Top 3 events in Toulouse

Toulouse loves to vibrate and have fun. You’ll see it in the multitude of music and film festivals held here every year.

Sample the piano festival, the world music festival or the Siestes électroniques… A beautiful symphony for music lovers of all styles and affinities.

On the cinema front, Toulouse’s film festivals have put the city on the international map. Many of them have been held for over 10, 20 or 30 years. Here are just a few of the names to look out for: Cinélatino, Africlap, Cinespaña, Printemps du cinéma israélien and, for children, Cinéminots.

I’m sure you’ll agree that culture is quite central to Toulouse’s programming. In parallel, and in a different register, you’ll find more popular events, but just as noteworthy. Like the Carnaval toulousain or the Nocturne du Marché Victor Hugo. We highly recommend the latter, especially for gourmets!

Our selection of recurring events

For a great idea for a day out in Toulouse, there are always the sporting events (revolving around rugby, of course). The dates of the season vary from year to year, but we strongly urge you to attend them if you get the chance. Please enquire shortly before your arrival to reserve your seats.

1. the Toulouse Carnival

Date or period: In spring, for one week.

Access: Free

Description: The Toulouse Carnival has been organised every year since 1982 by the cleverly named COCU (Comité d’Organisation du Carnaval Unifié). A three-hour parade takes to the streets of the city, passing through Place Esquirol and Pont Neuf. The whole event is enlivened by concerts, brass bands and flamboyant performances. It’s the perfect way to discover the vibrant capital of the Occitan region!

Good to know: If you’re arriving from outside Toulouse or staying on the outskirts, park near an underground station to make the rest of the journey. Traffic gets very tight during Carnival, not to mention parking. The metro will save you a long wait in the car, away from the festivities.

2. The Occitania Festival

Date or period: In October, for one month.

Access: Free

Description: The Occitania Festival is an event organised since 2000 by the Institut d’Études Occitanes de la Haute-Garonne. Its aim is to celebrate the Occitan language and culture through events, concerts, lectures, traditional dances, plays and exhibitions at various venues in Toulouse and its department. It’s the perfect way to understand this endangered heritage!

3. Le Printemps du rire

Date or period: 15 days, between March and April.

Access: Charge €.

Description: Created in 1983, Printemps du Rire is Europe’s very first comedy festival. For a truly affordable price, Printemps du Rire allows Toulouse residents for a day or all their lives to tour the venues in the Pink City. Take in new shows by some of the biggest names on the French comedy scene as you stroll through Toulouse, in a relaxed, happy atmosphere!