Discover a selection of cultural and festive activities to fully enjoy the weekend of August 15-17 in Paris: major exhibitions still on view in mid-August, outdoor festivals, open-air cinema, and free concerts. All events listed below take place during this weekend. Even though August 15 is a public holiday, most museums in Paris remain open.
Must-See Exhibitions
Jean Gaumy — Jean Gaumy and the Sea
Description: A comprehensive photographic monograph dedicated to Jean Gaumy’s maritime universe (Magnum): fishing, open sea, submarines, and polar landscapes.
Location: Musée national de la Marine (Palais de Chaillot, Trocadéro).
Dates: May 14, 2025 – August 17, 2025.
Tickets/Info: Official museum page (reservation possible).
Read our guide about Museums in Paris
David Hockney 25 — Fondation Louis Vuitton
Description: A major retrospective covering 25 recent years of Hockney’s work, presented across all spaces of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. A must-see for contemporary painting enthusiasts, large formats, and digital experiments.
Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton (Bois de Boulogne).
Dates: April 9, 2025 – September 1, 2025.
Tickets/Info: Fondation Louis Vuitton ticketing (exhibition often sold out — book in advance).
Dans le flou — Une autre vision de l’art (de 1945 à nos jours)
Description: A thematic journey exploring the aesthetics of “blur” in painting, photography, and video, from post-war to contemporary artists (Monet, Richter, Turner, etc.). Perfect for a contemplative visit in the Tuileries.
Location: Musée de l’Orangerie (Jardin des Tuileries).
Dates: April 30, 2025 – August 18, 2025.
Tickets/Info: Museum ticketing (nocturnes and reduced rates on certain Fridays).
Are boat tours and diner cruise worth it Paris ? Read our Guide on Boat tours and cruises on the Seine.
Festivals, Concerts, and Outdoor Events (5)
Paris Plages — Summer Activities on the Banks, Bassin de la Villette, and Canal
– Short description: Summer transforms the riverbanks into urban “beaches”: deckchairs, workshops, supervised swimming at the Bassin de la Villette, cultural programming, and Brazilian food stalls for the 2025 edition. Free, family-friendly activities.
– Location: Banks of the Seine (several areas), Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint-Martin.
– Dates: July 5, 2025 – August 31, 2025 (active during the August 15–17 weekend).
– Tickets / info: Most activities are free; program and map on the official Paris.fr / Tourist Office page.
5) Open-Air Cinema — La Villette Festival
– Short description: Giant screen on the Prairie du Triangle at La Villette: family screenings at 6 pm and evening sessions at 9 pm featuring films about dance and music for 2025. Program runs until August 17 (screenings scheduled for August 15–17). Free entry.
– Location: Parc de la Villette (Prairie du Triangle).
– Dates: July 23, 2025 – August 17, 2025.
– Tickets / info: Free — check the program and schedules on the Ville de Paris / La Villette page. paris.fr
Les Arènes Lyriques — Open-Air Opera Concerts (Montmartre)
– Short description: Classical and opera music festival in the Jardin des Arènes de Montmartre — romantic and baroque program for sunset concerts. Performances scheduled August 13–16 (including August 15 and 16).
– Location: Jardin des Arènes de Montmartre (Rue Chappe, 18th arrondissement).
– Dates: July 23, 2025 – August 16, 2025 (performances on August 13, 14, 15, and 16).
– Tickets / info: Official Arènes Lyriques box office (limited seats).
Paris Jazz Festival / Classique au Vert (Festivals at Parc Floral)
– Short description: The “Festivals at Parc Floral” combine Paris Jazz Festival, Classique au Vert, and kids’ activities in a charming park setting: free daytime concerts — mid-August features big names and new discoveries (dates and artists vary, with concerts on August 16 and 17).
– Location: Parc Floral de Paris (Bois de Vincennes).
– Dates: June 25, 2025 – September 7, 2025 (program active during the August 15–17 weekend).
– Tickets / info: Most concerts are free; details and calendar on the official Festivals du Parc Floral page.
8) Summer Gospel — Free Concert (Place de la Bastille) — August 15
– Short description: Free outdoor gospel concert (Total Praise Mass Choir and guests) to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption: a festive, heartwarming evening at Bastille (perfect for families or friends).
– Location: Place de la Bastille (esplanade by the Column).
– Date: August 15, 2025 (evening from 6 pm).
– Tickets / info: Free — article and event announcement.
Quick Map and Getting There (a few landmarks)
– Musée National de la Marine (Trocadéro) — Metro: Trocadéro (lines 6 & 9).
– Fondation Louis Vuitton — Metro: Les Sablons (line 1) / Fondation shuttle.
– Musée de l’Orangerie — Jardin des Tuileries / Metro: Concorde (line 1) or Tuileries.
– Parc de la Villette — Metro: Porte de Pantin (line 5).
– Arènes de Montmartre — Metro: Abbesses (line 12).
– Parc Floral (Paris Jazz Festival) — Metro: Château de Vincennes / RER A (then follow shuttles / local buses).
– Place de la Bastille (gospel concert) — Metro: Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8).
Practical Tips for a Great Weekend
– Book the David Hockney exhibition in advance: the Fondation often sells out, especially on weekends; opt for a morning visit or Friday evening late opening.
– Bring water and a hat for Paris Plages: shaded areas are limited — bring a small folding chair and enjoy the free activities.
– Open-air cinema: arrive early if you want a good deckchair; bring a blanket and warm clothes for the evening (nights can get chilly).
– Outdoor concerts (Arènes Lyriques, Parc Floral): seats for the paid areas are limited — buy tickets online or arrive early for free spots.
– Transport: August 15 is a public holiday (Feast of the Assumption) — check public transport schedules for that day (some adjustments possible); in summer, prioritize the metro and walking to get around Paris. (Local transport info: official event pages).
Enjoy your weekend! Between the summer energy of Paris Plages, the charm of open-air concerts, and major exhibitions still on in mid-August, Paris offers a delightful program for every taste. Book your slots for paid exhibitions, but keep things flexible — summer in Paris is perfect for spontaneous encounters.
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