Vouziers Ascension Fair
The largest commercial and festive fair in the Argonne Ardennaise
About Ascension Fair
Over 70 years of fair tradition in Argonne
Created in the early 1950s, the Vouziers Ascension Fair is one of the oldest festive and commercial events in the southern Ardennes. Every year, during the extended Ascension weekend, the small capital of Argonne transforms into a huge festive village, attracting nearly 20,000 visitors from across the department and neighboring regions. The fair perpetuates a tradition of over seven decades, highlighting the economic dynamism and know-how of local actors in the Vouzinois region.
150 exhibitors in the heart of the city
The main streets of Vouziers — notably Rue Chanzy and Rue Bournizet — host nearly 150 exhibitors: artisans, merchants, local producers, associations, and local businesses. You'll find stands offering Ardennes gastronomy, arts and crafts, chainsaw carving demonstrations, agricultural products, and interactive entertainment. The fair aims to promote the commercial diversity and economic fabric of the Argonne Ardennaise.
Performances, concerts, and entertainment for everyone
Each day, street performances liven up the fair aisles: giant puppets, strolling bands, circus artists, and costumed characters surprise visitors around the stands. The traditional opening parade, led by the municipal band with over 160 participants, kicks off the festivities in a joyful and popular atmosphere. Treasure hunts and fun activities are specially designed for children.
Every evening, free concerts are scheduled outdoors, with an eclectic program mixing French variety music, rock, world music, and local bands. The funfair, located nearby, complements the festive offerings with its rides and attractions for all ages. A pâté en croûte tasting contest and a cycling race are among the original activities that give this unique fair in Argonne its charm.
An event rooted in the territory
Organized by the association Dynamic Argonne, with the support of the Communauté de Communes de l'Argonne Ardennaise and the city of Vouziers, the Ascension Fair plays an essential role in promoting the identity and vitality of the region. It is a highlight of local life, bringing together residents, merchants, and visitors around the values of conviviality, local produce, and popular celebration.
Ascension Fair — edition 2026
The 73rd edition of the Vouziers Ascension Fair was held from Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the city center of the capital of the Ardennes Argonne, around Place Carnot and the shopping streets (Rue Chanzy and Rue Bournizet). Organized by the merchants' association Dynamic Argonne (chaired by Karine Coignart), this edition unfolded over three days with its usual formula combining a trade fair, street performances, free evening concerts, a funfair, and entertainment for the whole family.
73rd Ascension Fair — May 14 to 16, 2026
The Vouziers Ascension Fair celebrated its 73rd edition from Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16, 2026, coinciding with Ascension weekend. For three days, the city center of Vouziers (08400) — particularly Place Carnot and the shopping streets (Rue Chanzy and Rue Bournizet) — transformed into a vast festive area combining commerce, culture, and entertainment. The event, organized by the merchants' association Dynamic Argonne, relied as every year on about a hundred exhibitors — local artisans, producers from the Ardennes region, merchants, and associations.
Three Days of Free Entertainment
The 2026 program followed the proven framework: official opening on Thursday morning with the municipal band and the associations' parade, vintage car exhibition on Friday, sports demonstrations, and evening concerts. Each day was punctuated by street performances (giant puppet "Les Vâches Sacrées", strolls by Lucien Perroquet & Marinette, Fanfare des Arlequins) and free open-air concerts in the evening (Garage Band, Alex Ander, Duo Nostalgie, Funky Jazz Gang, Rock'n Fever). Saturday also featured a BMX show and a zumba demonstration by the Argonn' danse association.
A Fair Rooted in the Territory
Supported by the town of Vouziers and the Communauté de communes de l'Argonne Ardennaise, the Ascension Fair remains the largest economic and festive event in the south of the Ardennes. It plays an essential role for merchants and artisans of the Vouzinois region by highlighting commercial diversity and local know-how, and constitutes a highlight of Ardennes life. The funfair, set up nearby, completed the offer with its rides and attractions for all ages.
Programme Ascension Fair 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Opening
- 11:00 AM · Place Carnot: official inauguration with the Vouziers municipal band.
- 11:30 AM · City center: associations' challenge and producers' market.
- 2:00 PM — 4:30 PM · City center streets: stroll of the giant puppet "Les Vâches Sacrées".
- 3:00 PM · Associations' parade.
- Afternoon · Parc François Mitterrand: OMS challenges (Municipal Sports Office).
- 7:00 PM · City center stage: Garage Band concert (rock, free open-air).
Friday, May 15, 2026 — Vintage Cars and Concerts
- All day · City center: vintage car exhibition.
- All day · Shopping streets: strolls by Lucien Perroquet & Marinette (street performance).
- 2:00 PM · City center: Fanfare des Arlequins (musical stroll).
- 7:00 PM · City center stage: Alex Ander concert (variety, free open-air).
- 10:00 PM · City center stage: Duo Nostalgie (variety concert).
Saturday, May 16, 2026 — Festive Closing
- Morning · City center: stroll of the barrel organ.
- Afternoon · City center: Funky Jazz Gang concert.
- Afternoon · City center: BMX show and demonstrations.
- Afternoon · City center: zumba demonstration by the Argonn' danse association.
- Evening · City center stage: Rock'n Fever concert (closing, free open-air).
Official program announced by the Dynamic Argonne association and relayed by Radio 8 Ardennes, JDS, and the Argonne Ardennaise Tourist Office. Free access to entertainment, funfair paid according to attractions.
Highlights Ascension Fair 2026
- 73rd edition of the Ascension Fair, one of the largest commercial and festive events in the south of the Ardennes
- Three days of free entertainment in the heart of Vouziers, around Place Carnot and the shopping streets
- About a hundred exhibitors: local artisans, producers from the Ardennes region, merchants, and associations
- Five free open-air concerts: Garage Band, Alex Ander, Duo Nostalgie, Funky Jazz Gang, Rock'n Fever
- Street performances: giant puppet "Les Vâches Sacrées", Lucien Perroquet & Marinette, Fanfare des Arlequins, barrel organ
- Opening parade led by the municipal band (Thursday 11 AM), associations' parade (Thursday 3 PM)
- Vintage car exhibition on Friday, BMX show and zumba demonstration on Saturday
- Funfair installed near the site for the entire duration of the fair
- Free event, organized by the merchants' association Dynamic Argonne (chaired by Karine Coignart)
Prices Ascension Fair 2026
Practical information — Ascension Fair
Access
- Location: Rue Chanzy and Rue Bournizet, Vouziers town center (08400)
- By car: From Reims (60 km southwest), take D966 then D946 towards Vouziers. From Charleville-Mézières (60 km north), take D764 then D946.
- Parking: Free parking on the outskirts of the town center.
Hours
- Thursday (Ascension Day): 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM — Opening parade at 10:00 AM, evening concert
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM — Street performances, evening concert
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to Midnight — Entertainment, closing concert
Prices
- Admission: Free
- Concerts: Free
- Funfair: Prices vary by attraction
Contact
- Organizer: Dynamic Argonne Association
- Website: dynamicargonne.fr
- Facebook: Dynamic Argonne
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Where does it take place — Ascension Fair
Centre-ville de Vouziers
Rues Chanzy et Bournizet, 08400 Vouziers