Béthune Rétro
The largest rockabilly festival north of Paris, between concerts, pin-ups and vintage cars
About Béthune Rétro
Béthune Rétro is the largest rockabilly festival north of Paris. Every late August, the city center of Béthune transforms into a real time machine with dozens of free concerts, vintage car exhibitions, hot rod gatherings, a vintage market, and pin-up elegance contests. For three days, the different squares of the city vibrate to the sound of rock'n'roll, swing, rockabilly, and blues, attracting thousands of retro culture enthusiasts from all over France and Europe.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Béthune Rétro at the best price.
Sponsored link
Béthune Rétro: The Rockabilly Event of Northern France
Béthune Rétro is the largest rockabilly and vintage festival north of Paris. Every late August, the city center of Béthune transforms into a 1950s-1960s setting, attracting thousands of retro culture enthusiasts.
Free Concerts Throughout the City
The festival offers an exceptional program with over 47 free concerts spread across the different stages and squares of the city. Rock'n'roll, rockabilly, swing, blues, country, and retro music resonate for three days in an electrifying atmosphere. Bands come from all over France and Europe to participate in this unique event.
Vintage Cars and Hot Rods
One of the highlights of Béthune Rétro is the exhibition of vintage cars and motorcycles. On Rabin and Lamartine squares, around 150 vintage cars and motorcycles are exhibited, while Place Foch hosts no less than 250 vehicles presented by the Amateurs de Vieilles Carettes. Gatherings of hot rods and vintage European cars complete the picture.
A Complete Vintage Universe
Beyond music and cars, Béthune Rétro offers a vintage market with stands for vintage clothing, accessories, and items, pin-up and gentlemen elegance contests, a historical parade through the city streets, and entertainment for the whole family. The entire city center is decorated in the style of the fifties.
A Free and Popular Event
The free admission for all entertainment and concerts makes Béthune Rétro an accessible event for everyone, contributing to the cultural and tourist dynamism of Béthune and the mining basin.
Béthune Rétro — edition 2026
Béthune Rétro returns from August 28 to 30, 2026, for a new rockabilly and vintage weekend in the heart of Béthune. Free concerts, vintage cars, a vintage market, and retro entertainment are on the program.
Béthune Rétro 2026
Béthune Rétro returns from August 28 to 30, 2026, for a new rockabilly and vintage weekend in the heart of Béthune. The city center will once again transform into a 1950s-1960s setting with free concerts, vintage car exhibitions, a vintage market, and retro entertainment for the whole family.
Prices Béthune Rétro 2026
Practical information — Béthune Rétro
Access to the Festival
By Car
Béthune is accessible via the A26 (Béthune exit) from Calais or Arras, and via the A1/A21 from Lille. Free parking on the outskirts of the city center with easy pedestrian access.
By Train
Béthune station is served by TER trains from Lille (40 min), Arras (20 min), and Lens (10 min). The city center and festival venues are within walking distance of the station.
Festival Venues
- Grand'Place - main stage
- Place Foch - vintage car exhibition (250 vehicles)
- Places Rabin and Lamartine - vintage cars and motorcycles (150 vehicles)
- Several stages throughout the city center
Prices
Free admission for all concerts and entertainment.
Vintage Market
Stands for vintage clothing, accessories, and items in the city center. Open throughout the festival.
Food and Drink
- Food stalls in the festival squares
- Restaurants and brasseries in the city center
Contact
Official website: www.bethune.fr
Tourist office: www.tourisme-bethune-bruay.fr
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Béthune Rétro at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Béthune Rétro
Centre-ville de Béthune
Grand'Place, 62400 Béthune