Lyon’s Back-to-School 2026: Sports, Culture, and Activities for All Ages

Sophie LaurentSeptember 4, 20262 Mins read14

Summarize:

Lyon’s Back-to-School 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Activities and Events

The City of Lyon is kicking off its 2026 back-to-school season with a rich and varied program, catering to all residents. From August 29 to September 12, the city will be abuzz with association forums, new exhibitions, the resumption of sports activities, and cultural events. Families, athletes, and culture enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities to (re)discover Lyon in a new light.

A Dynamic Return to School Life in Lyon

After a busy summer, Lyon is regaining its usual dynamism. The city took advantage of the summer period to carry out over 150 interventions in schools, continue adapting buildings to high temperatures, and deliver 8 new “Nature Courtyards,” bringing the total to 48. This focus on improving the school environment highlights the city’s commitment to the daily lives of Lyonnais children and families.

For the 2026 school year, 31,669 children are enrolled in 207 public schools, with 126 school restaurants serving 25,000 meals daily, 65% of which are organic. Nearly 15,000 children are also enrolled in the PEPS after-school program. The City is dedicating nearly 45 million euros in 2026 to school construction projects, with a goal of providing free school supplies by 2027. Lyon stands out in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as a metropolis committed to public education.

Several initiatives support families during this back-to-school period:

Lyon Junior Card: Provides access to the city’s museums, libraries, and cultural venues.
Hé Hop! Program: Offers activities and outings for children and young people during school holidays.
Wednesday Workshops: A variety of enriching activities for afternoon enrichment.

Sports and Culture: A Packed Back-to-School Agenda in Lyon

The Lyonnais sports season promises to be particularly lively. The city is inaugurating several new facilities:

A boxing gym in Saint-Marc.
Tennis courts in Saez.
A city stadium and a basketball court in Colbert.
Multi-sport fields in Dargent.

To find a club and book slots, the new Planiweb platform simplifies online procedures. Among the events and festivals in Lyon, autumn sports events hold a prominent place on the agenda.

Key Sports Events:

Association Forums: August 29 to September 12 in all 9 arrondissements.
“La Reprise” Evening: September 15, focusing on ecological transition and combating discrimination.
Ice Rinks Reopening: September 15, 2026.
International Padel Tournament: Palais des Sports de Gerland, September 23 to 27.
NordicWalkin’Lyon: October 11.
Lut By Night: November 7.
“Les Jeux sous toutes les formes”: November 14 and 15, accessible and fun olympiads for all.

On the cultural front, Lyon’s back-to-school season also offers a top-tier program:

Opéra de Lyon: Hosts the “Icônes” show by Lucinda Childs and Alessandro Sciarroni from September 5 to 10.
Musée des Beaux-Arts: Opens the “Musée sentimental” exhibition starting September 11.
European Heritage Days: September 19 and 20.
Biennale of Contemporary Art: Begins September 19, across three major venues, including Les Grandes Locos, the Musée d’Art Contemporain, and the Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs.

For unlimited access to the city’s museums and libraries, consider acquiring the Lyon Culture Card.