To treat yourself to a (good and beautiful) show sometimes requires breaking your piggy bank and, as we all know, especially in these times of high inflation, not everyone can afford it.
Fortunately, there are a number of free shows on offer in Paris, for those who can't afford it and for everyone else too. Whether financed by private patronage or public subsidy. But that doesn't mean we can't continue to support artistic creation.
Circus, dance, theater, comedy, shows for young audiences, music... No discipline escapes the rule of presenting shows free of charge, for whatever reason. And sometimes, it's as part of a festival.
In many cases, access to these shows is free of charge, but the number of seats is limited and tickets must be reserved inadvance.
Whether it's showcases presenting extracts from a show, full-length shows, creations in the making or open-air shows performed in the heart of thepublic space, there are always free shows to see in Paris.
Drag bingo and blind test with drag queen Clemence Trü, every Sunday at Olympe in Pantin
Head to Chez Olympe in Pantin, every Sunday at 6pm, for a free drag bingo hosted by drag queen Clemence Trü, followed by a wild blind test. [Read more]
Tip: Comédie-Française offers free Monday tickets to under-28s
Every Monday evening in Paris, the Comédie-Française offers a unique opportunity to young people under the age of 28: 95 free tickets are distributed for its performances in the prestigious Salle Richelieu. Tickets can be collected from the Petit Bureau, one hour before the start of the play. [Read more]
Les Nuits des Lumières: free video mapping show on the Argenteuil basilica (95)
Argenteuil is set to shine brightly with Les Nuits des Lumières! From April 20 to May 11, 2025, the Saint-Denys Basilica will be transformed every evening (except Saturday) into a magical video mapping show. A free light show where digital art, heritage and technological innovation come together for a unique immersive experience! [Read more]
The Sebastopol Comedy Club: stand-up comedy in a Paris hotel
The Sebastopol Comedy Club is the unusual comedy stage that awaits you in the heart of the 123 Sebastopol hotel in Paris. Every weekend, in the heart of a hotel, you'll find a stand-up stage hosted by established artists. [Read more]
Esprit Jardin, the free Fête des Plantes of Versailles 2025, the program
Esprit Jardin celebrates the Fête des Plantes in Versailles on April 26 and 27, 2025. On the program: plant and equipment sales, workshops, entertainment, shows and much more, with free admission. [Read more]
La Médiévale de Guignes 2025: medieval village and free events in April
For the second edition of the event, the town of Guignes (77) organizes its great medieval festival: an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of the Middle Ages, for one day. [Read more]
MegaWATT 2025: live entertainment in public spaces in Paris and Seine-et-Marne
The MégaWATT 2025 artistic journey arrives in Paris and Seine-et-Marne from May 3 to June 28. Shows, workshops, circus and dance in free access, all in the public space. [Read more]
Tous à l'Opéra 2025: free visits in Paris and the Île-de-France region, the program
For the 18th edition of "Tous à l'Opéra", a number of prestigious establishments in and around Paris will be opening their doors to you on Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11, 2025. It's the perfect time to discover the splendor and beauty of these exceptional cultural venues, free of charge. Discover the program in Paris and Ile-de-France! [Read more]
K-Plus Festival 2025: A unique immersion in Korean culture. Free admission.
Sponsored - The K-Plus Festival returns for its 3ᵉ edition on May 16 and 17, 2025 at the Université Ouverte de Paris Cité in the 13th arrondissement. This not-to-be-missed event invites the public to plunge into the heart of Korean culture, through a rich and diverse program combining lectures, interactive workshops, artistic performances, exhibitions and a traditional market. This year, the festival focuses on eco-responsible themes and ancestral know-how, exploring topics such as traditional fermentation and Korean craftsmanship. And to top it all off, there are plenty of prizes to be won! [Read more]
The Rambouillet Lily of the Valley Festival 2025: float parade, funfair and fireworks display
We know Rambouillet by its forest and the château that once served as the presidential residence... But have you heard of the Lily of the Valley Festival? Celebrated in the town for over 100 years, it's a must-see event in the Yvelines every May. [Read more]
Festival Jogging 2025: the arts and sports event at Carreau du Temple
From May 22 to 25, 2025, the Jogging Festival returns to the Halle du Carreau du Temple. The event puts the spotlight on exhibitions, shows, workshops, practices and projects at the crossroads of arts and sports. [Read more]
The Dourdan 2025 medieval festival in Essonne with market, tournament and shows
The Fête Médiévale de Dourdan, a not-to-be-missed event in southern Essonne, returns on May 31 and 1ᵉʳ June 2025 for two days of entertainment on the theme of the Middle Ages. Embark on a two-day journey, immersed in the heart of the Middle Ages! [Read more]
La Ville Dansée 2025: Benjamin Millepied choreographs a new public space with Philip Glass
Dance, technology and civic debate meet in June in the public space of the Paris region. La Ville Dansée 2025 features a collective choreography to the music of Philip Glass, from June 5 to 8, 2025. [Read more]
Parades(s) 2025: Nanterre's free street arts festival returns
Parade(s), the street arts festival, returns to Nanterre from June 6 to 8, 2025. The program for this free event includes circus, street theater, dance and artistic workshops for the whole family. [Read more]
L'Héritage des Vicomtes 2025, the sound and light show at Château de Blandy-les-Tours (77)
From July 4 to August 30, 2025, the Château de Blandy-les-Tours will be telling its story with l'Héritage des Vicomtes, a sound and light show that will take you through the centuries to discover this medieval castle. We've set out to discover it, and here's part of what awaits you. [Read more]
Roissy Meaux Airshow 2025: an aviation event not to be missed
The Roissy Meaux Airshow returns to the Meaux-Esbly airfield on Sunday July 6, 2025. After the cancellation of the 2024 edition due to unfavorable weather conditions, this new edition will put the spotlight on women. Ticketing is now open. [Read more]
Ile-de-France celebrates theater 2025: free summer events at leisure centers
The Ile-de-France region is once again celebrating theater on its leisure islands from July 11 to August 6, 2025. This year, the leisure islands of Créteil, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Cergy-Pontoise and Port aux Cerises will be hosting free shows and workshops (booking required). [Read more]
Châtelet Musical Club: a free and joyful musical show at the Théâtre du Châtelet
The Châtelet Musical Club is back at the Théâtre du Châtelet for a new season, with free, eclectic musical performances open to all, sung and danced live. [Read more]
La Médiévale de Brie Comte Robert 2025 in Seine-et-Marne, a festive and lively weekend awaits you
On the weekend of October 4 and 5, we're off to Brie Comte Robert in the 77 region of France to take a leap back in time to the Middle Ages for Médiévale 2025. Old-fashioned shows, festive parades and immersive activities promise a captivating, free weekend for the whole family in this charming Seine-et-Marne commune. [Read more]
Prices
Free
