Après le Dégel

The Movement Festival in Châteauroux

Après le Dégel was born in 2022 from a desire by Équinoxe, Scène Nationale de Châteauroux, to create a highlight dedicated to the arts of movement. Its name, an homage to the former "Barrière de dégel" festival, evokes the resumption of movement after a period of frost, a metaphor for spring renewal and cultural revival.

Circus, Dance, and Performance

The festival places the disciplines of movement at the heart of its programming: contemporary circus, dance, performances, street arts, and hybrid forms. Each edition explores these disciplines from a different angle. In 2025, dance was particularly highlighted, from family celebration dances to essential major choreographies, while retaining what makes the event unique: funny shows, creations, an explosive concert on Saturday evening, and a fanfare at the market.

An Open and Accessible Festival

Designed as a true end-of-season celebration for everyone, Après le Dégel offers a large majority of free shows in public spaces, close to the residents. The festival takes over the squares, streets, parks, and cultural venues of Châteauroux, transforming the city into an open-air stage for nearly two weeks.

A Committed National Stage

Équinoxe, Scène Nationale de Châteauroux, is a nationally recognized creation and performance venue. A member of the Territoires de Cirque network, the institution develops a demanding and popular program throughout the season. The Après le Dégel festival is its spring highlight, bringing together emerging and established artists in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

An Expanding Event

Since its first edition in 2022, the festival has continued to grow. The fourth edition in 2025 extended over two full weeks, from May 14 to 27, demonstrating the public's and artists' enthusiasm for this event, which has become a major fixture in live performance in the Centre-Val de Loire region.