Just because August is the last month of summer, it doesn't mean that it's any less busy. Especially in
Paris! The French capital is bustling all year round and this coming August 2023 is no exception. There are your usual concerts and museum exhibitions, sure, but there's more to expect next month than all of that. For instance, you won't want to miss the beloved Rock en Seine music festival. That'll really get your summer buzz going at full throttle! Silhouette Short Film Festival, on the other hand, is for all you cinephiles out there who'll be in Paris by then.
International Artists Live in Paris
Paris has been having quite the year in terms of international artists performing here live. The likes of Beyonce, BlackPink, and more have taken to the stage in the French capital, making it one of the hottest music destinations of 2023. So will this include August 2023? Some would argue it is! From August 22 to 23, 2023, the American pop-rock band will take over La Défense Arena. Fans will get to hear them perform their biggest hits like 'Thunder,' Bad Liar,' and 'Believer.' Who wouldn't want to miss that?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fête de l'Assomption (August 15)
Let's not forget that France is still a Roman Catholic country. Despite how open and liberal Paris may seem, the city is still steeped in its religious traditions. Take the Fête de l'Assomption, for example. Held every August 15th, it's among the most important religious
holidays in France. And on this day, many locals take part in a grand procession in Ile de la Cité, where Notre Dame is located. Thousands of devout Catholics participate, making for quite a unique spectacle amidst the very modern metropolis. Even if you're not of the Catholic faith yourself, you'd still want to see the procession too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rock en Seine (August 23 to 27)
On the opposite side of the spectrum, there's the iconic Rock en Seine music festival. From August 23 to 27, 2023, several international artists will descend on Domaine National de Saint-Cloud in the
Paris Suburbs for the biggest summer festival in Paris. Perhaps even in the entire country! The event will feature the likes of Billie Eilish, Florenc + The Machine, The Chemical Brothers, Charlotte de Witte, Placebo, The Strokes, and more. While it's far from the most famous music festival in the world, it's a definite must-see for any music fan who will be in Paris then.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The 79th Anniversary of The Liberation of Paris (August 25)
This August 25, 2023, marks the 79th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. On that day in 1944, General Philip Leclerc and the Free French forces took over the capital city and finally got it back from the Nazis. This event essentially ended the four-year German occupation of the country, leading to the eventual end of World War II. Though the holiday isn't as big as
Bastille Day, it's still a major event in the city. Lots of people flock to the Liberation of Paris Museum on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy in the
14th arrondissement to learn more about the historic event.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Silhouette Short Film Festival (Begins on August 25)
While most people will likely flock to Cinéma en Plein Air at Parc de la Villette, one of
Europe's most famous outdoor cinemas, it's worth checking out Silhouette Short Film Festival this August 2023 too. From the 25th to September 2, 2023, Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge will host its own film festival that's all about short films. It's also set in an outdoor cinema, allowing the audience to enjoy the features and the refreshing evening summer breezes at the same time. It's a great date idea if you and your special someone will be in Paris at that time.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jazz à la Villette (Begins on August 30)
Let's go back to Parc de la Villette for this last one. In this
19th arrondissement green space, beyond the famous outdoor cinema, there's also the Jazz à la Villette music festival. True to its name, French and international jazz musicians will take to the stage and fill the city with their snazziest beats. Taking place in the Philharmonie de Paris, Grande Halle de La Villette, and Cité de la Musique, this event is a must-see for jazz fans in Paris. Even the little ones will get to join the fun too! The festival has kid-centric events for children who also love jazz.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Will you be in Paris this August 2023? If you are, you're lucky! Next month has a lot to offer for those who will be in the French capital. From highly-anticipated concerts to exciting festivals, Paris will have a ball this August 2023!
