve-les-Avignon (mid-August)
- September: European Heritage Days (Journees du Patrimoine, 3rd weekend, free entry to many sites)
- November-December: Avignon Christmas Market (Place de l’Horloge)
