Les Arts dans la Rue Festival
The free street arts and music festival in Contres en Sologne
2026
About Les Arts dans la Rue
Les Arts dans la Rue — edition 2026
The 16th edition of the Les Arts dans la Rue Festival will take place on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Controis-en-Sologne (Contres). Two days of free live performances — street theater, circus, concerts, and artist exhibitions — on Place Javelet and Place du 8 mai.
Les Arts dans la Rue 2026 — 16th edition
The Les Arts dans la Rue Festival returns on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026, to the heart of Contres (Le Controis-en-Sologne) for its 16th edition. Place Javelet and Place du 8 mai host street performances, concerts, circus, and artist exhibitions with free access.
The announced program includes: rock (Victoria Thoizon), soul-funk (Mack and the Keystone), a cappella polyphonies (The Turkey Sisters), street brass band (Contres Ut), clown-fakir (Le Saâdikh), and participatory street theater with circus (Chez Raoul). Artist exhibitions are open from 2 PM to 6 PM; performances begin at 7 PM on Saturday and 2:30 PM on Sunday.
Access remains entirely free, true to the founding spirit of the festival.
Highlights Les Arts dans la Rue 2026
- 16th edition, two days of free live performances
- Street theater, circus, concerts, and artist exhibitions
- Places Javelet and du 8 mai, in the heart of Contres
Prices Les Arts dans la Rue 2026
Practical information — Les Arts dans la Rue
Getting to Contres
By car
Contres is located 25 km south of Blois via the D956. From the A10 motorway, take the Blois exit and follow the direction of Contres. Free parking is available near Place Javelet and in the streets of the town center.
By bus
The departmental transport network serves Contres from Blois. Check schedules on the Rémi Centre-Val de Loire website.
Location
The festival takes place on Place Javelet, in the heart of Contres town center (Le Controis-en-Sologne). The square is entirely pedestrianized for the occasion, transformed into an open-air stage.
Schedules
The festival takes place on the last weekend of August:
Friday evening: street performances and concerts from 6:00 PM
Saturday: artist exhibitions during the day, night market and concerts in the evening
Sunday: activities and festival closing
Prices
The Les Arts dans la Rue Festival is completely free. Access to all shows, concerts, and exhibitions is open. No reservations are necessary.
Food and Drink
A night market is organized on Saturday evening with local artisanal and gastronomic products. Refreshment stands run by association volunteers are available on the festival site throughout the evenings.
Practical Tips
- The festival takes place outdoors, so be prepared according to the weather
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the streets
- Chairs are provided for some performances, but it is advisable to bring a blanket or a folding seat
- Place Javelet is accessible to people with reduced mobility
Contact
Facebook Page: Les Arts dans la Rue
Les Arts dans la Rue: Culture Celebrated in Contres
The Les Arts dans la Rue Festival is a free cultural event that takes place every year at the end of August in Contres, in the Loir-et-Cher region. Created in 2009 by three friends — Thierry Baumer, Jean-François Maubert, and Pascal Jahan — who share a strong taste for culture in all its forms, this festival has established itself as a highlight of the cultural life of Controis-en-Sologne.
A Friendly and Popular Street Festival
The heart of the festival beats in Place Javelet, in the center of Contres, which transforms for a weekend into a true open-air stage. Street performances are the DNA of the event: traveling theater companies, circus artists, stilt walkers, jugglers, and musicians take over the streets and squares to offer surprising and accessible performances for everyone. The festival emphasizes the proximity between artists and the public, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Music, Magic, and Artistic Creations
Beyond street arts, the festival offers a varied musical program with concerts of blues, acoustic rock, and brass bands. Magic shows add a touch of wonder to the program. Artist exhibitions showcase the work of local and regional creators, while the Saturday evening night market offers artisanal and gastronomic products in a festive atmosphere.
15 Years of Culture and Sharing
Since its creation, the Les Arts dans la Rue Festival has continued to grow. From its humble beginnings in 2009, it has become an anticipated event that brings together residents of Contres and visitors from all over the Loir-et-Cher region. The 15th edition in 2025 marks an important milestone in the festival's history, with an enriched three-day program and six must-see performances. The complete freeness of the event remains a founding principle, ensuring access to culture for all.
Strong Local Roots
The festival is supported by the Communauté de communes Val de Cher Controis and by numerous local volunteers and partners. It contributes to the cultural animation of the territory and the commercial dynamic of Contres' town center, attracting a family and intergenerational audience.
Where does it take place — Les Arts dans la Rue
Les Arts dans la Rue in brief
History of Les Arts dans la Rue
Edition 2025 Aug 2025Other festivals near Contres
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