Celebrate Music the French Way: La Fête de la Musique
Every year on June 21st, the streets and cities of France come alive with sound. From Paris to small villages, professional musicians and amateur performers take to the streets, parks, bars, and public spaces for La Fête de la Musique - France’s national music day.
Launched in 1982, the event was designed to bring music directly to the people. The idea was simple but powerful: free concerts,
open-air performances, and a celebration of all musical genres. Whether it’s jazz, classical, hip-hop, or rock, you’ll hear it all during
this magical day where music becomes a shared language.
Why June 21st?
The date of La Fête de la Musique is no coincidence - it takes place every year on June 21st, the summer solstice. This is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun stays in the sky well into the evening. The extra daylight sets the perfect stage for a festival of sound, inviting people to stay out late, gather together, and enjoy the warm night air filled with music.
In this way, La Fête de la Musique is not just a celebration of music - it’s a joyful tribute to French summer, community, and the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Our event in Wellington is sold out - but we have a solution for you!
While our Fête de la Musique event is now fully booked (merci for the amazing enthusiasm!), there's still a way to stay in the rhythm of French music and culture.
As part of the French Film Festival Aotearoa, we highly recommend the uplifting and music-filled French film En fanfare (My Brother Band), currently showing in Wellington.
The film follows Thibaut, a world-renowned orchestra conductor whose life is turned upside down when he learns he was adopted - and that he has a brother, Jimmy. He works in a school cafeteria and plays trombone in a local band in northern France. While everything seems to separate the two men, they share a deep love of music. When Thibaut discovers Jimmy’s hidden talent, he sets out to give his brother the musical opportunity he never had. For Jimmy, it’s a chance to dream of a different life.
En fanfare is a heartwarming story about unexpected family ties, second chances, and the unifying power of music. It’s the perfect film to keep the spirit of La Fête de la Musique alive - on the big screen.
Let the music play et Bonne Fête de la Musique!
🎬 "My Brother's Band"
📅
Saturday, 21 June 2025 at 6.15pm
📍 Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Wellington
Book your tickets 👉 here
Loving the French cinema? Why not learn the language too! Picking up a bit of French makes watching French films even more meaningful and fun - you’ll catch those little cultural quirks and emotions that don’t always make it into the subtitles.
Our new term of French classes is starting soon! Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to brush up, it’s a great way to get more out of French cinema - and it’s heaps of fun too. Come join us!