Events calendar Picardy

Since 1962, on the first weekend of September, the town of Aire-sur-la-Lys celebrates its culinary speciality: andouille sausages. Lots of entertainment in town, lots of people and a euphoric atmosphere! Concerts punctuate the evenings since the creation of the festival. Big names in French-speaking music have taken part, such as Michel Sardou, Johnny Hallyday or more recently Arcadian. But the event not to be missed is the release of charcuterie from the bailiwick by the mayor and his guests: a crazy local tradition, to be recommended!

This festival is part of the "Journées doullennaises des jardins d'agrément". A pretty bucolic event, which has been held since 1987, in the heart of the citadel of Doullens. 70 gardeners-collectors, from France and Belgium, present and offer for sale their collection, and are pleased to share the benefits of these exceptional plants. Take advantage of the gardening advice of these enthusiasts during a resolutely green weekend!

A local event, the Holiday festival has truly become an institution. Since 1933, band music has appeared on the streets. On Saturday evening, a parade of illuminated tanks is accompanied by musicians. On Sunday afternoon, flowering tanks are accompanied by music companies. The atmosphere is always euphoric. And the air is filled with pleasant scents. Every new edition, its theme.

After Disney in 2015 and the world celebrities in 2016, what will be the theme of the 2017 edition? The principle will be in any case the same, with more than a hundred several metres high sculptures where the visitor can observe. Thirty artists of different nationalities will prepare this extraordinary exhibition for several weeks from  special imported tons of sand.

Are you ready to dance? Enjoy the frenzied Afro-Latino rhythms! Rue de Metz and Place du Centenaire are in full swing. Classes, workshops and concerts keep the seaside resort lively late into the night. Dress codes are sometimes indicated. Enjoy the party!

For years, at the time of the holidays of the All, the Champ de Mars in Lille animates and vibrates at the rhythm of the cries of joy and amazement of the spectators of the Grand Lille Festival of the Cirque, who put his suitcases and his gigantic top. Animated by a loyal gentleman from home, the indéboulonnable Thierry Féery, this great circus mass attracts over 80 000 spectators every year. Acrobats, jugglers, magicians, animal trainers, not forgetting clowns, the festival renews its programming every year and showcases artists and acrobats from all over the world. In the 31st edition of 2017? The incredible acrobats of the Hats Juggling Troup of China, a circus filmmaker from Moscow, Muriel and Scott'accidental illusionists ', a dog trainer from Russia or Scott Nelson the Magician. Not to mention Henri the Prince of Clowns and a spectacle of 12 Fauves. The Lille Circus Festival is a blend of tradition and modernity and never stops laughing, dreaming and travelling. So book your tickets soon!

Another way to discover the Thiérache! The Vervins Orientation Club offers you a national orientation race open every April 2 and 3, 2016. Close to 1000 runners are expected. While national competitors are face, you can take advantage of the course in more quiet fashion. There will even be a circuit dedicated to handisport. The goal of competition is, of course, to bring the region into value. The tourist office is also associated with the event with proposed accommodation solutions and the suggestion of tourist sites. The promotion of local products will be ensured by Flavour and Land. Cider and maroilles will then be part of the game to recover! An initiative to support.

Since 2010, this Harley gathering organized by the Opale Shore Chapter has met with great success every year. It has been an official Harley-Davidson event since 2016. On the program: a parade, an exhibition and sale, street shows, a first ride on a Harley (as a passenger), various activities in the bars and restaurants of the Hardelot resort... There's also plenty of fun to be had, with three days of blues, rock and country music and a host of other events. Opale Harley Days will celebrate its ^12th edition in Hardelot in September 2024!

The LudiNord festival is the leading gaming event in the region and the^3rd largest in France. The aim of LudiNord is to bring board games to a wide audience, and to promote games that are not yet on the market. Visitors can discover a wide range of games in different areas: atmosphere, strategy, family, children (aged 2 to 10), creation and tournaments. 200 volunteers run game tables and competitions.

The Giant is a giant construction - originally made of wicker - representing a character, but above all it is an emblematic figure of Northern France! The Giants of the North appeared when the region was part of the Spanish Netherlands. They were paraded during religious processions, but today, there are all kinds of Giants of the North, each with their own name and history, and many cities in the North and in Belgium have them. If you want to have a closer look at this tradition, the Forum des Géants du Nord (which replaces the Giant Weekend) in Tourcoing is ideal because it will allow you to see dozens of giants in all their splendor.

Lille Art Up! is a major contemporary art fair that attracts thousands of curious visitors every year. 100 galleries and publishers invite you to discover the best of contemporary creation. Renowned and emerging artists come together to explore different themes, such as memory games in 2023. On Thursday evening, during the nocturne, happenings, performances, readings and other animations create a lively dialogue between artists and spectators. As for the weekend, it is centered around workshops accessible to all and allowing to learn engraving or photography in all simplicity. Contemporary art, yes, but for everyone!

The Clef de Soleil festival brings classical music to Lille all summer long, with a rich and varied program. Soloists, quartets and recitalists with original repertoires delight your ears by sharing their passion through dozens of performances featuring the most traditional and famous works of classical music, as well as a number of more personal and intimate creations. Each edition of this festival is a great opportunity to discover classical music from a new angle!

Created in 2016, the Journées Nationales de l'Architecture are part of a more global approach by the Ministry of Culture aimed at rethinking architecture in everyday life and encouraging a desire for architecture among the French to improve the living environment and habitat. As such, these days seek to showcase the most beautiful and unusual architectural achievements throughout France, and enable visitors to re-appropriate their city. In Lille in 2016, the curious were able to discover the metamorphoses of the Citadelle and the urban and architectural history of the town halls. They were able to attend exhibitions on themes as varied as "Japan, archipelago of the home" or "Building the accessible, architecture facing the walls of disability". Conferences, workshops and film screenings were also on offer. Enough to satisfy the most varied cultural appetites. Whether you prefer classical or contemporary architecture, you're bound to find an event to suit your taste. Following the success of the first edition, the Ministry is organizing the Journées Nationales de l'Architecture once again. In 2017 in Lille, the program should focus more on contemporary Lille. Eventually, the Ministry hopes to make these days as essential as the Journées du Patrimoine.

In Hellemmes, you can celebrate the festival and the Festival des Popotes Roller proves this. Created by the Mayor in 2016, this original festival brings together food-trucks and a great musical scene within the Engrand park. What better than good music and street food to celebrate late summer? On the music side, the town hall selected artists found on the net or at local festivals. The program? Pop rock, new wave, hard rock… there are for all tastes. Not forgetting the tributes paid to the largest rock and pop groups, some of them are not missed, for their side resolutely décalé! Side flavours, you will travel. New York hot dogs, pizza, Breton cakes, grilled cheeses, revisited cheeses, etc. And it will of course be sprayed with beer from the collective All Hops, which also breaststroke a 100% hellemmoise beer! It's easy, funny, tasty… it's a little festival like you love!

It was in 2002, after having been on one of the steps of the Four Days in Dunkirk, that the mayor of Hellemmes puts himself in the lead of providing his own commune of cycling (for newcomers, know that a critérium refers to sporting events that are not championships!) After many discussions and a first race organized in 2003 in the form of a "gentleman" (understanding a race where a cyclist is interviewed the time of the journey), the first criterium hellemmois is finally organised in 2004. And over the years, it has become an essential part of the cycling landscape. Indeed, it is one of the only championships still organised in France, making it a very popular event of national and international cyclists. The Golden Handlebar is a journey that the athletes will take the tour 25 times… that is 35 km! But the Golden Handlebars is first and foremost a great, family-run holiday. Animations start at 14 pm on Hentgès Square. Workshops for the practice of cycling, space dedicated to the conduct of original and fun equipment, a baby-bike circuit, BMX track, initiation, initiation… A family run is also organised in the streets of Hellemmes. It allows you to discover the city and meet its traders (whose Union is co-organizer of the event with Hellemmes Organisation Cycling and the Town Hall!) A 16 h 45, the first championships start for the women riders, the small and the senior. At 18 p. m. and for 45 min, visitors can, if they wish, ride on the course of the race. And at 19 p. m., it's the launch of the real Gold Handlebar that celebrated in 2017 its 15 years (eh the idea was born in 2002) to see the race, to take the street Roger Salengro, near the metro station Mairie d'Hellemmes. A family feast that places cycling in honour: The Golden Handlebar is an event not to be missed for all lovers of the Little queen!

Galerie Saint-Jacques is a unique place where art can be discovered in a totally playful way. Each exhibition has its own identity and explores different themes: photography, cinema, Christmas... There are no limits to creativity! More than just an exhibition, the gallery offers a real program of activities for young and old alike. Galerie Saint-Jacques is a place where you can stroll, marvel and let your imagination run wild. Children and parents alike will be charmed by this unique universe where art is within everyone's reach.

115 rue d'Isle is home to a unique 115 m² art gallery. A place open to all, art lovers, budding artists and established professionals alike. Throughout the year, the gallery offers a varied program of exhibitions: jewelry, paintings, drawings, there's something for everyone! Art comes to life in all its forms, creating a veritable showcase of beauty. Local and international artists are given pride of place. It's a privileged place where art, artists and the public meet in a spirit of sharing and kindness.

The legend speaks of a lord who wanted to divert the river from the village. The people would then have kicked the impudent with great coups. The Seringueux is a truly separate world. 800 carnavaleux, in boots and waxed, armed with block-loaded syringes (2 litres of water and more) pour their anger against the imprudent that would not be masked! Aquatic battles are striking the festivities. The Giants are out. Curious, and therefore totally fascinating. Provide an umbrella or imperméable, and good courage!

This traditional annual festive event in Audresselles takes place on June 18 and 19 and combines entertainment and gastronomy. The center of the village comes alive with the sound of music and dance steps. The restaurants do not miss the appointment and deploy their terraces while the crab sellers present their most beautiful products of the sea. An exhibition of flobarts presents the fishing techniques practiced on the coast. We discover the local maritime crafts, but above all, during this festive weekend, the good crab is sold by the bucketful!

In pairs, one runs while the other pedals and vice versa for 15 km. It's the Bike & Run concept! Divided into two courses (Open and Teen), the event brings together nearly 300 teams, all equally motivated and supportive. The Bike & Run is accessible for young people and in XS distance. Between land and sea, the participants pass through unusual places and are encouraged by a horde of supporters. A true sports day in the open air!

The city celebrates Boulonnais horse each year. An emblematic equine race since it is native to the region. Mainly bred in Pas-de-Calais and in the Somme, these horses that are particularly robust ensured the connection between the coast and Paris to transport fish during the 17^th century. Heavy but of an uncontested elegance, this draught horse is honoured during a whole day through horse-team excursions, sculptures of straw, demonstration of equestrian trades (farrier, production of tether in an old way), painting competition on the theme of horse, musical entertainments...

The Artouquet show is the meeting place par excellence for art dealers, designers, antique dealers, jewelers and gallery owners, with a total of forty exhibitors from all over France, England and Belgium. Confirmed designers and new talents mix their respective works, giving the event a completely eclectic dimension. Art lovers stroll the aisles of the show, discovering unusual objects constantly waiting for a new interpretation.

Shows, activities and workshops are at the heart of this delightful event. Puppeteers, actors, storytellers and magicians descend on the famous seaside resort for three weeks, to the delight of the very young! Dance, theater, music, sports and cultural initiations - there's plenty to discover. While some shows are ticketed on Wednesdays, Saturdays are reserved for free outdoor activities. Sunday is devoted to sport, with free workshops. Every year, the event is a great success!

The horse-riding park of Le Touquet, which was used as an advance base of the 2012 Olympics, organises every year a 3-star international obstacles jump competition. Prestigious and very popular, the event gathers the biggest professional riders and makes the eyes of the passionate enthusiasts of the region shine. Four days of riding performances on a site recently renovated await you, and that, a few steps from the beach and the forests of the station.

Europe's biggest Pro Am is in Le Touquet! After 20 editions, this tournament has become a must on the Opal Coast. Christophe Cantegrel (creator and director of the tournament) promises every year " four unforgettable days " on " four fields of excellence ": Wimereux, Hardelot-les-Pins, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Belle Dune. 400 players meet on the tournament and mix sport, performance, conviviality and elegance. A great show since 1994!

Every year, Touquet Polo Club organises its coveted tournament on the beach of Touquet. Several teams compete on the fine sands of the resort. The horses raise their team colours, from protections to the saddle pads and to the bonnet for some. As prologue, the riders and their horses parade in the city: from the riding centre to the seashore via rue Saint-Jean. A beautiful sporting events in a sumptuous setting.

The Monts de Flandres trail is a sporting event that allows participants to discover the region's natural riches while challenging themselves. Participants can choose from five routes of varying lengths and gradients. So everyone can choose their own level of difficulty. This trail is part of the Nord Évasion event, which offers nine sporting events throughout the year and across the whole of the Nord region.

france's^3rd-largest short-film competition, the European Film Festival attracts some 6,000 spectators every year. This competition for short films of all kinds aims to promote French and European cinema, but not only that... It's also an excellent opportunity for film professionals to meet their Lille audiences! Pascal Légitimus, Joey Starr, Gary Lewis, Mathieu Kassovitz and many others have taken part in the event during their respective careers.

Les Paradis artificiels is THE rap and urban festival of the Lille region, and more widely of northern France. Each year, over 20,000 participants gather (some editions draw close to 40,000) to enjoy the sounds of some 50 artists from all musical horizons, over the course of an entire week. French rap, Swedish DJs, American rock, African vocals and much more... make up the line-up for this eclectic event. A not-to-be-missed event!

A big braderie to celebrate August 15 with family? That is a great idea! In the middle of the city, you will have the opportunity to browse, sell or make the necessary apprentices by rolling your nose! And if you want to go behind the stands, to register, all the info is available on the site of the city of Dunkirk.

First time to take a gastronomic break after Carnival and before returning to the summer holidays. Les Temps des Mets offers you time to love the best products of our sweet France: a condensed of our flavours and land, in a relaxed and healthy atmosphere. In short, the Kursaal is a must. Take the time: The tasting is free and you will have the opportunity to discover our regions better.

If you are in Calais, on August 15th, don't miss this traditional festival. The morning is devoted to meditation with the celebration of a mass. Weave yourself into the procession of sailors, recognizable by their traditional dress and their "sun" headdress and take a seat in the church of Notre-Dame. After mass, everyone heads for the port to pay homage to the sailors who disappeared at sea around the monument to the rescuers. The afternoon is devoted to festivities with a nautical joust and, for the less audacious, a flea market and Celtic or sea rock concerts. And to make it last until the end of the night, don't forget to take a gourmet break and taste the traditional kippers accompanied by French fries of course!

A festival for young audiences from 4 years old! Circus, acrobatics, juggling, puppets, songs, dance, theatre: the program is resolutely placed under the sign of good humour and poetry. Most of the shows are performed at the Théâtre des Poissons in Frocourt, 5 km from Beauvais, which organizes workshops for beginners or advanced students, children from 6 years old and parents-children, to discover the full range of performing arts.