Contemporary and electronic music festival in Besançon
Since its creation in 2014, Festival Détonation has established itself as one of the major contemporary music events in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Supported by La Rodia, Besançon's contemporary music hub, the festival embodies a strong artistic ambition: to offer an eclectic and demanding program, at the crossroads of contemporary musical trends.
Each edition of Festival Détonation cultivates a spirit of discovery by mixing emerging artists and international headliners. Electro, hip-hop, indie rock, pop, and world music share the stage at the festival, offering spectators a rich and varied musical experience. The 2025 edition, for example, had Ireland as its theme, with artists like Miki, Feldup, and Yard.
The festival takes place at La Rodia, a concert hall and contemporary music hub located at 4 avenue de Chardonnet, at the entrance of the former industrial zone of Prés de Vaux, at the foot of the Vauban Citadel. This venue, which has become a benchmark cultural space in Besançon, offers ideal technical and acoustic conditions to host a festival of this magnitude.
Festival Détonation has continuously reinvented itself since its creation. In 2024, the event adopted a new three-day format, expanding its program and investing in new spaces. Video mapping, light installations, and artistic performances complement the concerts, making the festival an immersive and multidisciplinary experience.
Beyond its musical program, Festival Détonation plays an essential role in Besançon's cultural life. It unites a network of passionate volunteers, engages in eco-responsible practices, and offers outreach activities to reach all audiences. The festival benefits from the support of the City of Besançon, Grand Besançon Métropole, and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region.
The 13th edition of the Détonation Festival will be held on September 25 and 26, 2026 at La Rodia, Besançon's contemporary music venue. True to its 'Rodia amplifiée' format, the festival will take over the indoor and outdoor spaces of the SMAC, at the foot of the Citadel, with a program of 45 artists spread across several stages. After Congo (2024) and Ireland (2025), the 2026 edition will highlight the Moroccan scene, featuring electro, hip-hop, and rock.
More a festival of discovery than of headliners, Détonation returns for two intense days of contemporary and electronic music at La Rodia, in Besançon. With its 'Rodia amplifiée' format, the festival spreads its program across all spaces of the contemporary music venue — Grande Salle, Extrabal, Bal à Fond, and the Bezac Soundsystem — facing the ramparts of the Citadel. The 2026 edition brings together 45 artists and boasts over 40% women on the lineup.
After Congo in 2024 and Ireland in 2025, the 2026 edition shines a light on the Moroccan scene through five projects — from the desert rock of Bab L'Bluz to the abrasive electro of Guedra Guedra, including the experimental pop of Nashwa, the textures of Aziz Konkrite, and the Gnawa fusion of the Besançon-based group Mogador.
Two original creations will punctuate the weekend: Puts Marie x Grand Géant on Friday and THK x Brass Orchestra on Saturday. The contemporary dance company Fattoumi / Lamoureux (Viadanse CCN de Belfort) will present choreographic sequences at dusk during both evenings.
Tickets are available on La Rodia's online ticketing platform.
45 artists in total on the Grande Salle, Extrabal, Bal à Fond, and Bezac Soundsystem stages. Dance performances by the Fattoumi / Lamoureux company on both evenings. Full program on the official website.
By Car: La Rodia is located at 4 avenue de Chardonnet, 25000 Besançon. From the city center, follow signs for Prés de Vaux / La Rodia. Free parking nearby.
By Bus: Ginko lines serve the La Rodia stop.
By Train: Besançon Viotte station, then take a bus or walk for 20 minutes.
Book online at detonation-festival.com and on partner ticketing platforms.
La Rodia
4 avenue de Chardonnet, 25000 Besançon
Website: detonation-festival.com
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La Rodia
4 avenue de Chardonnet, 25000 Besançon