Festival du Garage Théâtre
Theater, dance, and music in a former car garage in Cosne-sur-Loire
About Festival du Garage Théâtre
An unusual venue for live creation
The Garage Théâtre in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire was born from a bold idea: to transform a former car garage located at 235 rue des Frères-Gambon into a true performing arts venue. With its 110 m² stage and 140 seats, this unique space offers rare proximity between artists and spectators, conducive to intense and intimate theatrical experiences.
A multidisciplinary summer festival
Every year in late August, the Festival du Garage Théâtre offers a varied program over five to six evenings. Contemporary theater, dance, live music, stand-up comedy, shows for young audiences: disciplines intersect and respond to each other in this atypical setting. The 2025 edition, the 6th of its kind, took place from August 27th to 31st with one show per evening, free surprises in the garden, and a friendly pop-up bar. Sunday featured a potluck meal followed by a concert, in the purest tradition of village festivals.
Strong local roots
Supported by the association Les Amis du Garage Théâtre, the festival is part of a cultural democratization initiative in rural areas. Throughout the year, the Garage Théâtre hosts artist residencies, workshops, and performances, making this venue a vibrant cultural hub for the Cosne region and northern Nièvre. The summer festival is its highlight, attracting a loyal and curious audience, including local residents, theater lovers, and passing visitors.
A demanding yet accessible program
The artistic direction of the Garage Théâtre favors original creations, emerging companies, and innovative stage forms. The deliberately modest prices and the warm atmosphere of the venue contribute to making each evening a moment of sharing and discovery. The Garage's garden, set up for the occasion, becomes a convivial space where discussions continue after the shows, over a drink under the Nièvre stars.
Festival du Garage Théâtre — edition 2026
The 7th edition of the Garage Théâtre Festival takes place from August 26th to 30th, 2026 in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire (Nièvre). Five evenings of theatre, dance, and music, organized by the association Les Amis du Garage Théâtre, in a 130-seat hall. Each day, a "Garden Surprise" at 7 PM with free access precedes the main indoor show.
7th Edition — August 26th to 30th, 2026
For its 7th edition, the Garage Théâtre Summer Festival offers five evenings of live performance in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, blending theatre, dance, and music. Each day opens with a "Garden Surprise" at 7 PM, with free access, before the main show presented in the 130-seat hall. A pop-up bar and light refreshments are available throughout the event.
Programme Festival du Garage Théâtre 2026
Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
- 7 PM — Garden Surprise (free access)
- 9 PM — Text on colonization directed by Jean-Louis Martinelli, with actor Hammou Graïa
Thursday, August 27th, 2026
- 7 PM — Garden Surprise (free access)
- 9 PM — Show with Jacques and Léon Bonnaffé
Friday, August 28th, 2026
- 7 PM — Garden Surprise (free access)
- 9 PM — "The Barthes Project", around Roland Barthes, directed by Sylvain Maurice, with actor Vincent Dissez
Saturday, August 29th, 2026
- 7 PM — Garden Surprise (free access)
- 9 PM — Musical work by Mauricio Kagel, with Jean-Paul Wenzel and Jean-Yves Chir, three professional musicians and the Cosne-sur-Loire harmony orchestra
Sunday, August 30th, 2026
- 6 PM — "Les Diablotines", text by Jean-Paul Wenzel, performed by five amateur actors
Program announced by the organizer, subject to changes by summer 2026.
Highlights Festival du Garage Théâtre 2026
To Note for 2026
- 7th edition of the festival
- 6 evenings of theater, dance, and music
- Program to be announced on garagetheatre-amis.fr
Prices Festival du Garage Théâtre 2026
Practical information — Festival du Garage Théâtre
Practical Information
Access
The Garage Théâtre is located at 235 rue des Frères-Gambon, 58200 Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire.
- By car: Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire is accessible via the A77 (Cosne-sur-Loire exit), about 1h45 from Paris and 2h from Dijon. Free parking near the Garage Théâtre.
- By train: Cosne-sur-Loire SNCF station, served by TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté from Nevers and Paris-Bercy via Montargis. The Garage Théâtre is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
Opening Hours
Shows generally start at 8:30 PM. The pop-up bar and garden open from 7 PM. On Sundays, the potluck meal starts at 12:30 PM, followed by the concert in the early afternoon.
Prices
Affordable prices, varying by show (generally between €5 and €15). Some garden activities are free. Information on the official website.
Ticketing
Booking recommended by email or phone, as seats are limited to 140 per show. On-site sales subject to availability.
Contact
- Association Les Amis du Garage Théâtre
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 06 26 75 38 39 / 03 86 28 21 93
- Website: www.garagetheatre-amis.fr
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Where does it take place — Festival du Garage Théâtre
Le Garage Théâtre
235 rue des Frères Gambon, 58200 Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, 58200 Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire