Festive and free day in the Jardin des Chartreux for all ages
Created in 2008 by the association Simaka and Médiatone, the Festival de la Croix-Rousse is a festive, free, and multidisciplinary day in the Jardin des Chartreux, in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon. Resolutely focused on young audiences and families, it offers dance shows, theater, circus, storytelling, creative workshops, and giant games during the day, before transitioning in the evening to open-air concerts and DJ sets. A unifying event that celebrates the convivial spirit of Croix-Rousse.
Every year in mid-June, the Jardin des Chartreux, a magnificent green setting overlooking the Saône in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, transforms into a playground for a day of popular and free celebration. The Festival de la Croix-Rousse, born in 2008 from the initiative of the Simaka association, was conceived as a cultural, festive, and convivial event, largely aimed at young audiences and families.
From morning until late afternoon, the festival unfolds an eclectic program that combines various performing arts. Invited companies offer shows of dance, theater, circus, storytelling, and puppetry, suitable for children of all ages. In parallel, creative and participatory workshops allow both young and old to try their hand at visual arts, DIY, music, or martial arts.
The Jardin des Chartreux is divided into several thematic areas: a giant games area with piñatas, an open-air reading area, sports initiations (kung-fu, qi gong, yoga, dance), visual arts workshops to create a giant collective artwork, and a friendly bingo area. Participatory theater, notably led by Compagnie Archipel, invites the public to become actors for an improvised show.
From 7 PM, the festival changes its tone and turns to a wider audience. Concerts and DJ sets take over until 1 AM, transforming the Jardin des Chartreux into an open-air stage under the stars. The musical program, eclectic and festive, mixes rock, pop, world music, and electro, in the free and creative spirit that characterizes the Croix-Rousse district.
The Festival de la Croix-Rousse perfectly embodies the identity of this emblematic district of Lyon: a village-like, creative, and supportive spirit, inherited from the tradition of the canuts (silk workers) and the associative movements that animate the hill. Free and open to all, the event brings together thousands of visitors each year—families, students, local residents, and the curious—in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Co-organized with Médiatone, a Lyon-based producer of shows and festivals, the festival benefits from the support of the City of Lyon and the district town halls.
The Festival de la Croix-Rousse returns in June 2026 to the Jardin des Chartreux for another day of free celebration. Young audience shows, workshops, games, and evening concerts are on the program.
The Festival de la Croix-Rousse returns for a new edition at the Jardin des Chartreux in June 2026. The full program will be announced in the spring. As every year, the event will offer a full day of free shows for young audiences, creative workshops, and evening concerts, in the festive and convivial spirit that has made the festival famous.
By metro: Line A, Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel station. Then a 5-minute walk up towards the Jardin des Chartreux.
By bus: Line C13, Chartreux stop. Bus C18, Terreaux stop.
On foot: Access via the montée des Chartreux from the Saône quays or via the boulevard de la Croix-Rousse.
Festival is entirely free. All shows, workshops, and activities are free access.
Bar and food available on site.
Association Simaka / Médiatone
Jardin des Chartreux, 69001 Lyon
No photo yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community
Book your train or bus to reach Croix-Rousse at the best price.
Sponsored link
Jardin des Chartreux
Jardin des Chartreux, 69001 Lyon