Festivals and events in Marseillan, Sète and around the Thau Lagoon in 2026
From maritime traditions and music festivals to night markets, open-air shows and gourmet events, 2026 promises to be a particularly lively year in and around Marseillan and Sète.
When staying at Les Méditerranées campsites in Marseillan-Plage, you are ideally located to discover the must-see events of the Archipel de Thau. Here are the main festivals and events announced in Marseillan, Sète and the surrounding towns for 2026.
Opening Weekend in Marseillan-Plage, 18 and 19 April 2026
The seaside resort’s opening weekend officially marks the return of the season to Marseillan-Plage. Musical parades, brass bands and sand sculpture workshops bring the streets and Plage d’Honneur to life for two days of festive entertainment.
La Foire de Printemps, 8 to 10 May 2026
Held on Place du Marché in Marseillan-Plage, the Spring Fair brings together local retailers, exhibitors and entertainment for three days. It is the perfect opportunity to browse the stalls, discover local products and enjoy the resort’s festive atmosphere before the start of summer.
La Fête de la Nature, 20 to 25 May 2026
For almost a week, the exceptional natural heritage of Marseillan and the Thau Lagoon takes centre stage. Birdwatching trips, underwater heritage discoveries, creative workshops, boat trips, talks and a natural products market offer visitors a fascinating insight into this unique environment.
Several activities take place at Domaine du Grand Clavelet, in the Bagnas Nature Reserve, around the harbour and along the lagoon. Advance registration is required for some activities.
MJC Festival, 5 and 6 June 2026
Dance, theatre, painting, music and gastronomy come together during the Marseillan MJC Festival. Members showcase the artistic activities they have enjoyed throughout the year in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
The programme includes dance performances, an exhibition, theatre shows and a Spanish-inspired dinner show.
Fête de la Musique, 21 June 2026
In both Marseillan town centre and Marseillan-Plage, the arrival of summer is celebrated with music. Concerts, a DJ night, country dancing and choir performances take place at locations including the harbour esplanade, Place du 14 Juillet, Avenue de la Méditerranée and Quai de la Résistance.
Fête de la Jeunesse, 27 June 2026
Inflatable games, boat trips, laser tag, music, diving, paddleboarding, a mini farm and sports activities are all part of this major free event for children, teenagers and families. Shows and food areas complete the programme.
Fête de la Saint-Pierre, 28 June 2026
Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, is celebrated during a ceremony deeply rooted in Marseillan’s history.
After a procession leaves the town hall and a musical mass is held, the Saint-Pierre boat makes its way to the harbour. A commemorative ceremony and the laying of wreaths then take place on the Thau Lagoon in tribute to fishermen and sailors lost at sea.
Les Escales du Canal, 4 July 2026
Pointe des Onglous, where the Canal du Midi meets the Thau Lagoon, hosts the fifth edition of Les Escales du Canal. This free event, organised in more than twenty towns along the canal, features a shared picnic and an open-air concert in Marseillan.
A summer of events in Marseillan and Marseillan-Plage
From 1 July to 31 August 2026, the town offers a particularly packed summer programme. Beach yoga, water walking, Zumba, beach volleyball, sand sculpture workshops, science activities and concerts fill the summer weeks.
Holidaymakers can also enjoy the daily market in Marseillan-Plage, traditional markets in Marseillan town centre, the night market on the harbour esplanade and brass bands performing through the streets of the resort. Most activities organised by the municipality are free.
Every Thursday from 25 June to 3 September, Maison Noilly Prat also hosts cinema evenings, offering an original combination of local heritage and film screenings.
Bastille Day and the Capelet, 13 and 14 July 2026
In Marseillan, Bastille Day is inseparable from the Capelet, also known as the “course à la bigue”. Participants attempt to walk along a long greased pole suspended above the water to reach the hats placed at the end.
The 2026 programme included a commemorative ceremony, the Capeleteurs’ parade, the veterans’ Capelet, a concert and a foam party. This spectacular tradition attracts large crowds to the harbour every year.
Capeleteurs’ Parade in Marseillan-Plage, 9 August 2026
Ahead of the main local festival, the Capeleteurs parade through the streets of Marseillan-Plage accompanied by music. This free event gives visitors the chance to discover one of the town’s oldest and most iconic traditions.
Marseillan Local Festival, 15 to 17 August 2026
The heart of Marseillan comes alive for three major summer evenings. The programme includes a colourful Holi Festival on 15 August, the traditional Capelet followed by concerts on 16 August, and another evening of music on 17 August.
The Capelet on 16 August is the highlight of the festivities. After the parade leaves Place de la République, competitors face off at the harbour, cheered on by the crowds.
Major events and festivals in Sète in 2026
Escale à Sète, 31 March to 6 April 2026
Every two years, Sète becomes the Mediterranean capital of maritime traditions. Tall ships, historic vessels, nautical parades, sea shanties, talks, workshops, gastronomy and themed villages take over the harbour and town centre.
The ninth edition of Escale à Sète took place over the Easter weekend. General admission to the event was free, while tickets were required to visit some of the tall ships.
K-LIVE Festival, 2 to 7 June 2026
The K-LIVE Festival brings together urban art, street art and contemporary music at various locations across Sète. Artists transform the city’s walls and add new works to the open-air museum, Musée à Ciel Ouvert, each year, while concerts and performances continue into the evening.
Quand je pense à Fernande, 22 to 26 June 2026
Held at the Théâtre de la Mer, the Quand je pense à Fernande festival celebrates French chanson and contemporary artists. Concerts begin at dusk in a spectacular setting overlooking the Mediterranean.
Worldwide Festival, 28 June to 5 July 2026
For its twentieth anniversary, the Worldwide Festival takes over several iconic locations in Sète. Concerts and DJ sets are held on beaches, at venues in the town centre and at the Théâtre de la Mer, with a programme combining electronic music, jazz, soul and influences from around the world.
Fête de la Saint-Pierre in Sète, 2 to 6 July 2026
This traditional celebration pays tribute to fishermen and sailors lost at sea. Processions, ceremonies, heritage activities and water-jousting tournaments highlight the importance of fishing in Sète’s history and identity.
The Saint-Pierre celebrations are a popular family event deeply rooted in the Marine district and the town centre.
Jazz à Sète, 15 to 21 July 2026
For one week, leading jazz singers and musicians gather at the Théâtre de la Mer. Every evening, Jazz à Sète offers open-air concerts in one of the most remarkable settings on the Mediterranean coast.
Voix Vives de Méditerranée, 17 to 25 July 2026
Poetry fills the streets, gardens and squares of Sète during the Voix Vives de Méditerranée en Méditerranée festival. Readings, encounters, performances and discussions bring together poets from different countries around the Mediterranean.
Fiest’A Sète, 18 July to 3 August 2026
Fiest’A Sète takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. The festival features encounters and concerts at various locations around the Thau Lagoon before its main evenings at the Théâtre de la Mer.
The programme combines African, Latin, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Middle Eastern music, featuring both renowned artists and exciting new discoveries.
Festival Juillet à Sète, 24 to 26 July 2026
For three evenings, the Théâtre de la Mer hosts a festive and popular programme combining electronic music and French chanson. The 2026 edition includes evenings featuring Hilight Tribe and THK, HK and Les Croquants, followed by Bénabar.
Demi Festival, 6 to 9 August 2026
Now one of France’s leading independent hip-hop events, the Demi Festival celebrates its tenth edition in Sète. Concerts take place at several venues across the city, including highly anticipated evenings at the Théâtre de la Mer.
La Route du Large, 11 August 2026
Held at the Théâtre de la Mer, this festival offers an evening of music inspired by travel, the open sea and Mediterranean horizons. It adds yet another highlight to Sète’s particularly rich summer programme in July and August.
Fêtes de la Saint-Louis, 19 to 25 August 2026
The Saint-Louis celebrations are Sète’s most famous traditional event. For almost a week, parades, music, street entertainment, bodegas and water-jousting tournaments bring the town centre and the Cadre Royal to life.
The 2026 edition is particularly special as it marks 360 years since the first water-jousting tournament was held in Sète in 1666, during the inauguration of the harbour. The heavyweight tournament is the highlight of the week, followed by the grand closing evening and fireworks display.
Events around the Thau Lagoon
Festival de Thau, 11 to 26 July 2026
Held mainly in Mèze and several neighbouring towns, the Festival de Thau combines contemporary music, international influences and environmental awareness. Concerts are often held in natural or heritage settings close to the lagoon.
Les Estivales de Thau
Les Estivales invite visitors to meet local producers in a lively musical atmosphere. Wine, oysters, shellfish and local specialities are available for tasting during several summer evenings:
- 24 July in Sète
- 30 July in Frontignan
- 31 July in Bouzigues
- 7 August in Mèze
Les Augustales de Loupian, 1 August 2026
Near the Gallo-Roman Villa-Loupian Museum, Les Augustales transport visitors back to Antiquity. Demonstrations, workshops, historical re-enactments and family activities offer an insight into everyday life during Roman times.
Where to stay to enjoy the events in Marseillan and Sète
Located in Marseillan-Plage, facing the Mediterranean, the Nouvelle Floride, Beach Garden and Charlemagne campsites are ideally situated for enjoying Marseillan’s festivities and exploring the towns and villages around the Thau Lagoon.
Guests staying at Les Méditerranées enjoy free access to the facilities and services of all three neighbouring campsites, as well as quick access to the beach. Sète is also around twenty minutes away, depending on traffic conditions.
After a day at a festival, a concert at the Théâtre de la Mer or an evening at Marseillan harbour, return to the comfort of your mobile home or pitch and enjoy the water parks, restaurants and entertainment at Les Méditerranées.
Frequently asked questions about events in Marseillan and Sète
What are the main festivals in Marseillan in 2026?
The main events include the Fête du Printemps, Fête de la Nature, Saint-Pierre celebrations, Bastille Day festivities, the Capelet and the local festival held around 15 August.
Which festivals can you visit in Sète during summer 2026?
The programme notably includes Quand je pense à Fernande, the Worldwide Festival, Jazz à Sète, Voix Vives, Fiest’A Sète, the Demi Festival and the Fêtes de la Saint-Louis.
Where is the best place to discover local traditions?
Marseillan harbour is a must for watching the Capelet and the Saint-Pierre celebrations. In Sète, the Cadre Royal hosts the famous water-jousting tournaments, particularly during the Fêtes de la Saint-Louis.
As dates, times and admission conditions may change, remember to check the calendars of the Ville de Marseillan, Marseillan Tourist Office, Ville de Sète and Archipel de Thau Tourist Office before your visit.
