Paris Events in August 2025 – Music, Movies & Long Summer Nights

August in Paris feels a little quieter, a little slower — but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on. With many locals out of town, the city makes room for outdoor concerts, open-air films, riverside hangouts, and unexpected pockets of summer fun.

Paris events in August 2025 tend to be more relaxed, more spread out, and often a bit more charming because of it. It's a great time to enjoy long evenings, fewer lines, and a side of Paris that's equal parts easygoing and inviting.

Liberation of Paris Festivities

Each August, Paris marks the anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation — not with solemn silence, but with gatherings, speeches, music, and the kind of collective pride that still crackles through the city's streets. It's a moment that remembers resistance, courage, and a turning point that still feels personal to Parisians.

Events pop up around the city, with the Hotel de Ville front plaza often serving as the main stage. It's part history lesson, part celebration — and a chance to witness how Paris honors its past without ever losing its style. Although this is not an official French it's one of the biggest Paris events in August.

• August 25, 2025

Experience the Magnificence of Versailles

Versailles isn't subtle. With its mirrored halls, gold trim, and miles of manicured gardens, the former royal estate knows exactly what kind of impression it's making. And while it's easy to gawk, it's even better with a guide who knows where the stories are buried — and how to get you past the lines.

This skip-the-line tour bundles it all: transport from Paris, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of time to wander through rooms built to impress and gardens designed for showing off. History, luxury, and no standing around. Très efficient.

Rock en Seine – Paris Events in August

Held just outside the city at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, Rock en Seine is where Paris lets its hair down — loudly. With stages tucked between fountains and forests, the setting is unexpectedly grand, the music reliably loud.

The lineup spans indie, rock, electro, and a few wild cards, drawing a crowd that's equal parts edgy and effortlessly cool. Expect late nights, loud sets, and the occasional crowd-surf through French elegance.

• Pont de Saint-Cloud
• Last weekend in August 2025
• Information…

Silhouette Festival — Free

As summer winds down, Paris's Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge turns into an open-air cinema for the Silhouette Festival — a low-key, high-charm celebration of short films under the stars. It's one of those Paris events in August that feels like a secret, even when the lawn is packed.

Each night starts with live music and eases into a lineup of short films that are often surprising, occasionally odd, and never boring. Bring a blanket, something to sip, and a willingness to watch whatever rolls across the screen.

• Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge, 19th Arrondissement
• End of August & early September
• Information…

Classique au Vert

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Paris events in August, the Parc Floral de Paris hosts the Classique au Vert festival, where classical melodies intertwine with the park's lush landscapes.

Each weekend, the park's open-air stages come alive with performances that invite both aficionados and newcomers to experience classical music in a refreshingly relaxed setting.

• Parc Floral, Bois de Vincennes
• Information…

Assomption – Assumption Day

August 15th marks Assumption Day, one of the most widely observed religious holidays in France — and a moment when Paris slows down noticeably. Many shops close, the pace softens, and the city takes a breath.

At Notre-Dame Cathedral, however, things are far from quiet. Processions and services draw large crowds, offering a rare chance to witness centuries-old tradition in motion. It's one of the more solemn and meaningful Paris events in August, and well worth seeing, whether out of faith or fascination.

Don't be caught off guard by this unassuming Paris holiday. Virtually everything will be closed including department stores, shops, and many restaurants.

• August 15, 2025
• French National Holiday

Parisians and visitors alike along the temporary beaches of Paris Plage, photo by Mark Craft

Paris Plage Returns in 2025

Paris Plages brings a breezy, beachy detour to the city's summer routine. With riverside deckchairs, swimming spots, and pop-up bars, the Seine turns surprisingly tropical. It's casual, sunny, and wonderfully odd — and easily one of the most laid-back Paris events in August, especially when you need a break from museums and monuments.

• On the banks of the Seine
• Ends late August
• Information…

Cinéma En Plein Air 2025

As twilight settles over Paris, the city's parks and courtyards transform into open-air cinemas, where films flicker under the stars and summer nights stretch long. From the sprawling lawns of Parc de la Villette to the historic Arènes de Lutèce, film enthusiasts gather with wine and picnic baskets, ready to indulge in cinematic classics and contemporary gems alike. It's one of the most quietly magical Paris events in August — just bring a blanket.

• Parc de la Villette
• mid July to mid August
• Information…

Été du Canal

Each summer, the banks of the Paris canals burst into life with L'Été du Canal, a festival that turns the waterways into vibrant hubs of activity. From lively dance balls and floating concerts to street art tours and waterside picnics, it's a celebration that invites everyone to enjoy the city's aquatic charm.

Affordable river shuttles make hopping between events a breeze, while open-air cinemas and pop-up bars ensure the festivities continue well into the evening. Whether you're kayaking along the Canal de l'Ourcq or dancing on a barge, L'Été du Canal offers a uniquely Parisian way to savor the summer.

• Canal de L'Ourcq
• July & August
• Information…

Fête des Tuileries

Amidst the array of Paris events in August, the Fête des Tuileries stands out as a charming blend of nostalgia and excitement. Set in the historic Jardin des Tuileries, this traditional funfair offers around 60 attractions, including vintage carousels, bumper cars, and a giant slide, delighting both the young and the young at heart.

As you wander through the fair, the aromas of cotton candy, crêpes, and toffee apples fill the air, inviting you to indulge in classic fairground treats. Take a leisurely ride on a 1900s wooden horse merry-go-round or an adrenaline rush from more thrilling attractions, the Fête des Tuileries encapsulates the festive spirit of Paris in the summertime.

• Jardins des Tuileries, along Rue de Rivoli
• Late June to late August
• Information…