Free contemporary art trail in Roubaix, accordion festival in Lille's Old Town, punk festival in Beautor, video mapping in central Lille: 10 picks in Hauts-de-France.
From the Ardennes border to the Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France rolls out an Ascension long weekend mixing sharp culture and popular festivity. The Lille metropolis hosts most of the highlights (Roubaix, Wazemmes, night-time mapping), but Aisne, Oise, Somme and the Picardy coast hold their own with often-free formats and strong character. Our pick this week: Roubaix Art Night, turning a whole city into an open-air contemporary art trail.
Roubaix Art Night (Nord)
From May 15 to 17, Roubaix Art Night turns the city into a vast free contemporary art trail. Some fifty venues open simultaneously — museums, galleries, shops, artists' studios, unusual venues — to exhibit the work of over 250 artists (painting, sculpture, photography, installations, performances). Founded in 2010, it's one of the major free culture events of the Nord, to enjoy on Saturday evening with friends or family.
Nord Magnétic in Bailleul (Nord)
From May 14 to 17, Nord Magnétic takes over Bailleul, Hazebrouck and surrounding villages for its biennial edition. Over 100 performances of street arts, circus, theatre, dance, music and plastic installations by European companies. Free, open-air, run by the Nord department since 2013: an ambitious format bringing rural residents closer to demanding contemporary stages.
Arsenal Rock Festival in Beautor (Aisne)
From May 14 to 16, the Arsenal Rock Festival rocks the leisure area by the Beautor pond for its seventh edition. Punk, rock, metal: Les Wampas, Ludwig Von 88, Lofofora and Silmarils have all played this scene since 2019. Three days of concerts in DIY spirit, with on-site camping and local catering. Excellent value for a rock festival in rural Aisne.
Wazemmes Accordion Festival in Lille (Nord)
Throughout May, Wazemmes l'Accordéon animates Lille's working-class Wazemmes district. Since 1992, the Flonflons association has celebrated the accordion in all its forms — musette, jazz, punk, world music — with concerts in bars, dances, street shows and the famous Village W. Popular and warm atmosphere, mostly free. The Ascension long weekend is one of the festival's peaks.
Sorore Festival in Lille (Nord)
On Saturday May 16, Sorore Festival takes over Bazaar Saint-So in Lille. Founded in 2024 by students from Sciences Po Lille and the University of Lille, this feminist and inclusive music festival highlights women and gender minorities in the music industry. 100% female and non-binary line-up: electronic, techno, pop, hip-hop and rap. A young and political initiative that deserves attention.
Festival Univert in Roye (Somme)
From May 15 to 17, the Festival Univert gathers Roye residents and visitors around ecology and transition. Local producers' market, guided tours, participatory workshops, performances, films and debates. Founded in 2023, this free participatory festival attracts a family audience concerned with environmental issues — a rare format in the Somme.
The Calais Dragon (Pas-de-Calais)
All weekend, the Calais Dragon roams the seafront. Designed by François Delarozière and Compagnie La Machine, this monumental creature of steel and wood is over 15 metres long and breathes fire, smoke and water. Rides on the dragon's back, scripted tours, family activities: one of the most impressive living-art attractions in France, worth seeing at least once.
Deux-Caps Photos Festival in Wissant (Pas-de-Calais)
The Deux-Caps Photos Festival displays over 250 large-format photographs in the open air across the Grand Site de France des Deux-Caps until November. Coastal paths, cliffs, dunes: twenty or so professional photographers exhibit their works in an exceptional natural setting. Ideal to combine with a walk along the Opal Coast.
Jean de La Fontaine Festival in Château-Thierry (Aisne)
The Jean de La Fontaine Festival opens its season from May 1 to June 15 in the fabulist's birthplace. Vocal and instrumental music, theatre, dance and literary talks unfold in the finest heritage venues of southern Aisne. Several performances this weekend. An elegant, affordable format focused on the work of La Fontaine and rural culture.
Video Mapping Festival in Lille (Nord)
The Video Mapping Festival continues its night-time trail through Lille's centre and Old Town until October. Mapping creations projected onto monument façades, free trail, international competition, creative residencies: a unique event dedicated to digital arts. To enjoy at nightfall — free and striking.
Also worth a look in Hauts-de-France this weekend
- Transphotographiques in Lille starts on May 14 for a month of international photography.
- SuperVIA in Maubeuge offers urban and digital arts until May 30.
- Jazz en Nord closes its 25th anniversary edition on May 15 in Marcq-en-Barœul.
More regional picks on our national agenda.
