Events calendar Lorraine

Sedan is no stranger to this traditional family event. What a pleasure it is to stroll around Place d'Armes and Place de la Halle, just a few days before Christmas. A host of decorating ideas tickle the fancy of parents, while children marvel at all the pretty lights. Gourmets are also in for a treat, with a multitude of regional products on sale. And of course, Santa Claus will be waiting for you in his chalet.

Mountain biking enthusiasts are looking forward to… You form a team that relays for 24 hours around a circuit of a dozen kilometers. Some enlightened contest the "solitary" test, others choose to disguise when most play her. Adrenaline insured to face the tortuous paths of the plateau of Rozérieulles when the night falls. Since 1989, this race has gone beyond simple cycling, an invitation to adventure and to meet. A gigantic camp rises on the heights of Metz each team installs its tents, campers and equipment. Guaranteed conviviality that ends with a great fireworks!

Every spring for the past twenty years, world music fans have gathered at the Cercle Saint-Martin to attend this festival organized by the Lézard association. Over the course of a weekend, they discover groups with a wide variety of musical influences: klezmer, biguine, tango, jazz, flamenco... The mix of sounds is definitely there! Here's a chance to hear how "flamencoriental" sounds, or hip-hop mixed with electro and Balkan music... Whatever the case, it's sure to swing!

For decades, Metz has been home to one of the largest funfairs in Eastern France. It covers almost 60,000 m² at the Parc des Expositions. Accompanied by the delicious smell of caramelized popcorn, barbecued meats and cotton candy, families storm the shooting galleries, haunted houses, laughing palaces, thrill rides... There's something for every taste and every age! Think smart: there's always a day when all the rides are half-price, just ask the fairground owners. Atmosphere guaranteed!

The Colmar Marathon has been a success that has been unfailing since its very first edition in September 2015. He's lining up more and more participants on his starting line! In 2020, this event takes place on Sunday 13 September from Colmar city centre, Place Rapp. From 9:00 am, the top is given with the start of the half marathon, followed by the start of the marathon, relay marathon and squadron marathon from 9:30 am. The route meanders between town, countryside and vineyards, where the villages of Wettolsheim, Eguisheim, Ingersheim, Katzenthal and Ammerschwihr follow one another in a joyful atmosphere, punctuated by applause and encouragement. A major sporting event that allows the profits from the races to be donated to various charities.

Laughing, giggling, giggling, laughing, hair pulling, wiggling, corkscrewing... There's no shortage of colourful expressions when it comes to expressing the action of laughing, and as such, the Colmar Humour Festival is an excellent opportunity to make your zygomatic work! In October 2020, this event signs its 8th edition with an excellent line-up: Inglorious Comedy Club presented by Vérino, Nora Hamzawi, Michaël Gregorio, Olivier de Benoist, not forgetting, on the opening night at the Casino Barrière in Ribeauvillé, the regional Antoinette de Knackwiller stage! To close these hairy festivities, a Professional Improvisation World Cup is organized on October 25th in the Wine Hall of the Parc Expo of Colmar. This is sure to trigger hilarity everywhere, because, as the late Jean-Marie Arrus, humorist and founder of the festival said: "He who sows laughter reaps gaiety"!

A not-to-be-missed spring event for over 20 years, this festival has been blossoming the buds of free expression, tolerance and fraternity. Organized by the association D'ailleurs D'ici, this good-natured event brings together Colmarians and the inhabitants of the surrounding area for a festive weekend full of surprises. Street theatre, various music, acrobats, circus, children's games, drawing, painting or modelling workshops led by professional artists, there really is something for all tastes and all ages. Another strong point of this intergenerational festival: the Village des Associations brings together about sixty organizations (cultural, humanitarian, immigrant, etc.) that invite you to travel through their craft, cultural or gastronomic specialties. In the heart of the Place Rapp and in the alleys of the Champ de Mars, it's a real popular festival without borders!

Over the years, this Colmar fair has established itself as a reference of its kind at the national level. Hosted by more than 200 exhibitors, it functions as a huge showcase designed to showcase current developments and innovations as well as the know-how of professionals in the house. Kitchen, bathroom and toilet furnishings, living room and bedroom furniture, chic and trendy decoration accessories, all offered by renowned manufacturers and designers: a wealth of ideas is offered to you through various stands and events. Practical decoration workshops (places are limited, so pre-registration is highly recommended!), cook shows (cooking classes and demonstrations by Alsatian chefs), free individual advice offices (architects, decorators, heating specialists...). An unmissable event for all housing enthusiasts!

Created in 2003, this festival organized by the Colmarian association L'Esprit BD takes place during two days in the superb historical setting of the Koïfhus, in the heart of the old town. It welcomes about twenty comic book authors from Alsace, France and abroad, who willingly comply with signing sessions and drawing demonstrations. The public is invited to stroll through various stands offering comic strips and lithos (new or second-hand) as well as figurines, T-shirts and other merchandise. Thematic exhibitions complete this attractive programme. Enough to bubble with happiness!

Set against an enchanting backdrop of snow-covered mountain scenery, this ephemeral open-air skating rink invites you to share the joys of sliding with family and friends. The tradition of this facility goes back a long way, when city employees enjoyed a rudimentary facility for family skating. Today, a circuit specially designed for children aged 3 to 10 is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm. In addition, a number of special events are scheduled from late November to late December, including a visit from Santa Claus!

There are competitors, amateurs, but also spectators for this atypical animation, well awaited every year from now on. What a surprise to see a real carnival wandering the streets in December: athletes, children and adults, with their families or with colleagues, dress up and attack the city. Here costumes are sometimes a handicap to win but what a joy! A sumo, an elephant, many Santa Claus, Rabbids, Raving Rabbids will bring you a smile and warm you up for an evening.

It is the most important brewery festival in Alsace! Every year, in the heart of the Cité des Brasseurs, on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, beer is at the festival. Animations take place during the day, and a different orchestra ensures a very festive atmosphere in the evening. During these evenings, a flea market is organized in the streets of the city. The animation takes place under a tent, so you will be sure to be dry in case of bad weather. Typical atmosphere guaranteed.

Already known since 4 editions, the Brasseurs d'Alsace and the Eurométropole meet this time on the Quai des Bateliers for a stroll along the water to discover the 18 Alsatian breweries. Small catering and more than 60 beers offered. Musical activities are combined with the event to enjoy a good lather while listening to good sound. Free festival that lasts two days until 10pm. Possibility to discover new local beers that you did not know as well as the work of the brewers.

The Festival Festival will celebrate its 10 year anniversary in 2018. A guarantee of success! For a week, the commune celebrates all kinds of games: internal or external, individual or collective… Games that go through the scene, with shows in orchards. Chess, but also ancient games, fun games, games where one likes to embody knights… Beautiful days in perspective!

If Troyes has its 48 h car, Fish has been organizing a long-term vehicle race on Melar lacquer roads for more than six years in June. The circuit is closed, and as in the Tour de France, it is expected to see these vehicles of another age, compulsory over thirty years old. No stopover, here we roll for pleasure! A beautiful, closed road parade.

The Oranges Festival now follows a cruise rate, with demonstrations throughout the summer but also in Easter, Ascension, or Heritage Days… Violins and trumpets sometimes join dance, with musicians from Italy, Lithuania and elsewhere.

For several years, Chaumont has played the Paris Plage by investing squares for the pleasure of small, large and sportsmen. The square of Boulingrin, the Agathe Roullot garden, Philippe-Lebon Square, in particular, welcomes visitors throughout July. Classic inflatable games, but also elastifly for the reckless, wooden games, creative workshops compete with kayak, giant airbag, concerts… The New Wave, as they say, to surf the pleasures of summer!

This festival brings animation in the city, and Olivia Ruiz at a metal evening, it is certain that eclecticism is at the meeting! We welcome the small prizes of this festival, which is already in its 12 ^th edition, which brings to the credit of big names such as regional groups. The scenes are located in Saint-Dizier and Vitry-le-François.

Do you like street food and hip-hop culture? In spring and/or early autumn, come and discover the region's talents in terms of fast food, which can be enjoyed outdoors, more or less easily, over a weekend. Alsatian and other restaurateurs will reveal their know-how and new culinary trends. You will find here the classics of the genre of course but also daring bets and good homemade beers!

The plus: admission is free. The least: Lots of people and big dick at the stands.

Founded in 2001 by Jean-Marc Clergue to promote the guitar in all its forms, the association Guitarmaniaks organizes every year the Guitar Festival which attracts a varied audience, both informed and family oriented. The 15th edition takes place in mid-October at the Koïfhus, in the heart of the old town of Colmar. On the program, exhibitions of open stages and guitar demos. In addition, the Guitarmaniaks association organizes various events throughout the year: concerts, workshops, masterclasses, cultural happenings, to be discovered via its website and Facebook page. Notice to fans of folk, blues, jazz, picking, classical, rock, flamenco!

A beautiful course of long distance orientation in La Marne in the forest of Rilly La Montagne in the north of the forest of the Regional Natural Park of Reims Mountain. A real breath of oxygen!

Tariff: from 7 to 10 € per person.

Distance: 8 km.

Departure: from Rilly-la-Montagne, schedule to be specified.

Difficulty: easy to average.

The Société lorraine d'astronomie is a major meeting place for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals, whether they are curious or in love with the sky. Located in the Faculty of Science and Technology in Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, the association has a dome, but public observation evenings are often organised in the countryside to benefit from clear skies. During the major annual national events (Nuits des Étoiles, Science en Fête, etc.), the members of the association are available to the public for evenings of discovery accessible to the greatest number.

Every two years since 2013, La Biennale de la Danse offers two months of shows and performances around contemporary dance. At the origin of the event, there is the André Malraux cultural centre in Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, and the national stages in Bar-le-Duc and Forbach, with the obvious support of the Ballet de Lorraine. Subsequently, the event grew in size, to about thirty venues in the Grand-Est. A veritable laboratory for contemporary creation, which showcases both regional companies and troupes from all over the world.

The photographic event is organized biannually by the Observatoire Photographique du Grand Est, a structure that came into being after the International Image Biennial came to an end. The first edition of this event took place in 2021 on the theme of "Des arbres et des hommes" ("Trees and people"). In 2023, the featured photographers - both established professionals and up-and-coming artists - will work on the theme of "Dancing with the Earth". Artistic and cultural workshops, screenings, concerts, conferences and workshops will also be on the program.

THE street arts event! Created in 2006, the Michtô festival continues to develop, to bring together young and old, circus and street art lovers, around a hundred shows and festive activities over a month, in a spirit of sharing and good humor... The festival takes place on the site of Grand Sauvoy, rue de la Solidarité, on the border between Nancy and Maxéville. It is also the highlight of the Memô, a factory for circus and street arts, located on the former site of the Brasseries de Maxéville. A real daydream!

After Film Festival and Ciné Cool, Alsatians are spoiled in terms of culture! All of them have put this annual film event on their agenda! Le Printemps du cinéma is an opportunity to leave home after a harsh winter to see the new releases on the big screen. On the bill: animation, fantasy, comedy, horror... You will have a lot of choices with a really attractive single price! The 2019 edition was a real success, as it is every year. There is no doubt that 2020 will also be with unique and original programming for a one-time admission fee allowing a real three-day film marathon.

Free performances and entertainment are becoming rare. One reason to invite you to enjoy these three days, in line with the Fête de la Musique, in the Parc du Jard. The same precautions are taken as in a concert: water bottles to be opened, no seats, no animals. Great figures of the song come to offer you their register: Christophe Maé, Trois Cafés Gourmands, Amel Bent, Gauvain Sers... The range is impressive, especially when you know the price of a concert ticket. A bargain!

The festival, which is in its 17 ^th edition, has found its rhythm and offers appointments around humor. One man show, theater, humor in music… Large figures like Franck Dubosc or Jamel Debbouze sometimes make the detour, but there are also beautiful discoveries… 6 appointments this year, from January to the beginning.

Every year, the village of Vauchassis has been organizing a cider festival for 47 years. The appointment is known to apple lovers: tasting, crafts, presence of the Apple Sketchers Association, local products… It's mostly an opportunity for you to buy cider straight from the press, to eat quickly, but can also serve apple jelly. To your ideas! A nice meeting around heritage and taste.

At the end of September, at the end of the autonomous, the performances that warm the hearts are played. In the Sablon district, the social and cultural center is animated for this third edition to offer 3 days of theater. The companies will make us discover original pieces, in a minimalist decor but do not take away the quality of the game. The program this year is varied, Karamel plays the festivities, history tells the meeting of a writer of some age with a young person drifting according to a work by Christian Guidicelli. Great emotion in perspective.

Throughout the day, there are many shows and animations for young and old! The top of the day is given by a procession. The festival is divided into 4 zones: the medieval camp, the big stage, the children's animation and the path of the strange. The festival ends with a great fire show. Organized by the association "Fête de la Sorcière Rouffach", this festival is totally realized by volunteers. The objective is to propose an authentic festival, to give pleasure, playful thrill and many strong emotions.

Did you know that Alsace is one of the regions in Europe with the most castles on its territory? Numerous events are planned to promote the old stones, many tourist actors and heritage associations are mobilized to organize the day "Tous aux châteaux". The castles and fortified cities will come back to life thanks to volunteers who will welcome the public all day long for guided or costumed tours, exhibitions, stories, games, workshops, treasure hunts, demonstrations...

The valley of Munster celebrates Easter and the arrival of spring with its event " Le Printemps des Cigognes ". Many activities are scheduled in Munster and in the whole valley: egg hunt, spring market and creators, meeting with animals, culinary and creative workshops, exhibitions, concerts... You will have the opportunity to learn more about this emblematic bird and to discover the richness of the very attractive valley of Munster.

This traditional festival starts in the early morning, the stalls of the garage sale set up in the streets. Then the courtyards of the farms open their doors to present artistic exhibitions, demonstrations of old trades and allow you to taste the unmissable sauerkraut. Around noon it is the aperitif-concert. In the afternoon a procession wanders through the village. You will enjoy the parade in traditional costume, music, folk dances and the exhibition of old tools.Market of art, crafts and local products.