From Japan pop culture to lake adventures: your Montpellier weekend

Dive into Japanese pop culture at this two-day convention featuring anime merch stands, cosplay contests, gaming areas, concerts and traditional arts. Ideal for fans of manga and J‑culture, with food stalls and activities that make it a vibrant outing for both adults and teens.

Spend 24 hours immersed in guitar-driven music as this marathon event of Les Internationales de la Guitare takes over central Montpellier. Expect concerts, showcases and jam sessions across the city, perfect for music lovers keen to experience the local scene in one intense weekend.

This open-air design festival showcases sustainable and circular design, upcycled creations and local designers inside one of Montpellier’s main shopping hubs. It’s a relaxed way to explore contemporary French design while wandering between installations and workshops.

An electro and DJ-focused festival in the northern suburb of Clapiers, turning the village into a dancefloor for a night. Expect local and regional DJs, food trucks and a friendly atmosphere that’s ideal if you want to party outside the old town.

A rock concert by the band Cargo in a classic Montpellier setting, offering French rock and folk sounds. It’s a good choice for travellers wanting a small-venue live show before heading out for drinks in the historic centre.

Celebrate the grape harvest at this convivial wine and food festival in the nearby town of Gignac. Long shared tables, local wines and live music create a festive ambiance, ideal for experiencing Languedoc wine culture just outside Montpellier.

A large outdoor sports fair by the lake where families can try more than 90 different sports: from canoeing and climbing to team games and fitness workshops. It’s an excellent option for active travellers and kids, with demonstrations and initiations throughout the day.

Browse stalls of second-hand and new books, prints and literary curiosities at this open-air book market on one of Montpellier’s main esplanades. It’s a charming stop between sightseeing around Place de la Comédie and the historic centre.

An evening gathering on Montpellier’s iconic central square to support children with cancer, with speeches, activities and the symbolic illumination of the Trois Grâces fountain in gold. It’s a moving, very local event open to all, giving visitors a sense of the city’s community life.

Dance the night away at this salsa-focused summer party organised by local school Mistica at one of Montpellier’s dedicated dance venues. With Latin music and a friendly crowd, it’s ideal for social dancers or curious beginners.

Discover the sound and mechanics of a historic pipe organ inside a Protestant temple in the city centre. A guide introduces the instrument, its history and repertoire, followed by musical demonstrations — a calm, cultural break from outdoor sightseeing.

Stand-up comedy night with French comedian Elodie Arnould presenting her show “Bijou de Famille” in Montpellier’s main convention and performance centre. A good choice if you speak French and want an indoor evening show with a local audience.

Sportissime continues on Sunday, offering another full day of multi-sport discovery by the lake. Families and active travellers can test different disciplines, join initiations and enjoy the park setting before heading back into Montpellier.

Final day of the Japan Matsuri convention with cosplay finals, concerts, and last-chance shopping in the manga and anime stalls. It’s perfect if you want a concentrated dose of Japanese culture before leaving Montpellier.

A special guitar recital by renowned classical guitarist Thibault Cauvin as part of Les Internationales de la Guitare. Held in a historic opera setting, it’s a highlight for music lovers looking for a refined cultural evening.