Geek Life Festival
The festival of geek and Asian cultures at Espace Mayenne in Laval
About Geek Life Laval
Geek Life Festival: Pop Culture Arrives in Laval
Since its first edition in September 2023, the Geek Life Festival has established itself as the unmissable event for geek culture in Mayenne. Driven by the company EWELCY, already organizing Geek Life in Le Mans for several years, the event chose Laval's Espace Mayenne to showcase nearly 3,000 m² of universes dedicated to fans of pop culture, video games, and Japan.
A Rich Program of Activities
The Geek Life Festival offers a wide range of activities spread over two intense days:
- Video Games and Retro Gaming: A space entirely dedicated to old and modern consoles, with a real arcade room recreating the atmosphere of the 90s. Visitors can play again on vintage machines and discover the history of video games through a thematic exhibition.
- E-sports: Competitive tournaments are organized on the main stage, giving players the chance to compete in front of an enthusiastic audience.
- Cosplay: The cosplay contest and parade are among the highlights of the festival. Participants compete with creativity to embody their favorite characters from manga, video games, comics, and movies.
- Japanese Culture: Japanese calligraphy workshops, martial arts demonstrations, K-pop introductions, and discovery of Japanese traditions.
- Manga and Comics: Stands from specialized booksellers, authors signing books, figurines, merchandise, and collectibles for fans of manga, comics, and fantasy.
Guests and Shows on the Main Stage
Each edition of the Geek Life Festival hosts renowned guests from the world of pop culture. The main stage at Espace Mayenne is the venue for concerts, shows, and conferences hosted by personalities from the geek world. In 2024, the festival notably welcomed Bernard Minet for a memorable concert. Local associations also participate in the entertainment, sharing their passion for cosplay through workshops and solidarity actions.
A Family-Friendly and Welcoming Event
The Geek Life Festival is designed to welcome all audiences, from the youngest to nostalgic adults. Specific activities are offered for children, and family rates allow everyone to enjoy the event. The Espace Mayenne offers a modern and accessible venue, with a large free parking lot immediately adjacent to the site. Whether you are a manga fan, a seasoned gamer, an experienced cosplayer, or simply curious, the Geek Life Festival promises a weekend of total immersion in the worlds of pop culture.
A Growing Festival
After the success of its first editions in Laval, the Geek Life Festival continues to grow and assert itself as a flagship event in the Mayenne cultural calendar. The concept, also implemented in several cities in Western France (Le Mans, Lorient, Blois, Amiens), reflects the growing enthusiasm for geek and Asian cultures in France. In Laval, the festival benefits from the dynamism of the local digital ecosystem, the city also being known for hosting Laval Virtual, an international exhibition of virtual and augmented reality.
Geek Life Laval — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Geek Life Festival will be held on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Espace Mayenne in Laval. The geek and Asian cultures fair will once again occupy nearly 3,000 m² with video games, retrogaming, manga, cosplay, e-sports, Japanese culture, concerts, and numerous activities for the whole family.
Geek Life Festival Laval 2026 — 4th Edition
The Geek Life Festival invites pop culture enthusiasts on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026, to the Espace Mayenne in Laval for its 4th edition. The fair opens its doors from 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday, with ample free parking on site. All activities are included in the admission ticket.
Across nearly 3,000 m², visitors will find the event's must-sees: a retrogaming area with cult consoles from the 70s to 2000s and the immersive exhibition « Retroactive » (over 25 playable consoles tracing the history of video games), a Freeplay area (Mario Kart 8, Tekken 8…), vintage arcade machines (KF Corp), tournaments, as well as a major national cosplay competition (Geek Life Cosplay Contest) and a cosplay village.
Japanese culture is in the spotlight with an exhibition of authentic kimonos (Talesh), martial arts demonstrations (aikido, kyudo, wing chun), Japanese calligraphy with Isabelle Jeudy, as well as shows: Japanese drums with Enishi, Yosakoi performances by the Tobikaeru association, and a K-pop concert by Kai Iden. A Japanese-themed food court (ramen, gyoza, bubble tea) completes the experience.
The festival also offers over 60 stands for exhibitors, artisans, young creators, illustrators, and publishing houses, a children's area (pixel art, slot racing, free creative workshops, board games), a dubbing studio, mentalism with Mathieu Chesneau, and live Minecraft creations with Floxys.
Programme Geek Life Laval 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026 (10 AM-7 PM) and Sunday, September 27, 2026 (10 AM-6 PM)
The program is common to both days, with continuous activities throughout the weekend:
Shows and Performances
- Mentalism with Mathieu Chesneau
- Japanese Drums with Enishi
- K-pop Concert with Kai Iden (original compositions and covers)
- Yosakoi Performances with the Tobikaeru association
Video Games and E-sports
- Retrogaming Area (consoles from the 70s to 2000s)
- « Retroactive » Exhibition: 25+ playable consoles tracing the history of video games
- Freeplay Area (Mario Kart 8, Tekken 8…) and tournaments
- Vintage Arcade Machines (KF Corp)
- Live Minecraft Creations with Floxys
Cosplay
- Geek Life Cosplay Contest (GLCC) — National Competition
- Free Cosplay Catwalks and dedicated Cosplay Village
Workshops and Japanese Universe
- Japanese Calligraphy with Isabelle Jeudy
- Exhibition of Authentic Kimonos (Talesh)
- Martial Arts: aikido, kyudo, wing chun; European historical fencing
- Professional Dubbing Studio, figurine painting, Pokéball workshop (Magic Sweets and Co)
Children's Area and Other Attractions
- Children's Area: pixel art, slot racing, board games, free creative workshops
- Over 60 stands for exhibitors, artisans, creators, and publishing houses
- Food court: ramen, gyoza, bubble tea, and Japanese specialties
- Viking Camp and Axe Throwing (18+), interactive quest « Find the Breton NPC »
Highlights Geek Life Laval 2026
- 4th edition on September 26 and 27, 2026, at the Espace Mayenne in Laval
- Nearly 3,000 m² of geek and Asian exhibitions and activities
- « Retroactive » retrogaming exhibition with 25+ playable consoles
- Major national cosplay competition (Geek Life Cosplay Contest)
- K-pop concert, Japanese drums, calligraphy, and martial arts
- Over 60 exhibitor stands and a Japanese-themed food court
Prices Geek Life Laval 2026
Practical information — Geek Life Laval
Access to Espace Mayenne
By Car
From the A81 motorway (Paris-Rennes), take the Laval-Centre exit and follow signs for Espace Mayenne. GPS Address: 2 Rue Joséphine Baker, 53000 Laval. A large free parking lot is available immediately adjacent to the site.
By Train
Laval station is served by the Paris-Rennes TGV lines (approx. 1h20 from Paris-Montparnasse). From the station, Espace Mayenne is accessible by bus or taxi (approx. 10 minutes).
By Bus
The TUL (Transports Urbains Lavallois) bus network serves Espace Mayenne. Consult the TUL website for routes and schedules.
Opening Hours
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Prices
- 1-Day Adult Pass: 12 euros
- 2-Day Adult Pass: 19 euros
- 1-Day Child Pass (ages 6-11): 6 euros
- 2-Day Child Pass (ages 6-11): 10 euros
- Group Pass (10+ tickets): 10 euros
- Free: for children under 5 years old
- PMR Rate: from 4 to 15 euros
Ticketing
Tickets are available for presale on the official website www.geeklife.fr. It is recommended to purchase tickets online to get the best prices and avoid waiting at the entrance.
Food and Drink
Food stalls are available on-site offering a varied selection (Japanese cuisine, street food, drinks). Bringing your own food and drinks into the festival grounds is prohibited.
Contact
Organizer: EWELCY SAS – 68 rue du Pré, 72000 Le Mans
Website: www.geeklife.fr/laval
Facebook: Geek Life Festival
Instagram: @geeklifefestival
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Where does it take place — Geek Life Laval
Espace Mayenne
2 Rue Joséphine Baker, 53000 Laval, 53000 Laval