The tradiotional Bordeaux fair starts this weekend so it’s a really fun weekend for kids which will also enjoy the huge game hall in Villenave d’Ornon and the science village and libraries nights all over the metropole. For adults there’s a big book festival, a second wine fair, the Asian pop culture festival and plenty of other surprises. If you missed my latest article, I wrote in detail about my experience in the amazing Cité du Vin. Also, if you want to see what else in on this months check out my article about things to do in October in Bordeaux. Here’s the list of things to do this weekend in Bordeaux (October 11-13).
Nuit des Bibliothèques
La Nuit des Bibliothèques will take place on October 12, and it’s the best opportunity to discover the libraries across the city. 24 libraries in 20 different towns in Bordeaux Metropole will participate in this event and will offer such activities as concerts, theater shows, science workshops, games for kids and more. See the full programs here.
When: October 12 in the evening / Where: Bordeaux, Merignac, Pessac and more – check out the full program
Planet Jeux
Every October Espace d’Ornon is transformed into a huge game hall with games for every age. Logic games, sports, strategic games and plenty of other genres coming from all over the world. Besides a huge game area, part of the space will be dedicated to babies and toddlers and will help parents entertain their little ones (kids under 5 years old). The event will take place this weekend (October 12-13), entry is 3 euros. For more info check out the website and the facebook page of the event.
When: October 12-13 / Where: 147, route de Léognan 33140 Villenave d’ornon
Festival Animasia
Animasia is a festival of Asian pop culture bringing together many elements like J-POP music, Yosakoi dance, karaoke and Cosplay performances. The place will also include thematic areas with martial arts, video games, board games and more. The festival will take place on the weekend of October 12-13 at the Parc des Expositions. For more info and tickets check out the website of the festival or the facebook page of the event.
When: October 12-13 / Where: Parc des Expositions, 33000 Bordeaux
Village des Sciences
As part of the Fête de la Science events this month, Cap Sciences invites you this weekend (October 12-13) to the Science village. This year the village will be all about robots and the place they take in our day to day life. The program includes two exhibitions, several competitions, demonstrations of different robots, workshops, conferences and more. See the full program here and for more details look here. The event is free.
When: September 12-13, 14:00 to 19:00 / Where: Hangar 20, Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
Foire aux Seconds Vins
More than 50 important Bordeaux wine producers will present their second wines at the Foire aux Seconds Vins this Saturday (October 12). Many wine producers in the region produce the second label wines from the grapes that were not used for their Grand Vin. This is a great opportunity to taste and buy wine from the best chateaux in the region at the best prices. The event will take place in Hangar 14. For more details click here.
When: October 12 / Where: 173 Quai des Chartrons, 33300 Bordeaux
Lire en Poche – books festival
Lire en Poche is a pocketbooks festival that will take place in Gradignan on October 11-13. Besides a huge book sale, a wide range of activities are offered to the participants, among them: reading sessions, theater shows, music, games, workshops for kids and more. The entrance to the festival is free, however, some activities are paid and/or require a prior reservation – click here to register. For more info click here.
When: October 11-13 / Where: Théâtre des Quatre Saisons et à La Médiathèque Jean Vautrin, 32 route de Léognan – 33170 Gradignan
Eufonia, festival international chant chorale
Eufonia is an international choir festival taking place in Bordeaux on October 4-13. The festival will host choirs from all over the world taking the stage on some of Bordeaux’s most iconic places. For the full program click here.
When: October 4-13 / Where: Check out the different locations in the program.
Très Toucher – an exhibition for kids
If you have little kids and you still haven’t been to the museum of natural history, it’s time to check it out. While the whole museum is beautifully designed and very interesting, the temporary exhibition is the most fun part for kids. The Très Toucher exhibition is dedicated to kids 3-6 old (although all ages will love it) and is focused on the sense of touch. Every section is an experience where kids get to touch different materials and discover textures with or without seeing them. It is very interactive and I highly recommend it. The exhibition will be presented until November 3rd so hurry up! The exhibition is on level (-1) of the museum so go straight down when you arrive. For more info click here.
When: Until November 3 / Where: 5 place Bardineau – 33000 Bordeaux
Foire aux Plaisirs
This is the fall edition of the traditional Bordelais Fair that is taking place at Place des Quinconces from October 11 to November 3. It’s a perfect activity for kids and for those who are young in spirit as La Foire aux Plaisirs de Bordeaux has it all: a big wheel, roller coasters, ghost trains, bumper cars, donuts, crèpes, candyfloss and more. The fair is open daily from 14:00, you are not required to pay any entry fee, only for some of the attractions. See more info about the fair here.
When: October 11 – November 3 / Where: Place des Quinconces, 33000 Bordeaux
FAB – International art festival
FAB is the annual International art festival of Bordeaux Metropole taking place this year on October 4-20. As one of Europe’s biggest art festivals, it attracts some known names from the international contemporary art scene. During the three weeks of the festival, more than 30 shows will take place in more than 20 different locations in Bordeaux, from the TnBA theater to the Opera of Bordeaux and the CAPC. Among the shows this weekend you can find:
Le Grand Débarras – October 11-12 at Plaine des sports, Saint-Michel, 33000 Bordeaux
Cria (dance show) – October 11-12 at Carré, Place de la République 33160 Saint-Médard-en-Jalles
Blue Tired Heroes – October 11-12 at QG Quai de la grave 33000 Bordeaux
Click here to see the full program of the festival.
When: October 4-20 / Where: Different locations in Bordeaux – check out the program
Vide dressing d’automne
This weekend (October 12-13) Darwin invites you to a huge clothes sale with more than 90 stands of merchants and creators. The event will also include a kids’ corner, a workshop of DIY clothes, food trucks and a place where you can donate your old clothes. For more details click here.
When: October 12-13 / Where: 87 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux, France
Pop n’Break Digital Battle
A hip hop dance battle will take place this Saturday (October 12) at the Pôle Culturel Ev@sion in Ambarès-Et-La Grave. More than 40 dancers will take part in this cool event. For more details click here.
When: October 12, at 14:00 / Where: Place de la république, 33440 Ambarès-Et-La Grave
Les Rendez-vous des Polichineuses – a vintage sale
“Les Rendez-vous des Polichineuses” is coming back for yet another edition of second-hand chic. The big vintage sale will take place in Chartrons on October 1-26 hosting many vintage merchants with furniture, toys, art and plenty of accessories. For more details click here.
When: October 1-26 / Where: 8 rue Cornac 33000 Bordeaux
Marché des Producteurs
On Saturday (October 12) Darwin will host its big organic market with many local producers from all over the southwest of France. Among others, you will find stands of oysters, wine, cheese, flowers and more. For more info click here.
When: October 12 / Where: Darwin Caserne Niel / 87 quai des queyries, Bordeaux
Le Salon d’Automne
Saint Emilion will host a big art exhibition with works by 24 artists from photographers to graffiti artists, sculptors and many painters. The exhibition will be presented in Salle des Dominicains and Salle Gothique from October 4 to October 20. For more details click here.
When: October 4-20 / Where: rue Guadet, 33330 Saint-Émilion
Mama’s Party
Enjoy the last party nights at Mama Shelter, the coolest rooftop in Bordeaux. This weekend (October 11-13) Mama Shelter invites you to three DJ nights starting from 21:30. For more info click here.
When: October 11-13 / Where: 19 Rue Poquelin Molière, 33000 Bordeaux
If it’s raining and you don’t find anything on this list that you want to do just check out my articles about things to do in Bordeaux when it’s raining or about free things to do in Bordeaux. I’m sure you can find plenty of activities there 🙂 And if you just want a laid back weekend go to the Capucins market for some oysters and white wine. If you want more suggestions about what to eat at the market, you can read it here.
Finally, if you are looking for a fun and delicious activity in Bordeaux, check out my food tours in which I’ll take you through a three hours journey in the culinary scene of the Southwest of France.
Is it your first time in Bordeaux? If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in Bordeaux. To help you choose a place to stay 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 find your preferred AirBnB location.
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