Zikenstock
Alternative music festival in Le Cateau-Cambrésis
About Zikenstock
Zikenstock is an alternative music festival held annually in May in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, in the Cambrésis region. For over 20 editions, it has offered three days under a marquee with an eclectic and committed program mixing punk, ska, reggae, rock, metal, hip-hop, and world music. Located at the Marché aux Bestiaux, the festival cultivates a festive, friendly, and militant spirit, with free camping, on-site catering, and accessible prices. Children under 12 enter for free.
Travel to this festival
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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
2026 edition of Zikenstock from May 7th to 9th in Le Cateau-Cambrésis with The Exploited, Madball, Assassin, The Partisans, and Neg' Marrons.
2026 Edition - May 7th to 9th
Zikenstock will return from May 7th to 9th, 2026 at the Marché aux Bestiaux in Le Cateau-Cambrésis. The lineup already announces strong names: The Exploited, Madball, Assassin, The Partisans, Neg' Marrons, Les Sales Majestés, and other artists to be announced.
Programme Zikenstock 2026
First Names Announced
- The Exploited
- Madball
- Assassin
- The Partisans
- Neg' Marrons
- Les Sales Majestés
Highlights Zikenstock 2026
- May 7th to 9th, 2026
- The Exploited and Madball as headliners
- Free camping
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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Travel to this festival
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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