Swinging Montpellier
International Swing Festival: Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz and free concerts in Montpellier
About Swinging Montpellier
Swinging Montpellier in Montpellier
Swinging Montpellier is a must-attend event in the cultural life of Montpellier and the Hérault department, in Occitanie. Since its creation in 1971, this event has established itself as a benchmark for dance/jazz, attracting a loyal and curious audience each year.
Presentation
Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz festival with masterclasses and free outdoor swing evenings in July.
An event rooted in its territory
Located in the heart of Montpellier, Swinging Montpellier takes advantage of the exceptional setting of the municipality and its heritage. The event fully contributes to the tourist attractiveness of the Hérault department and enhances the cultural, natural, and human riches of the Occitanie region. The Hérault department, bathed by the Mediterranean and crossed by varied landscapes from the coast to the Larzac, offers an ideal setting for hosting quality cultural events.
Program and activities
Each edition of Swinging Montpellier offers a varied program combining dance/jazz and conviviality. Visitors can enjoy multiple activities, discoveries, and moments of sharing that make this event so rich. The complete program is announced each year on the official channels of the event.
A friendly event
Swinging Montpellier is above all a moment of sharing and conviviality. Whether you are an informed amateur or simply curious, everyone will find something to satisfy their curiosity and have a pleasant time in Montpellier. The warm welcome from the organizers and volunteers makes each edition a memorable experience.
Swinging Montpellier — edition 2026
The 7th edition of Swinging Montpellier takes place from Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026, on the majestic Promenade du Peyrou, in Montpellier. An 80% free international swing festival: open-air concerts, dances, initiations, Jazz vs All Styles battle, choreographic competition in homage to Duke Ellington.
2026 Edition — July 16th to 19th at Promenade du Peyrou
For its 7th edition, the Swinging Montpellier festival once again takes over the Promenade du Peyrou from Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026, in the heart of the Montpellier summer. Artistic direction is entrusted to Rémy Kouakou Kouamé, who brings together 11 international Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz dancers for masterclasses, dances, and competitions.
An 80% Free Festival
The program is 80% free: concerts at Peyrou, open-air swing dances, daily Lindy Hop initiations, battles, conferences, and access to the swing village are open to all. Only masterclasses and the gala evening require paid tickets.
Four Evenings Under the Stars
Four free evenings from Thursday to Sunday will have the public dancing under the stars with international orchestras: Holy Bounce Orchestra, The Nutcrackers Combo, Coffee Grinders Quintet, Sunny Side Trio, Sing & Dance Trio. Two after-parties (Friday and Saturday evenings) extend the celebration at Hôtel JOST, the official partner.
Duke Ellington Competition and Jazz vs All Styles Battle
The 2026 choreographic competition pays homage to the repertoire of Duke Ellington, with presentations on the Peyrou stage on Friday evening and the final on Saturday. On Sunday evening, the traditional Jazz vs All Styles Battle pits jazz dancers against dancers of other styles (notably Hip Hop) in a highly anticipated improvisation.
Programme Swinging Montpellier 2026
Thursday, July 16th — Opening
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM · Free Lindy Hop Initiation (Promenade du Peyrou)
- 8:00 PM · Official Inauguration
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Concert The Nutcrackers Combo — Part 1
- 9:30 PM · Teachers' Show choreographed by Rémy Kouakou Kouamé
- 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Concert The Nutcrackers Combo — Part 2
Friday, July 17th
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Advanced Lindy Hop « INTENSIVE » Masterclass (paid)
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM · Free Lindy Hop Initiation
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Duke Ellington Competition — qualifications
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Concert Coffee Grinders Quintet — Part 1
- 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Continuation of Duke qualifications + guest dancers
- 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Concert Coffee Grinders Quintet — Part 2
- 11:00 PM · After-party at Hôtel JOST
Saturday, July 18th
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM · Lindy Hop & Solo Jazz Masterclasses (paid)
- 1:00 PM · Concert Sunny Side Trio
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM · Free Lindy Hop Initiation
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Free Swing Kids Initiation
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Concert Holy Bounce Orchestra — Part 1
- 9:00 PM · Choreographed Show + Duke Competition results
- 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Concert Holy Bounce Orchestra — Part 2
- 11:00 PM · After-party at Hôtel JOST
Sunday, July 19th — Closing
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM · Lindy Hop & Solo Jazz Masterclasses (paid)
- 1:00 PM · Concert Sing & Dance Trio
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM · Free Lindy Hop Initiation
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM · « All styles jazz » Masterclass with Rémy Kouakou Kouamé (paid)
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM · Jazz vs Street dances Battle — selections
- 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM · Concert Holy Bounce Orchestra
- 10:30 PM – Midnight · Battle Final + Festival Closing
Location: Promenade du Peyrou (central and side dance floors). Program subject to adjustments — consult the official website for definitive times.
Highlights Swinging Montpellier 2026
- 7th edition of the international swing festival in Montpellier, on the Promenade du Peyrou
- 80% free program: concerts, dances, Lindy Hop initiations, battles
- Artistic direction by Rémy Kouakou Kouamé and 11 international dancers (UK, Sweden, Italy, USA, Spain, Brazil, France)
- 2026 choreographic competition in homage to Duke Ellington
- Jazz vs All Styles Battle on Sunday evening
- Four concert evenings with Holy Bounce Orchestra, The Nutcrackers Combo, Coffee Grinders Quintet, Sunny Side Trio, Sing & Dance Trio
Prices Swinging Montpellier 2026
Practical information — Swinging Montpellier
Practical information
Location
Montpellier (34000), Hérault.
Access
Travel to Montpellier by road. Parking is available around the event site. Consult the official information for access details.
Prices
Price: from €12 to €34.
Contact
For more information, visit the official website of the event or contact the Montpellier town hall.
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Where does it take place — Swinging Montpellier
Promenade du Peyrou
Promenade du Peyrou, 34000 Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier