This Friday, July 31, 2026, Paris and the Île-de-France region are bustling with a variety of events and activities. Whether you’re looking for sports, culture, or family fun, this guide provides all the essential information, including last-minute deals and practical tips for navigating the city.
What’s Starting This Friday, July 31, 2026?
European Aquatics Championships 2026 in Paris
The highly anticipated European Aquatics Championships kick off today, running until August 16. The Olympic Aquatic Centre will host a range of events, inviting spectators to cheer on top swimmers. France bid to host these championships in April 2023, and now the event is finally here!
- Dates: July 31 to August 16, 2026
- Venue: Olympic Aquatic Centre
- Disciplines: Swimming, diving, artistic swimming.
Diving and High Diving Events
From July 31 to August 8, traditional diving and spectacular high diving events will take place at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis and along the Seine. Witness the continent’s best divers perform breathtaking acrobatic feats.
Artistic Swimming Events
Artistic swimming will inaugurate the championships from July 31 to August 5 at the Olympic Aquatic Centre. Expect a display of spectacular acrobatic ballets, captivating solos, and high-precision duets, where sport truly becomes an art form.
Free Fan Zone at Saint-Denis
To extend the festivities beyond the pools, a free fan zone will be set up at the Olympic Aquatic Centre from July 31 to August 16. It will feature fun activities, autograph sessions, food trucks, and a relaxation area.
Nuits des Étoiles 2026: Photo Exhibition and Sky Observations
The Astroclub of Vayres-sur-Essonne (91) is participating in the Nuits des Étoiles 2026 with free sky observations for everyone on July 31. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about astronomy.
Last Chance This Friday!
Hansel & Gretel at Paradox Museum Paris
Until July 31, the Paradox Museum Paris is celebrating the anniversary of Hans & Gretel, a gourmet shop, with an immersive experience inspired by the fairy tale. Enjoy an enchanted forest, a treasure hunt, golden tickets, treats, interactive stories, and immersive night tours. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the contest to win a complete outing in Paris for two!
Outdoor Cinema 2026 at Parc Georges-Valbon
The departmental park Georges-Valbon in La Courneuve is hosting several outdoor cinema screenings as part of the Bel Été 2026. These free screenings are held on Friday evenings from July 17 to July 31, on a giant screen in the heart of the park. Tonight is the last screening!
Disney Village: Free Concerts and Entertainment
Disney Village offers a series of free concerts, street entertainment, and musical evenings throughout July 2026, just a stone’s throw from Disneyland Paris. Check out the full program for your last chance to enjoy these summer festivities with family or friends.
Swimming in the Marne at Maisons-Alfort
Swimming in the Marne at Maisons-Alfort, in Val-de-Marne, is back! The site at the foot of the Charentonneau footbridge is open until the end of August 2026. Today is a great day to experience it.
Sannois Plage: Free Water Games and Sports
Throughout July, the town of Sannois transforms into a free leisure base with water games and sports facilities. Today is your last chance to enjoy these activities for the whole family.
Practical Information for This Friday
Public Transport Disruptions (July 27 – August 2, 2026)
Public transport in Paris and Île-de-France will experience significant disruptions from July 27 to August 2, 2026. This includes the closure of a section of RER B from Gare du Nord, according to RATP and SNCF. Plan your journeys accordingly.
- RER B: Interrupted between Gare du Nord and the south of Paris for 23 days, from July 25 to August 16, 2026, due to modernization work.
- RER A: Nation station will be closed for two consecutive months, from June 29 to August 30, 2026.
- Metro Line 13: Interrupted for 18 days between Saint-Denis Université and La Fourche this summer 2026.
- Metro Line 8: République station will be closed for 9 months starting July 22, 2026, for renovation work.
Weather Forecast for Paris and Île-de-France (July 27 – August 2, 2026)
After the historic heatwave earlier in July, stay updated on the day-to-day forecasts for this week. Check local weather reports before heading out.
End of Cardboard Tickets: Alternative Solutions
Since November 5, 2025, cardboard tickets are no longer valid in Île-de-France stations. Tourists and occasional visitors can use alternative solutions such as the Navigo Easy Pass, Liberté+, the Île-de-France Mobilités app, or contactless payment on buses. Choose the most affordable option for your needs.
Pollution in Paris: Free Residential Parking
Due to an ozone pollution episode, the City of Paris is offering free residential parking this Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Check if this measure is extended to Friday.
Other Notable Events & Activities in Paris
- The Olympic Cauldron: Admire the Paris 2026 cauldron for free in the Tuileries Garden until September 14, 2026.
- Parc Monceau Dog Park: The 2000 m² enclosed dog park at Parc Monceau reopens on July 8, 2026, accessible all day with a dog trainer supervision.
- Swimming in Paris and Île-de-France: Eight supervised swimming sites, including three in Paris and a new spot in Seine-Saint-Denis, are open in the Seine and Marne until the end of August 2026.
- Perseids Meteor Shower: The most beautiful meteor shower of the year will be visible throughout August, especially around August 12, 2026. Look up and enjoy the spectacle!
- Esports World Cup 2026: The Esports World Cup 2026 is in full swing at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles until August 23, 2026. Over 100,000 tickets have already been sold.
- Vincennes Estival Club: The Château de Vincennes transforms into a summer club until August 2, 2026, with open-air concerts, sports activities, an aquatic area, outdoor cinema, and World Cup semi-final and final broadcasts.
- Les Arènes Lyriques 2026: This classical music festival runs from July 22 to August 15, 2026, with 16 concerts at the Arènes de Montmartre.
- Île de loisirs du Val de Seine: The supervised lake at Verneuil-sur-Seine is open every day until August 30, 2026, offering beach activities, pedal boats, mini-golf, and a nautical center.
- Open Gardens 2026 in Île-de-France: From June 27 to August 30, 2026, over 200 gardens in the Île-de-France region offer concerts, shows, tours, workshops, and art installations.
- We are (still) here: Urban Art at Petit Palais: A free urban art exhibition is back at the Petit Palais from June 20 to September 20, 2026.
- Museum of Illusion Paris: An essential summer outing for families and friends, located in the 1st arrondissement.
For more ideas, consult the full agenda for Paris and Île-de-France.
Source: https://www.sortiraparis.com/actualites/a-paris/guides/197753-que-faire-ce-vendredi-a-paris-sorties-incontournables-du-31-juillet-2026
