Canal en Scène
Festive and all-ages festival at the Groulais castle
About Canal en Scène
Canal en Scène: Blain's Unmissable Summer Event
For over 30 years, the Canal en Scène festival has enlivened the town of Blain, in Loire-Atlantique, every early summer. Organized by the Artnonyme association, this popular and free event brings together young and old around live shows, concerts, and participatory activities in the remarkable setting of the Château de la Groulais meadow.
A Story of Volunteering and Passion
Created in 1992, Canal en Scène was born from the desire of a group of enthusiasts to offer a cultural event accessible to all in the north of Loire-Atlantique. The Artnonyme association, the driving force behind the festival, brings together dozens of volunteers each year who work on programming, logistics, and public reception. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 35th year of existence.
A Multidisciplinary and Family-Friendly Program
Canal en Scène stands out for the diversity of its program. Each edition offers a mix of:
- Concerts: rock, ska, brass band, world music, country-blues
- Street theater and roving performances
- Circus: acrobatics, aerial arts, performances
- Dance: contemporary companies and tap dance
- Shows for young audiences from 2 years old
- Participatory workshops and games
The festival welcomes both emerging artists and established groups, with particular attention paid to discovery and sharing. Among the artists who have marked recent editions: Mad Foxes, Monty Picon, Miss Machine, Compagnie Flamma, Compagnie du Trépied, Les Tisseuses d'Étoile, One Rusty Band, Milk TV, or After Geography.
An Exceptional Setting: the Château de la Groulais
The festival takes place on the meadow of the Château de la Groulais, a remarkable heritage site in Blain. This medieval castle, classified as a historical monument, offers a unique setting for open-air performances. The public enjoys a vast green space, ideal for families, with catering and refreshment areas run by the association's volunteers.
A Free and Friendly Event
True to its values of accessibility and sharing, Canal en Scène is an entirely free festival. Admission is free from the site's opening in the mid-afternoon, and the festivities continue late into the night. This free access, made possible by the work of volunteers and the support of local partners, makes Canal en Scène a truly popular event, open to all without distinction.
Canal en Scène — edition 2026
The 35th year of Canal en Scène takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4 PM to 2 AM on the meadow of the Château de la Groulais in Blain. This free festival, organized by the Artnonyme association, offers a dozen shows: concerts on two stages (Skanky Combo, Stërnn, Kymbalon, One Rusty Band, Milk TV), street theater, circus, dance, tap dancing, shows for young audiences from 2 years old, games, and participatory workshops.
35th Year — Saturday, June 6, 2026
Canal en Scène returns on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4 PM to 2 AM on the meadow of the Château de la Groulais in Blain. For its 35th year, the free community festival offers a dozen shows: circus, dance, singing, rock, tap dancing, games, and participatory workshops, with concerts on two stages.
A Day for the Whole Family
The site opens at 4 PM with a program designed for families: shows for young audiences from 2 years old, entertainment, workshops, and games. The evening continues until 2 AM with concerts on the festival's two stages. Refreshments and food are provided by volunteers from the Artnonyme association.
A Dozen Shows and Partners
As every year, Canal en Scène highlights the discovery of emerging talents and the rediscovery of established artists. Street theater and circus companies take over the meadow while live music enlivens the festival's two stages until late into the night.
Programme Canal en Scène 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — from 4 PM to 2 AM
A dozen shows and partners will take turns on the meadow of the Château de la Groulais, with free access.
Concerts (two stages)
- Skanky Combo — festive ska
- Stërnn
- Kymbalon
- One Rusty Band — country-blues, previously featured at the festival
- Milk TV — rock
Street Arts, Circus, and Dance
- Les Tisseuses d'Étoile
- Compagnie du Trépied
- Circus, dance, singing, and tap dancing shows
Young Audience and Participatory
- Shows for ages 2 and up, scheduled from 4 PM
- Games and workshops open to all throughout the afternoon and evening
Precise performance times not publicly communicated to date — detailed program to be announced on the Artnonyme association's Facebook page.
Highlights Canal en Scène 2026
- 35th year of the festival
- Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4 PM to 2 AM
- Meadow of the Château de la Groulais, Blain (44)
- Free admission
- Dozen shows: concerts on two stages, street theater, circus, dance, tap dancing
- Music headliners: Skanky Combo, Stërnn, Kymbalon, One Rusty Band, Milk TV
- Shows for young audiences from 2 years old, games, and participatory workshops
Prices Canal en Scène 2026
Practical information — Canal en Scène
Practical Information
Access
By car: Blain is located about 40 km north of Nantes, accessible via the RN171 or D164. The Château de la Groulais is located in the center of Blain, near the Canal de Nantes à Brest. Parking is available near the site.
By public transport: Blain is served by the Aléop network bus lines (Nantes-Blain line). It is advisable to check schedules in advance.
Location
The festival takes place on the prairie du château de la Groulais, La Groulais, 44130 Blain. The site is outdoors, so bring clothing suitable for the weather.
Opening Hours
The festival opens its doors at 4:00 PM and continues until 2:00 AM. Young audience shows are usually scheduled in the early afternoon.
Prices
Entry to the festival is completely free. Refreshments and food are available on-site, provided by the volunteers of the Artnonyme association.
Contact
- Phone: 02 40 79 53 56
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: artnonyme.jimdofree.com
Practical Tips
- Remember to bring a blanket or plaid to sit on the meadow.
- The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility (grassy terrain).
- Bring sunscreen and a warm layer for the evening.
- The festival is suitable for the whole family, with activities for children starting at 4 PM.
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Where does it take place — Canal en Scène
Prairie du Château de la Groulais
Prairie du Château de la Groulaie, 44130 Blain