Nuit du Folk

The celebration of traditional dances in the Hautes-Alpes

Since 2011, the Nuit du Folk has brought together enthusiasts of traditional music and dances in Gap every year. Organized by the Trad'Union association, this festive and participatory event has become a must-attend on the folk scene in the South-East of France. The festival brings together musicians, beginner and experienced dancers for a weekend entirely dedicated to the folk culture of the Hautes-Alpes and beyond.

A weekend rich in dances and music

The Nuit du Folk program unfolds over three days. On Friday evening, a pre-ball at a bar opens the festivities with a concert-ball followed by a "bœuf" — an open jam session for all musicians and dancers. On Saturday morning, a ball livens up the Gap market on the Esplanade de la Paix, with the traditional music ensemble from the Briançon conservatory. The afternoon is dedicated to dance and music workshops: violin, accordion, traditional dances. In the late afternoon, a ball for children and a ball adapted for people with disabilities precede the grand ball on Saturday night, which lasts until 5 a.m. at Le Quattro.

The grand ball: 1,000 dancers at Le Quattro

The highlight of the festival is the grand ball on Saturday night, which welcomes up to 1,100 dancers in the Le Quattro hall, avenue Émile Didier in Gap. The capacity is limited to 1,000 places to ensure everyone's comfort. Bourrées, scottishs, mazurkas, waltzes, polkas, and rondeaux follow one another all night to the sound of invited folk musicians. On Sunday, the 15th edition in 2025 innovated with a hike followed by a picnic and an open-air ball in the courtyard of the Château de Tallard.

A commitment to traditional culture

The Trad'Union association, created in 2008, works throughout the year to maintain and develop folk culture in the Hautes-Alpes. Nuit du Folk brings together many actors and associations from the department committed to the transmission of traditional music and dances. Ticketing is available on HelloAsso. The festival continues to grow and unite an ever-larger community, driven by a passion for sharing and conviviality.