Make Music Day in Paris

What is Make Music Day?

Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la musique by the Ministry of Culture, Make Music Day is a festive, popular and spontaneous event, open to all musicians, amateurs of all levels or professionals. The event is a celebration of music and highlights the breadth and diversity of musical practices, as well as all musical genres.

The 2023 edition celebrates its 41st anniversary on 21 June, the summer solstice. This unique and symbolic date testifies to its durability and its place in the French cultural landscape.

In Paris, multiple stages have been set up all over the city, particularly in the main squares and gardens. Take advantage of this evening to discover the capital in an unusual way thanks to one of our three Tootwalk tours via the Tootbus application.

Saint-Roch Church

The musical ensemble of the Paris Police Prefecture, the Musique des gardiens de la paix, presents this year its reed ensemble (clarinets and saxophones accompanied by a double bass) during its traditional concert for Make Music Day, which takes place at 8.30 pm at the Saint-Roch church. This free event offers a repertoire ranging from classical music to variety.

How to get there?

Blue route: hop off at stop 3 Musée du Louvre

Concert under the Louvre Pyramid

The Orchestre de Paris and its musical director Klaus Mäkelä return to the Louvre for Make Music Day. Their concert, which starts at 10 pm, also inaugurates the first edition of the Étés du Louvre in the enchanting setting of the Pyramid, at nightfall.

Echoing the "Naples in Paris" exhibition being held at the Louvre until January 2024, the programme includes three pieces by Puccini and Gabrieli, offering you a musical journey to Italy. In addition, the Orchestra will take you to other horizons with Ligeti's "Atmospheres" (used in Stanley Kubrick's film "2001, A Space Odyssey") and the suite from Stravinsky's ballet "The Firebird".

How to get there?

Blue route: hop off at stop 3 Musée du Louvre

Sunset Sunside

The Sunset Sunside club puts jazz in the spotlight for this new edition of Make Music Day. The famous Parisian jazz club welcomes the Clémence de Tournemire Quartet for a Sunset Vocal Session.

The evening's programme includes a series of concerts paying tribute to Nina Simone at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm. At 10 pm, enjoy a live concert with Gabriel Durand, aka Gabe ZinQ. These events are free.

How to get there?

Blue route: hop off at stop 3 Musée du Louvre or stop 4 Notre-Dame - Quartier Latin

Concert at the Auditorium de Radio France

The Auditorium de Radio France offers the ninth edition of Viva l'Orchestra at 8.30 pm. This year, this project of the Orchestre National de France brings together 125 young and old amateur and professional musicians of all levels to play together.

You will have the opportunity to listen to nearly 10 composers: Paul Dukas, Hector Berlioz, Alexandre Borodine, Henri Duparc, Mel Bonis, Rodion Shchedrin, Dimitri Shostakovich, Leroy Anderson, Béla Bartok and Manuel de Falla. This ambitious concert is conducted by Cristian Măcelaru. Free booking for the event is available online at the Maison de la Radio website.

How to get there?

Blue route: hop off at stop 9 Tour Eiffel

Army Museum

On the occasion of the music festival Make Music Day, the Army Museum in Paris invites you to come and discover its collections in music during a unique day. Musical interludes will accompany visitors throughout their visit, during the day and at night.

This event resonates with the concerts of the Invalides musical season which are offered throughout the year, and aims to highlight the crucial role of music within the Hôtel national des Invalides. Admission is free.

How to get there?

Blue route: hop off at stop 10 Pont Alexandre III - Invalides

The Compagnons de la Butte Montmartre

The Compagnons de la Butte Montmartre have been singing in chorus for a long time at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur. Join them in singing songs from Montmartre and Paris.

In front of the Town Hall of the 15th arrondissement

From 6pm to 12:30am, take part in the biggest concert in Paris: EF Festival by VL. This free event features international artists.

The big news this year is the afterparty! From 11pm to 6am, head to the Red-light in Montparnasse to keep the party going until the end of the night!

To continue your discovery of the Parisian capital at dusk, discover our top 5 best spots to admire the sunset in Paris. You can also contemplate Paris at nightfall by taking our Paris by Night tour.