Events and festivals in Hauts-de-France on 17-18 October 2026: FestiExpo brings Turkish culture to Lille Grand Palais, Henson horses cross the Bay of Somme and Château-Thierry gathers champagne growers.
From Lille to the Bay of Somme, by way of Château-Thierry, the festivals and events share the weekend of 17-18/10. Events and festivals in Hauts-de-France on 17-18 October 2026: FestiExpo brings Turkish culture to Lille Grand Palais, Henson horses cross the Bay of Somme and Château-Thierry gathers champagne growers.
FestiExpo, Turkish culture at Lille Grand Palais
FestiExpo sets up its stands at Lille Grand Palais, boulevard des Cités Unies, from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October. It is the first edition in Lille, after several in Lyon and other European cities. The organisers announce more than 140 exhibitors from Turkey and Europe, and 50,000 visitors expected over the three days.
A 5,000 m² area recreates the atmosphere of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar: crafts, spices, sweets, jewellery, perfumes. The show also has wedding, textile, design and furniture areas, a tourism section with a corner devoted to medical tourism, and a large food court of Turkish cuisine, with chef demonstrations and tastings.
On stage: traditional dances, whirling dervishes and the imperial band of Bursa, about thirty musicians from Turkey.
Festiland keeps children busy with bouncy castles, face painting and creative workshops. The event was born under the name Festiculture, and its organisers claim more than thirty editions in Europe since 2010.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, doors are open from 10 am to 9 pm; on Sunday 18, from 10 am to 8 pm. Adult entry costs 10 €, 5 € for children aged 6 to 12, free under 6. Metro line 2, Lille Grand Palais station; the Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe railway stations are a ten-minute walk away. Tickets are electronic and valid for one entry on the day chosen.
Horses, champagne and jazz
On Sunday 18 October, the Bay of Somme sees the largest equestrian transhumance in France. Hundreds of riders and Henson horses cross beaches, estuaries, wet meadows and dunes for the Trans'Henson, setting out from the Espace Équestre in Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, and entry is free.
The riders set off in the morning, the horses reach the equestrian centre around midday, and a producers' market fills the afternoon.
On place Jean Moulin in Château-Thierry, the Champagne et Vous festival gathers growers from the Marne valley, each offering three of their cuvées, on Saturday and Sunday, with free entry. Paris Gare de l'Est is about an hour away by train. In Audruicq, the Fête de la Chicorée runs until 23 October with guided visits of the Sécherie, cooking workshops and a cake contest.
Founded in 1986, the Tourcoing Jazz Festival closes its week on Saturday 17 October.
In Marquise, the Semaines Théâtrales stage, since En Bonnes Compagnies took over the organisation in 2021, one show per evening at the Château Mollack, most often at 7:30 pm, in a 49-seat hall where tickets range from 5 to 10 €.