Rues d'Été Festival

Rues d'Été: Street Arts Invade Graulhet

Since 2009, the Rues d'Été festival transforms the town of Graulhet into a giant artistic playground every July. Driven by an association of enthusiasts, this free and family-friendly event brings together numerous street theater, circus, dance, puppetry, and music companies each year for three days of performances that take over public spaces.

A Festival Rooted in the Tradition of Street Arts

Street arts are the deep identity of Rues d'Été. The street, the square, the alley, the courtyard — any space in the city can become a stage for a performance. This way of doing theater, heir to a long traveling and popular tradition, is at the heart of the festival's artistic approach: to abolish the boundaries between artists and spectators, to surprise passersby, to invite residents to look at their city with new eyes.

The programmed companies offer very diverse artistic forms: contemporary circus, street theater, giant puppets, dance, participatory installations, musical parades. The program mixes demanding creations and shows for all audiences, intimate forms, and spectacular parades through the city streets.

Three Days of Celebration for All Audiences

The festival takes place over three days, from Thursday to Saturday, in early July. Performances start in the late afternoon and continue until nightfall, punctuating the life of the city center with a dense and varied program. Several stages and performance spaces are used simultaneously, allowing festival-goers to create their own itinerary by following the companies that attract them.

• An OFF program complements the official program, with shorter performances and surprise interventions throughout the city
• Workshops and meetings with artists are offered throughout the festival
• A young audience program is integrated into the whole, with performances specially designed for children and families
• Circ'O Dadou and other regional companies represent the local scene alongside national and international companies

A Popular and Civic Event

Rues d'Été claims its free, friendly, and civic nature. The festival is driven by an association of committed volunteers and professionals who work year-round to prepare the event. The participation of residents of Graulhet and neighboring towns is encouraged, whether as spectators, volunteers, or partners.

The town of Graulhet, former world capital of megisserie (leatherworking), showcases its historic center through the festival, which contributes to the economic and cultural vitality of the area. Rues d'Été is part of the network of major street festivals in the Occitanie region, alongside events like Les Arts en Fête (Montauban) or Fest'Arts (Libourne).

17th Edition in 2025: Another Collective Success

For its 17th edition in July 2025, the Rues d'Été festival once again brought together several thousand spectators around a rich and diverse program. The invited companies offered shows mixing circus, theater, dance, and musical performances in the streets and squares of Graulhet's center, confirming the festival's place as one of the essential cultural events in Tarn during the summer.