Top events Not to Be Missed!

January > April

The Dunkirk Carnival

A wave of madness and celebration sweeps across the region, as the Dunkirk Carnival brings crowds of “masquelours” (carnival-goers in costume) and “forests of umbrellas” into the streets of the city.

The Carnival runs for three months, reaching its peak during Mardi Gras week.

June

Dunkirk Celebrates the Sea

All weekend long, the harbour comes alive with sea trips, themed villages, nautical demonstrations and opportunities to meet the people who keep maritime culture alive.

June 10–20

La Bonne Aventure Festival

Still looking for your next dream weekend? Malo-les-Bains is the place to be! As summer begins, there’s a spot right at the top of the French map where you can dance until dawn, right by the sea: La Bonne Aventure.

Free concerts, DJ sets, secret adventures and artistic installations. And of course, the signature feature of Les Nuits Secrètes: the amazing “secret journeys” that take festival-goers by bus, on foot or by bike to surprise concerts.

July 22–25

Het Lindeboom – Traditional Music Festival

Every summer, this traditional music festival attracts thousands of visitors to Parc Galamé for four days of festive vibes and music from a wide range of influences.

This family-friendly festival offers concerts, a medieval village, children’s workshops, street performances, food trucks and much more!

August 7–8

Kite Festival

For one weekend, the beach at Grand-Fort-Philippe bursts into a dazzling array of colours as giant inflatable structures take to the skies, some reaching up to 30 metres in length!

A fun-filled, lively weekend for the whole family.

September 3–5

Du Son sur les Flots

The quays of Grand-Fort-Philippe come alive with a maritime atmosphere and a family-friendly vibe at this food and music festival.

On the programme: historic sailing ships, a seafood feast, shows and live music!

Come and enjoy three days immersed in maritime culture — three days to delight your taste buds and your ears!

November

Hauts-de-France International Circus Festival

International circus artists are coming to Gravelines for the fourth edition of this spectacular festival.

Enjoy an incredible show and vote for your favourite performers! The audience and a jury made up of well-known personalities will choose the best acts.

November–December

Christmas Festivities

Throughout December, our coastline immerses you in a magical world. Dunkirk’s Town Hall is transformed into Santa Claus’s castle, while a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and festive chalets take over Place Jean Bart. The historic fortified town of Gravelines is home to one of the region’s finest Christmas markets. Festive activities, shows and parades delight visitors of all ages!