Discover in this article:
October is the month when autumn’s first delights begin. Discover the programme of the season’s best events in Paris!
With the arrival of autumn, Paris and the Greater Paris region unveil a rich and varied programme. Major exhibitions, large-scale trade fairs, festivals, concerts, sporting events and family outings set the tone for October 2026.
In autumn 2026, the Centre Pompidou Francilien – art factory is set to open its doors in Massy, bringing a new cultural buzz to the south of Paris. Conceived as a living laboratory for modern and contemporary creation, this innovative 30,000 m² site brings together, for the first time, the Centre Pompidou’s art storage facilities, conservation and restoration workshops, and an exhibition space open to the public. This new hub promises to continue the Centre Pompidou’s mission of sharing and innovation: promoting the collections and professions related to conservation, whilst expanding initiatives for public engagement and the transmission of artistic knowledge. The opportunity to discover works rarely shown in Paris promises to offer everyone a unique experience at the heart of the artistic heritage of the 20th and 21st centuries.
As the grey days gradually set in, the major trade fairs are back in full swing, and there’s something for everyone! Food lovers will be salivating – the Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie is back. From 28 October to 1 November 2026, discover the world’s leading chocolate companies and artisans at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Once again this year, plenty of surprises await visitors: tastings, a musical show featuring performers in chocolate costumes, pastry-making workshops, the chocolate bar, an exhibition of sculptures and creations designed by leading chocolatiers, and many other activities…
October also sees the Salon de la Photo, a favourite with amateur and professional photographers alike. You’ll find everything you need to kit yourself out from 8 to 11 October 2026 at the Grande Halle de la Villette.
On the art and culture front, the modern and contemporary art fair Art Basel Paris will take over the Grand Palais from 23 to 25 October 2026, showcasing 195 galleries presenting a selection of artworks (paintings, videos, sculptures, installations, photography and digital art). Also at the Grand Palais, the spotlight will be on the excellence of the arts and crafts and the expertise of luxury houses with the event Les deux mains du luxe, in early October 2026. From 22 to 25 October 2026, the Moderne Art Fair, the unmissable event for players in the modern, contemporary and design art markets, returns to Place de la Concorde.
Paris Games Week 2026 makes its grand return at the end of October 2026, bringing together thousands of video game enthusiasts at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre. This unmissable gaming culture event showcases the latest console and PC releases, technological innovations, as well as esports and meet-and-greets with creators. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a sneak preview of the year’s most anticipated games and immerse yourself in the world of pop culture.
In October, food lovers can look forward to La Semaine du Goût, an unmissable event returning across the capital (dates to be announced) with workshops, activities and meet-ups to tantalise the taste buds and share French culinary culture with young and old alike.
Another tasty event in October is the Food & Wine Festival, which takes place at the Publicisdrugstore, just a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe. Over three days, renowned chefs and prestigious winemakers come together to offer tastings, workshops and talks centred on the French art of living.
A gourmet festival combining signature cuisine and fine wines, ideal for the curious and the epicurean alike.
Finally, the Urban Films Festival returns with its unique selection of films dedicated to urban cultures. Screenings, talks and debates punctuate this unmissable edition, taking place across various Parisian venues, such as Quai de la Photo, Théâtre du Châtelet, La Place and the Marais district. Spanning fiction, documentary and visual art, the festival highlights the richness and diversity of perspectives on the city.
Also worth discovering this month:
It's a historic month for the Centre Pompidou! Before closing for renovation, the museum is organising its final celebrations. The festivities kick off on 22 October 2025 with the Last Carnival, a monumental pyrotechnic performance by Cai Guo-Qiang on the façade.
These festivities will launch the grand closing weekend Because Beaubourg (24 and 25 October), an exceptional event combining art, music and performances. Don't miss this last chance to experience Beaubourg in a different way!
In October, why not spend your free time visiting exhibitions? Paris is brimming with them this season!
Among the new exhibitions to discover this month is the major exhibition ‘Mary Cassatt: The Choice of Independence’, which opens at the Musée d’Orsay from 6 October 2026, marking the centenary of the artist’s death, in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. A unique opportunity to discover nearly 80 works by this major figure of Impressionism.
At the Picasso Museum, a major exhibition dedicated to Kurt Schwitters awaits you, showcasing collages and installations by this German painter known for his involvement in Dadaism and Constructivism.
Another highlight is the ‘Brussels 1900’ exhibition, which can be seen at the Petit Palais – Musée des Beaux-Arts in Paris, from 6 October 2026 to 7 February 2027.
Finally, you still have a few weeks left to discover the monumental installation ‘Zeus, the metal horse’, a symbol of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games, on the forecourt of the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
In autumn, Paris doesn’t slow down – quite the opposite! Here’s a preview of the best concerts to catch in October 2026.
Event: to mark the 40th anniversary of “The Final Countdown”, the famous Swedish hard rock band Europe are coming to the Olympia on 6 October 2026, accompanied by The Damn Truth as special guests. The legendary venue continues to rock throughout the month with artists such as Bakian (5 October 2026), Fakear (9 October 2026), Joe Jackson (12 October 2026), Salif Keita (17 October 2026), Anastacia (19 October 2026), Léman (20 October 2026), and 630G (26 October 2026).
Le Zenith de Paris-La Villette also features prominently on the month’s music calendar with a packed programme. From the musical experience Synthony (1 October 2026) to Neg’Marrons (2 October 2026), via Last Train (3 October 2026), Alizée (4 October 2026), I Prevail (6 October 2026), Fat Freddy’s Drop (10 October 2026) and Glorious (11 October 2026), etc., not to mention the two unmissable concerts by Patrick Bruel (8 October 2026) and Mosimann Live (Saturday 17 October 2026).
Rapper Gradur takes to the stage at the Accor Arena on 16 October 2026, Meryl on 27 October, whilst Simple Plan promises to set the place alight on 31 October 2026 in the same venue.
At the Adidas Arena, Matt Pokora (3 October 2026), Deep Purple (22 October 2026) and Tokio Hotel (30 October 2026) are set to make a splash.
For a more jazzy atmosphere, head to the Cité Internationale Universitaire for a series of free concerts as part of the Jazz à la Cité festival in the various halls of the Cité U (Mexico, USA, Italy, Norway, Morocco, Portugal...), located opposite Montsouris Park.
In October 2026, the Paris music scene promises to be buzzing with a series of highly anticipated concerts.
From major international stars stopping off at the Accor Arena, to French artists touring legendary venues such as the Olympia or the Zénith de La Villette, and the urban festivals showcasing the new generation, music lovers will be spoilt for choice.
During the All Saints’ Day holidays (from Saturday 17 October 2026 to Monday 2 November 2026), children will be celebrating Halloween on 31 October in their scariest costumes. Every year, before and during the All Saints’ Day holidays, Mon Premier Festival invites young audiences (aged 2 and over) to discover the world of cinema in 18 Parisian cinemas. The programme features around thirty films to discover, centred around a theme and a featured personality, not to mention preview screenings, award ceremonies, film concerts, workshops and meetings with industry professionals. Children can also visit La Bulle d’automne, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower: an immersive dome and giant tree, plus a QR code hunt to play during the school holidays. For families seeking thrills, La Bulle is also organising a special Halloween event: Beau Frisson.
And to continue with indoor activities, here is a selection of places where children can run around and have fun without worrying about the weather.
To help children reach new heights, there’s nothing better than climbing centres such as Arkose (Nation, Montmartre, Montreuil…), MurMur (Pantin, Issy) or Vertical’Art (in the 13th and 18th arrondissements).
A town just for children? That’s the concept behind Palomano (in Clichy and Montrouge), a theme park that has recreated a small town indoors. Children can dress up, go shopping, play at being hairdressers or doctors, or pop into a restaurant!
Over the course of a weekend, Monuments Nationaux has put together a highly original programme for families, allowing them to discover or rediscover castles, churches and national monuments through immersive tours, workshops and games.
October gets off to a flying start with the famous Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on 3 and 4 October 2026 at Longchamp Racecourse, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year and one of the world’s most prestigious races, featuring memorable races, entertainment and even a food court. A complete and unforgettable experience!
Autumn also marks the return of the classic Parisian race, the iconic Harmonie Mutuelle 20km de Paris, which takes place on the streets of the capital on 11 October 2026. The 48th edition of this eagerly awaited event promises athletes a unique experience. The event is also open to children with the Harmonie Mutuelle 20kids.
In October 2025, the Paris music scene promises to be vibrant with a series of highly anticipated concerts.
Between the big international stars who will be stopping off at the Accor Arena, French artists touring legendary venues such as the Olympia and the Zénith de La Villette, and urban festivals showcasing the new generation, music lovers will be spoilt for choice.
From Canal de l' Ourcq to Saint-Denis, Pantin and Clichy, the city’s northern streets are filled with art
