The 45th edition of Quai des Bulles, held from October 9 to 11, 2026, in Saint-Malo, France, celebrates a diverse range of creative expressions, including illustration, music, storytelling, and performing arts. Unlike traditional comic festivals that focus on static panels displayed on cimaises (a type of stand or frame for displaying art), this year’s event emphasizes the integration of comics into live performance, with drawing as a central element. Five shows highlight this theme, offering audiences a dynamic experience that blends visual and auditory storytelling. One of the highlights is Contes à bulles, a performance that brings together storytellers, musicians, and illustrators in real time. Artists Roxane Au’ra and Maël Chauvet lead sessions on Friday and Saturday, creating an immersive experience that combines spoken word, music, and live illustration. Another notable event is Cordes de soie, held at the Théâtre Chateaubriand, which draws inspiration from the Silk Road and the memory of an ancient oriental harp. The performance combines voice, harp, and visual elements in two shows on Friday, October 9. On Saturday, Lou ! Sonata 3 at La Nouvelle Vague marks the conclusion of a cycle by artist Julien Neel. This performance blends image, narrative, and an electric soundtrack with the group Krystal Zealot. Another unique offering is La Forêt millénaire, which brings to life the unfinished work of Japanese artist Jirô Taniguchi through a sound creation inspired by his watercolor paintings. The festival also features Démontagner, a key event highlighted for its departure from the festival’s usual format. Beyond Quai des Bulles, several other literary and cultural events take place across France and beyond. The Violeta Negra Prize honors novels translated from Southern languages, with entries from Italy, Spain, Greece, and Israel. In Toulouse, the Toulouse Polars du Sud festival focuses on war in noir fiction, with discussions featuring authors like Andreï Kourkov and Abir Mukherjee. Other festivals, such as Nuits de la lecture and Ensemble en Librairie!, explore themes like childhood and resistance in independent bookstores. Meanwhile, events like Read & Shine 2026 and Aventuriales 2026 examine historical archives, contemporary issues, and the intersection of imagination with real-world challenges.