Event listing

There are plenty of cultural events in Lyon, especially during summer, and not few are those of international acclaim. In fact, Lyon is quite well-known for its two international biennials dedicated to contemporary art and dance.

 

Fairs and exhibitions

• Foire Internationale de Lyon – annual

What: Lyon’s international fair
When: March 2009
Admission: 10€
Where: Eurexpo, avenue Louis Blériot

• Lyon Christmas Market – annual

What: Gastronomy, arts and crafts market
When: November 2008
Where: Place Carnot

• Bocuse d’Or – biennial

What: World cuisine contest
When: 27 – 29 January 2009
Where: Eurexpo

• Eropolis Lyon – annual

What: Erotic show and exhibition
When: December 2008
Where: Eurexpo

• Equita’ Lyon – annual

What: International horse exhibition
When: 29 October – 2 November 2008
Where: Eurexpo

• Salon de l’Immobilier Rhône-Alpes – twice a year

What: Real estate expo
When: 10 – 12 October 2008
Where: Palais des Congrès de Lyon, 50 quai Charles de Gaulle

 

Festivals

• Fête des lumières (Festival of Lights) – annual

What: Spectacular light shows as an expression of gratitude toward Virgin Mary; this uniquely Lyonnaise tradition dictates that every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows
When: 8 December 2008
Where: Basilica of Fourvière and Place des Terreaux

• Lyon Dance Biennial – biennial

What: Professional and mixed choreographic event
When: September 2008
Where: various venues

• Contemporary Art Biennial – biennial

What: Contemporary artistic creation festival
When: September 2008 – January 2009
Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday noon – 7 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Art Museum

• Les Nuits de Fourvière – annual

What: Multidisciplinary festival (dance, music, theatre)
When: 7 June – 2 August 2008
Where: Fourvière Amphitheatres

• Nuits Sonores – annual

What: Electronic music festival
When: 7 – 11 May 2008
Where: Ancienne Usine SLI and other venues