Chalair logo
Menu
BOOKING
MY TRAVELS
CHECK-IN CAR RENTAL
INFORMATION
CHARTER FLIGHTS
FR
BOOKING
Airline tickets Car rental Our destinations Our routes: the map Our partners
MY TRAVELS
My Chalair My booking Online check-in 48 hours before departure
INFORMATION
FAQ Luggage Info - Hazardous products Unaccompanied children - UM On-board service Travelling with pets Press releases Contact us
Home News Aurillac: 5 festivals to experience the Cantal region in a different way
Back
image article
Aurillac

Aurillac: 5 festivals to experience the Cantal region in a different way

Aurillac isn’t just a gateway to the volcanoes of Cantal, the great outdoors, and charming villages. It’s also a city that loves the stage, music, socializing, and lively atmospheres. Here, festivals aren’t just cultural events—they transform the streets, squares, gardens, and performance venues into vibrant hubs of activity. Whether for a weekend, a few days, or an extended getaway, Aurillac offers a rich calendar of events—accessible, friendly, and each one unique. Good news for travelers: the Chalair flight between Paris Orly and Aurillac Marie Marvingt gets you to the city in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it easy to enjoy a festival without spending half your trip on the road.
Published on May 26, 2026

1. The International Street Theater Festival: Aurillac’s flagship event

It’s impossible to talk about festivals in Aurillac without starting with its major August event: the International Street Theater Festival. In 2026, it will take place from August 19 to 22 and mark its 39th edition. For several days, Aurillac becomes an open-air stage, where theater companies take over the streets, squares, building facades, and public spaces.


This is the festival to attend if you love live performances, improvisation, street art, surprising creations, and the atmosphere of a city in celebration. People come here as much to see the shows as to soak up the collective energy. The festival’s charm also lies in its unpredictability: you turn a corner, and you stumble upon a performance, a marching band, or a scene that’s funny, poetic, or downright offbeat.

Helpful tip: Book your accommodations as early as possible. The festival attracts large crowds, and the best options fill up quickly. To help you plan your trip, the Pays d’Aurillac Tourist Office provides a central hub for events, accommodations, and useful information.

2. Open Stage! : Street theater leading up to the big festival

Ahead of August’s main event, Aurillac and the Cantal region are keeping the spirit of street arts alive with Champ libre!. For 2026, the event is scheduled for July 28 through August 9, ahead of the International Street Theater Festival.


This is a great option if you want to experience the festival atmosphere in a setting that’s often more laid-back, more mobile, and more accessible. The shows travel beyond Aurillac to visit towns throughout the region, allowing you to combine culture with the villages of the Cantal and the landscapes of Auvergne. It’s a wonderful way to travel differently: a show in the evening, and a hike or a heritage tour during the day. Honestly, we’ve seen worse itineraries.

3. Aurillac en Scène: June’s major music festival

For concertgoers, Aurillac en Scène is a must-see music festival to mark on your calendar. The 5th edition will take place on June 5 and 6, 2026, in the Prisme parking lot, with a lineup featuring popular artists such as Mika, Matt Pokora, Claudio Capéo, Imany, Luiza, and Ebony.


This festival is perfect for a short, festive getaway in Aurillac. Its two-day format makes it easy to plan: arrive the day before or in the morning, enjoy concerts in the evening, and then explore the city and the Cantal region around the event. It’s also a great option for a weekend with friends or as a couple, especially if you’re looking for a welcoming musical atmosphere without the overwhelming scale of some major urban festivals.

4. The Tone Is Set: Music, Theater, and an Outdoor Festival

Another event to look forward to: Le Ton est Donné, held at the Jardin des Carmes. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for May 22 and 23, featuring concerts, exhibitions, theater, workshops, on-site dining, and an outdoor atmosphere.


What makes it special? It brings together different formats and audiences. You can come to listen to music, take a stroll, grab a bite to eat, discover new artists, or simply enjoy a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Aurillac. It’s exactly the kind of event that makes you want to stay out late, even when you’d promised yourself you’d be sensible.

5. Les Goudots Gourmands: the festival for those curious about local cuisine

Aurillac is also a taste of the Cantal region. The Festival des Goudots Gourmands celebrates local cuisine with a competition where the public serves as the jury, a gourmet market, musical performances, food stands, and free admission.


This event is sure to appeal to travelers who enjoy exploring a region through its local products, recipes, and market atmosphere. Between tastings, it’s also a chance to chat with producers, sample local specialties, and take home a few edible souvenirs—often the best ones.

How to Plan Your Festival Trip to Aurillac

To get the most out of Aurillac’s festivals, a few simple tips can make all the difference:

  • Check the dates and ticket information before booking;
  • Plan to stay near downtown during major events;
  • Plan your travel in advance, especially during the Street Theater Festival;
  • Be sure to set aside some time to explore the surrounding area: the Aurillac region connects Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès with Puy Mary, a designated “Grand Site de France.”

The Chalair flight to Aurillac Marie Marvingt offers a quick way to reach the Cantal region, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Paris Orly. It’s a convenient way to turn a festival into a true cultural getaway without adding extra travel time.

In Aurillac, the festivals showcase a vibrant, creative city with a deep commitment to community. There’s something for everyone, with a variety of atmospheres and paces to suit every taste.

Whether you’re coming for a show, a concert, or simply to experience the Cantal region in a different way, Aurillac is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.


See also:


Image created with Grok