1. The International Street Theatre Festival: Aurillac’s flagship event
It is impossible to talk about festivals in Aurillac without starting with its major August event: the International Street Theatre Festival. In 2026, it will take place from 19 to 22 August and mark its 39th edition. For several days, Aurillac becomes an open-air stage, where theatre companies take over the streets, squares, building façades and public spaces.
This is the festival for you if you love live performance, improvisation, street arts, surprising creations and the atmosphere of a town in celebration. People come here as much to watch the performances as to be swept up in the collective energy. Part of the festival’s charm lies in its unpredictability: you turn a corner and stumble upon a performance, a brass band, or a scene that’s funny, poetic or downright offbeat.
Practical tip: book your accommodation as early as possible. The festival attracts large crowds, and the best options sell out quickly. To help you plan your stay, the Pays d’Aurillac Tourist Office brings together all the events, accommodation options and useful information in one place.
2. Champ libre! : street theatre ahead of the main festival
Before the main event in August, Aurillac and the Cantal region keep the spirit of street arts alive with ‘Champ libre!’. For 2026, the event is scheduled to run from 28 July to 9 August, ahead of the International Street Theatre Festival.
It’s an excellent option if you want to discover the festival’s world in an atmosphere that’s often more relaxed, more itinerant and more accessible. The shows venture out of Aurillac to visit the surrounding villages, allowing you to combine culture with the villages of the Cantal and the landscapes of Auvergne. A lovely way to travel with a difference: a show in the evening, a walk or a heritage tour during the day. Frankly, we’ve seen worse itineraries.
3. Aurillac en Scène: June’s major music event
For concert-goers, Aurillac en Scène is a must-bookmark music festival. The 5th edition will take place on 5 and 6 June 2026 in the Prisme car park, with a line-up featuring popular artists such as Mika, Matt Pokora, Claudio Capéo, Imany, Luiza and Ebony.
This festival is ideal for a short, festive break in Aurillac. Its two-day format makes it easy to organise: arrive the evening before or in the morning, enjoy concerts in the evening, then explore the town and the Cantal region whilst the event is on. It’s also a great idea for a weekend away with friends or as a couple, especially if you’re looking for an accessible musical atmosphere, without the sheer scale of some of the major urban festivals.
4. Le Ton est Donné: music, theatre and open-air festivities
Another event to watch out for: Le Ton est Donné, held at the Jardin des Carmes. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for 22 and 23 May, featuring concerts, exhibitions, theatre, workshops, on-site catering and an open-air atmosphere.
What makes it special? It brings together a variety of formats and audiences. You can come along to listen to music, have a wander, grab a bite to eat, discover new artists or simply enjoy a convivial moment in the heart of Aurillac. It’s exactly the sort 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 produce
Aurillac is also all about the Cantal region on your plate. The Goudots Gourmands Festival celebrates local cuisine with a competition where the public act as judges, a gourmet market, musical entertainment, food stalls and free entry.
This event will appeal to travellers who love to discover a region through its produce, its recipes and its market atmosphere. Between tastings, it’s also a chance to chat with producers, sample local specialities and head home with a few edible souvenirs. Often the very best ones.
Planning your festival trip to Aurillac
To make the most of Aurillac’s festivals, a few simple tips can make all the difference to your trip:
- Check the dates and ticketing information before booking;
- Arrange accommodation close to the town centre during major events;
- Plan your travel in advance, especially during the Street Theatre Festival;
- Make sure you leave time to explore the surrounding area: the Pays d’Aurillac region connects, amongst other things, Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès and Puy Mary, a designated ‘Grand Site de France’.
The Chalair route to Aurillac Marie Marvingt allows you to reach the Cantal quickly, with a flight of around 1 hour 20 minutes from Paris Orly. It’s a practical way to turn a festival into a genuine cultural break, without adding to your journey time.
In Aurillac, the festivals showcase a vibrant, creative town with a deep-rooted commitment to sharing. There’s something for everyone, whatever your preference, atmosphere or pace.
Whether you’re coming for a show, a music line-up or simply the desire to discover the Cantal in a different way, Aurillac is well worth a spot in your diary.
See also:
- A break in Aurillac: top 5 things to discover
- A getaway near Aurillac: 7 unmissable sites to explore
- Aurillac in winter: nearby, easily accessible ski resorts
Image created with Grok