Spending August in Bordeaux? You’re lucky — the city slows down, the weather is perfect, and there’s something fun happening almost every day. From open-air festivals to rooftop apéros and day trips to the beach, August feels like one long summer party.
If you’re visiting for the first time, check out my 5-day itinerary, which includes two day trips and my custom Google Map to help you explore.
And if you’re still deciding where to stay, this guide to the best neighborhoods in Bordeaux will help you find the right base.
Now here are the best things to do in Bordeaux this August 👇
The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in August 2026
Go for a drink in one of Bordeaux’s summer bars
Plenty of rooftops, terrace cafes, and open bars are surging all over the city starting from the end of May/beginning of June. Some are more posh and chic, others simple and chill but they are all super fun to hang out in during the summer in Bordeaux. Check out the list of the best summer bars in Bordeaux.
Go to the beach
If you’re coming here for the summer I’m sure that going to the beach is on your list. This area is abundant with beautiful sandy beaches on the Atlantic coastline as well as on the many lakes surrounding the city. If you want to discover some new beaches around Bordeaux check out my article about the best beaches near Bordeaux.
Nuit du Terroir à Bourg – canceled
The beautiful town of Bourg will be celebrating its annual Nuit du Terroir on August 1. In the program, plenty of wine producers and farmers from the region will present their products accompanied by live music. See all the details here.
Gujan Mestras en Fêtes – canceled
This weekend Gujan Mestras, the oyster capital of Arcachon, is hosting a big summer celebration. The four-day festival (August 6-9) includes plenty of concerts, oysters, games for kids, and fireworks. For more details, click here.
The Fest’Arts Festival
The Fest’Arts festival in Libourne was created about 30 years ago to honor street performing artists. On August 6-8, the center of Libourne will be turned into a big promenade and plenty of performances will take place on the pretty streets of the city. Check out the full program here.
You can combine this event with a visit to Saint Emilion, here’s my article about a day trip to Saint Emilion.
Fort Décibel Festival – cancled
The Fort Décibel Festival is taking over Fort Médoc on August 7–8 with two days of trance, techno, and acid vibes in a stunning UNESCO-listed setting. Expect live DJs, food trucks, camping, and even a party boat from Bordeaux! More details and tickets here.
Les Fêtes de la Mer in Arcachon
It’s that time of the year when sailors and Arcachon lovers gather to celebrate the sea with les Fêtes de la Mer. During the two-day festival, you can enjoy plenty of activities in the center of Arcachon, from music concerts on the beach to flea markets and a huge picnic. It’s also a religious event so a few big masses will be held on both days. The event is taking place on August 14-15, for more info click here.
Village du Canon Festival
On August 14–16, the village of Le Canon comes alive with four days of concerts, bandas, DJ sets, a funfair, food stalls, pétanque, and fireworks. Free and open to all. See the full program here.
La Fête de l’Huître d’Arès – canceled
From August 13–16, Arès (on Arcachon Bay) celebrates its famous oyster festival with three days of tastings, bandas, dancing, and a lively funfair. A true summer tradition on the Bassin d’Arcachon, it’s the perfect mix of local flavors and festive atmosphere. See the program here.
Festival Bordeaux 3×3
From August 15–22, the Placette de Munich in Bordeaux hosts a week-long 3×3 basketball festival with tournaments, public activities, music, and food trucks. See the full program here.
Bordeaux Metropolitan Summer
Like every year, Bordeaux Metropolitan invites you to discover the city and the area around it through a series of cultural events and activities. Between July 15 and August 28, more than 100 activities of music, dance, public reading, theater, circus, and gastronomy will take place around the Metropole. You can see the full program here.
La Bataille de Castillon
La Bataille de Castillon is a spectacle taking place during the course of several weeks in the summer, replicating the famous fight from 1453. Castillon-la-Bataille, the town where the show takes place also hosts many activities and events revolving around the big show: tours of the city, exhibitions, workshops of medieval art, and more. All the events will be taking place between July 16 and August 15, for more info and tickets, click here.
Go to a night market in Arcachon
A night market is taking place in the center of Arcachon every night (Tuesday to Friday) from July 1 to August 28. For more details, click here.
Check out my full guide to Arcachon before going. You can also combine it with a guided tour in Arcachon, click here to book a tour.
Fete de l’herbe Cap Ferret
On August 21-23, the village of L’herbe will host its annual feast with concerts, games on the beach, and food. L’herbe is an oyster-farming village and one of the most magical places on Bassin d’Arcachon. For more info click here.
Médiévales de Lesparre-Médoc
On August 22–23, the gardens of the medieval Tour de l’Honneur in Lesparre-Médoc turn back time with two days of parades, medieval camps, artisans, old-fashioned games, children’s activities, combat shows, and feasts. Costumed visitors are welcome to join the fun. See info here.
Festival Polynésien
The Polynesian Festival at Bassin d’Arcachon offers three days of dance, music, crafts, and cuisine, celebrating the vibrant culture of the Pacific Islands from August 21-23. The event takes place at Parc Lecoq in Biganos. See the full program here.
Festival Soulac’n Jazz
On August 20-23, Soulac-sur-Mer swings to the rhythm of Soulac’n Jazz. A sunny and festive weekend where jazz meets the ocean. See the full program here.
Paille & Ripaille Festival
Paille & Ripaille is a local gastronomy festival taking place every year in Langon. The objective of the festival, which will take place on August 28-30 in Parc des Vergers, is to support local food producers. The program includes concerts, farm animals, and a lot of local specialties. See more details here.
Akupana Eco Festival
Arcachon is throwing a festive weekend full of games, good vibes, and a long lineup of artists. August 29-30 at Plage des Arbousiers. See details here.
Big events in other parts of the SW of France – August 2026
A beautiful 4D show at Château de Duras
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday during the summer (July 9 to August 27) the beautiful chateau of Duras is hosting an amazing 4D spectacle where they screen the history of the chateau and a fun story for kids at the end. See more details here.
The show starts at 22:30 but if you’ve never visited the chateau before, make sure to come earlier in the day so you’ll have the chance to visit the rooms and see the stunning view from the top.
Ete Musical en Bergerac
The Musical Summer in Bergerac is an annual event taking place in the first two weeks of August. All the concerts and shows are taking place in different castles in the Bergerac region such as Château de Biron, Château de Saint Germain, Église de Monpazier, and more. This year, the festival takes place on August 1-16; see the program here.
Jazz in Marciac
Marciac is a nice little village in the Gers department (about 2 hours’ drive from Bordeaux) that hosts one of the biggest Jazz festivals in the region. The festival takes place for three weeks (from July 20 to August 5) and has a very impressive lineup of international Jazz artists. Check out the full program here.
Vesere Festival
The Vezere festival is a classical music festival taking place every summer in the Brive region. A long list of concerts will take place between July 7 and August 11 in the different theatres and châteaux in the region. See the program here.
Brive is located on the border between the Corezze and the Dordogne departments and is a great destination for anyone traveling in the region in the summer.
Beau C’est Festival
Beau C’est Festival is a music and theater festival happening on August 7-8 in Bosset, a little town close to Bergerac. See the full program and more details here.
This is also a great opportunity to visit other beautiful villages around Bergerac.
First time in Bordeaux?
If you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time, be sure to check up my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.
If you’re looking for more ideas for day trips in the Bordeaux region here are a few other articles you might want to read:
The best beaches around Bordeaux
Day trips around Bordeaux – wine, beaches and villages
10 day trips from Bordeaux by Public transport
A weekend in Medoc – Bordeaux wine tours
What to do and eat in Saint Emilion
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
