Free concerts in the streets and squares of old Colmar
Every June 21st, Colmar celebrates the Fête de la Musique by transforming its medieval squares and picturesque alleys into open-air stages. From the Place de la Cathédrale to the Grand'Rue, via the Place de l'Ancienne Douane, dozens of local bands and artists offer free concerts of rock, jazz, gospel, French chanson, world music, and DJ sets until midnight. The capital of Alsatian wines vibrates to the rhythm of this unifying and friendly national event.
Since the establishment of the Fête de la Musique in France in 1982 by the Minister of Culture Jack Lang, Colmar has participated each year in this national celebration of the summer solstice. The principle is simple and universal: to offer everyone an evening of free concerts in public spaces, allowing amateur and professional musicians to perform freely. In Colmar, this tradition takes on a special dimension thanks to the city's exceptional architectural heritage: the half-timbered houses, the medieval squares, and the flower-lined alleys of "Little Venice" offer an enchanting setting for outdoor music.
The Fête de la Musique program in Colmar unfolds across several emblematic locations in the city center. The Place de la Cathédrale hosts gospel groups, various music ensembles, and French chanson artists, while the Grand'Rue vibrates to the sound of rock, hard rock, and cover songs. The Place de l'Ancienne Douane, at the foot of the famous Koïfhus, features pop-rock, jazz-blues, and alternative rock bands. The terraces of cafes and restaurants in the center become improvised stages where music bursts forth from all sides.
The richness of the Fête de la Musique in Colmar lies in the diversity of styles represented. From gospel with Ubuntu Gospel to rock by Retrock, from hard rock by So Watt to French chanson by Le Clair de Lune, from Andean music by Raza-Inka to DJ sets on terraces, every visitor finds their musical pleasure. The focus is on local and regional artists, making this evening a showcase of Alsatian talent and an opportunity to discover the bands from the Colmar scene.
The festivities begin in the late afternoon, usually around 6 PM, and continue until midnight. Restaurants and cafes in the city center open their terraces, and food stalls and drink stands are set up near the main stages. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly in the early evening, then intensifies as the hours pass, attracting an increasingly young and festive crowd. The Fête de la Musique is the perfect opportunity to stroll through the streets of Colmar, move from one stage to another, and be surprised by unexpected musical discoveries.
The City of Colmar coordinates the organization of the Fête de la Musique in collaboration with local cultural associations, cafe owners, and restaurateurs in the city center. The municipality ensures the setup of stages, the sound system for the main venues, and the safety of the event, allowing musicians to focus on what matters most: sharing their music with as many people as possible in a spirit of celebration and generosity.
Fête de la Musique 2026 in Colmar on Sunday, June 21st. Free concerts in the streets and squares of the historic center from 6 PM to midnight. Program to be announced.
The Fête de la Musique 2026 will take place on Sunday, June 21st in the historic center of Colmar. As every year, dozens of local bands and artists will take over the squares of the Cathedral, Grand'Rue, and Ancienne Douane to offer free concerts from 6 PM to midnight. The program will be announced in early June on the City of Colmar website.
The concerts take place in the historic center of Colmar, which is entirely pedestrianized.
From 6 PM to midnight.
Completely free entry. No reservation required.
City of Colmar — Cultural Department
Website: colmar.fr
Start your tour at the Place de la Cathédrale from 6 PM, then wander towards the Grand'Rue and the Place de l'Ancienne Douane. Restaurant terraces fill up quickly: make a reservation if you wish to dine seated. Bring a light jacket for the late evening.
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