Free and family-friendly music festival in Bourbon-l'Archambault
The Go Ba's Festival is an open-air music event held annually on the last weekend of August in Bourbon-l'Archambault, in the Allier region. Created in 2015 by a youth association supported by the Centre Social Adéquat, this friendly and accessible festival offers three concerts per evening—a local amateur band, an emerging artist, and a confirmed headliner—in an eclectic program mixing rock, reggae, punk, pop, chanson, and urban music. Entry is free, true to the spirit of a festival conceived by and for the youth of Bocage Bourbonnais.
The Go Ba's Festival was born in 2015 from a remarkable initiative: a junior association composed of about twenty young people under 18, supported by a collective of local associations and the Centre Social Adéquat, decided to create a quality music festival, free and accessible to all, in the heart of Bocage Bourbonnais. The name "Go Ba's", a contraction of "Go Bourbon's" or "Go les Ba's" (for Bourbonnais), reflects this territorial anchoring and youthful energy.
Set in the green surroundings of Parc Bignon in Bourbon-l'Archambault, the festival unfolds over two evenings on the last weekend of August. Each evening, the program follows a founding principle: a local amateur band from the Allier opens the evening to highlight local talent, followed by an emerging professional artist, before a recognized headliner closes the concert. This structure allows for a build-up of energy throughout the evening and promotes musical discovery.
Musical diversity is at the heart of Go Ba's' identity. From one edition to the next, the festival explores various genres: rock, reggae, punk, pop, French chanson, dancehall, hip-hop, soul, and electro-pop. Among the artists who have graced the Go Ba's stage are names like Trois Cafés Gourmands, Manau, Fredz, Faut qu'ça guinche, and Cartoon Machine. This eclectic programming appeals to a wide audience, from families to seasoned festival-goers.
Access to the festival is completely free, based on a 'pay-what-you-want' principle. Camping and parking are also free, making it easier for festival-goers to attend. This freeness, supported by the work of passionate volunteers, reflects the organizers' desire to offer a quality festival accessible to all, without financial barriers. Go Ba's also offers a day dedicated to children, Go Ba's Kids, with activities and shows designed for young audiences.
The festival is also a project of popular education: the young people in the association participate in all stages of organization, from programming to communication, logistics, and audience reception. It is a true laboratory for civic engagement and responsibility.
The 10th edition of the Go Ba's Festival will take place on August 21st and 22nd, 2026, at Parc Bignon in Bourbon-l'Archambault. Two evenings of free open-air concerts with an eclectic program mixing rock, pop, reggae, and chanson, true to the festival's friendly and family-oriented spirit.
The Go Ba's Festival will celebrate its 10th edition on August 21st and 22nd, 2026, at Parc Bignon in Bourbon-l'Archambault. For this anniversary, the festival promises a festive and generous program, always true to its founding principle: quality concerts, free and accessible to all.
As every year, each evening will feature three concerts with a local amateur band opening, an emerging artist, and a confirmed headliner. The lineup will be announced in spring 2026 on the festival's official website and social media. Go Ba's Kids, a day of activities for children, will also be held again.
The festival takes place at Parc Bignon, in Bourbon-l'Archambault (03160), Allier. The town is accessible from Moulins (25 km) via the D953, and from the A71 motorway (Montmarault exit, then D46).
Free entry (pay-what-you-want). Free camping on site. Free parking.
Free camping is available for festival-goers near the site. Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, gîtes) is available in Bourbon-l'Archambault and the surrounding area. Book in advance.
Food stalls and a bar are set up on the festival site. Shops and restaurants in Bourbon-l'Archambault are also within walking distance.
Centre Social Adéquat — Tel: 04 70 67 12 63. Information and program on the official festival website and social media.
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Parc Bignon
Parc Bignon, 03160 Bourbon-l'Archambault