Épinal Bouge l'Été

Épinal Bouge l'Été: The Unmissable Free Festival in the Vosges

Created in 2002 by the City of Épinal, the Épinal Bouge l'Été festival has become over the years an unmissable summer event for locals and visitors to the 'cité de l'image'. For nearly two months, from early July to the end of August, the city comes alive with concerts, live shows, and open-air cinema screenings, all in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

Eclectic Concerts on the Place des Vosges

Every Friday evening, the magnificent Place des Vosges in Épinal transforms into an open-air concert stage. Bands with varied styles—rock, ska, swing, salsa, cumbia, Celtic folk, world music—take turns performing for the greatest pleasure of a family and enthusiastic audience. Over 1,000 renowned or emerging artists have performed since the festival's creation, including Les Fatals Picards, Sugaray Rayford, and Ben Toury. In case of bad weather, concerts are relocated to the Auditorium de la Louvière.

Family Shows at the Parc du Château

On Wednesday afternoons at 3 PM, the Parc du Château d'Épinal hosts free shows for the whole family. Puppet theater, circus companies, participatory musical shows, and acrobatic performances follow one another in this green and enchanting setting overlooking the city. These performances, in partnership with regional companies like L'Étincelle Prod, delight young and old with their artistic quality and accessibility.

Open-Air Cinema at the Parc de la Maison Romaine

On Friday evenings, after the concerts, the Parc de la Maison Romaine offers free open-air cinema screenings in partnership with Image'Est and Cinés Palace. Popular films and landmark works are projected under the stars, offering a unique experience for cinephiles of all ages.

A Popular Festival Rooted in its Territory

Supported by the Épinal municipality and numerous cultural partners, Épinal Bouge l'Été attracts thousands of spectators each year. The complete freeness of the event makes it a truly popular and unifying gathering, contributing to the cultural and tourist influence of the Vosges prefecture throughout the summer season.