Events calendar Rouen

Every year on 21 June, the festival is in full swing in the various districts of Rouen, which then dresses up in its best light to celebrate the music festival. The whole city centre vibrates to the varied rhythms of rock'n'roll, folk, reggae, pop or rap. Each time, the event attracts thousands of music lovers who travel from all over the region to attend the festivities. And, increasingly, the city tends to highlight its local artists by propelling them to the forefront.

Started in 1989 with the Voiles de la Liberté, it is indeed the major event in Rouen, so major that it is only organised at intervals of several years. After celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in 2019 by welcoming around fifty of the world's largest sailing ships - with their crews in uniform - and other exceptional warships, the next edition will take place in 2023. For around ten days, the banks of the Seine will vibrate to the rhythm of the parades of sailors and boats. On the programme, visits to the ships, the raising of the Flaubert Bridge, fireworks, and concerts, which will delight the hundreds of thousands of spectators expected from the four corners of the world.

The Curieux Printemps de Rouen festival is an exceptional event that offers an eclectic program, with many concerts, exhibitions, balls, but also visits and offbeat conferences on art and culture... And the big advantage of this event is that almost everything is free! The festival takes place every year throughout the month of May and allows you to discover some of the most unusual places in the city in an original way. Note that during this Curieux Printemps, the municipal museums are completely free during the Easter school holidays. A real invitation to culture.

The Fantastic Film Festival program is divided between two activities: Fantastic Conventions and screenings of old horror films. During the conventions, which open at 10am and close at 6pm, festival-goers can listen to lectures, enjoy a variety of activities, chat with authors at book signings, take part in cosplay contests or a zombie parade. Don't be afraid to be scared... this original festival gives you the creeps, but in a friendly atmosphere.

There are more and more of them staggering through the streets of Rouen every year. They only come out one day a year and so much the better, because they are frightening to see! Scarred, dying, with their entrails in the air, they appear morbid and bloody. But who are they? The creatures of the Zombie Walk, of course! Every year in November, fans of gore and horror, or those who simply like to dress up, go to the town hall square to start a long and slow walk along our streets..

For five weeks, the Seine-Maritime region offers a playful and popular approach to literature. We meet the great names of international and local literature and culture, which are mixed in an interdisciplinary program. In addition to the many public readings, you can enjoy theatre, cinema, music and a whole educational section with courses, workshops and study days. A rich program!

Created in 2022, this international tournament has found its place in the Women's Tennis Association calendar. Classified in the WTA 125 category, it's a springboard for up-and-coming players and a good way for the more experienced to get back on track, as they slip down the world rankings. The field comprises 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Although the participants come from all over the world, the French are well represented. It's a chance to see some quality tennis without breaking the bank, and to showcase the women's game.

The Seine-Marathon 76 is a very popular event and quite popular with runners and families alike. Indeed, five events are offered so that everyone can find something to do: the marathon itself, with its legendary 42.195 kilometres, a distance also offered to company teams; the half-marathon, with 21.097 kilometres of running; the 10 km of Rouen and its urban course; and finally the latest event: the 5 km, intended for young people and beginners, with its nickname "born to move", it is intended to encourage even the most reluctant to exercise.

The Perche Elite Tour is the pole vaulting event. It takes place at the Kindarena, the great hall of sports events of the Metropolis. Each year, it is the occasion to see the best athletes of the world jumping. You will see, over the course of the eight competitions, our national and regional champions. You will also see younger athletes, especially from the Sotteville Stadium, who are just as impressive and promising! A very popular sporting event for the people of Rouen. Go to the Kindarena website to choose your time slot.