Zikenstock
Alternative music festival in Le Cateau-Cambrésis
About Zikenstock
Zikenstock: The Alternative Festival of Cambrésis
Zikenstock is an alternative music festival deeply rooted in the associative and cultural fabric of Le Cateau-Cambrésis, a small town in the North known as the birthplace of Henri Matisse. For over 20 years, this festival has offered a committed and eclectic musical program, true to the spirit of alternative festivals: punk, ska, reggae, rock, metal, hip-hop, committed chanson, and world music.
Three Days of Music Under a Marquee
Held at the Marché aux Bestiaux in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, the festival hosts around thirty bands and artists over three days (usually the Ascension weekend in May) on several stages covered by marquees. The lineup mixes international headliners from the punk and alternative scene with local and emerging bands, offering a rich and varied musical discovery.
A Festive and Committed Spirit
Zikenstock cultivates a militant and supportive spirit. The festival is run by a team of passionate volunteers, and prices are deliberately kept accessible to allow as many people as possible to attend. Associative and militant stands complement the musical offerings, contributing to making the festival a place for meetings, debates, and conviviality.
Camping and Catering
Free camping is available to festival-goers on the festival site itself. On-site catering offers a variety of dishes, with attention paid to vegetarian options. The camping atmosphere is in the image of the festival: warm, relaxed, and fraternal.
A Festival That Lasts
With over 20 editions under its belt, Zikenstock has built a loyal following from across the North and beyond. Its longevity testifies to the vitality of the alternative music scene in Northern France and the unwavering commitment of its volunteer organizers.
Zikenstock — edition 2026
22nd edition of Zikenstock from May 7 to 9, 2026 (Ascension Thursday-Friday-Saturday) at the Marché aux Bestiaux in Le Cateau-Cambrésis. Three days of alternative music under a big top with about twenty bands: The Exploited, Madball, Ruts DC, Lions Law, La Ruda, Los Fastidios, Neg' Marrons, Assassin, The Partisans, Les Sales Majestés and many others. Free camping, on-site catering, HelloAsso ticketing.
22nd Edition — May 7 to 9, 2026
Zikenstock returns for its 22nd edition from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, as every year on Ascension weekend. Three days of alternative music under a big top at the Marché aux Bestiaux in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, with a program faithful to the spirit of the festival: punk, ska, reggae, hardcore, skinhead reggae, committed song.
Headliners
The 2026 edition brings together about twenty French and international bands. Among punk legends, The Exploited (UK) and The Partisans (UK) close the festival on Saturday evening. Madball (New York hardcore) and Ruts DC (historic British reggae-punk) complete the international headliners. On the French side, we find Assassin (hip-hop), La Ruda (festive rock), Lions Law (oi!) and Les Sales Majestés (punk).
Format and Atmosphere
The festival opens its doors in the afternoon (from 2 PM) and continues late into the night (until 2 AM). The site is entirely covered by big tops, which guarantees that concerts will be held regardless of the weather. Free on-site camping, various food stalls (including vegetarian options), refreshment stands, and activist association stands complete the experience.
Ticketing
Tickets are available on HelloAsso: day pass at 35 € in pre-sale (40 € on site) and 3-day pass at 79 € in pre-sale (85 € on site). Free entry for children under 12.
Programme Zikenstock 2026
Thursday, May 7, 2026
- Toxic Frogs
- Inner Terrestrials (UK — anarchist punk)
- Laurel Aitken Experience (tribute to the father of Jamaican ska)
- The Locos (Spanish ska-punk, ex-Ska-P)
- Ruts DC (UK — historic punk-reggae)
- Neg' Marrons (French rap-reggae)
Friday, May 8, 2026
- Guerilla Poubelle (French punk-rock)
- Claimed Choice
- Alpheus & The Utopians (UK reggae)
- Two Tone Club (Italian ska)
- Assassin (historic French hip-hop)
- Los Fastidios (Italian anti-fascist oi!/ska)
- Lions Law (French oi!)
- La Ruda (festive rock)
- Madball (New York hardcore)
Saturday, May 9, 2026
- Acidez (Mexican D-beat / hardcore)
- Les Vilains Clowns
- The Mercenaries
- Les Sales Majestés (French punk)
- The Partisans (UK — punk-rock 82)
- The Oppressed (UK — anti-fascist oi!)
- The Exploited (UK — hardcore punk legend since 1979)
Exact performance times per artist not published as of verification date. Doors open at 2 PM, concerts until 2 AM. Detailed schedules are usually communicated on the festival's Facebook page a few days before the event.
Highlights Zikenstock 2026
- 22nd edition on May 7, 8, and 9, 2026 (Ascension weekend)
- The Exploited, Madball, Ruts DC, The Partisans, and Lions Law as headliners
- About twenty French and international bands over 3 days
- All under big top — concerts guaranteed regardless of the weather
- Free camping on site
- Free for children under 12
Prices Zikenstock 2026
Practical information — Zikenstock
Practical Information
Location
The festival takes place at the Marché aux Bestiaux, rue de Lattre de Tassigny, 59360 Le Cateau-Cambrésis. Concerts are held under a marquee, allowing the festival to proceed regardless of weather conditions. Camping is adjacent to the festival site.
Access and Transport
By car: RN43 from Cambrai (20 min), D643 from Maubeuge (40 min) or from Saint-Quentin (40 min). Free parking in the immediate vicinity of the festival site. Parking is signposted from the main access roads to the town.
By train: Le Cateau-Cambrésis station, served by the TER Cambrai-Hirson line (via Aulnoye-Aymeries). The station is a 10-minute walk from the Marché aux Bestiaux. From Lille, allow about 1h30 with a connection at Cambrai or Aulnoye-Aymeries.
Dates
The festival is generally held on the Ascension weekend in May, over 3 days (Thursday-Friday-Saturday). Gates open in the early afternoon, and concerts continue late into the night. The detailed program with set times is announced on the festival's social media.
Prices and Ticketing
Day tickets and 3-day passes are available. Prices are deliberately accessible, in the alternative and supportive spirit of the festival. Children under 12 benefit from free entry. Tickets are available online (Placeminute, HelloAsso) and on-site at the festival box office.
Camping
Free camping is provided for festival-goers on the festival site itself. Camping opens on Wednesday evening to allow early arrivals to set up. Toilets and water points are available. Bring your tent, sleeping bag, and gear. The camping atmosphere is fraternal and friendly, reflecting the festival's spirit.
Catering
Catering stands are set up on the festival site, offering various dishes at moderate prices: burgers, fries, sandwiches, crepes, merguez. Attention is paid to vegetarian options. Bars offer beers, soft drinks, and hot beverages.
Rules and Security
A security system is in place. Glass bottles are prohibited on site. Animals are not allowed (except guide dogs). The festival is a space for tolerance and mutual respect.
Practical Tips
- Camping is the best way to fully enjoy the 3 days.
- Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to loud noise.
- Bring warm clothing for May evenings.
- Le Cateau-Cambrésis is home to the Matisse Museum: take advantage of your visit for a cultural trip.
Contact
Facebook Page: Festival Zikenstock. Online ticketing.
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Where does it take place — Zikenstock
Marché aux Bestiaux
Rue de Lattre de Tassigny, Marché aux Bestiaux, 59360 Le Cateau-Cambrésis