Secrets of Paris Calendar of Events

 

Note: For mainstream events and specialized calendars see the links at the bottom of the page.

May 6-23
The annual Festival Jazz à St-Germain takes place this month in venues throughout the St-Germain quartier.

May 9-12
If you like watching the latest pro skaters competing in a stunning setting, head over to Trocadero for the "Trocadero Grand Prix" aka Paris Slalom World Cup 2008.

May 16-19
It's time for my favorite art event of the year, the Journées Portes Ouvertes des Ateliers d'Artistes de Belleville, the largest open house of artists' studios in Paris. You can find great deals on everything including paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and accessories. See the full schedule and pick up a map at the gallery of the Ateliers d'Artists de Belleville (32 rue de la Mare, 20th). This year's theme is "Temptation", oh la la!

May 17
Museums around the country, including most in Paris and the Chateau de Versailles, are open late tonight for free for the annual Nuit des Musées. See the website for participating museums and times.
May 25
Get your most fabulous hat and head to the Bois de Boulogne for the 130th annual Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, one if the major events of the horse racing season. Entry €8.

August 18-25
Want to join a creative writer's trip to Paris? There are still places left to sign up with Original Impulse's excursion, "Map Paris with Your Imagination: A Creative Adventure in the City of Lights." The tour is run by writing/creativity coach and longtime Francophile Cynthia Morris. I got to participate in the first Paris group a few years ago, and it was truely an inspiring experience, whether you're an experienced writer or an absolute beginner.                   

MUSIC CONCERTS &
May 6-23: Festival Jazz à St-Germain-des-Près
May 13: Robert Plant with Alison Krauss (Grand Rex)
May 18: Justice (Olympia)
June 6: Alanis Morissette (Zenith)
June 9: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (Olympia)
June 10: Avril Lavigne (Zenith)
Jne 11: Queensrÿche (Elysée Montmartre)
June 13: Maroon 5 (Olympia)
June 15: Ministry (Bataclan)
June 16: Ministry (Elysée Montmartre)
June 24: Chris Cornell (La Cigale)
June 25: Sheryl Crow (La Cigale)
June 30/July 2: Lenny Kravitz (Zenith)
June 30: Counting Crows (Bataclan)
July 4-6: Solidays Festival (80 concerts, €30)
August 28-29: Rock-en-Seine Festival (REM, Amy Winehouse, 30 concerts, €75)