Shows in Cannes: the Palais des Festivals cultural season
Shows in Cannes: the Palais des Festivals cultural season
Cannes is about more than just its beaches, the Croisette, and its world-famous film festival. Throughout the year, the city also pulses with a remarkably rich cultural program.
For the 2026-2027 season, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes is offering over 70 events featuring theater, comedy, music, dance, concerts, circus arts, and magic. Big names from the French stage, international artists, and rising talents will take the spotlight across Cannes' various venues.
Located in the heart of Cannes, Hôtel Lepoussin offers the perfect base to fully enjoy this new cultural season and easily reach the Palais des Festivals.
A cultural season featuring over 70 shows
From September 2026 to June 2027, the new season of Palais des Festivals shows promises many moments of discovery, emotion, and entertainment.
The program brings together shows for all audiences and covers a wide range of disciplines:
theater;
comedy;
concerts;
dance;
circus;
magic;
classical music;
film concerts.
The season will open with Alex Lutz on September 18, 2026, followed by Julien Clerc on September 20. It will continue with artists and shows such as La Bajon, Michel Cymes, Laurent Gerra, Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad, Les Coquettes, Philippe Caverivière, Paul de Saint Sernin, and Mathieu Madénian.
This diversity ensures that everyone can find a show to suit their tastes, whether it's a comedy night, a play, a concert, or a more spectacular visual experience.
Key highlights of the 2026-2027 season
Among the many dates announced, several highlights will set the pace for the Cannes cultural season.
Alex Lutz opens the season
On September 18, 2026, Alex Lutz will present his show sexe, grog et rocking-chair at the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière. The multi-Molière award-winning comedian blends characters, personal stories, and humor in a performance that is both funny and moving.
Michel Cymes takes the stage
On November 14, 2026, Michel Cymes will star in Secret(s) médical. This comedy humorously explores themes of ethics, professional confidentiality, and friendship during a dinner between former medical students.
Laurent Gerra at the Palais des Festivals
On December 17, 2026, Laurent Gerra will return to the Cannes stage for an evening of comedy and impressions.
Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad in L’Âge bête
On December 12, 2026, Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad will reunite on the stage of the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière for the play L’Âge bête, one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the season.
Marie-Claude Pietragalla in February 2027
On February 20, 2027, the Théâtre du Corps Pietragalla-Derouault will present Don Quichotte, choreographed and directed by Marie-Claude Pietragalla and Julien Derouault.
The 2026 Cannes – Côte d’Azur Dance Festival
A highlight of the season, the Cannes – Côte d’Azur Dance Festival will take place from November 21 to December 6, 2026.
For over two weeks, the event will bring together 25 companies from 11 countries, with a special focus on Australian creativity. This new edition will foster a dialogue between different aesthetics, ranging from contemporary dance and classical ballet to urban dance, circus arts, and works blending dance with cinema.
International companies to discover
The Dance Festival program will feature numerous internationally renowned companies and artists, including:
Stephanie Lake Company;
London City Ballet and the Orchestre national de Cannes;
Dancenorth Australia;
CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz;
Lyon Opera Ballet ;
Christos Papadopoulos ;
Leïla Ka ;
Emanuel Gat ;
Marco da Silva Ferreira ;
Jann Gallois ;
Pierre Rigal ;
Silvia Gribaudi ;
Amala Dianor ;
Edouard Hue ;
Modern Table Dance Company ;
Cannes Jeune Ballet Rosella Hightower.
The festival will be under the artistic direction of Didier Deschamps and will take place at the Palais des Festivals as well as at several partner venues in Cannes and along the French Riviera.
Must-see shows at the Dance Festival
Stephanie Lake Company – Manifesto
The festival will open on November 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM with Manifesto, presented at the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière.
Nine drummers and nine dancers will perform together in a highly intense show, blending dance, rhythm, and percussion within a spectacular stage design.
Dancenorth Australia – Wayfinder
On November 22 at 5:30 PM, the company Dancenorth Australia will present Wayfinder at the Théâtre Debussy.
This immersive creation brings contemporary dance, music, and natural elements into dialogue within a colorful and hypnotic visual universe.
CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz – Midi-Minuit
On November 28 at 9:00 PM, the CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz will take over the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière with Midi-Minuit.
The program will feature several works choreographed by Thierry Malandain set to music by Francis Poulenc, Maurice Ravel, and Camille Saint-Saëns.
Emanuel Gat Dance – Cinq jours au soleil
On December 5 at 9:00 PM, Emanuel Gat Dance will present Cinq jours au soleil at the Théâtre Debussy.
This piece for twelve performers brings dance into dialogue with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.
London City Ballet and the Orchestre national de Cannes
The festival will conclude on December 6 at 6:00 PM with the London City Ballet, accompanied by the Orchestre national de Cannes.
The British company will perform works including Ghost Light and The Firebird, with live music by Franz Schubert and Igor Stravinsky.
Events beyond the stage
The Dance Festival goes beyond stage performances. Numerous events will allow the public to experience dance in new ways:
masterclasses;
practical workshops;
film screenings;
panel discussions;
artist meet-and-greets;
Cyr wheel performances;
MOV’IN Cannes international dance film competition.
Every Sunday of the festival, a collective barre warm-up will also be held at La Roseraie, near the Croisette. This open-air event is free to attend, subject to availability.
10% discount for Hotel Lepoussin guests
Guests staying at Hotel Lepoussin enjoy a 10% discount on shows scheduled at the Palais des Festivals, thanks to our reduced rate.
To take advantage of this offer, please ask for details at the hotel reception or the Palais des Festivals box office.
This offer is a great opportunity to add a cultural outing to your stay in Cannes while enjoying a special rate.
Stay near the Palais des Festivals in Cannes
Thanks to its location in the heart of Cannes, Hotel Lepoussin offers easy access to the Palais des Festivals, the Croisette, and the city's main cultural venues.
After a performance, return to the comfort of the hotel and enjoy our various amenities:
comfortable rooms;
relaxation pool;
fitness room;
herbal tea corner;
honesty bar.
Whether you are coming to Cannes for a show, a concert, a festival, or simply to explore the city, Hotel Lepoussin is the perfect base for making the most of your stay.
Plan your cultural getaway in Cannes
From theater, comedy, and concerts to dance, circus, and magic, the 2026-2027 season at the Palais des Festivals offers plenty of ways to experience a different side of Cannes.
Check the schedule, choose your next show, and enjoy a discount by staying at Hôtel Lepoussin.
