Halloween is getting closer, and Bordeaux is finally revealing how it plans to celebrate this year. There are spooky château parties, haunted venues, family activities and plenty of late-night events on the program.
From kid-friendly fun to full-on Halloween nights, here’s where to celebrate Halloween in Bordeaux and the region in 2026.
On October 30–31, Promenade Sainte-Catherine turns into a haunted Halloween setting with free activities. On Friday evening, there’s an outdoor screening of E.T., while Saturday includes a candy hunt, Halloween makeup, costumes and other family activities. For more info click here.
Molécule Horror Story
On October 31, La Molécule returns to Château Formont for an American Horror Story-inspired Halloween party. The night includes house and techno, immersive scenography, video projections, food trucks, bars, and creator stands. Costumes are strongly encouraged. For more info, click here.
Château de Vayres
Château de Vayres always hosts the best Halloween events! This year, their Halloween weekend will take place on October 24-25 with all the Halloween classics: witches, phantoms, and werewolves. The two-day event will be accompanied by exceptional Halloween decorations and plenty of activities. For more details, click here.
The Halloween party of Château de Vayres
Arcachon Fête Halloween
Like every year, the town of Arcachon is hosting a big Halloween event in the city center on October 31. All the details will be published here.
Halloween at Château de Villandraut
This year, the medieval Château de Villandraut invites you to a life-size Murder Party on October 30-31. From 9pm to 11pm, participants (12+) will play their roles, uncover secrets, and try to solve the crime. Tickets are €15 per person. On November 1st, the chateau is also hosting a big treasure hunt for younger kids. Find info and tickets here.
Halloween at Parc de la Coccinelle
From October 17 to November 1st, Parc de la Coccinelle celebrates the 3rd edition of its Halloween festival. The park transforms with pumpkins, hay bales, and playful skeletons, creating a magical family atmosphere. Kids can enjoy make-up, treasure hunts, a tombola, and daily magic shows for extra thrills. 👉 More info here.
Halloween au Château de Duras
Château de Duras will celebrate its annual Halloween party on October 31. The party is for adults and kids over 10 yo. From October 17 to November 1st (the autumn school break), Château de Duras will also host plenty of activities and workshops for younger kids. See all the details here.
The School of Witches – Château de Bridoire
Le Château de Bridoire in Dordogne, also known as the Castle of Games, is hosting a game called The School of Witches, which should be fun for both kids and adults. The activities are about to take place daily during the kids’ fall break from October 17 to November 1st.
I know that this is a bit far from Bordeaux, but this château is worth the drive! Nearby, you can also visit and eat lunch at the lively village of Eymet – here’s my article about my visit there. See all the details here.
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:
This is the long Easter (Paque) weekend in France and so a big part of the weekend list will be dedicated to treasure hunts in beautiful locations around Bordeaux. If you’re not into that, you have plenty of art and the big Brocante of Bordeaux starting this weekend. Let’s dig in!
Treasure Hunt on Pâques Weekend
The long weekend of Easter is always full of great activities for families. Egg hunting, visiting beautiful chateaux and chocolate workshops are only some of the activities you could do this weekend. Here’s a very comprehensive list of Easter related events taking place this weekend around Bordeaux.
Miroir d’eau
Citizenkid organizes two days of treasure hunts in one of the most popular places in Bordeaux, le Miroir d’eau. It will take place on Sunday and Monday (April 21-22) with three sessions each day. The game is for kids under 12 years old and prior registration is required. For more info click here.
Kfé Des Familles
One of the traditional treasure hunts in Bordeaux, organized by Kfe des Familles, will take place this Saturday (April 20). The kids will be divided into several groups according to their age and will try to find the treasures around la Place Buscaillet in the Bacalan neighborhood. The places are limited so come early to register. For more details click here.
Lormont
Parc de l’Ermitage in Lormont will host a free treasure hunt on Monday (April 22). The event will end with a snack at the ferme des Iris. The event is for kids older than 8 years old. For reservations click here.
Château de Vayres
A great event for the whole family will take place this weekend (April 20-21) at Château de Vayres. The program includes a visit to the chateau, chocolate tastings, games for the little ones and a big treasure hunt for the whole family. For more details click here.
Where: 63 Avenue de Libourne, 33870 Vayres
Saint Emilion
This Sunday (April 21) the tourist office in Saint Emilion will organize two treasure hunts. One will start at 10:00 at Tour du Roy in Saint Emilion and the second one at 14:00 at the Jardin de la Lamproie in Sainte-Terre. The activities are free. for more info click here.
Écomusée de Marquèze
This weekend (April 21-22) the Écomusée de Marquèze, in Landes de Gascogne organizes a fun Easter day that will include a big treasure hunt for the whole family and concerts of Gascony music. For more details click here.
Where: route de la gare, 40630 Sabres
Château de Villandraut
The magical chateau of Villandraut will host two treasure hunts on Monday (April 22). The first one will start at 14:00 for kids 7-12 years old. The second one is for the little ones (less than 7 years old) and will take place at 16:30. Both require prior reservations, for details click here.
Château de Portets
Château de Portets in the Graves region celebrates Easter this Saturday (April 20) with a big treasure hunt, games for kids and wine and chocolate tastings. For the full program click here
Where: Rue de Mongenan, 33640 Portets.
Château Soutard
one of the most visited chateaux in Saint Emilion will host a treasure hunt on Monday (April 22) at 15:30. For more details click here.
Where: Soutard, 33330 Saint-Émilion
Printemps de la Forêt du Bourgailh
Like every year, the city of Pessac invites you to celebrate spring at the Forêt du Bourgailh. The event, that will take place on April 20-21, will revolve around nature and gardening, with a plants market, a crafts market, guided visits at the beehives and more. This is also an opportunity to see all the new park facilities. See the full program here and more details here.
Forêt du Bourgailh – by Lost in Bordeaux
When: April 20-21/ Where: 160 avenue de Beutre, 33600 Pessac
Territoires Sauvages – Nature festival
Territoires Sauvages is a nature festival that will take place at the Réserve Ornithologique du Teich on April 19-22. You’re invited to spend your Easter weekend discovering the natural treasures of the region. The festival’s program includes guided tours at the reserve, exhibitions, a big treasure hunt for kids and concerts on Sunday (April 21). For more info click here.
When: April 19 –22/ Where: Devant la réserve ornithologique du Teich, Rue du Port, 33470 Le Teich
Search for beautiful antiques at the Brocante
The big brocante of Bordeaux is hosted twice a year at place des Quinconces with 200 antique dealers, horticulturists, restaurants and craftsmen. It’s the biggest brocante event in the area and the selection is huge, from vintage home decor, to paintings, antique furniture, garden accessories and more. While some items can be pricey, you can still find plenty of affordable pieces. The merchants are very nice and are open to negotiations. The brocante is taking place from April 19 to May 5. For more info and the list of exhibitors click here.
Brocante in Bordeaux – by Lost in Bordeaux
When: April 19 – May 5 / Where: Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux
Wine and Ham Fair
This year you won’t be hungry at the Brocante of Bordeaux as it will be accompanied by la Foire aux Jambons & vins (wine and ham fair). The fair will take place at the Place des Quinconces from April 19 to May 5.
When: April 19 – May 5 / Where: Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux
Semaine de l’art 2019
An art week is taking place on April 12-20 at the Abbaye de Verneuil in the médoc region. Six artists (a sculptor, a photographer, a graphic designer and more) present their exhibitions at the abbey. The evening program includes plenty of concerts. For tickets and more info click here.
When: April 12-20 / Where: 2 Place Saint-Pierre, 33180 Vertheuil
Vernissage exposition Forêt
A new exhibition will be presented at the Groupe des Cinq cultural center from April 19 to June 14. Six artists will present their works, with forest-related themes. The vernissage will take place this Friday (April 19). For more info click here.
When: April 19 / Where: 121 avenue Alsace Lorraine, 33200 Bordeaux, France
Itinéraires des Photographes Voyageurs – photography festival
The 29th edition of the “traveling photographers routes” festival is taking place on April 2-28. During one month, 18 photography exhibitions will be presented at the main cultural institutions in the city, among them, the Rocher de Palmer in Cenon, the Bibliothèque Grand Parc, Espace Saint-Rémi and others. Get the full list of all artists and more info about the event here.
When: April 2 -28 / Where: Different locations in Bordeaux (see program)
Swing Party
A swing concert and party will take place this Friday (April 19) at the Quartier Libre club in Saint Michel. It will start with a swing lesson at 20:00 and continue with a Hot Swing Sextet concert. For more info click here.
When: April 19, at 20:00 / Where: 30 rue des Vignes, 33800 Bordeaux
This weekend Bordeaux hosts the big foodies festival, S.O. good. It’s also a good weekend to be heading to Bassin d’Archachon where two interesting festivals are about to take place: the Geek festival and the Gees Festival (they kind of sound the same, now that I think of it :)). Darwin is always a perfect solution for the weekend and this time they are hosting an organic wine market. Other events this weekend include a piano festival, Cirque du Soleil shows, a literature festival, concerts, exhibitions and more. The list is long so let’s get started on things to do this weekend in Bordeaux (November 16-18):
S.O. Good Festival
This is one of the biggest events to take place during fall in Bordeaux. The S.O Good festival is a gastronomic happening that aims to highlight the talent found in the Nouvelle Aquitaine gastronomic scene and to celebrate local products. The event will take place at Hangar 14 (Quai des Chartrons) on November 16-18. The festival’s program includes more than 100 local producers hosted by the Hangar, many chef workshops in the city center, a night feast on Saturday and a farmers’ brunch on Sunday. This festival is not exclusively French, the opening event in Palais de la Bourse will be dedicated to Italian cuisine. This is one of the most important culinary events in the region and many Michelin star chefs are taking part in it. The price of the festival pass is 12€ and 10€ on pre-sale. For tickets and the full program click here.
When: November 16-18 Where: 173 Quai des Chartrons, 33300 Bordeaux, France
Organic Wine Market in Darwin
Les Barriquades is the biggest market of bio wines in the region, an event that will take place this weekend (November 17-18) in Darwin. On the menu, a huge selection of organic wines from Bordeaux, Saint Emilion, Bergerac, Jurançon and other regions in France such as Alsace, Fitou, Minervois and more. The entry is free. For more info click here.
When: November 17-18 Where: 87 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux, France
Piano Festival
The 9th edition of the Festival L’esprit du Piano is currently taking place at the Auditorium of the Opera of Bordeaux (until November 26). This magnificent festival hosts some important pianists like Chick Corea, Yefim Bronfman, Deszo Ranki and Bertrand Chamayou and others, some of whom will collaborate with the National Orchestra of Bordeaux and the choir of the Opera of Bordeaux. One of the biggest names to take the stage of the Auditorium is the Jazz legend, Abdullah Ibrahim. See the program of the festival here and info about tickets here.
When: November 9-26 Where: Grand Théâtre, Place de la Comédie – 33 000 Bordeaux
Cirque du Soleil
The magnificent Cirque du Soleil are coming to Bordeaux with the show, Ovo, a tale about insects with original music and beautiful new costumes. The circus will give six shows on November 14-18 at the Arkea Arena in Floriac. For tickets click here and for more info about the show look here.
When: November 14-18 Where: Arkéa Arena, 48-50 Avenue Jean Alfonséa, 33270 Floirac.
Bassin Geek Festival
If you enjoyed the Bordeaux Geek Festival a few months ago, it’s time for the winter edition with the Bassin Geek Festival. The program includes all the things the geek community loves: comics, sci-fi, web culture, video games, parallel worlds, creative industries and more. The festival will take place at the Parc des Expositions de La Teste De Buch on November 17-18. Check out the full program and all the details here and ticket prices here.
When: November 17-18 Where: 940 Avenue de l’Europe. 33260 La Teste-de-Buch
Burdigame Games Festival
Come share your passion for games at the annual Burdigame Games Festival taking place this weekend (November 17-18) in Lormont. Cooperative , construction, board and outdoor games, this festival has it all. It’s a chance for you to discover new games and to get nostalgic with old childhood games. Entry is 2 € and the family pass is 4 €.For more info click here.
When: November 17-18 Where: Pôle Brassens Camus, Rue des Gravières 33310 Lormont
Lettres du monde
The literature festival, Lettres du monde, will take place on November 16-25 with lectures and debates in different venues across Bordeaux Metropole. Events will take place in libraries, schools, book stores, cinemas and more. You can enjoy this festival even if you don’t speak French as most of the writers participating in the lectures are coming from around the world, from Yemen to Syria, Spain and Haiti. For the full program click here and for more details here.
When: November 16-25 Where: Different places in Bordeaux – check the program
Bordeaux Cata Raid 2018
The 6th edition of the the Catamaran race will take place this weekend (November 16-18) in the Garonne river, just next to the central quais. This beautiful event, organized by the les Marins de la Lune club include tens of crew members that will pass next to the quai to honor the city. The view is guaranteed to be spectacular. For more details click here.
When: November 16-18 Where: starts at 103 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux, France
Geese Festival
Every winter more than 50,000 gees find refuge in the Arcachon area. The gees festival (Festival de la Bernache), taking place on November 17- 25, gives you a unique opportunity to discover this species in a festive atmosphere. In the program: boat trips, guided tours, conferences, concerts, workshops on comics creation, photo exhibition and more. The activities of the festival will be held in different places on the Bassin, among them: Gujan-Mestras, Andernos-les-Bains, Arès, Lanton, Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch and more. Don’t forget to reserve a spot for the different activitieshere. For more info click here.
When: November 17-25 Where: Different places on the Bassin d’Arcachon
L’Arche de Noël – creators market
L’Arche de Noël is a creators market taking place in the Chartrons neighborhood every weekend until Christmas (December 22-23 is the last event). Each week a group of local talented craftsmen and artists will present their original creations. This weekend (November 17-18) the stands will include jewelry, kids toys and clothes, textiles, bags and more.
When: November 17-18 Where: 23 Rue Minvielle, 33000 Bordeaux
Second hand toys market
If you are planning to travel in the South of Gironde, stop by the charming village of Villandraut, where a second hand market for toys will take place this Saturday (November 17). For more info click here.
When: November 17 Where: Salle Des Fetes, 1 Place Paul Dunesme, 33730 Villandraut
Kids books and comics festival
The annual kids books and comics festival will take place this Saturday (November 18) at the Halles de Gascogne in Leognan. More than 3000 books will be presented at the event which also includes spectacles, activities for kids, games and more. Many authors and editors will take part in the event and will sign books. See the full program here. For more details check out the facebook page of the event.
When: November 17 Where: Place Joane, 1 Rue Louise Michel, 33850 Léognan
Arrested Development at the Rocher de Palmer
Arrested Development, a hip hop group that gained world popularity in the 90th with its hit “People Everyday” will take the stage of Rocher Palmer this Sunday (November 18 at 20:30). Tickets range between 23 € and 28 € – click here for more info and tickets.
When: November 18 at 20:30 Where:1 Rue Aristide Briand, 33152 Cenon
Open Stage at the Grande Poste
This Saturday (November 17) the Grande Poste will host professional and amateur musicians, comedians and dancers for an open stage evening. Come and enjoy an evening of music and fun around drinks and a piano. The event is free and open for all. For more info click here.
When: November 17 starting 21:00 Where: 7 Rue du Palais Gallien, 33000 Bordeaux
Kaléidoscope – Street art exhibition
One of my favorite art venues in Bordeaux, l’Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, is about to open a new art exhibition this month. The Kaléidoscope exhibition is all about feminine art, hosting nine female street artists to present their works in a genre that is usually considered more masculine. The exhibition will be presented until February 17. For more info click here and here
When: November 13- February 17 Where: 16 rue de Tivoli, 33000 Bordeaux
Exposition 3/1 – Espace Saint-Rémi
La Spirale association invites you to a collective exhibition by three local artists: Magalie Darsouze (visual artist), Benjamin Monteil (engraver) and Chris Pillot (painter). The exhibition will be presented at the beautiful Espace Saint-Rémi on November 7-17. The entrance is free. See more info here.
When: November 7-17 Where: 4 rue Jouannet à Bordeaux
