Music Festival in Lens

The Fête de la Musique is part of the Grandes Fêtes de Lens, which take place in the city center around Place Jean Jaurès and the Hôtel de Ville:

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville — Fête de la Musique Concerts

A stage is set up on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville for the Fête de la Musique, featuring free open-air concerts. Local bands and invited groups perform successively in a festive atmosphere until the evening.

City Center — Carnaval du Monde

A grand colorful carnival with international accents: floats, brass bands, and dazzling costumes parade in the afternoon through the center, on a route connecting Rue Lanoy, Place Jean Jaurès, Boulevard Basly, Rue J. Letienne, and Rue de la Paix.

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville — Beer Festival

About twenty stands from local brewers and merchants set up their tables on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, in a friendly atmosphere.

City Center — Waiters' and Waitresses' Race

A traditional event of the Grandes Fêtes de Lens: the waiters' and waitresses' race sets the pace for the festive morning.

• Official national date: Sunday, June 21, 2026.
• The Fête de la Musique at the heart of the Grandes Fêtes de Lens, three days of free festivities.
• Open-air concerts on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
• Grand Carnaval du Monde: floats, brass bands, and costumes throughout the city center.
• Beer festival and waiters' and waitresses' race.
• 100% free event.

Practical Information

When: Sunday, June 21, 2026, as part of the Grandes Fêtes de Lens (weekend of June 19-21), from early afternoon until late evening.

Where: In the city center of Lens, around Place Jean Jaurès, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville (City Hall Square), and the surrounding streets (Rue Lanoy, Boulevard Basly, Rue J. Letienne, Rue de la Paix).

Price: Free admission.

Access: Lens city center, near the train station; prefer public transport and walking, as several streets will be closed to traffic during the festivities.