Fête de la Musique - World Music Day - Son de l'Amour 2026
About this Event
- About Fête de la Musique / World Music Day
Each year, over 1,000 cities around the world throw citywide music celebrations on June 21. It all started 41 years ago in France. In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops. And, unlike a typical music festival, anyone and everyone would be invited to join and play music or host performances. It is called Fête de la Musique. (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music!”).
Four decades later, the holiday has spread throughout the world and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. In the same way that the French Fête de la Musique celebrates the start of the summer season, this World Music Day extends an invitation to celebrate across the United States and promotes artists of all genres and backgrounds in the process.
- THE 2026 EDITION
This year, on June 20, 2026, the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., Villa Albertine, Georgetown Heritage, and Capital Pride will present SON DE L’AMOUR, a special edition of Fête de la Musique celebrating creativity, community, and inclusion during Pride Month.
The Embassy of France will host, in two different stages, a variety of artists, locals and from abroad, that will present music from all genre from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Join us to enjoy, sing, dance, have a drink, and live this special edition of "Fête de la Musique" !
The Maison Française and its surrounding grounds will be transformed into a vibrant cultural destination featuring live concerts, DJs, film screenings, conversations, independent booksellers, record vendors, LGBTQIA+ organizations, culinary experiences, and artistic performances. A large outdoor stage on Place Charles de Gaulle will host the evening’s main performances, while the Embassy auditorium will offer screenings, discussions, and more intimate programs. Musicians, singers, and performers will animate the various spaces of the Maison Française throughout the night, creating an immersive and welcoming experience for all.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
This 2026 edition is organized with the help and support of our partners : Villa Albertine - Embassy of France in the United States, Georgetown BID, Georgetown Heritage, Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Capital Pride Alliance, Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Little District Books.
Important information
Admission
- 5$ General admission.
- Free under 15 years old.
- Doors open at 7:30 PM. Last entry at 10:30 PM.
- Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID.
To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend arriving early and planning for possible wait times at the entrance.
People with disabilities are very welcome. To ensure that their evening goes smoothly, they must be accompanied by someone.
Security:
All guests will pass through security screening. For security reason large bags, backpacks, animals, liquids, blunt objects, helmets, and any other items deemed dangerous by the Embassy's security staff are prohibited and will be subject to confiscation.
Parking:
There is no on-site parking. Metered parking is available on Reservoir Road at $2.30/hour (max 4h until 10pm). Garage parking is available at Georgetown MedStar Health (Entrance #2, 2800 Reservoir Road NW), approx. $25 for up to 3 hours.
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Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 6.27
