Wondering what to do in Paris this week, from August 3rd to August 9th, 2026? Summer is in full swing, and the French capital offers an exciting mix of museum exhibitions, free festivals, outdoor events, family activities, guided tours, Paris Plages, and cultural experiences across the city.
Whether you’re visiting Paris now and for a few days or looking for new ideas as a local, this guide highlights the 20 best things to do in Paris this week, including five must-see exhibitions, the city’s top summer festivals, and several free events taking place throughout the week. From world-class museums to riverside entertainment and open-air activities, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Best Museum Exhibitions in Paris This Week
If you’re looking for the best exhibitions in Paris this week, these are among the highlights running between August 3rd and August 9th, 2026.
Calder. Dreaming in Balance at Fondation Louis Vuitton
This major exhibition celebrates Alexander Calder’s iconic mobiles, sculptures and innovative exploration of movement and balance. It is one of the top art exhibitions to visit before it closes in mid-August.
Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton (16th arrondissement)
Dates: April 15 – August 16, 2026
Florian Krewer – woven thin at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
One of the city’s major contemporary art exhibitions this summer, woven thin showcases the expressive and colorful works of German artist Florian Krewer. The exhibition explores identity, youth and emotion through large-scale paintings.
Location: Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris (16th arrondissement)
Dates: June 19, 2026 – January 4, 2027
The Cedar and Summer Exhibitions at the Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay continues its rich summer program with several temporary exhibitions and seasonal activities. Among the highlights is The Cedar, the Majestic Green Crown of Mediterranean Mountain Tops, available throughout this week.
Location: Musée d’Orsay (7th arrondissement)
Dates: Until September 20, 2026
Hilma af Klint at the Grand Palais
Description:
Discover one of the most influential pioneers of abstract art at this major retrospective dedicated to Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. Bringing together paintings, notebooks and spiritual works, the exhibition explores her groundbreaking vision, created years before abstraction became widely recognized. It is one of the standout art exhibitions in Paris this summer.
Location: Grand Palais, Paris 8th
Dates: May 6 – August 30, 2026
Henry Taylor: Where Thoughts Provoke at the Musée Picasso
Description:
The Musée Picasso presents the first major Paris exhibition devoted to acclaimed American painter Henry Taylor. Featuring expressive portraits and large-scale paintings, the exhibition examines contemporary society, identity and everyday life through Taylor’s distinctive artistic style. A must-see for lovers of contemporary art.
Location: Musée Picasso, Paris 3rd
Dates: April 8 – September 6, 2026
Free Exhibition from the Paris Collections Contemporary Art Fund
Looking for free exhibitions in Paris this week? Discover this exhibition featuring works from the City of Paris Contemporary Art Collection, presented at a partner municipal venue.
Location: Paris municipal venue
Dates: June 3 – August 31, 2026
Holidays at the Orsay
Perfect for summer visitors, Holidays at the Orsay offers a series of themed visits and seasonal activities designed to help visitors experience one of Paris’ most famous museums in a different way.
Location: Musée d’Orsay
Dates: August 4 – August 30, 2026
Read our complete guide about Museums in Paris
Best Free Things to Do in Paris This Week
One of the best things about visiting Paris in August is the number of free events taking place throughout the city. Between August 3rd and August 9th, you can enjoy festivals, outdoor exhibitions, cultural activities and family-friendly experiences without spending a euro.
Some of the week’s best free activities include:
- Festival des Essentiels 2026
- Urban Beaches: USA exhibition (Paris Plages)
- A Square Full of Life (Un parvis plein de vie)
- Summer activities at the Ferme de Paris
- Free guided walks and workshops
These events make August one of the most affordable periods to discover Paris.
Top Events in Paris This Week
Festival des Essentiels 2026
This free travelling cultural festival offers concerts, performances, workshops and family entertainment across several districts of Paris.
Location: Place Henri Fresnay and other venues
Dates: August 1–9, 2026
L’Été du Canal
One of the most popular summer festivals around Paris, featuring boat cruises, waterside concerts, outdoor performances and activities along the Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Denis.
Location: Bassin de la Villette, Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Denis
Dates: June 27 – August 9, 2026
Paris Plages 2026 – Urban Beaches: USA
Part of the annual Paris Plages program, this free photography exhibition explores urban beaches across the United States while celebrating the USA250 commemorations.
Dates: July 4 – August 30, 2026
Un parvis plein de vie
A lively neighborhood summer program offering concerts, entertainment and community activities in the 11th arrondissement.
Dates: July 5 – August 30, 2026
Summer Harvests at the Ferme de Paris
Take part in free harvesting sessions where visitors discover edible flowers, herbs, fruits and seasonal vegetables.
Dates: July 10 – August 21, 2026
Summer at the Ferme de Paris
Educational workshops focusing on sustainable farming, biodiversity and nature.
Dates: July 7 – August 28, 2026
Paris l’Été Festival
One of the capital’s leading performing arts festivals featuring theatre, dance, circus and contemporary performances at venues throughout Paris.
Dates: July 11 – August 4, 2026
Été Solidaire
A free cultural and leisure program organised by the 7th arrondissement with activities for residents and visitors throughout August.
Dates: June 1 – August 31, 2026
More Things to Do in Paris Between August 3rd and August 9th
Besides the major festivals and museum exhibitions, this week is perfect for enjoying Paris outdoors. Walk along the Seine, relax at Paris Plages, attend an open-air performance, explore local parks or discover temporary cultural events organized across the city.
Families will particularly enjoy the activities at the Ferme de Paris, while art lovers can spend hours exploring the collections of the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris or the Petit Palais.
If you’re planning your itinerary, consider visiting a museum in the morning, enjoying a free festival or outdoor activity in the afternoon, and finishing the day with a concert, performance or riverside stroll.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what to do in Paris this week (August 3rd to August 9th, 2026), you’ll be spoiled for choice. From internationally acclaimed museum exhibitions and free cultural festivals to family-friendly activities and outdoor events, Paris offers an exceptional summer program.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, live performances or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere, this week is an excellent time to experience the French capital. Best of all, many of the highlights are completely free, making it easy to enjoy an unforgettable week in Paris on any budget.
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