What to do in Paris in October? Even as fall slowly sets in, staying in bed is out of the question. That’s good news: the Paris Secret editorial team has put together a wide range of activities and cultural outings for the most energetic among you. The Salon du Chocolat, a candlelit concert, an immersive horror experience… Follow our schedule if you want to break out of your fall routine.
More than 1,200 drones light up the sky for a magical, collective experience! Among the October events in Paris that are sure to dazzle, this nighttime show in the heart of fall promises a truly special experience: more than 1,200 drones will create iconic scenes and symbols from the Harry Potter™ saga in the sky above the Vincennes Racetrack. Several evenings are scheduled for October—sign up for the waitlist to be notified when tickets go on sale.
Adam Port transforms the Yoyo into an intimate dance floor. To kick off October in style, head to the Yoyo club under the west wing of the Palais de Tokyo: DJ Adam Port, co-founder of the Keinemusik collective, will be performing there on October 1, 2027, for an intimate house music night. The event runs from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and is shaping up to be the must-attend fall party in Paris.
La Nef transforms into a monumental dance floor for an unforgettable night of techno and house music. For those who want to turn up the tempo in October, head to the Cité du Cinéma, which is launching “Opening Final Cut”: a techno and house party organized by Wild Buzz Agency, Dure Vie, and Pedro Booking on October 2, 2026, at La Nef. An international lineup featuring Olympe4000, Patrick Mason, and Skin On Skin as headliners, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; tickets starting at €18.99.
Write a wish and light up Lac Daumesnil during the Water Lantern Festival. Among the poetic events to keep on your radar, the Water Lantern Festival invites the public to decorate and release eco-friendly floating lanterns on Lac Daumesnil to create a collective light show. The Paris edition will take place on October 3 and 4 and will feature entertainment, food, and a social area in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes.
Hugel is coming to Paris for a 10-hour night of sunny house music under a monumental glass roof. DJ Hugel will make his Paris debut on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Cité du Cinéma (Saint-Denis) for a 10-hour night under a 17-meter glass roof, welcoming up to 5,000 people. The event, organized by Big Dream, will begin at 8 p.m. and end at 6 a.m., with a lineup featuring Agoria, Guy Gerber, Chambord, and Kate Zubok.
The Carnavalet Museum is celebrating its 160th anniversary with a free, immersive evening event on Saturday, October 3, 2026. To mark the occasion in October, the Carnavalet Museum is organizing a festive weekend on October 3 and 4, 2026, featuring an evening event on Saturday, October 3, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., along with concerts, an immersive game, performances, and free activities in the gardens.
Meet on October 4 at 3:00 p.m. at the George V metro station for a 3-km walk dedicated to animals and their humans! Among the must-see October events in Paris, the second Parisian edition of the Animal Walk will take place on October 4, 2026, starting at 3:00 p.m. from the George V metro station and ending at the Pavillon Royal in the Bois de Boulogne. The 3-km parade, open to dogs, cats, and other pets, will last about 2 hours and will feature water stations and volunteers trained to ensure the animals’ well-being.
From October 7 to 11, 2026, Montmartre comes alive with music, wine, and traditions. For a must-see event this month, don’t miss the 93rd Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, taking place October 7–11, 2026, around the Sacré-Cœur and throughout the 18th arrondissement, featuring concerts, parades, vineyard tours, and free activities.
A free, family-friendly event centered around apples on Boulevard de Clichy on October 10, 2026. For an October outing in Paris that captures the essence of fall, head to Montmartre: on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Fête de la Pomme takes over Boulevard de Clichy ( 18th arrondissement) from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a farmers’ market, food trucks, family-friendly activities, workshops, and a community dance followed by a DJ set.
Dive into a fun, immersive science journey starting October 15, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès. Among the events to note in October, Science Expériences is setting up an 850 m² immersive exhibition at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, opening on October 15, 2026, featuring seven interactive rooms (Big Bang, invisible light, minerals, dinosaurs, earthquake simulator) for all ages.
Experience a spectacular underwater odyssey this fall in Paris! Among the must-see events in October, head to Planète Océan: starting October 16, 2026, the Atelier des Lumières presents a 50-minute immersive experience that plunges the audience into the oceans in 360°, combining 3D projections, sound design, scenic effects, and a guided narrative.
Want to scare yourself (just the right amount) in October? The Parc de l’Étrange returns for its 3rd edition at Parc André Citroën from October 16 to 31, 2026, featuring a 1.9-km immersive trail through 13 reimagined worlds inspired by the greatest horror classics, complete with actors, special effects, and a silent fireworks display at the end of the evening.
Visit Art Basel Paris 2026 at the Grand Palais
From October 23 to 25, the Grand Palais hosts Art Basel Paris, one of the world’s largestcontemporary art events —featuring over 200 international galleries, unique installations, and a cultural program that brings the entire capital to life. An unmissable fall event for contemporary art lovers and the curious alike.
On October 17 and 18, 2026, the Zoo Ink Show will take over a brand-new 1, 000 m² venue in La Défense for its very first edition. Conceived by the artistic direction team of the Zoo Art Show, this new event brings together more than 50 tattoo artists from all over France, selected by Sane Two, including Dimitri HK, Kidbaz, Jamin, Lil’Jaysss, Le Labo d’Elo, KrapCrap, El Bent, and Miss Worm. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, explore their creative worlds, and—why not?—book an appointment to bring your next project to life. And since no tattoo show would be complete without a good dose of fun, the Zoo Ink Show also features a rooftop with views of La Défense, live performances, entertainment, and plenty of food and drink options.
Get ready for an immersive experience all about cuteness. Among the events that will add a touch of sweetness to your fall, Hello Kitty: Beyond Cute is coming to Paris with a three-part immersive journey centered on kindness and social reconnection. On the agenda: interactive installations, a matcha bar, a charm-making workshop, and a giant Hello Kitty sculpture. The exhibition runs at the Galerie Joseph from October 31 to November 26, 2026.
Indulge at the Salon du Chocolat from October 28 to November 1
It’s the must-attend event for foodies and chocolate lovers from Paris and beyond. The Salon du Chocolat – Paris will take place in the capital from October 28 to November 1, 2026, at Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles. On the agenda: a fashion show featuring chocolate dresses (enough to make Bella Hadid swoon), monumental chocolate sculptures, exhibitions, hands-on workshops… Not to mention tastings led by the biggest names in the world of chocolate and pastry.
You’re probably already familiar with Candlelight’s innovative concept— candlelit concerts that breathe new life into the classical repertoire and bring it up to date. Great classical composers like Chopin are highlighted, but that’s not all! From the most beautiful film scores to rock and pop stars, including the best of ’80s rock… Always illuminated by thousands of candles and held in Paris’s most iconic venues. In short, there’s bound to be a Candlelight concert for you!
Get a thrill with a horror escape game
What could be better than a really spooky escape game to play with friends? Our top pick: the Paris Slaughterhouse! A heart-pounding escape game where you must escape the clutches of a serial killer… Not for the faint of heart!
Celebrate Halloween with Friends
When you think of October, you inevitably think of Halloween! On October 31, break out your best (and scariest) costumes, and come party until dawn with the Démons de minuit!
Enjoy a delicious waffle at Maison Meert
Méert? It’s a Lille institution founded in 1761! This ultra-thin waffle is filled with Madagascar vanilla cream. It’s simple—everyone is crazy about it: from Napoleon to Churchill, not to mention the great names in French history! It must be said that they’re particularly delicious!
Dive into a cultural melting pot with an exhibition
How about taking advantage of October to check out an exhibition? That’s perfect— this fall’s lineup is packed with cultural gems! Fashion exhibitions, photography, “Cézanne and Us” at the Grand Palais… Art lovers, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Sip hot chocolate at Angelina
In October, temperatures start to cool down. So what could be better than warming your heart with a delicious hot chocolate? If you haven’t tried it yet, we recommend the one at Angelina: creamy and comforting—just the way we like it!
Europe’s biggest electronic Halloween event returns to Villepinte for two monstrous nights. To wrap up the month in style (and with a lot of noise), Dream Nation returns on October 30 and 31, 2026, to the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center for an XXL 13th edition: six stages, over 60 artists, and nearly 40,000 festivalgoers expected over two Halloween nights.