Festival 31 Summer Notes 2026 – A month of shows, heritage and discoveries in Haute-Garonne

From 01 to 29 august 2026

From August 1st to 29th, 2026, the 31 Notes d'été Festival celebrates its 28th edition, inviting residents, vacationers, and curious visitors to explore the Haute-Garonne region in a new light. For nearly a month, this major summer event, organized by the Haute-Garonne Departmental Council, transforms towns, villages, castles, parks, heritage sites, and natural spaces into veritable open-air performance venues. Completely free, the festival offers a rich program blending contemporary circus, street arts, music, dance, theater, exhibitions, heritage, cultural tourism, and encounters, providing an experience where artistic discovery is combined with the exploration of landscapes and local heritage.

For nearly thirty years, 31 Notes d'été has established itself as one of the major summer cultural events in Occitanie. Its unique feature is its outreach to local residents, taking place throughout the entire department rather than concentrating in a single city. Each stage of the festival thus becomes an invitation to explore a new place, meet its inhabitants, discover its history, architecture, traditions, and natural treasures, all while enjoying a high-quality artistic program.

In 2026, the festival will take place in 17 towns and villages across 18 sites in the Haute-Garonne region, offering nearly 200 completely free events. The public will be able to attend 40 shows, explore 14 exhibitions, participate in over 100 tourist, cultural, and heritage tours, as well as more than 50 cultural activities organized around the performances throughout the year. This program is made possible thanks to the involvement of over 120 partners, including municipalities, tourist offices, cultural organizations, associations, and numerous community education providers.

The festival is designed as a true journey of discovery. From the Pyrenees to the hills of Fronton, from the landscapes of Lauragais to the valleys of Comminges, visitors are invited to explore charming villages, farms, artisan workshops, protected natural areas, Renaissance castles, historical sites, and places sometimes unknown to the general public. Each day blends live performances, heritage, tourism, and encounters with the people who bring the region to life.

A significant place is given to contemporary circus

Circus arts occupy a privileged place in this edition thanks to the renewed partnership with La Grainerie – Fabrique des arts du cirque et de l'itinérance, one of the main structures dedicated to contemporary circus in France.

Five shows supported by La Grainerie are programmed at the heart of the festival:

Ruta de la Cia Capicúa, August 2, 2026 at the Château de Laréole;
Smooth as Fiasco by Collectif Bislacc, on August 9, 2026 in the park of the Château de Laréole;
The Singular Cabaret of La Compagnie Singulière, on August 14, 2026 in Mane, on the Allée du Pré Commun;
Among the cows of La Côte Folle, on August 16, 2026 at the Château de Laréole;
Sanké from the Sanké Company, on August 23, 2026 in the park of the Château de Laréole.

These creations illustrate the diversity of contemporary circus, blending acrobatics, theatre, poetry, humour, movement, performance and physical work. They complement a deliberately eclectic artistic program that includes concerts, musical performances, street arts, theatre, dance and multidisciplinary offerings.

The Château de Laréole, one of the festival's iconic venues

The Château de Laréole, a jewel of the Haute-Garonne Renaissance, is one of the festival's main venues. Located in a vast wooded park, it hosts several circus performances as well as some of the summer's cultural events.

During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the outdoor spaces, attend shows, take guided tours of the castle's interior (reservations required), explore temporary exhibitions, and enjoy light refreshments on certain festival days. Picnic areas are also available, allowing visitors to extend their exploration of the site in a particularly pleasant setting.

A festival that also promotes heritage and tourism

One of the great originalities of 31 Notes d'été lies in the ongoing association between live performance and exploration of the region. The shows become the starting point for a true immersion in the Haute-Garonne thanks to a particularly rich program of guided tours, narrated walks, heritage discoveries, meetings with artisans, farm visits, strolls through villages, and explorations of natural sites.

Visitors can thus create their own day by alternating sightseeing, heritage sites, local cuisine, and live entertainment. This approach showcases the region's assets while fostering interaction with residents and local stakeholders.

A friendly atmosphere throughout the festival

The festival makes a point of fostering shared experiences. At several locations, visitors will find informal outdoor cafes, food and drink areas where they can meet up before or after the shows for a meal or a drink. This festive atmosphere is an integral part of the identity of 31 Notes d'été, which aims above all to create connections between artists, locals, and visitors.

An event accessible to the widest possible audience

All shows and concerts are offered free of charge, without reservation, subject to availability. Tourist, cultural, and heritage tours are also free but require prior registration with Haute-Garonne Tourisme.

The festival also works extensively with social, medical-social, and socio-cultural organizations to facilitate access for specific audiences and ensure everyone has the best possible chance to participate in culture. Organizers can, in particular, support groups wishing to participate in the festival and arrange opportunities to meet the artists.

A strong commitment to a more responsible festival

Beyond its artistic program, 31 Notes d'été continues its commitment to sustainable development. The event is supported by the Élémen'Terre association as part of the renewal of its "Évènements Détonnants" level 1 certification, which recognizes the eco-responsible initiatives implemented by the organizers.

Festival-goers are encouraged to prioritize carpooling, public transportation, or active transportation to limit the environmental impact of their travel. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make the festival an increasingly environmentally friendly event while remaining accessible to as many people as possible.

An invitation to discover Haute-Garonne in a different way

Much more than just a festival of performances, 31 Notes d'été offers a genuine way to travel through the Haute-Garonne region. Each event becomes an opportunity to discover a new area, explore an often overlooked heritage, meet local people, share convivial moments, and enjoy a diverse artistic program free of charge.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary circus, music, heritage, cultural tourism, or simply looking for family outings this summer, 31 Notes d'été 2026 offers a unique experience where culture is brought to life in close proximity to local residents, in exceptional locations throughout the department. Thanks to its completely free admission, its rich program, and its open-minded approach, the festival once again confirms its status as an unmissable summer event in Occitanie, inviting everyone to experience, discover, and share in the rhythm of the landscapes and treasures of Haute-Garonne.