Lyon Weekend Guide: What to Do from August 20-23, 2026?
The end of August is fast approaching, but Lyon still has a plethora of events to offer. With the “Tout l’monde dehors” festival continuing until August 30, several free events are still taking over the city’s parks and squares. Additionally, there are shows and exhibitions to diversify your leisure time.
Here are our five top picks for enjoying your weekend in Lyon, from Thursday, August 20, to Sunday, August 23, 2026.
1. Discover Anthony Bechtatou’s Show at Espace Gerson
Espace Gerson kicks off its season with showman Anthony Bechtatou, performing all weekend and until August 29. His show, “Faites du bruit” (Make Some Noise), is a perfect blend of a one-man show and a concert. With awkwardness, hesitations, laughter, and exuberance, the young artist from Grenoble crafts a show with his audience, celebrating artistic freedom and the unexpected.
- Dates: From August 20 to August 29, at 8:30 PM
- Location: Espace Gerson: 1 place Gerson, 69005 Lyon
- Price: 16 to 18 euros
- Reservations: On the Espace Gerson website
2. Explore the Unique “Sacred Boxes” Exhibition at Fourvière Museum
This weekend marks the end of the “Sacred Boxes” exhibition at the Fourvière Museum. Immerse yourself in a miniature world where you can admire devotional boxes made from the 18th to the 20th century. Featuring holy images, embroideries, and paper cut-outs, this religious craftsmanship is on display until Sunday, August 23, with a guided tour on Saturday, August 22, from 3 PM to 4 PM.
- Dates: Until August 23: daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 12:30 PM to 6 PM
- Location: Fourvière Museum: 7-8 place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon
- Price: 4 to 8 euros
- More information: On the Fourvière Basilica website
3. Enjoy an Open-Air Cinema on Place des Célestins
As part of the “Tout l’monde dehors” festival, an open-air cinema will be set up on Place des Célestins on Thursday, August 20, at dusk. “Les Garçons et Guillaume, à table!” by Guillaume Gallienne humorously recounts the director’s journey of self-discovery, caught between his mother’s adoration and societal expectations.
- Date: Thursday, August 20, around 8:30 PM
- Location: Place des Célestins, 69002 Lyon
- Price: Free
- More information: On the City of Lyon website
4. Understand Lyon’s History Through Theater at Parc de la Visitation
Also part of the “Tout l’monde dehors” festival, an open-air play will be performed at Parc de la Visitation on Saturday, August 22, at 10 PM. Written by screenwriter Clément Rivière with the help of archaeologist Thibaut Debize, the play “Blandine ou La chute de Lugdunum” invites you to rediscover three pivotal events in Lyon’s history: the martyrdom of Blandine, the revolt of Maternus, and the destruction of Lugdunum.
- Date: Saturday, August 22, at 10 PM
- Location: Parc de la Visitation, 69005 Lyon
- Price: Free
- More information: On the City of Lyon website
5. Settle Down for a Reading-Performance in Parc Montel
On Sunday, August 23, at 7 PM, Parc Montel will host “Lettres à l’encre violette” (Letters in Violet Ink), a reading-performance dedicated to the correspondence of great female writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Natalie Barney, Liane de Pougy, and Renée Vivien all shared a love for women and chronicled their passions in their writings. Maïté Cussey and Andréa Leri bring to life the stories of these women, their love affairs, and their perspectives on the world.
- Date: Sunday, August 23, at 7 PM
- Location: Parc Montel, 69009 Lyon
- Price: Free
- More information: On the City of Lyon website
Tip: Remember to bring a blanket, cushion, or folding chair to fully enjoy the outdoor performances.
Source: mesinfos.fr
