One year in Lyon
Thanks to the offerings of the Opéra National de Lyon, Orchestre National de Lyon, Théâtre des Célestins, Théâtre National Populaire, Maison de la Danse and the city's many theatres, café-théâtres and venues, there are plenty of concerts and shows to see throughout the year. Numerous festivals, museum exhibitions, trade shows and sports events also offer many things to see and do.
January
SIRHA and Bocuse d’Or competition
This famous competition, which follows the codes of the greatest sporting events, is held during SIRHA, the international trade fair devoted to the hospitality sector and gastronomy organized every two years in Lyon
www.sirha.com
March
Quais du Polar
An essential French event devoted to crime fiction with novels, comics, TV series, cinema, round table meetings, urban investigations, theatre, exhibitions, games, and more.
For all members of the public.
www.quaisdupolar.com
April
Vintage fashion market
A popular fashion-federating event that is open to all. Vintage products offering a unique blend of trends, tastes, colours, looks and entertainment.
www.marchemodevintage.com
May
Nuits Sonores
A reference in Europe, this independent and urban electronic festival attracts more than 130,000 French and foreign visitors every year.
Organized by the Arty Farty association, it has been a yearly 5-day occurrence since 2003.
www.nuits-sonores.com
June to August
Nuits de Fourvière
A multidisciplinary cultural festival (theatre, music, dance) held every year since 1946 in the Gallo-Roman theatres in the Fourvière area. For some years now, this event in Lyon has been attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors thanks to the numerous international artists who take part in it.
www.nuitsdefourviere.com
September
Biennale de la Danse
This biennial dance festival is the largest in the world and brings together over forty international companies and 100,000 spectators every even-numbered year.
www.labiennaledelyon.com
October
Lumière Festival
This festival, held in the home town of the cinematograph, invites the world of cinema to celebrate its vitality and memory.
At the climax, the Prix Lumière is awarded to a leading figure for their life’s work and their contribution to the history of cinema. The Lumière festival also includes over 180 screenings for all ages, events, and cinema-concerts in various locations throughout the city.
www.festival-lumiere.org
Biennale d'art contemporain
A biennial modern art festival an essential event in the artworld that ranks among the 5 greatest international biennials, over 250,000 visitors every odd-numbered year (from mid-September to mid-January).
www.labiennaledelyon.com
November
Silk in Lyon Festival
Amateurs and specialists are invited to discover the influence silk has had on Lyon's history, as well as its position in contemporary textile design and local industry. Silk Market.
www.silkinlyon.com
December
Fête des Lumières
With several million visitors every year, the Festival of lights is the most important event in Lyon every year.
During 4 days around the 8th of December, artists from Lyon and abroad illuminate the city of Lyon and offer a unique visual experience.
An event that attracts visitors from Lyon, France and all over the world.
www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr
