Fête de l'Humanité

Fête de l'Humanité: A Century of Popular Culture and Commitment

Founded in 1930 by the newspaper L'Humanité, the Fête de l'Humanité is much more than just a music festival. It is a unique event in France, distinguished by its scale and ambition: blending culture, politics, solidarity, and popular celebration on an exceptional site. Historically held at the Parc de La Courneuve in Seine-Saint-Denis, the festival found a new home in 2022 at the Base aérienne 217 in Le Plessis-Pâté, Essonne—a 600-hectare site providing a space worthy of this extraordinary event.

A Premier Music Festival

The musical lineup at the Fête de l'Huma is among the most eclectic in France. Each edition features dozens of artists across multiple stages: the Grande Scène, the Scène de la Commune, the Zebrock stage, and many others. Rock, rap, electro, reggae, jazz, French chanson, world music—all genres coexist here. Over the decades, the festival has hosted legends such as Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Renaud, Zebda, Noir Désir, The Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, and hundreds of other world-renowned artists.

The 2025 Edition — The 90th

For its 90th edition, the 2025 Fête de l'Humanité took place from September 12 to 14 at Base 217, drawing 610,000 visitors. The lineup was headlined by Patti Smith in quartet, accompanied by artists including Eddy de Pretto, Fianso, Hoshi, MEUTE, Ascendant Vierge, Adé, Aliocha Schneider, Les Ogres de Barback & La Rue Kétanou, and 47Soul.

The 2026 Edition

The 2026 Fête de l'Humanité, the 91st of its name, will take place from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Base 217 in Le Plessis-Pâté. Unveiled in successive waves since April 2026, the program brings together around forty artists from all backgrounds: Soprano, Louane, UB40, Kery James, Oumou Sangaré, Kneecap, The Avener, Étienne de Crécy, Oxmo Puccino, Josman, Naza, Gauvain Sers, Superbus, The Limiñanas, Les Wampas, Suzane, Yuri Buenaventura, Maureen, THÉA, Houdi, 2L, Trinix, Kiddy Smile, and many new discoveries, including the Grand Zebrock winners on the Zebrock stage.

More Than Just a Festival

The Fête de l'Huma also features a Book Village bringing together publishers and authors, hundreds of activist and non-profit stands, political debates, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. Every department and partner organization of the French Communist Party hosts a restaurant stand offering regional specialties and a convivial atmosphere. The resulting unique vibe—part giant concert, part citizen forum, and part massive fair—is unlike anything else in France.

An Event Rooted in Essonne

Since moving to Essonne, the Fête de l'Huma has generated significant economic and cultural benefits for the department. The Base 217 in Le Plessis-Pâté, a converted former airbase, offers an ideal setting: vast open plains, suitable infrastructure, and accessibility from Paris. The festival has become an unmissable event for residents of Essonne and the entire Île-de-France region.