Rustine Festival
Creations and curiosities in Craon
About Rustine
The Rustine Festival is an alternative and multidisciplinary festival born in 2015 in Niafles, Mayenne, before settling in Craon in 2018. Supported by the Octopus association and comic artists Delphine and Alexis Horellou, it mixes independent publishing, music, visual arts, comics, printmaking, textile creation, tattooing, and artistic processions. Conceived as a festive and benevolent "cour des miracles" (gathering of misfits), the festival is held annually in February at the Salle des fêtes du Mûrier, with a free and conscious pricing for entry to remain accessible to all.
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An alternative festival rooted in Mayenne
The Rustine Festival was born in 2015 in Niafles, a small village of 350 inhabitants in southern Mayenne, under the impetus of the Octopus association founded by comic artists Delphine and Alexis Horellou. From its inception, the event attracted nearly 300 curious individuals, drawn to this unique artistic emulsion mixing comics, music, visual arts, and friendly encounters. In 2018, the town of Craon offered the festival a larger space in the town center: the Salle des fêtes du Mûrier, allowing Rustine to reach a new dimension.
A multidisciplinary and demanding program
The Rustine Festival is distinguished by its resolutely eclectic and independent programming. Each edition brings together artists from diverse geographical and artistic backgrounds around several disciplines: comics and independent publishing, with stands from alternative publishers and signing sessions; live music, with concerts spanning genres; visual arts, including printmaking, screen printing, textile creation, and tattooing; and artistic processions, such as the embroidered banner processions by artist Odette Picaud, inspired by popular rituals revisited in a pagan and festive spirit.
A free and accessible spirit
True to its values of accessibility and sharing, the Rustine Festival offers entry at a free and conscious price, allowing everyone to participate according to their means and sensibilities. This philosophy reflects the Octopus association's commitment to popular, friendly, and open culture. The festival aims to be a meeting place between creators and the public, where curiosity and discovery take precedence over commercial logic.
A history marked by resilience
After six successful editions between 2015 and 2020, the Rustine Festival experienced an interruption due to the Covid-19 health crisis, leading to the cancellation of editions #7 and #8 initially planned for 2021 and 2022. After this period of dormancy, the Octopus association relaunched the festival in 2026 with a highly anticipated seventh edition, confirming the vitality and determination of this artistic adventure in Mayenne.
Rustine — edition 2026
The 7th edition of the Rustine Festival marks the grand return of the event to the Salle des fêtes du Mûrier in Craon, after several years of interruption. A full day of festivities mixing independent publishing, concerts, visual arts, and artistic encounters, with an inaugural procession led by artist Odette Picaud.
2026 Edition — The Return of Rustine #7
After a long interruption due to the health crisis and then a period of dormancy, the Octopus association is relaunching its Rustine Festival with this highly anticipated seventh edition. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Salle des fêtes du Mûrier and its surroundings will once again host a day and evening of festivities, at the crossroads of disciplines.
Program
As usual, the festival offers an eclectic mix of independent publishing, music, textile creation, printmaking, comics, tattooing, and encounters with artists from various backgrounds. The day opens at 10:30 AM with an artistic procession led by artist Odette Picaud, whose embroidered banners are inspired by popular rituals revisited in a pagan and festive spirit.
Guest Artists
Among the announced artists are Sophie Herniou, Thomas de la Pinta, Zanzim, Mathieu Demore, Lionel Chouin, and Jop for visual arts and comics, as well as Casiomaha, Johannes, Grand Hôtel, and Howlin' Grassman Vs Stompin' Bigfoot for the music program.
Programme Rustine 2026
Day Program
- 10:30 AM — Inaugural artistic procession with Odette Picaud
- All day — Independent publishing stands, signings, printmaking and screen printing workshops
- All day — Visual arts exhibitions, textile creation, tattooing
- Afternoon and evening — Concerts: Casiomaha, Johannes, Grand Hôtel, Howlin' Grassman Vs Stompin' Bigfoot
Highlights Rustine 2026
- Return of the festival after several years of interruption
- Inaugural artistic procession by Odette Picaud
- Free and conscious entry
- Musical program: Casiomaha, Johannes, Grand Hôtel, Howlin' Grassman Vs Stompin' Bigfoot
- Comics and visual arts artists: Zanzim, Mathieu Demore, Sophie Herniou, Thomas de la Pinta
Prices Rustine 2026
Practical information — Rustine
Access
The Rustine Festival takes place at the Salle des fêtes du Mûrier, located at 6 rue du Mûrier, 53400 Craon, in the town center. The venue and its surroundings host all festival activities: stands, exhibitions, workshops, and concerts.
By car
Craon is located south of the Mayenne department, about 30 km southwest of Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne and 80 km southwest of Laval. From Laval, take the D771 towards Château-Gontier then the D28 towards Craon. From Angers, take the direction of Segré then Craon via the D775. Free parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the town hall.
By public transport
Craon is served by bus lines of the Aléop network (intercity transport network of the Pays de la Loire Region). The nearest train station is Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, about 30 km away. It is also possible to reach Laval by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 1h20) and then take an Aléop bus to Craon.
Prices
Entry to the Rustine Festival is at a free and conscious price. Everyone is invited to contribute according to their means and sensibility, to allow as many people as possible to enjoy the event. This pricing policy, in place since the first edition, reflects the Octopus association's deep commitment to popular culture accessible to all audiences.
Opening Hours
The festival generally takes place over a full day and evening. The doors open around 10:30 AM, traditionally with an inaugural artistic procession. Exhibitions, author meetings, printmaking workshops, independent publishing stands, and signing sessions are held throughout the day. Concerts and musical performances take over in the late afternoon and liven up the evening.
Catering
Food and drink are available on-site throughout the festival, allowing visitors to eat and drink without leaving the premises. The friendly atmosphere encourages exchanges between festival-goers, artists, and volunteers over a drink or a meal.
Contact
Octopus Association — Festival Facebook Page — Association Website. For any questions regarding the program, participation, or volunteering, the association can be reached via its Facebook page or website.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Rustine
Salle des fêtes du Mûrier
6 rue du Mûrier, 53400 Craon, 53400 Craon