L'Esprit BD — Colmar BD Festival
The essential meeting place for comic strips in Alsace
About L'Esprit BD
Organized every year in March by the association L'Esprit BD, the Colmar BD Festival has become, over more than twenty editions, an essential event for lovers of the ninth art in Alsace. At the Salle des Catherinettes, authors, illustrators, publishers, and readers gather in a warm and creative atmosphere to celebrate comic strips in all their forms: signings, exhibitions, youth activities, and privileged encounters with creators.
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L'Esprit BD: Over Twenty Years of Passion for the Ninth Art in Colmar
Since its first edition in 2005, the Colmar BD Festival, powered by the association L'Esprit BD, has established itself as the flagship comic strip event in Alsace. Founded in 2003 in Colmar, this local association brings together over eighty members, including about twenty Colmar-based illustrators—from young talents to established artists—and fifteen professional authors. Their common ambition: to promote the ninth art in the Haut-Rhin region and beyond.
A Friendly and Accessible Festival
Every year, in March, the Salle des Catherinettes, in the heart of Colmar's historic center, hosts the festival for an entire weekend. The event offers a rich and varied program, designed to appeal to seasoned collectors, newcomers, and families alike. Visitors can browse the stands of authors and publishers, discover themed exhibitions highlighting the work of recognized or emerging artists, and attend signing sessions for direct and privileged interaction with the creators.
Encounters at the Heart of Creation
One of the festival's strengths lies in the quality of its encounters with authors and illustrators. Each edition invites several dozen artists from all over France and sometimes beyond, offering visitors the opportunity to discover diverse graphic universes: classic Franco-Belgian comics, graphic novels, manga, comics, children's comics, and independent albums. The signing sessions, organized throughout the weekend, provide authentic moments of exchange between creators and their audience.
A Dedicated Space for Youth
The festival places great importance on the young audience. Fun and creative activities are offered to children: drawing workshops led by authors, comic strip-themed games, animated readings, and contests. These activities allow younger attendees to be introduced to the art of graphic storytelling in a supportive and stimulating atmosphere, making the festival a truly family-friendly event.
Strong Local Roots
Located in the heart of Colmar, a city of art and history renowned for its exceptional architectural heritage, the festival benefits from a remarkable setting. The L'Esprit BD association maintains close ties with the local cultural fabric and actively contributes to Colmar's artistic life throughout the year by organizing exhibitions, workshops, and events outside the festival. This dynamic association ensures the event's sustainability and constant renewal.
L'Esprit BD — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of the Colmar BD Festival will take place on March 14 and 15, 2026, at the Salle des Catherinettes. The L'Esprit BD association promises a weekend full of encounters, signings, exhibitions, and activities to celebrate comic strips in all their forms.
22nd Edition — March 14 and 15, 2026
The Colmar BD Festival returns for its 22nd edition on March 14 and 15, 2026, at the Salle des Catherinettes, in the heart of Colmar. The L'Esprit BD association will once again welcome authors, illustrators, publishers, and readers for a weekend entirely dedicated to the ninth art.
On the program: signing sessions with numerous invited authors, diverse graphic exhibitions, and activities for the whole family. The detailed program and the list of invited authors will be announced on the festival's official website and the association's social media.
Prices L'Esprit BD 2026
Practical information — L'Esprit BD
Practical Information
Access
By car: Colmar is accessible via the A35 motorway (Colmar Centre exit). Several paid parking lots are available near the Salle des Catherinettes, notably the Rapp parking lot and the Koïfhus parking lot.
By train: Colmar station is served by TER Grand Est and TGV trains from Paris (2h30). The Salle des Catherinettes is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
By bus: The Trace network serves the city center of Colmar. Nearest stop: Unterlinden.
Opening Hours
The festival is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Prices
- Day ticket: 3 euros
- Weekend pass: 5 euros
- Free for children under 10 years old
Contact
L'Esprit BD Association
Phone: 06 70 27 50 18
Website: lesprit-bd.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach L'Esprit BD at the best price.
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Where does it take place — L'Esprit BD
Salle des Catherinettes
8 rue Kléber, 68000 Colmar