Paris hosts diverse cultural events in October 2026

A variety of cultural events and music festivals are set to take place in Paris and other regions during October 2026. These events range from concerts and film retrospectives to music festivals and art exhibitions, offering a wide array of experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Fondation Cartier presents Ghanaian musician Osei Korankye

The Fondation Cartier in Paris will host a concert by Ghanaian artist Osei Korankye on October 23, 2026, as part of its free Friday night event. The concert will highlight his skill on the seperewa, a traditional stringed instrument from Akan culture in Ghana.

Fondation Cartier also showcases works by Ibrahim Mahama

The same venue is currently exhibiting the works of Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. His art often explores themes of labor, memory, and material culture, reflecting on the history of Ghana and its connections to the wider world.

The Strokes to perform at Accor Arena in Paris

The Accor Arena in Paris will host a concert by The Strokes on October 22, 2026. This will be the band's first performance at the venue and will focus on their seventh album, Reality Awaits, which was released earlier that summer.

Support acts include Alex Cameron and Fat White Family

Additional performances at the Accor Arena concert will include Australian artist Alex Cameron and the English band Fat White Family. Both acts are known for their distinctive styles and have gained significant followings in the indie and alternative music scenes.

Cinémathèque française honors Robert Guédiguian

The Cinémathèque française in Paris will present a retrospective of Robert Guédiguian's work from October 19 to November 9, 2026. The event coincides with the release of his new film Une femme aujourd’hui, which explores contemporary issues through the lens of personal and social narratives.

Retrospective includes appearances by the filmmaker

The program will include a selection of Guédiguian’s films, including his first three works. The filmmaker will appear on October 19 and November 4, and a special evening on November 8 will be hosted by the Cinémathèque's director, Frédéric Bonnaud.

Swim Festival brings music and local flavors to La Rochelle

The Swim Festival will take place in La Rochelle from October 21 to 25. The event will feature a lineup of international and local artists and will combine music with natural wine and oysters, creating a unique cultural experience in the heart of the White City.

Documentary Casa Susanna to premiere in Paris

The documentary Casa Susanna, directed by Sébastien Lifshitz, will be shown on October 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the cinéma La Clef in Paris. The film explores the history of a secret refuge in the Catskills during the 1950s and 1960s, where cross-dressed men and transgender women could live freely.

Les Femmes s'en mêlent festival celebrates female artists

The Les Femmes s'en mêlent festival, aimed at revealing new talents and celebrating female artists, will take place from October 30 to November 29 in Paris and Île-de-France. The festival will also run from October 22 to December 5 throughout France, featuring a wide range of musical genres and performances by notable artists.

Swiss Cultural Center hosts evening of art and performance

The Swiss Cultural Center (CSS) in Paris will host a series of performances and films by artists from October 24, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature works by Klodin Erb, Monika Emmanuelle Kazi, Sophie Ballmer, Julie Semoroz, and others, creating an immersive experience for the audience.