The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The sun, open-air cafés, festivals, weekends at the beach—in short, summer! We’ll finally be able to break out our best flip-flops and enjoy the gentle warmth until evening! Isn’t that wonderful? And the most incredible thing about it all is that in Bordeaux, summer is packed with activities and events that invite us to make the most of these beautiful days! And since we at Bordeaux Secret love sharing great tips with you, we’ve put together a list of the must-see events this summer in our magnificent city in the Gironde!
Party outdoors at Bordeaux Open Air
A must-attend event in Bordeaux, the Festival Open Air Bordeaux returns on July 5 for a new edition. Green spaces will transform into giant dance floors over five dates you’ll want to mark on your calendars. The festivities kick off on July 5 at Square Dom Bedos and continue on the 12th at Parc de Mussonville in Bègles, featuring Marco del Bosque and Romain FX. On August 2, Housework, DIVA DIVA, and Tatie Dee will take over Parc Bourran. In September, head to Parc Teulon on the 6th, then to Parc Bordelais for the closing event on the 13th, featuring LEEN, Coffiiz, and Fasme behind the decks.
You can’t miss it: Bordeaux is once again the finish line for one of the stages of the 2026 Tour de France. Take this opportunity to come cheer on these cycling champions as they enter the home stretch of the Tour’s 7th stage, amid the excitement at Place des Quinconces.
Dive into history like never beforewith a unique immersive experience centered on Napoleon I! Thanks to virtual reality, relive the defining moments of the First Empire—Austerlitz, the Berezina, his exile on Saint Helena—as if you were right there. In just 30 minutes, this adventure—created by Sandora Studio and endorsed by the Fondation Napoléon—combines cutting-edge technology with historical accuracy. As a bonus, take home a photo of yourself alongside the Emperor! Book your journey into the heart of history today.
Listen to electronic music in a château at the Osmose Festival
The Osmose Festival takes place on July 11 and 12 in the sumptuous setting of Château Formont. Get ready to dive into an electric atmosphere where you can completely unwind. Between DJ sets featuring heavy, pulsing beats, you can enjoy a massivepool party to celebrate summer in style. An event that perfectly combines the magic of a historic venue with the wild energy of the region’s best parties.
Enjoy the Metropolitan Summer
From July 15 to August 28, 2026, the 15th edition ofthe Été Métropolitain returns to enliven Bordeaux and its metropolitan area with nearly 150 free cultural events. What’s on the program? Performances, music, dance, circus, theater, gastronomy, and much more, all taking place in natural and historic settings. A true open-air artistic escape, the festival invites visitors to explore and escape through original offerings accessible to all. Each town becomes the setting for unique experiences, from dawn to dusk. Since 2012, “Été Métropolitain” has been transforming the city into a one-of-a-kind artistic playground!
The iconic “Dansons sur les Quais” festival is making a grand return this summer from July 14 to August 2! The banks of the Garonne River will be transformed into a vast open-air dance floor, much to the delight of those who love rhythm and a friendly atmosphere. After a season packed with festivals, keep the party going in a warm and festive atmosphere that’s quintessentially Bordeaux. A joyful, music-filled event you definitely won’t want to miss!
A newcomer bursting onto the summer festival scene, Festival Pagaille is expecting no fewer than 40,000 to 50,000 attendees at 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!
For a unique outing you can also enjoy in August, the Bordeaux Museum is presenting “Miaou! ” The exhibition pays tribute to the cat,an animal that fascinates as much as it moves us. Bring the whole family to discover felines from every angle—scientific, cultural, and social.
If you’re looking for something to do this summer in Bordeaux, go for an outing that’s as fun as it is educational with Science Expériences Bordeaux! Located at Bercy Village, this immersive experience combines virtual reality, interactive experiments, and fun activities to explore the mysteries of space, the deep sea, the brain, and much more. Guided by science educators, young and old alike learn while having fun before getting hands-on duringparticipatory workshops. It’s the perfect way to fill your summer days while sparking the curiosity of children… and adults alike!
Laugh your way through the La Marelle Comedy Club festival
For a good dose of laughter this August, La Marelle Comedy Club is back 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.
For a change of pace from lazy days out and to stay in shape during the summer (and even after school starts), check out this great initiative from the City of Bordeaux: the “Sporty Sundays” program, which kicks off on September 6. What’s it all about? Free outdoor fitness sessions organized for adults and children in several city parks: Parc Bordelais, Jardin Public, Jardin Botanique, and Parc de la Base Sous-Marine.
Extend summer with a giant picnic with friends and neighbors
To add a super-friendly touch to your summer in Bordeaux, don’t miss this Friday, September 11: Bordeaux Passe à table invites you to join a giant picnic dinner in your neighborhood to extend the summer. This event takes over the streets of Bordeaux for a convivial gathering around a large table. Everyone brings a basket of food to share and their own dishes; chairs and tables are provided.
To extend the summer in style around Bordeaux, head to the Montgolfiades du Saint-Émilionnais, which are returning September 11–13, 2026, after a five-year hiatus. On the agenda: about fifteen hot-air balloons, family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and food stalls.
For a summer getaway less than an hour from Bordeaux, head to Lacanau. Off Golf, featuring a connected driving range, competitive games, and a bar-like atmosphere, recently opened. Whether you’re an experienced player, an amateur, or a beginner, there’s something for every skill level. Instructors are on hand, and snacks and cocktails are available for evenings with friends, family, or coworkers.
