Nuits sonores 2026: Lyon Prepares for its 23rd Electronic Music Festival
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France – The city of Lyon is gearing up for the 23rd edition of its internationally acclaimed electronic music festival, Nuits sonores, scheduled to run from May 13 to May 17, 2026. This year, the festival reinforces its position as a key event in the French electronic music scene, promising five days of vibrant music and diverse artistic experiences across carefully selected venues.
To enhance the festival experience, an official mobile application is available, allowing attendees to view the program, manage cashless reloads, and select their favorite artists. The complete timetable will be published on this platform soon.
Nuits sonores Lab 2026: Exploring Experimental Electronic Music
A significant highlight of the upcoming festival is the Nuits sonores Lab program, which has now been fully revealed. This segment of the festival is dedicated to experimental formats and unique artistic propositions, reflecting the festival’s commitment to a dynamic and diverse electronic music landscape. The Lab will feature workshops, discussions, masterclasses, and radio broadcasts centered around the theme of independence. Key sessions include:
- LAB 1 – WEDNESDAY, MAY 13: Cultural associations, protecting freedoms, speed-meetings with Sacem, and discussions on cultural independence and media in authoritarian regimes, all held at Hôtel71.
- LAB 2 – THURSDAY, MAY 14: Design fiction workshops on festivals facing future catastrophes (in English), discussions on syndicalism, democracy under pressure from lobbies, and collective culture, primarily at Hôtel71.
- LAB 3 – FRIDAY, MAY 15: Workshops on sustainable practices for common good events (in English), cross-analyses of the European and Canadian music landscapes, challenges of independent festivals, and gender equality in electronic scenes, mainly at Hôtel71.
- LAB 4 – SATURDAY, MAY 16: Screenings of documentaries from The Independent Movement for Electronic Scenes (TIMES) at Comœdia, and an Artist Talk on Caribbean electronic music at Les Grandes Locos.
- LAB 5 – SUNDAY, MAY 17: A screening of ‘Sirāt’ by Oliver Laxe and an ‘In Depth with Kangding Ray’ masterclass at Comœdia.
These Lab sessions will also feature various Radio Lab broadcasts from FIP, Seoul Community Radio, Radio Flouka, and Carhartt WIP Radio at Les Grandes Locos, offering deeper insights into the world of electronic music and its cultural impact.
EXT.12 at Le Sucre: The Official Nuits sonores Warm-up Returns
Before the main festival officially begins, the atmosphere will already be buzzing with the return of the official Nuits sonores warm-up event, EXT.12. Organized in partnership with The Absolut Company Creation and Le Sucre in Lyon, this event promises 12 hours of non-stop music, designed to set the mood for the nights ahead. Le Sucre, a prominent venue for electronic music in Lyon, will host this pre-festival gathering, known for its festive yet demanding atmosphere, true to the spirit of Nuits sonores.
Sustainable Travel: Encouraging Train Journeys to Lyon
In line with its commitment to sustainable mobility, Nuits sonores is encouraging festival-goers to travel to Lyon by train instead of individual cars. Lyon offers a wide range of rail connections from major French cities, including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes, and Strasbourg, making train travel a convenient option for attendees.
Festival organizers advise checking the Nuits sonores mobile application for detailed programming and to plan local travel within Lyon. The festival will take place at Les Grandes Locos in La Mulatière, 69350 La Mulatière. Further information can be found at nuits-sonores.com/nuits-sonores-lab-2026/.
Source: jds.fr
