American muscle car gathering in Andelnans, organic market in Etueffont, flea market in Belfort and a comedy night in Grandvillars: the May long weekend programme in the 90.
The 8 May 2026 long weekend lands neatly in the Territoire de Belfort. With Friday off plus Saturday and Sunday, the smallest mainland French department rolls out a busy schedule for anyone wanting to step out without travelling far. Head south for an American gathering in Andelnans, swing back to Belfort old town for the antique hunt on Place d'Armes, head into the Vosges du Sud for the Etueffont organic market, and round things off with a comedy evening in Grandvillars as part of the Grandv'Hilare festival. Here is the detailed programme for the three days.
American Motor Show in Andelnans — Friday 8 May, kicking off in muscle cars
The weekend opens on Friday 8 May in the Cora car park in Andelnans, in the southern outskirts of Belfort. The American Motor Show, the area's annual gathering of US vehicles, turns the site into a concentrate of American car culture for the day.
Between 100 and 150 standout vehicles are expected: 1960s-70s muscle cars, customs, pickups, Cadillacs, Harley-Davidsons. Accessory stands, rock'n'roll entertainment, pin-up styling and American-Way-of-Life atmosphere round out the picture. The format stays casual: visitors walk freely between the cars, chat with owners and grab a bite on the spot. Free entry, open to everyone. It is the outing that brings together car enthusiasts and families looking for a refreshing morning. See the festival page.
Grandv'Hilare festival in Grandvillars — comedy evening during the 2025-2026 season
For those who prefer indoor laughs, head for Grandvillars in the south of the department. The Grandv'Hilare festival runs its season from October to June with a series of comedy shows in the local performance hall. Launched in 2012 in partnership with the Sud Territoire community of municipalities, the event has carved a steady spot on the Franche-Comte cultural calendar.
For the May long weekend in 2026, it is best to check the current schedule for the precise dates. On stage, well-known names from the national circuit alternate with rising talent in a format that prioritises closeness to the audience. Tickets cost around 22 euros per show, with a full-season pass available. This is the evening pick if you are after a more structured outing than the open-air gathering. See the festival page.
Belfort Flea Market — Sunday 10 May, Place d'Armes
On Sunday 10 May, Belfort's old town hosts its monthly Flea Market on Place d'Armes. With more than 50 years of history, it is one of the largest gatherings of bargain hunters in eastern France and is well known beyond departmental borders.
Around 150 exhibitors — antique dealers, second-hand sellers, private individuals — display furniture, knick-knacks, clothing, books, vinyls and curiosities from 7am to 12.30pm. The early-morning atmosphere, set against the fortified backdrop of Place d'Armes at the foot of Saint-Christophe cathedral, is part of the charm. Free entry. A natural pick for a Sunday-morning treasure hunt, possibly combined with a visit to the Vauban citadel and Bartholdi's Lion just nearby. See the festival page.
Etueffont organic market — first Sunday of the month, 3 May... or the next one
A small precision for those looking for the Etueffont organic market: it takes place on the first Sunday of each month, so the May 2026 edition is set for 3 May, just ahead of the long weekend. The next session, after the holidays, falls on 7 June. There is therefore no organic market to chase on Sunday 10.
That said, if you are already in the area on Sunday 3 May, the day before the long weekend, the event is worth a stop. On Place de l'EISCAE in Etueffont, in the Vosges du Sud, local organic producers and craftspeople lay out fruit, vegetables, honey, meat, charcuterie, cheeses, breads and handmade items from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Run by the Vosges du Sud community of municipalities, it is a benchmark for short-distance food in Franche-Comte. Free entry. See the festival page.
How to build your weekend
Four events, four very different angles. Friday 8 May calls for the American Motor Show in Andelnans, which naturally fills the morning and early afternoon. Saturday 9 works well for a freer exploration of the department (Belfort citadel, Bartholdi's Lion, old town) before a comedy evening in Grandvillars if Grandv'Hilare is running a date. Sunday 10 starts early with the Place d'Armes flea market, which closes by 12.30pm and frees up the afternoon for a quieter pace.
Organic-market fans should plan ahead: the next Etueffont edition after the long weekend is on 7 June. To dig deeper into local events, browse all festivals in Territoire de Belfort.
