From 7 to 11 October 2026, the Fête des Vendanges returns to the streets of Montmartre for its 93rd edition, celebrating the unique culture, history and community spirit of Paris’s most artistic neighbourhood. With around 1.5 million visitors expected, it is the third-largest event organised by the City of Paris and one of the highlights of the French capital’s autumn calendar.
This year’s theme, “The 18th Arrondissement Leads the Beat”, puts music centre stage. For five days, Montmartre’s streets, squares and famous landmarks will become an open-air stage filled with concerts, choirs, dance performances, musical parades and community celebrations. Professional musicians will perform alongside local artists, amateur groups and neighbourhood organisations, creating a festival that is as much about participation as performance.
What to Expect at the Fête des Vendanges
Although the festival celebrates Montmartre’s historic vineyard, the Clos Montmartre, today’s event offers much more than wine tasting. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of cultural events, family activities and culinary experiences while exploring one of Paris’s most atmospheric districts.
Festival favourites return in 2026, including the traditional Ban des Vendanges (Harvest Proclamation), the colourful Grand Parade, the ever-popular Taste Trail, the humorous Non-Proposal Marriage Ceremony, the Night Run and the lively Closing Ball. Each has been reimagined to reflect this year’s musical theme while retaining the traditions that have made the festival so popular.
Food lovers should make time for the Taste Trail, where regional producers, winemakers and artisans gather at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur to showcase France’s rich culinary heritage. From artisan cheeses and charcuterie to wines and seasonal delicacies, it is an opportunity to meet the people behind the produce and sample flavours from across the country.
A Festival Rooted in Montmartre
The Fête des Vendanges dates back to 1934, when local residents created the celebration to protect and promote Montmartre’s historic vineyard after vines were replanted on the hill in the early 1930s. Since then, it has grown into one of Paris’s most distinctive festivals while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions and identity of the 18th arrondissement.
Today, the event celebrates not only the annual grape harvest but also the creativity, diversity and community spirit that have long defined Montmartre. Residents, schools, cultural organisations and local businesses all play an active role in shaping the programme, giving the festival an authenticity that sets it apart from many larger city events.
Environmental responsibility also remains central to the celebrations, with organisers promoting locally sourced food, sustainable transport, waste reduction and environmentally friendly practices throughout the festival.
Why Visit the Fête des Vendanges?
Whether you come for the music, the wine, the food or simply to soak up the atmosphere, the Fête des Vendanges offers a different way to experience Paris. Combining historic traditions with contemporary culture, it is a chance to wander Montmartre’s cobbled streets, discover hidden corners of the neighbourhood and join Parisians in celebrating one of the city’s most cherished annual festivals.
Cost: Admission to the Fête des Vendanges is free, with most concerts, parades and street entertainment open to all. Food, wine and drinks are available to purchase, while a small number of special events and tastings may require tickets.
Nearest Metro stations:
- Abbesses (Line 12)
- Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12)
- Anvers (Line 2), followed by a short walk or the Montmartre funicular to the Sacré-Cœur.
- Pigalle (Lines 2 and 12)
This central location makes the festival easy to combine with visits to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the artists of Place du Tertre, the Musée de Montmartre, and the picturesque streets that have inspired generations of painters, writers and musicians.
