Festival des Binbins
The young audience and family festival of Douai
About Les Binbins
The Festival des Binbins: the children's festival in Douai
For over fifteen years, the Festival des Binbins has been making the heart of Douai beat to the rhythm of children's laughter. Every summer, for three days in early July, the city center transforms into a huge playground and artistic discovery area for families. The word "binbin" affectionately refers to toddlers in the Northern dialect, and the festival lives up to its name: everything here is designed to amaze children while delighting parents.
A quality artistic program
The festival hosts professional companies offering shows specifically designed for young audiences: puppet theater, circus, musical storytelling, animated readings, clown shows, dance, and interactive performances. Performances run from 2 PM to 8 PM on several stages throughout the city center.
Games, workshops, and activities
Beyond the shows, the Festival des Binbins offers a multitude of participatory activities: creative workshops, old-fashioned and fairground games, adventure trails, storytelling yurts, carousels, and fun challenges. Each edition holds its share of surprises and novelties to keep families coming back and renew the pleasure of discovery.
A festival rooted in the territory
The Festival des Binbins is supported by the City of Douai and cultural players in the Douaisis region. It is part of a commitment to cultural democratization and access to the arts for all audiences, from the youngest age. Its entirely free nature makes it an accessible and unifying event.
A friendly and popular event
The atmosphere of the Festival des Binbins is warm and good-natured. Families stroll between the different areas, sit on the grass to watch a show, or participate in workshops. Volunteers and animators contribute to creating a caring and joyful atmosphere, which is the hallmark of this event that has become a must-attend summer appointment in Douai.
Les Binbins — edition 2026
The 19th edition of the Festival des Binbins will be held on July 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2026 in Douai city center. For three days, this street arts festival dedicated to young audiences offers shows, entertainment, games, and surprises, all completely free.
19th edition of the Festival des Binbins
From Wednesday, July 8th to Friday, July 10th, 2026, the city of Douai hosts the 19th edition of the Festival des Binbins, a street arts festival dedicated to young audiences. Three days of shows, entertainment, games, laughter, and surprises take over the city center and Vieux Douai.
Access to all shows and entertainment is completely free. The program mixes professional companies, street arts, theater, music, storytelling, carousels, and games for the whole family.
Programme Les Binbins 2026
Shows and entertainment (official program)
- Guignol et ses amis - puppet theater in a booth
- Les petits bonheurs de Julie - workshop around fruits and vegetables, fresh juice making
- Comme a la maison - relaxation area with games for children
- Mister Alphonse photographe - Scottish dandy and portrait sessions
- Reve - musical storytelling about little Hugo and dreams
- Mister Joseph et son grand-bi - dandy on a penny-farthing
- Instruments geants et labyrinthe sonore - 30 interactive sound objects
- Criterium des As - animated cycling course
- La P'tite ville - six child-sized modules (library, restaurant, fishmonger, greengrocer, ice cream parlor, veterinarian)
- Carrousel 1900 - traditional carousel
- Jeux anciens et parcours de motricite - old games and motor skills course
- La zeboulon - confetti machine triggered by funny faces
- Cinevasion - mobile cinema for one spectator
- Gros debit - musical improvisation with three musicians
- ImproLocura - interactive improvisation comedy
- La boum manouche - closing swing concert with In Illo Tempore
- BOB, transports en tout genre - burlesque clown and magic
- Le defi des pirates - 40-meter obstacle course
- Les cabanes dans les nuages - obstacle course with cabins
- Atelier avec le musee - shield making workshop around Monsieur Gayant
- Module a billes - interactive marble run installation
- Le conservatoire fait son show - concert by students and teachers of the conservatory
- La yourte aux histoires - storytelling yurt (Brouillons de culture)
- Braderie de livres de la mediatheque - book sale from the media library
- Un tour a biclou - children's cycling race
- Les demi-freres Grumaux - family stunt performers
- Will & Walt - mental magic show
- Dans ta valise - theatrical show on cultural integration
- Gros Bidon - poetic and sensory theater
- Ma grand-mere est une aventuriere - My grandmother is an adventurer
- Les Elephanteaux - end-of-year show by the young audience company (L'Elephant dans le boa)
Specific times and locations for each show will be communicated on the official website and in the downloadable program.
Highlights Les Binbins 2026
- 19th edition of the festival
- From July 8 to 10, 2026
- Free admission
Prices Les Binbins 2026
Practical information — Les Binbins
Practical Information
Location
The Festival des Binbins takes place in the city center of Douai, 59500 Douai. Shows and activities are spread across several squares and pedestrian streets: Place d'Armes, Place du Barlet, Parc Bertin, and adjacent streets. Each area offers different activities, allowing families to move freely from one place to another.
Access and transport
By train: Douai station, served by TGV (Paris-Gare du Nord in 1 hour) and TER from Lille (30 min), Arras, Valenciennes, and Lens. The city center and festival areas are a 10-minute walk from the station.
By car: A21 motorway (from Lens) or A26 (from Calais/Cambrai). Underground parking in the city center: Barlet parking, Mairie parking. Free park-and-ride facilities may be available during the festival.
By bus: Évéole network, stops "Place d'Armes" or "Centre-ville". Intercity lines from the towns in the agglomeration.
By bike: The city center of Douai is flat and easily accessible by bike. Bicycle racks are available near the festival areas.
Hours
The festival is open from 2 PM to 8 PM for all three days. Shows follow one another on the different stages with performances every 30 to 45 minutes. A detailed schedule is distributed at the entrance and available on the official website.
Prices
Admission is completely free for all shows, activities, and workshops. No registration or reservation is required.
Food and drink
Food stalls are set up in the festival areas, offering snacks suitable for families: crepes, waffles, cold drinks, and treats. Restaurants and brasseries in the Douai city center are within walking distance.
For whom?
The festival is designed for children aged 0 to 12 and their families, but older children and adults will also find something to enjoy. Shows are adapted for young audiences, and some workshops are accessible from 2-3 years old.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the city center.
- Sunscreen and a hat are recommended in good weather.
- Check the program on the official website to identify the shows that interest you.
- The festival is outdoors: in case of rain, some shows may be canceled or moved.
Contact
Ville de Douai: 03 27 93 58 00. Douaisis Tourist Office: 03 27 88 26 79. Official website: www.festivaldesbinbins.fr
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Where does it take place — Les Binbins
Centre-ville de Douai
Centre-ville, 59500 Douai