Every year, it’s the same old story. No matter how much we prepare, nothing helps—the start of the new season always hits just as hard. This new season, whether it’s back to school or not, is no exception. So, to combat the famous blues that come with this time of year, we’ve put together a selection of outings, fun activities, and cultural events to help you ease back into the swing of things and get off to a good start.
Spend a free, active Sunday in a Bordeaux park
What if you took advantage of the start of the school year to get some outdoor exercise? That’s what the City of Bordeaux is offering with its “Sports Sundays” program , which begins on September 6. The idea? Free exercise sessions organized in three parks (Parc Bordelais, Jardin Public, Jardin Botanique, and Parc de la Base Sous-Marine) for adults and children.
Explore the Saint-Émilion châteaux by bike
Want to extend summer with a vacation vibe? Hop on a bike and pedal through the vineyards of the Saint-Émilion châteaux with the Vélotour. This unique, gourmet bike tour will let you discover and taste the region’s finest wines and dishes. With three routes to choose from (20, 30, or 40 km), treat yourself to an idyllic moment under the Bordeaux sun.
Why not swap the back-to-school routine for a healthy dose of curiosity? With Science Expériences, head to the Promenade Sainte-Catherine for an immersive and fun experience that takes you on a journey into the heart of science! From space to the ocean floor, via the human body, physics, and natural phenomena, this sensory journey combines virtual reality, projections, hands-on activities, and scientific experiments to make learning fun. Perfect for a family outing in Bordeaux, an activity with the kids, or simply to extend the vacation spirit a little longer, Science Expériences offers, above all, an excellent way to kick off the new school year by filling up on discoveries. So, who said September has to be all about routine?
Take a musical detour at the Chantiers de la Garonne
To extend summer into the new school year, head to the Chantiers de la Garonne: by the water’s edge, feet in the sand, a drink in hand, and music that sweeps you away. Every Sunday in September from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the venue takes you on a true journey with its “Escales Sonores.” Salsa, soul funk, house, or hip-hop/R&B—let yourself be carried away and enjoy the moment.
Try (or cheer on) the Bordeaux Triathlon
For a back-to-school season marked by a challenge, the Bordeaux Triathlon awaits you for a weekend that’s as athletic as it is friendly. Whether you’re an amateur, a curious onlooker, a daredevil, or an expert: once you’ve registered, all you have to do is dive in, pedal, and then run, with events open to everyone in various formats (short or long distance, youth or adults). And if you’re more in the mood for spectating, head to the course sidelines and the event village set up at the Stade Atlantique.
Escape with the illustrations from the Gribouillis Festival
To keep that vacation spirit alive, dive into the world of illustration this weekend with the 6th edition of the Gribouillis Festival. More than 80 authors and 50 publishing houses will share their passion through a programof free events. A book fair, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, and performances await visitors of all ages to celebrate illustration in all its forms.
Share a giant picnic with friends and neighbors to extend the summer
To keep enjoying the late-summer evenings as school starts again, on Friday, September 11, Bordeaux Passe à table invites you to join a giant picnic dinner in your neighborhood. This event takes over the streets of Bordeaux for a friendly get-together around a large table. Everyone brings a basket of food to share and their own dishes, and simply goes with the flow.
The IBOAT is reborn as Ublo and will reopen in September 2026 at the Bassin à Flot. Among the must-see events to keep an eye on this fall, the IBOAT—Bordeaux’s iconic floating stage—is returning as Ublo aboard the ferry La Vendée and will reopen for club nights starting in September 2026 at the Bassin à Flot. The venue has been completely renovated (with a new Danley sound system), and concerts will resume in January 2027.
Experience a unique moment this September with the return of the Montgolfiades du Saint-Émilionnais! From the 11th to the 13th, head to Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes to watch hot-air balloons soar over the vineyards and this picturesque region. On the agenda: family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and gourmet food stands. Admission to the grounds and activities is free, while hot-air balloon rides require payment and advance reservations.
The start of the school year is shaping up to be pretty cool in Mérignac! On Friday, September 11, 2026, the legendary Mac DeMarco will be performing at Krakatoa for a show that’s sure to delight fans of indie rock, folk, and offbeat pop. The Canadian singer-songwriter will take the stage to promote *Guitar*, his 2025 album recorded almost entirely in his Los Angeles home studio. With Vicky Farewell as the opening act, Mac DeMarco promises a concert that’s intimate, melodic, and delightfully laid-back—just like his style. More info on tickets here.
Haven’t tried them yet? Now’s the time! Candlelight’s famous candlelit concerts are back at La Cité du Vin. On the program: luminous musical tributes to artists from all walks of life, in a unique setting, for a back-to-school season filled with light and music!
Party at a castle
Want to extend summer in style? Head to Château La Garde in Martillac for the White Garden Party on Friday, September 18! From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., the estate’s gardens transform into a true party venue with outdoor DJ sets, tastings of the château’s wines, and gourmet creations by chef Aurélien Mallia—all in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere amidst the vineyards. And as the name suggests, be sure to wear your most stylish white outfit to follow the dress code! Admission is €10 per adult, which includes a glass of wine and the concert. It’s a lovely getaway just minutes from Bordeaux—the perfect way to soak up the last of the summer vibes before diving headfirst into the new school year.
Attend one last outdoor festival
Because we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer vacation and festival season yet, Bordeaux Open Air is extending the fun! On Sunday, September 13, head to the Parc Bordelais for the season’s final open-air event, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. On the program: an afternoon of 100% electronic music featuring Leen, who’ll kick off the festivities with a mellow set; Coffiiz to turn up the heat; and Fasme performing live with his machine for a spicy closing set. And as always with Bordeaux Open Air, the event is free, with a suggested donation at the entrance to support the festival.
What if you took advantage of September to rediscover Bordeaux from a different perspective? The European Heritage and Matrimoine Days return on September 19 and 20, 2026, with an extensive program to explore iconic sites—some of which are open to the public on an exceptional basis—and uncover the city’s little-known secrets. Unique tours, walks, workshops, activities, and cultural discoveries will fill the entire weekend, with highlights including the Grand-Théâtre, the Palais Rohan, the Palais Gallien, the Porte Cailhau, and the Flèche Saint-Michel. This year’s edition highlights the theme “Heritage in Danger, ” a wonderful opportunity to explore the treasures that shape Bordeaux’s history while enjoying a unique cultural outing.
Just 2 hours from Bordeaux, Biarritz is gearing up for the Ultimate Sevens Championship. The tournament is fast approaching, and it’s time to mark the date on your calendars: September 18! Six international franchises will face off in a single-elimination format where every match can change everything. Rugby sevens, international stars, suspense, and an electric atmosphere: a spectacular show on the Basque coast. The countdown has begun! So, who’s coming to cheer from the sidelines?
Discover Marie Benoliel’s show
Formerly known as *Marie s’infiltre*, actress Marie Benoliel invites you to a film-and-performance experience on September 23 at the Théâtre Fémina in Bordeaux. *Daisy, from Tunisia to Exile* transports you to the vibrant Tunisia of the 1960s and offers an artistic ode to the memory of our grandmothers. An intimate and joyful show not to be missed.
Cheer on the Bordeaux Boxers
Looking for some thrills this fall 2026? Dive into the heart of an ice hockey game and feel the energy of the stands for a guaranteed electrifying experience. On September 25 and 27, Bordeaux faces Marseille and then Rouen—but hurry, tickets are selling out fast! Pick a buddy to cheer with and book your tickets now. Here’s an insider’s tip: grab seats up high to take in the full strategic picture of the game—the view is spectacular!
Want to shake up your routine as school starts? This fall, head to Barena in Bordeaux-Mérignac, the new hotspot that’s sure to become your next favorite spot! Here, they combine two perfect ingredients to extend summer into September: an immersive golf range where you can learn the basics in a relaxed atmosphere, and a premium restaurant to linger over a delicious meal or cocktails to unwind after your round. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just curious and looking for a unique activity in Bordeaux, Barena offers a friendly experience to share with friends, coworkers, or family. It’s a great idea for an outing in Bordeaux to break the routine and kick off the new school year on a decidedly more fun note!
Get away from it all at the Hypermondes Festival in Mérignac
Dive into a world of dark forces, mysterious artifacts, and enchanted creatures for a weekend. The Hypermondes festival welcomes the curious and the passionate to explore the theme of “Powers” at an event where the imagination takes on legendary forms. And don’t forget: with great power comes great responsibility.
For the perfect cultural outing to kick off the school year, head to the Musée Mer Marine. On the agenda: a dive into A-MO’s “blue bestiary” as part of the “Bleu Sauvage” exhibition. Explore the artist’s 60 original works of art , which blend street art with an ode to life.
Get your fill of art at the Bordeaux Arts Festival (FAB)
An international must-see event, the FAB returns to Bordeaux from September 26 to October 10. The concept? To introduce us to art and its expression in all its forms —and always in unexpected ways. Dance, theater, music, visual arts: Bordeaux becomes the stage for numerous shows, concerts, participatory projects, gatherings, and festivals at the crossroads of a clever blend of artistic cultures.
For a change from the usual outings, head to Square Dom Bedos this weekend. The park is hosting Connect, the international festival dedicated to skate culture. By highlighting its cultural and artistic aspects, the event explores its relationship to urban planning. For this third edition, the program promises to be festive, featuring exhibitions, talks, previews, workshops, concerts, and skateable sculptures.
L’Ange Bleu invites you to a unique event on Wednesday, September 30: a giant cabaret on the Miroir d’Eau! An XXL cabaret organized to attempt to break the world record for the French Cancan! Magicians, dancers, and singers: in total, more than 200 artists will come together for a free, open-air show. With two performances scheduled (3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.), don’t miss this new record attempt!
