Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Top 5 Best Events in Marseille
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For you, it will be an opportunity to discover authentic traditions and local fervor at the heart of the action. Are you flexible for your stay in Marseille? Splendid, as some annual events might help you set a date.
Thanks to the mild climate of southern France, Marseille events are often held outdoors. You'll make the most of the architecture, sunny parks and the saving breeze from the Vieux-Port.
Intergenerational sharing moments are very important for locals. For this reason, youth – and families in the broad sense – are privileged audiences in the annual programming.
Our selection of recurring events
The effervescent city of Marseille has more than one event and animation proposal in its bag! Whether you're lovers of artistic or cultural performances, family concerts, exhibitions for two or aperitifs with friends with a view... You'll find all this and much more in Marseille!
1. Akimatsuri, the Japanese autumn festival
Date or period: First weekend of October.
Access: Free
Description: Every year, the first weekend of October announces the arrival of Akimatsuri, the Japanese Autumn Festival. Since 2011, this extraordinary event is the fruit of a partnership between the city of Marseille and the Japanese consulate. Over an entire weekend, immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture, in the heart of the Botanical Garden of Borély park. Participate in cosplay or bonsai workshops, learn traditional games or divination arts... The discovery will be complete!
2. Marseille Jazz of the Five Continents
Date or period: In July
Access: Free
Description: Organized every year since 2000, Marseille Jazz of the Five Continents is a festival of jazz music, but also soul, funk, and world music. On this occasion, many artists from around the world are invited to perform on stage in emblematic places of the Phocaean city, such as Palais Longchamp park, the MUCEM, la Criée, or the Silvain Theatre. An ideal way to discover the mythical places of Marseille in a festive atmosphere!
3. The Santons Fair
Date or period: From the second weekend of November until January 2nd.
Access: Free
Description: Created in 1803, the santons fair of Marseille is the oldest santons fair in Provence. This event therefore honors the santons ("little saints" in Provençal), small clay figurines typical of Provençal Christmas, representing characters from the Nativity or villagers. About twenty local santonmakers are invited to present their creations on the Port quay, near the Christmas market. It's an opportunity to discover the warm and magical atmosphere of Provençal Christmas. And as they say in Provence, "Bon Nouvé!"
4. The Vieux Port Christmas Market
Date or period: From the end of November.
Access: Free / Paid € / €€ / €€€
Description: From the end of November, an enchanted Christmas market takes over the Vieux-Port of Marseille. The magic of Christmas then spreads in the hearts of Marseillais, and a panel of entertainments of all kinds is offered to boaters. Animations will also pace the market during the entire month of December. Strollers especially appreciate the chalets overflowing with artisanal products and local specialties. When the sea wind becomes biting, gather around a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate, the ultra-friendly atmosphere is always there!
5. The Marseille Carnival
Date or period: In April.
Access: Free / Paid € / €€ / €€€
Description: To admire the colorful Carnival of Marseille, head to the 8th district, starting from Borély park! Every year, hundreds of artists in feathered costumes parade alongside extravagant floats. The announcement of the theme is always eagerly awaited by the Marseillais who are more than 10,000 to come admire the carnival each year. In a similar spirit, you'll find the independent Carnival of la Plaine, Noailles, Réformés and Belle-de-Mai.