Giant funfair in Metz, Franco-German festival in Sarreguemines, theatre by and for teenagers in Thionville, photography under gothic vaults: seven picks to crisscross Moselle on the 8 May long weekend.
Three public-holiday days, a buzzing cross-border departement and a programme that touches almost every genre: Moselle has a particularly rich festival map for the 8 to 10 May 2026 weekend. A historic funfair in Metz, a free Franco-German festival in Sarreguemines, teenager-led theatre in Thionville, renowned photography under gothic vaults, contemporary gardens facing a Vauban citadel and a multidisciplinary festival born of working-class memory: here are seven ideas to leave the house for.
Foire de Mai de Metz: the giant kick-off of the festivities
On Friday 8 May exactly, the Parc des Expositions in Metz hosts the opening of the Foire de Mai, one of the largest and oldest funfairs in eastern France. For three weeks, more than 200 fairground operators set up across 60,000 square metres of attractions, rides and game stalls.
From the Ferris wheel to the bumper cars, via the duck-fishing booth and the latest thrill rides, the fair caters to every age and every level of nerve. Site access is free, only the rides are paid: an ideal format for a family outing at the start of the long weekend, with no need to book ahead. See the festival page.
Lust in Sarreguemines: the young Franco-German scene, free of charge
Heading for the German border, the Lust in Sarreguemines festival has already been running since 6 May and covers the entire 8 May weekend. Run by the Collective for a European Civic Service, this entirely free festival showcases young Franco-German talent.
The lineup mixes disciplines on purpose: pop, rock, rap and electronic music concerts, dance shows, short-film screenings, stand-up and exhibitions. The cross-border spirit is at the heart of the project, with concrete exchanges between French and German artists. A great pick for fans of emerging scenes and curious visitors who want to see another side of Moselle. See the festival page.
Photographie Mon Amour: exhibitions under the gothic vaults of Metz
In Metz, the Photographie Mon Amour festival enters its final exhibition month, running until 24 May. Created in 2023, the event turns the Saint-Vincent Basilica into a top-tier photo gallery: a majestic gothic backdrop, careful staging and a selection of renowned photographers.
A highlight weekend for fans
The festival sets aside one strong weekend for artist meetings, workshops and a photo market. An artist-in-residence also creates an original work for each edition. Access is entirely free, making it one of the most accessible outings of the weekend, both for visual-art fans and for curious passers-by. See the festival page.
Semaine Extra: theatre seen by teenagers in Thionville
The Semaine Extra is a rare project in France: a theatre festival entirely designed by and for teenagers. Run by the NEST, the cross-border National Drama Centre of Thionville-Grand Est, it unfolds from 4 to 14 May. The 8 May weekend lands at the very heart of the event.
The programme features shows, theatre workshops, open stages, debates on current affairs and informal meetings with artists. A big celebration closes off the two-week creative run. Younger audiences are obviously at the centre of the project, yet the festival remains open to a wider public and offers a fresh entry point to the performing arts. See the festival page.
Festival Hommes et Usines: working-class memory staged in Talange
At the Jacques Brel Theatre in Talange, the Festival Hommes et Usines rolls out its 2026 edition from 5 to 15 May. Created in 2001, this multidisciplinary festival celebrates the cultural wealth of the descendants of steel and mining workers, who shaped Moselle's identity as a land of labour and intermingling.
The programme weaves together theatre, dance, music, literature, exhibitions and meetings. The world cultures that crossed paths in Moselle's industrial basin find a showcase here, in a plural yet coherent format. Ticket prices stay deliberately low to keep the event accessible to all audiences. See the festival page.
Festival Theodore Gouvy: classical music in Hombourg-Haut
For classical-music lovers, head to Hombourg-Haut, a small character town that hosts the Festival Theodore Gouvy, also known as the Hombourg-Haut International Music Encounters. The event, spread across the year, pays tribute to the Franco-German composer Theodore Gouvy (1819-1898), a native of the region.
The Saint-Etienne collegiate church and other heritage venues host concerts that pair Gouvy's works with those of other major composers. Internationally renowned soloists and ensembles take turns in an intimate atmosphere, ideal for discovering a repertoire that has been unfairly overlooked. See the festival page.
Jardin pour la Paix: a contemporary stroll at the foot of the Bitche citadel
If the weather plays along, head for Bitche and its Jardin pour la Paix, open since 26 April. Laid out on the former military esplanade at the foot of the Vauban citadel, this contemporary garden, almost 500 metres long, offers a succession of open and enclosed spaces along a panoramic walking route.
The concept is strong: reconciling the warlike past of the place with a message of peace and biodiversity. Pricing stays very accessible (4 euros for adults, 2 euros reduced rate, free for under-7s and for citadel visitors). An excellent option for a morning or early afternoon with the family, with a panoramic viewpoint as a bonus. See the festival page.
To sum up
Family funfair in Metz, free festival on the German border, teen theatre in Thionville, photography under gothic vaults, working-class memory in Talange, classical music in Hombourg-Haut and contemporary garden in Bitche: Moselle lines up seven highly varied options for the 8 May long weekend. Plenty of material to cross the departement from west to east without ever getting bored. To explore more events, take a look at all the festivals in Moselle.
