Folkiri Festival
The grand meeting for folk dance and traditional music in Le Mans
About Folkiri
Folkiri Festival: The Traditional Dance Celebration in Le Mans
Since 2012, the Folkiri association has been working to promote and develop traditional dance and music in Sarthe. Every year in October, it organizes the Folkiri Festival, an event that has become a must for lovers of folk balls, fest-noz, and European heritage dances.
Two Evenings of Folk Ball at the Saulnières Hall
The festival unfolds over two evenings in the Saulnières hall, a spacious and warm venue located on Avenue Rhin et Danube in Le Mans. On Friday and Saturday evenings, top musical groups — duos, trios, and bands specializing in the traditional repertoire — get an enthusiastic audience dancing. From the Auvergne bourrée to the Breton Saint-Vincent round dance, from the Scottish to the mazurka, each dance is an invitation to share and conviviality.
Workshops for All Levels
On Saturday afternoon, the festival offers traditional dance workshops and diatonic accordion workshops, led by renowned instructors. These courses allow beginners to learn the fundamental steps and experienced dancers to perfect their technique. A rare opportunity to progress in a supportive environment before putting it into practice at the evening ball.
An Event Driven by a Passion for Folk
The Folkiri Festival is co-organized with Superforma, a cultural structure in Le Mans that brings together six performance venues. This collaboration ensures professional organization and a high-quality program, blending established artists from the French folk scene with musical discoveries. The festival attracts enthusiasts from across the region and beyond each year, creating a moment of popular and authentic celebration where music and dance forge links between generations.
Folkiri — edition 2026
The Folkiri Festival returns on October 2 and 3, 2026, to the Salle des Saulnières in Le Mans for two evenings of folk dancing and an afternoon of traditional dance and music workshops. On the program: Nòu, Rémi Geffroy, La Sauterelle, Ballade Ballade Bois, Lo Bal Del Lop, and Duo Demaret/Sonnery.
Folkiri 2026 — two evenings of folk dancing in Le Mans
For this new edition, the Folkiri Festival takes over the Salle des Saulnières on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2026. Two evenings of folk dancing bring together groups from the French and European traditional scene, in the friendly and warm atmosphere that makes the reputation of this Le Mans event.
On Saturday afternoon, four workshops allow dancers and musicians, from beginners to advanced, to learn or improve their skills: Sardinian dances, diatonic accordion, singing, and bourrées, led by renowned educators.
The festival is organized by Superforma, a cultural organization from Le Mans, as part of its traditional music program.
Programme Folkiri 2026
Friday, October 2, 2026 — Folk Dance at Les Saulnières
- Nòu
- Rémi Geffroy
- La Sauterelle
Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Workshops (afternoon)
- 14:30 – 16:30 — Sardinian dances with Carlo Boeddu · Salle Claircigny, Le Mans
- 16:00 – 18:00 — Diatonic accordion with Clément Rousse · Les Saulnières
- 16:00 – 18:00 — Singing with Guillaume Lopez · Les Saulnières
- 16:45 – 19:15 — Bourrées with Gilles Laupetre · Salle Claircigny, Le Mans
Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Folk Dance at Les Saulnières (evening)
- Ballade Ballade Bois
- Lo Bal Del Lop
- Duo Demaret/Sonnery
Highlights Folkiri 2026
- Two evenings of folk dancing on October 2 and 3, 2026
- Headliners: Nòu, Rémi Geffroy, Ballade Ballade Bois, Lo Bal Del Lop
- Four workshops on Saturday: Sardinian dances, diatonic accordion, singing, bourrées
- 2-dance pass for 25 €
Prices Folkiri 2026
Practical information — Folkiri
Access
By car: The Saulnières hall is located at 239 Avenue Rhin et Danube, 72100 Le Mans. Easy access from the southern ring road of Le Mans, exit "Pontlieue". Free parking nearby.
By tram: Line T1, stop "Saulnières".
By train: Le Mans station is a 15-minute tram ride away.
Prices
Folk ball evening: €17 — 2-evening pass: €25. Saturday workshops: €20 per workshop.
Food & Drink
Bar on site during the evenings.
Contact
Superforma — 8 place des Jacobins, 72000 Le Mans
Tel: 07 67 24 90 47
Website: superforma.fr
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Where does it take place — Folkiri
Salle des Saulnières
239 avenue Rhin et Danube, 72100 Le Mans