The best events and activities in August 2026 in and around Bordeaux

Want to get out of Bordeaux for a major music festival? Every year, Musicalarue returns to bring excitement to the small village of Luxey in the heart of the Landes region. From July 31 to August 2, 2026, no fewer than 90 bands, companies, and troupes will perform on the stages of Musicalarue. This year, artists such as UB40, Jean-Louis Aubert, and Keny Arkana will get the many festivalgoers dancing! 

A must-see event in Bordeaux, the Festival Open Air Bordeaux transforms green spaces into giant dance floors over five dates you’ll want to mark on your calendars. In August, be sure to note Sunday, August 2, when Housework, DIVA DIVA, and Tatie Dee take over Parc Bourran.

Among the new experiences to try around Bordeaux, Barena is reinventing golf with a one-of-a-kind urban experience. This new hybrid venue combines interactive golf, a welcoming restaurant, and a festive rooftop. Play golf using immersive technology with connected balls and giant interactive targets for a unique experience.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, look up at the sky to witness a rare event: a total solar eclipse that will cast a shadow over all of France. From Bordeaux, the moon will cover up to 97.5% of the sun’s disk! Be sure to have certified eclipse glasses and look up at the sky late in the evening: the phenomenon will peak around 8:24 p.m.

Dribble fans, mark your calendars: the Bordeaux 3×3 Festival transforms the Placette de Munich into a giant basketball court for a week. This multifaceted event hosts the regional finals and a stop on the Women’s Series and the Challenger. Not to mention two days of family-friendly activities on August 17 and 18, featuring music, booths, and food trucks!

For a unique outing you can also enjoy in August, the Bordeaux Museum presents “Miaou! ” The exhibition pays tribute to the cat,an animal that fascinates as much as it moves us. Bring the whole family to discover cats from every angle—scientific, cultural, and social.

For a good dose of laughter this August, La Marelle Comedy Clubreturns for the second edition of its festival, featuring top French comedians including Nordine Ganso, Nash, and Thomas Angelvy. Every Friday and Saturday, head to the Chantiers de la Garonne for 90-minute open-air shows with a drink in hand.

When the August heat settles in Bordeaux, there’s nothing like a break by the water: the ultimate summer getaway, lakes offer a welcome respite from the heat. It’s simply sublime. Luckily, the area around Bordeaux has no shortage of stunning lakes and ponds where the whole family can enjoy a refreshing time. Pack a cooler and a hat, and head out to one of the region’s lakes or ponds.

, the Médoc’s Afterbeach events are must-see highlights of the season that brighten up our summers. Every Wednesday and Thursday, the event takes place at one of the Médoc’s wine châteaux, offering a chance to enjoy a convivial moment in the heart of the vineyards. A true gourmet and authentic escape, the experience includes a tour of the estate, the chance to meet the winemakers, and tastings of local products.

A summer musical highlight, the Soulac’n Jazz festival returns in August to get the whole Gironde region buzzing. On the program: four days of free jazz concerts andactivities for the whole family. This fourth edition celebrates the voice, emotion, and freedom with a rich and varied lineup.

Is music your thing, and festivals even more so? Don’t miss this newcomer bursting onto the summer festival scene. The Festival Pagaille is expecting no fewer than 40,000 attendees and will take over the Place des Quinconces in late August. With headliners ranging from The Cure to Kittin, Slowdive, Charlotte de Witte, and Boris Brejcha, it’s going to be a wild time!