Paris is not just about museums and monuments! Throughout the year, the City of Light pulses with the rhythm of festivals, popular celebrations, and free events where young travelers can experience a local, festive, and cultural vibe… often without breaking the bank.
Here are the must-see events you shouldn’t miss, categorized by season, along with tips to make the most of them from the AIJ Paris.
🌸 Spring
🎭 Night of Museums (mid-May)
- 🕒 Special night openings for numerous museums
- 💸 Free entry everywhere
- 💡 Tip: arrive early to avoid the lines!
- 📍 The Centre Pompidou, the Carnavalet Museum, or the Cité de l’Architecture are close to the AIJ.
🎨 Open Studio Days for Artists in Belleville (May)
➡️ Discover the behind-the-scenes of Parisian art in one of the most alternative neighborhoods.
👋 Meet artists directly, enjoy a very friendly atmosphere.
💸 Free
☀️ Summer
🎶 Music Festival (June 21)
➡️ Concerts all over the city, stages in squares, bars, parks…
🎧 From electro to jazz, including rap and brass bands.
💸 Free
📍 The Bastille neighborhood (very close to the AIJ) is a lively spot!
🏖️ Paris Plages (July-August)
➡️ Sandy beaches, sun loungers, concerts, and activities along the Seine.
☀️ Vacation vibes right in the city.
💸 Free
🥳 Fnac Live Festival (July)
📍 In front of the City Hall
🎤 Francophone and international artists – electro, pop, rock
💸 100% free – but arrive early!
🍂 Autumn
✨ Nuit Blanche (early October)
➡️ A whole night of contemporary art, performances, and urban strolls
🕒 Open until morning
💸 Free
💡 Perfect for experiencing Paris at night in a unique way.
🎬 Silhouette Festival (September)
🎥 Outdoor short film screenings (Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge)
🎶 Live music + chill ambiance
💸 Free and really great to experience among travelers.
❄️ Winter
🎄 Alternative Christmas Markets (December)
📍 The Christmas Market at the REcyclerie, Hasard Ludique, or Cité Fertile
🎁 Handmade products, DIY workshops, concerts, and mulled wine
💸 Magical ambiance and very affordable prices
⛸️ Outdoor Ice Rinks
📍 City Hall, Grand Palais ephemeral, Trocadéro…
💸 Some are free, with skate rentals at low prices
🎯 The perfect winter plan to have fun and meet new people.
📱 Where to follow these events in real-time?
- The app Paris.fr or What to Do in Paris
- Facebook events from Paris Jeunes or Time Out Paris
- The announcements at the welcome desk of AIJ Paris
- Word of mouth among travelers at the hostel 😉
🎒 Why it’s perfect for young travelers?
- ✅ Many events are free or low-cost
- ✅ Great for meeting new people
- ✅ Accessible by foot or metro from AIJ Paris
- ✅ Offer a true immersion in local culture
