Knights, musketeers, soldiers of the Republican Guard, and characters from the Roaring Twenties will mingle in the streets of Paris this weekend. On Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Fête de Paris will return to the area around the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Panthéon for two days entirely dedicated to the history of the capital. The event will be free and will bring together more than 1,000 performers and extras, as well as some 60 artisans.
The Fête de Paris returns to liven up the capital’s streets this weekend
The heart of the festival will take the form of a large historic village set up around Place André-Honnorat and the Jardins de l’Observatoire. Several eras of Parisian history will be reenacted there, from the Middle Ages to the Trente Glorieuses, featuring artisans, producers, performances, music, and demonstrations. Béhourd and musketeer battles will also be on the program.
On Saturday, the atmosphere will gradually evolve into that of a large open-air dance hall. A swing band, dancing, and a DJ set will keep the party going until 11 p.m., while food and drink stands will be available on site. This year’s event will pay special tribute to Josephine Baker, a legend of Parisian music hall and a member of the Resistance during World War II.
The main highlight will take place on Sunday afternoon. At 2 p.m., a massive historical parade will set off from the Panthéon before winding its way through the Latin Quarter. Approximately 1,000 costumed participants will retrace fifteen centuries of Parisian history, from Geneviève and the Vikings to Louis IX, Napoleon, Josephine Baker, and the Liberation of Paris. The parade route will stretch nearly 2 kilometers before reaching the Jardins de l’Observatoire.
After drawing 58,000 participants in 2025, the Fête de Paris is further cementing its place among the major free events of the fall season. And this time, it will take just a few metro stops to journey through fifteen centuries of history.
Location: Place André-Honnorat and Jardins de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris—parade starts at Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
Hours: Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; free admission.