After celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025 with 70,000 spectators, the Bordeaux Metropole International Festival of the Arts (FAB) is back for a brand new edition. The concept? Bringing shows and artistic installations throughout Bordeaux and its metropolis, to shine a spotlight on the richness and diversity of contemporary artistic creation. And for this 11th edition, this festival co-organized by the Carré-Colonnes National Stage and the Bordeaux Arts Festival association, invites you to join us from September 26 to October 10, 2026!
©Stefan Beel
A grand opening weekend
Kicking off the festivities: the weekend of September 26th and 27th, in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles and Bordeaux with plenty of free shows. For the occasion, the opening of Shareef Sarhan's Re-Lighthouse, which shines a light on Gaza's memory and conveys a message of peace, will take place in the heart of Bordeaux. This artwork is part of the Mediterranean season, launched by the Ministry of Culture.
©Ismael Bazri - Mediterranean Season 2026 X Public Places
That weekend, you'll also discover at the Miroir d'eau, Maria in a Balloon, by the Aérosculpture company, an aerial show of pure poetry blending acrobatics, lights and inflatable shapes.
Maria in a Balloon ©Sylvie Violan
Two weeks of art and culture
Over the following two weeks, the lineup will continue to fascinate and enchant audiences of all ages. In Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, expect programming centered on the theme "Getting Lost in the Forest", taking place entirely in the woods. Among other highlights, you'll find The Earth Slipping From Under Our Feet, performed on September 27 and October 3 and 4. Born from the meeting of the Lebanese collective Kahraba and Cie Basinga, this show blends tightrope walking and puppetry (in partnership with Cité Cirque de Bègles) to bring you a performance that is as poetic as it is moving.
On September 30, get ready for a giant French cancan. For the very first time
This time, nine cabarets from Nouvelle-Aquitaine and four dance schools will come together to perform this mythical dance and attempt to break the world record for the greatest number of giant French cancan performers. Where is this happening? On the Place de la Bourse and Miroir d'eau.
On October 3rd, FAB in collaboration with le Bien Public and Bordeaux Open Air is treating you to an exceptional evening for its Mediterranean FABoum (Season). On the agenda: a Tarab concert, sets by Cristina Monet and Kurulo. Get ready to dance until the break of dawn! From October 6th to 10th, the show Follow me will take you on a stroll through the Saint-Pierre neighborhood, punctuated by virtuoso acrobatics. On October 9th, it's time for the Grand Parade with Cie ERd'O at Garage Moderne — a show that breaks the rules and deconstructs expectations around the body. To wrap up this edition in style, a popular ball by Marta Izquierdo Muñoz, featuring both traditional dances and the biggest Britney Spears hits, will be held at Garage Moderne on October 10th. So, are you in?
The International Festival of the Arts of Bordeaux Metropole
33,000, Bordeaux
September 26 to October 10, 2026
More info and schedule
