2026/2027 Cultural Season: Cannes, a stage for all emotions

In Cannes, culture is not limited to the glitz and glamour of major international events: it forms a continuous thread, a living link between residents and visitors throughout the year. With its 2026/2027 cultural season, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is affirming this ambition by offering more than 70 artistic events from September 2026 to the end of April 2027. Theatre, music, dance, comedy, circus, illusion or even film-concerts: all the disciplines will be brought together to offer a multi-faceted, accessible and demanding artistic experience.

Published on 27 April 2026

In Cannes, culture is an essential pillar of our city project. Culture uplifts, connects and liberates. This 2026-2027 season combines artistic excellence and openness, big names and new voices, heritage and contemporary creation. Culture is a major challenge for civilisation, a bond between generations and a priority for Cannes.

David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, Chairman of the Cannes Lérins Conurbation

In a world that is often portrayed in gloomy terms, this cultural season reminds us that artistic creation remains an essential source of joy, reflection and connection between individuals. Through the diversity of its offerings and the energy of its artists, it’s a resounding celebration of our humanity, with laughter, emotion and wonder.

Nicolas Gorjux, President of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes

A strategic vision: culture as a necessity

This season at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is based on a strong conviction: culture is a necessity, a driving force for humanity and social cohesion. A clever blend of entertainment and artistic excellence, combining the great repertoires with contemporary works.

The programme is structured around three main themes:

– Diversity of disciplines: from theatre to music, dance to circus, comedy to magic;

– A balance between iconic artists and emerging talent;

– Greater accessibility, enabling all audiences to enjoy the cultural offering.

A packed programme

Theatre, a mirror of our society

Between revisited classics and contemporary creations, the theatre explores all the nuances of storytelling. This season’s programme includes theatrical frescoes such as Les Misérables, Cléopâtre, Les Rochambelles, Le Voyage de Monsieur Perrichon and Potiche, as well as thrillers and comedies starring a host of big names: Thierry Fremont, Nicolas Vaude, Michel Cymes, Francis Huster, Clovis Cornillac, Clémentine Célarié, Paloma, Florence Pernel, Bernard Malaka, Gérard Darmon, Isabelle Gélinas…

Dance and circus, innovation in motion

The Cannes – Côte d’Azur Dance Festival, now an annual event, illustrates the vitality of international choreographic creation. Renowned companies and choreographers rub shoulders with emerging talents on the contemporary scene:Stephanie Lake (Australia), Marco Da Silva Ferreira (Portugal), Christos Papadopoulos (Greece), CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz (France), Emanuel Gat Dance (France), Modern Table Dance Company (Korea), Beaver Dam Company (Switzerland) and London City Ballet (Great Britain)… In all, 25 companies from 11 countries will be taking to the stages of Cannes and its partner theatres.

Dance is one of the major pillars of the Palais des Festivals’ programme, and will be on show throughout the season: “Sadeck Berrabah’s ‘Murmuration’ for the festive season, and ‘Don Quichotte’ by Pietragalla – Derouin, will also be on show. by Pietragalla – Derouault, “Carmen” by Julien Lestel… all forms of dance are given pride of place at Cannes.

Contemporary circus, meanwhile, pushes back the boundaries of what is possible, transforming technical virtuosity into poetic language. On the bill this year: “Face aux Murs” by Cie Hors Surface and “Odyssée” by Les Etoiles du Cirque de Pékin.

Music, between heritage and transmission

Julien Clerc will present his “Une Vie” tour, while Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine will embark on a farewell tour. Spanish diva Luz Casal will pay tribute to the female voices that have inspired her, while Suzane will combine committed lyrics with live performance. The Orchestre national de Cannes, now conducted by Holly Hyun Choe, will open a new page in its history with an ambitious Beethoven cycle featuring international soloists and major works from the repertoire.

Humour, an essential thread

This season, comedy will be a dominant pillar of the programme, a genuine vehicle for sharing and bringing audiences together. Alex Lutz, La Bajon, Haroun, Les Coquettes, Ilyes Dajdel, Marion Mezadorian, Mathieu Madenian, Paul de Saint Sernin, Philippe Caverivière and Laurent Gerra, Kad Merad and Michèle Laroque will be offering a variety of formats, mixing satire, introspection and observation of everyday life, at a time when laughter is more necessary than ever.

Structuring highlights

The cultural season is organised around a series of major events that set the pace for Cannes’ cultural life:

– The Cannes – Côte d’Azur Dance Festival, now an annual event;

– The International Games Festival;

– MIDEM, a major event dedicated to contemporary music and its evolution;

– The Beethoven cycle, the musical thread running through the season of the Orchestre national de Cannes.

Cannes, where culture comes alive

Over and above the programming, this season reaffirms Cannes as a land of creation, transmission and experimentation. The shows will be staged in a number of emblematic venues, from the Palais des Festivals to our partner venues, helping to make culture an essential part of everyday life.

Each performance becomes a unique experience: a shared laugh, a collective emotion, a moment suspended in time.

Practical information

Sophie Dupont – Director of Cultural Events at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, programmer of the Palais des Festivals cultural season.

Didier Deschamps – Artistic Director of the Cannes – Côte d’Azur Dance Festival and Dance advisor for the Cultural season.

In partnership with the Orchestre national de Cannes – Jean-Marie Blanchard, General Director – Holly Hyun Choe, Musical Director.

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