Samhain Festival
The biggest Celtic and Halloween festival in Normandy
About Samhain Bernay
Samhain Festival: Celtic magic takes over Bernay
The Samhain Festival is the biggest Celtic and Halloween festival in Normandy. Every year, from October 31st to November 2nd, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bernay and its gardens transform into a fantastic universe where ancient Celtic traditions meet contemporary celebration. Organized by the association Les Trouble-fêtes, the festival attracts over 27,000 visitors passionate about fantasy, esoteric, and Celtic worlds.
An exceptional Witch Market
The heart of the festival beats around the Witch Market, which brings together 150 carefully selected artisans: creators of esoteric jewelry, herbalists, makers of artisanal candles, leather artisans, illuminators, and many more. This unique market offers mystical objects, potions, grimoires, and artisanal creations that will delight lovers of dark, pagan, and medieval-fantasy universes.
Enchanting Concerts and Shows
A real concert stage is set up in the Abbey Garden with an exclusive program of pagan and Celtic music. Artists like Eihwar and Hrafngrímr have marked previous editions with their powerful performances. Fire shows and fireworks illuminate the evenings, while jugglers, fire-eaters, and street companies entertain the festival throughout the weekend.
Activities for the whole family
The Samhain Festival is also a great family celebration. The Great Candy Hunt on October 31st delights the youngest, while the Autumn Carnival invites young and old to parade in costume through the streets of Bernay. Face painting workshops, costume contests, and permanent activities complete the program. The Samhain Ceremony, with its grand ritual bonfire, is the emotional highlight of the festival.
Themed editions
Each year, the festival adopts a different theme that guides the scenography and activities. In 2024, the theme "Cursed Pirates" transported visitors into a world of fantastic piracy. In 2025, "The Dragon's Breath" promised a fiery event, with exceptional pyrotechnic shows and impressive draconic decorations.
Samhain Bernay — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Samhain Festival in Bernay, on the theme « Fairies & Völvas », plunges the public into a universe where fairies from enchanted forests meet völvas, prophetesses and sorceresses from Nordic mythologies. From October 30th to November 1st, 2026 (with a special opening night and concerts starting on October 29th), the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bernay and the city center will be transformed: pagan and folk concerts, the Witch's Market with over 160 artisans, fire shows, an autumn carnival, and a grand ritual Samhain fire.
Samhain Festival 2026: « Fairies & Völvas »
For its 2026 edition, the Samhain Festival explores the feminine figures of magic and European mythologies, between enchanted forests and Nordic prophetesses (the völvas, capable of reading the threads of destiny). The festival takes place from October 30th to November 1st, 2026 at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bernay and in the historic city center, preceded by a special evening and opening concerts on October 29th.
Program
- Pagan, folk, and Celtic concerts in the Abbey garden
- Witch's Market gathering over 160 artisans and creators (esoteric jewelry, herbalists, leather goods, handmade candles…)
- Fire shows, parades, stilt creatures, and live arts
- Samhain fire and rituals inspired by ancient traditions
- Little Wizards' Village: workshops, face painting, storytelling, and candy hunt for children
- Grand costumed autumn carnival in the streets of Bernay
Announced Concerts
The 2026 musical program notably features Luc Arbogast, Kalandra, Nytt Land, Trobar de Morte, Eihwar, Deloraine, Orkhys, and Acus Vacuum, with Nordic folk, medieval, and pagan aesthetics.
Highlights Samhain Bernay 2026
- 2026 Theme: « Fairies & Völvas »
- Witch's Market: over 160 artisans and creators
- Concerts: Luc Arbogast, Kalandra, Nytt Land, Trobar de Morte, Eihwar…
- Grand ritual Samhain fire and autumn carnival
Prices Samhain Bernay 2026
Practical information — Samhain Bernay
Practical Information
Location
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bernay and historic center of Bernay, a Town of Art and History.
Access
By car: Bernay is accessible via the A28 (Bernay exit). Free parking is signposted in town.
By train: Bernay station, served by SNCF Nomad trains from Paris Saint-Lazare (approx. 1h40) and Rouen.
Prices
Free admission for street activities, the carnival, and the candy hunt. Some concerts and shows may be ticketed. Consult the official website for detailed prices.
Food & Drink
Medieval food stalls and food trucks on site.
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Where does it take place — Samhain Bernay
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bernay
Abbaye Notre-Dame, place Gustave Héon, 27300 Bernay, 27300 Bernay