France’s Fête de la Musique brings music to streets nationwide this Saturday

France’s popular Fête de la Musique takes place this Saturday (June 21), with hundreds of thousands of music-themed events happening across the country.

The one-day festival is held nationwide - from Paris to small rural towns - and up to five million people are expected to take part or attend.

Performances range from DJ sets and big outdoor pop concerts with national stars to street musicians, classical music, jazz shows, and even interactive events.

Most events are free, especially those in public or outdoor spaces. Some may require tickets, which can be free or paid, and might need to be booked in advance or at the door.

In addition, cities provide extra travel services to help people attend events late into the night. 

In Paris, for example, several Metro, tram, and train lines will run overnight Saturday to Sunday (June 22), alongside a number of bus routes. In Toulouse, public transport services on some lines will run until 02:00 on Sunday morning. 

Interactive map of events

The event is always held on June 21, usually coinciding with the summer solstice (as it does this year) meaning this is the first weekend edition for several years. 

First celebrated in the 1980s, the event was partially inspired by a US musician.

Performers are planning to take advantage of this with a host of events throughout the day, knowing that most people will not be working and will be able to attend events both during the day and at night. 

A list of events can be found on the Culture Ministry website, although this is not exhaustive and spontaneous public performances often take place. 

Will noise limits be in place - and can I play music myself? 

Generally, there are strict noise rules both for the daytime and at night in France, with those found making too much noise subject to fines. 

However, authorities are lenient during the Fête and music is likely to be heard for much of the day and night. 

Several cities pass special decrees allowing for music and louder than usual noise in public areas later to persist into the night on Saturday, provided it does not exceed a certain decibel limit. 

These will mainly apply in busy areas used to loud noises (town squares, bar districts, etc) and there are unlikely to be late night events in quiet residential areas.

You can check with your local mairie what rules are in place for the Saturday in your area and see if there is space for you to perform, if you wish.

If you want to play music in public, check that you are doing so in an area authorised for performances by the mairie and at a good time. 

It is also good to let nearby shopkeepers and restaurants know about the plan.

If you want to host a private event you can do so provided you have permission of the owner of the location (bar etc) and keep the noise to reasonable levels. 

If you are having a related event at your home, simply be prudent of the usual rules. 

Neighbours and authorities will be more generally lenient of late-night noises, but this does not mean you can blare music all night without risk of a fine.