Escales Africaines Festival
Concerts, performances, and workshops celebrating African cultures in Rennes
2026
About Escales Africaines Festival
Since 2015, Compagnie Dounia has hosted "Escales Africaines" in Rennes: a three-day event featuring concerts, DJ sets, performances, literature, and visual arts centered on contemporary African cultures. The festival blends live music stages, interactive workshops, and discussions, all tied together by a commitment to cultural exchange and transmission.
The festival traditionally concludes with a family-friendly day in the Villejean neighborhood, featuring an associative village, shows for young audiences, a participatory dance circle, and workshops open to everyone—all free of charge and developed in collaboration with local residents and neighborhood organizations.
Escales Africaines Festival — edition 2026
Programme Escales Africaines Festival 2026
Friday, October 16th
- 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM — Grand Caraïbes Trail · Théâtre du Vieux Saint-Étienne
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM — Hearing Other Stories · Théâtre du Vieux Saint-Étienne
- 7:00 PM — Mass K (concert) · Le Tempo, Vezin-le-Coquet
Saturday, October 17th
- 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM — Procession with Dekka Marrakchia · departing from Dalle Kennedy
- 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM — Habibi Club #3 (DJ sets) · UBU
Sunday, October 18th — Family Sunday, Festival Closing
Maison de quartier de Villejean, doors open at 2:00 PM until 6:30 PM. Free admission.
- Unveiling of the collaborative graffiti mural created by artist Yoann Cinz with the residents and youth of Villejean
- Showcase of masterclass results with Oumar Ouattara and Baba Touré
- Youth concert featuring Algerian rapper Omar Paco
- Performance for all ages: "Le Voyage de mon père… mon départ" by and with Michel Djiwonou
- Screen printing workshop with Mehdi Boubekeur
- Grand participatory dance circle with local dancers and artists
- Community village, calligraphy with Mosaïque, play and relaxation areas, international tea bar, and Moroccan massage space with Ghizlaine Kabbabi
- Childcare provided by the Bougainvillier association and baby changing area
Prices Escales Africaines Festival 2026
Practical information — Escales Africaines Festival
The festival takes place across several venues in Rennes: Théâtre du Vieux Saint-Étienne, UBU, Maison de quartier de Villejean, Le Garage, and Le Tempo in Vezin-le-Coquet. Tickets are available via HelloAsso; the closing day in Villejean is free with open access starting at 2:00 PM.
Contact: [email protected].
Where does it take place — Escales Africaines Festival
Escales Africaines Festival in brief
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