Paris in August: Events, Sports, Exhibitions and More

Paris in August is a calm time, with locals emptying out of the city and scattering to summer holiday destinations around the world. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in the city, as well as visit the many fabulous locations that are just a day trip away from Paris.

Paris Weather in August

Paris weather is still variable as always. The average temperature ranges from 16 degrees Celsius for low temperatures and 25 degrees Celsius for the average high temperature. Even though it’s still one of the hottest times of the year, pack a light jacket and umbrella. We have had cold and rainy days alongside scorching heat waves. And don’t forget to check out these tips for how to beat the heat in Paris.

Usually in August, the sunny weather and long daylight hours mean it’s a great time to hear live music at one of the many outdoor music festivals. It is still high tourist season with long lines at the most popular attractions, but it’s a great time to explore the off the beaten path neighborhoods. If you plan on staying in town this August, here are some of the best things to do!

Events

Paris Plages – July 5 – August 31

This is one of the best places to cool off during the late summer heat waves. During the summer months, Paris transforms into a seaside resort. Grab your sun cream. Enjoy sunny days and warm weather on the banks of the Seine and Canal de l’Ourcq (near Parc de la Villette). These Paris “beaches” are adorned with palm trees and offer deck chairs for relaxation near the water. Activities at the Parc Rives de Seine location include pétanque, free board game rentals, and volleyball in front of Hôtel de Ville. At Bassin de la Villette, there’s a merry-go-round for kids, water sports, trampoline, and more. And this year, the City of Paris is proud to offer three new swimming locations along the Seine for those who want to give it a try.

Cinema en Plein Air – until August 17

Free open air film screenings return to La Villette after the break last summer due to the Olympics. The theme of the 2025 edition is dance and music. Pack a picnic, or check out the food trucks on site, and enjoy classics and fan favorites such as Hairspray, Les Misérables, Singin’ in the Rain, and Mamma Mia! There will also be children’s film screenings earlier in the evenings.

Lost in Frenchlation Film Screenings at Parisian Cinemas – all month

Lost in Frenchlation Summer Camp will be hosting three film screenings per week featuring French favorites with English subtitles. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in French culture and an opportunity to explore some iconic Parisian cinemas including L’Épée de Bois (in the Latin Quarter), L’Arlequin (in Saint-Germain-des-Prés), and Luminor (in Le Marais). Come by a screening for the A/C, and experience the unbeatable joy of French cinema!

Été du Canal – Until August 11

The Canal de l’Ourcq celebrates summer with a vibrant program for Été du Canal, of dance, concerts, water activities including boat cruises, film screenings, and street art. Located in the trendy 19th Arrondissement, the Canal de L’Ourcq is a must-visit part of the Parisian canal network.

Les Arènes Lyriques, Montmartre, until August 16

Just moments from Sacré Cœeur, on rue Chappe, you’ll find the secret garden which is home to classical music and opera in the summer, Les Arènes Lyriques. Soak up the poetic atmosphere under fairy lights as soloists and an orchestra perform in the outdoors. Events will be held August 1-2, 6-9; and 13-16.

Pari Roller, Rollerblading Paris – every Friday night

Discover Paris in a whole new way. Every Friday evening of the year you can strap on your rollerblades and discover Paris via wheels. Thousands take to the streets and traffic comes to a stop. Free spirits rock and roller their way through the City of Lights. Your Pari Roller nightride begins at 9:30 pm at Gare Montparnasse and will take you through some iconic landmarks of the city. FYI, non-electric bikes and scooters are welcome to roll!

Exhibitions

Had enough of outdoor activities or want to escape rainy days? Here are some must see exhibits during your August visit.

Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten – Grand Palais, until January 4 2026

The Grand Palais hosts a retrospective dedicated to artist couple Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, who were supported throughout their careers by Pontus Hultén, the first director of the Musée national d’art moderne at the Centre Pompidou. The exhibition embraces these friendships and explores the artists’ work, described as disruptive, multidisciplinary and participatory.

David Hockney 25, Fondation Louis Vuitton – until August 31

It’s the last month to catch David Hockney’s largest exhibition yet at Fondation Louis Vuitton. You won’t want to miss this impressive collection of over 400 pieces from 1955 to 2025. It includes works in various media, from oil paintings to digital art.

A Passion for China, Musée de Louvre, until August 25

It’s the final month of the exhibition A Passion for China : The Adolphe Thiers Collection. The collection consists of over 170 works from the 18th and 19th centuries including scrolls, porcelains, mother-of-pearl, objets d’art, and more.

Anna Maria Maiolino. Je suis là. Estou Aqui, Musée Picasso – until September 21

Brazilian artist Anna Maria Maiolino’s first exhibition in France is at Musée Picasso. Her works are presences in and of themselves evoking discussion. They use  a variety of techniques and incorporate organic naturalism.

CLUBBING, Grand Palais Immersif, until October 1

In this unique exhibition, you will be immersed in club culture, from its underground history to its popularity today. The exhibition has a club atmosphere, offering peeks into world renowned establishments. It also includes stories from artists and musicians.

Out of focus, another vision of art from 1945 to the present day, Musée de l’Orangerie, until August 18th

Take a closer look at the blurred effect found in paintings such as the water in Monet’s Water Lilies. There is so much more beneath the surface of what seems out of focus. The exhibition explores this technique as an important means of expression with roots in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Chambre des échos : Elia David, Your Canine Portraitist, Palais de Tokyo, until September 7

Artist Elia David, a painter and professional canine portraitist, creates portraits of our four-legged companions on display in the exhibition at the Chambre des échos in Palais de Tokyo. The artist will be available to commission portraits for dogs as well as other pets, the greatest souvenir of all!

Céleste Boursier – Mougenot, Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection, until September 21

Don’t miss this installation of the multi-sensory piece “clinamen” by the artist Céleste Boursier in the Rotunda of the Bourse de Commerce.

Worth : Inventer la Haute Couture, Petit Palais, until Sept 7

Petit Palais partners with Palais Galliera to present the creations and history of the French fashion house, House of Worth. There will be over 400 works on display in this retrospective on haute couture.

Van Gogh, Atelier des Lumières, until August 30

Experience Van Gogh’s work like never before in this immersive exhibition, followed by a beautiful second projection called “Japon Rêvé”.

Sports

Swimming in the Seine, until August 31

The Seine is now open for swimmers for the first time in 100 years. There are three new sites to take a dip in the river: Bras Marie in the 4th arrondissement, Bercy in the 12th arrondissement, and Grenelle in the 15th arrondissement. You can also check out the swimming at Bassin de la Villette and Canal Saint-Martin, or simply sunbathe by the water!

Paris sport dimanches estival, until September 21

Throughout the summer, Paris Sport Dimanches will take place at 12 sites, offering free sports sessions every Sunday morning. You can try pilates, table tennis, gymnastics, and more! Additionally, this summer’s special edition will be supervised by coaches from the French National Olympic Sports Committee (CNOSF).

Aquathlon Paris, August 30 and 31

The Aquathlon combines open water swimming and running at picturesque locations in Paris: the foot of the Statue of Liberty, Île des Cygnes and Port de Grenelle. You can register for solo, relay or family!

2025 Badminton World Championships, Adidas Arena, August 25-31

Watch some of the best badminton athletes battle it out on the court in this knockout competition. You won’t believe the technical skills of the athletes as you watch the speed of the rallies and smashes!

Music and Dance

Rock en Seine Festival, August 21-25

This popular annual event takes place at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud and features Chappell Roan, Kid Cudi, Vampire Weekend and Aurora amongst many others. This year’s Rock en Seine is one you won’t want to miss!

Blackpink, Stade de France, August 2 and 3

Catch the South Korean girl group at Stade de France in early August as part of their 2025 world tour.

Les Violons de France play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Eglise de la Madeleine, August 9, 15, 16, 22, and 30

Experience a classical performance in one of Paris’s most stunning churches.

AC/DC, Stade de France, August 9 and 13

The one and only AC/DC returns to Paris as part of their PWR Up Tour, following the release of their 17th studio album. They will play their biggest hits so you can sing along and rock out.

Paris Jazz Festival, Parc Floral, until September 7

The Paris Jazz Festival returns for another edition, and is not to be missed. The popular event attracts more than 120,000 spectators each edition. There are free concerts from international jazz artists in the beautiful natural setting of Parc floral.

Children

Fête des Tuileries, June 21 – August 24

Parks and gardens in Paris are the best places to enjoy the summer days. The Fête des Tuileries is a two-month event for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy a fun fair in the Tuileries garden. Bumper cars, ghost trains, a hall of mirrors, duck fishing, trampolines, and climbing are some of the fun activities on offer. Treats like candy floss, crepes, donuts, toffee apples and of course, ice cream will sweeten up your day.

Les Nocturnes, Parc Zoologique de Paris, until August 14

Every Thursday from 6pm to 10pm, you can discover the zoo in a new light. You’ll get to see the animals that can be more elusive during the day, from lions to bats. The whole family will enjoy this animal adventure!

L’Atelier Rodin, Musée Rodin, until August 31

Kids can explore sculpture in this sensory space with hands-on activities. They can create  their own sculptures, draw, or enjoy a cozy garden-like reading corner. There is also an immersive space dedicated to smaller children of 6 to 24 months. Entry for kids is free!

Dinos Alive, Porte de Versailles, until August 31

This immersive experience into the world of dinosaurs is fun for the whole family! The interactive exhibition uses virtual reality and features over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs.

The Little Prince, Atelier des Lumières, until August 31

Atelier des Lumières brings the story of Le Petit Prince to life in this immersive exhibition, creating a dreamy experience for all ages.

Les Pestacles, Parc Floral, until September 3

This family festival offers musical shows and concerts for kids until September at Parc Floral.

Aquaboulevard, open year round

This is Europe’s largest urban waterpark! With over 7000 sq meters of splashing good fun for the entire family, Aquaboulevard boasts a full array of water sports including rafting, sliding, waves, waterfalls, and water cannons. And yes, there’s even a sandy beach complete with grass huts…all in the heart of Paris.

RELATED LINKS:

• Who would’ve thought that cold drinks could be so controversial? Read about ice cold drinks in Paris.
• No cold drink? No problem. Have an ice cream instead!
• Enjoy the late summer weather on the best terraces in Paris.

Written by Zoe Calla Adams. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.