Main Square Festival
The largest music festival in the Hauts-de-France region, in the UNESCO-listed Citadel of Arras
About Main Square Festival
Created in 2004, Main Square Festival has become one of the biggest music festivals in France. Every first weekend of July, the Vauban Citadel of Arras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, welcomes nearly 120,000 festival-goers to vibrate to the rhythm of an exceptional international lineup mixing rock, pop, electro, rap, and variety. Organized by Live Nation, the festival has seen legends like Muse, Depeche Mode, The Weeknd, Stromae, and Placebo grace its stages, making Arras an unmissable musical capital for a weekend.
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Main Square Festival: An Unmissable Musical Event in Arras
The Main Square Festival is the largest music festival in the Hauts-de-France region and one of the major musical events in France. Founded in 2004 by France Leduc Productions, it was taken over by Live Nation and has since established itself as an unmissable summer event, attracting around 120,000 festival-goers over three days each year.
An Exceptional Setting: The Vauban Citadel
The first edition was held on the Grand-Place of Arras in 2004, with Placebo headlining in front of 15,000 people. Since 2010, the festival has been held in the Citadel of Arras, a masterpiece by Vauban inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This unique historical setting, in the heart of a green space, offers a singular atmosphere blending heritage and celebration.
A Prestigious International Lineup
Over the years, Main Square Festival has hosted the biggest names in the global music scene: Muse, Depeche Mode, The Weeknd, Stromae, Placebo, Arctic Monkeys, Black Eyed Peas, DJ Snake, Deftones, Orelsan, Katy Perry, Twenty One Pilots, and many more. The lineup mixes rock, pop, electro, rap, French variety, and world music, offering a diversity that appeals to all audiences.
A Complete Festival Experience
Beyond the concerts, Main Square Festival offers a true festive village with food courts, bars, activities, and relaxation areas. The official campsite allows festival-goers to live the full experience. Shuttles are available from Arras train station and the city center.
A Major Economic and Cultural Impact
Main Square Festival is an economic driver for the Arras territory, generating significant returns for the hotel, restaurant, and local commerce sectors. It contributes to the national and international influence of Arras and the Hauts-de-France region.
Main Square Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Main Square Festival will take place from July 3rd to 5th in the Citadel of Arras. The lineup features Twenty One Pilots, Orelsan, Katy Perry, Marshmello, Charlotte Cardin, Renée Rapp, Miki, Yamê, Jessie Murph, and The Warning for three days of exceptional concerts.
Main Square Festival 2026
The Main Square Festival returns from July 3rd to 5th, 2026, to the Vauban Citadel of Arras for a new exceptional edition. The lineup promises to be spectacular with top international headliners.
Twenty One Pilots, Orelsan, and Katy Perry will lead the bill for this edition, accompanied by Marshmello, Charlotte Cardin, Renée Rapp, L2B, Miki, Yamê, Jessie Murph, The Warning, and Cassius.
With this eclectic lineup mixing pop, rock, electro, and rap, Main Square Festival confirms its ambition to offer a lineup at the crossroads of French and international scenes each year.
Programme Main Square Festival 2026
2026 Lineup
- Friday, July 3rd: Twenty One Pilots, Jessie Murph, The Warning, and others
- Saturday, July 4th: Orelsan, Marshmello, L2B, Cassius, and others
- Sunday, July 5th: Katy Perry, Charlotte Cardin, Renée Rapp, Miki, Yamê, and others
Highlights Main Square Festival 2026
- Twenty One Pilots as international headliners
- Orelsan, a major figure in French rap
- Katy Perry, a global pop superstar
- Marshmello for an electro night
- Charlotte Cardin and Renée Rapp, emerging international voices
Prices Main Square Festival 2026
Practical information — Main Square Festival
Access to the Festival
By Car
From Lille (45 min), Paris (2h), or Calais (1h30), take the A26 or A1 motorway, then follow the signs for "Main Square Festival" or "Citadelle". Park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts of the city with free shuttles to the site.
By Train
Arras station is served by TGV (Paris-Nord in 50 min) and TER from Lille (30 min). Free shuttles connect the station to the festival site. The last train to Paris is usually around 10 PM; special trains are sometimes arranged.
By Bus
Special buses are organized from several cities in the region (Lille, Lens, Béthune, Douai). Information on the festival website.
Camping
The official Main Square Festival campsite is located immediately next to the site. It opens on Thursday evening and closes on Monday morning. Access is reserved for holders of a camping pass + festival ticket. Showers, toilets, and lockers are available on site.
Food & Drink
- Food court with numerous varied food stands
- Bars with cashless payment (rechargeable bracelet)
- Free water points on site
PMR Accessibility
The festival has raised platforms with views of the stages, adapted toilets, and dedicated reception. Reduced rates for people with disabilities and their companions. Advance registration recommended on the festival website.
Lockers and Regulations
- Mandatory cashless payment system on site
- Glass bottles, cans, and dangerous objects are prohibited
- Animals are not allowed within the festival grounds
- Earplugs are distributed free of charge at the entrances
Ticketing
Tickets are available on the official website mainsquarefestival.fr and at usual points of sale (Fnac, Ticketmaster, See Tickets). 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day passes are available.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Main Square Festival
Citadelle Vauban d'Arras
Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 62000 Arras