What? : Key cultural events in Marseille for summer 2022
Where? : Marseille
When? : All summer long

This summer, Marseille is in top form with a fantastic lineup to boost both body and mind. From concerts and shows to festivals and water sports, here are ten events and festivals you shouldn't miss!

MARSATAC

What? Outdoor concerts with a hybrid Rap/Electro lineup.

When? June 14-16, 2024 (Friday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Sunday from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM).

Where? Parc Borély.

How much? Starting from €37 per evening.

Questions ?  HERE

Marsatac is back with its latest edition from June 14 to 16, 2024, at the heart of Parc Borély, featuring a stellar lineup of electro, rap, and hip-hop acts including Luidji, Zola, and Kaaris, among others. With three main stages plus a local Marseille showcase stage called ‘La Frappe’, this event is a must-attend to catch the rising stars of tomorrow. Don’t miss out—the concerts kick off in the early afternoon!

 

FESTIVAL DE MARSEILLE

What? Hybrid festival (dance, performances, concerts, film, etc.).

When? June 14 to July 16, 2024.

Where? Various locations (Mucem, Cité radieuse, Klap, Friche la Belle de Mai, La Criée, BNM, Frioul, Artplexe Canebière, Parc Longchamp).

How much? From 0 to 12 €

Questions ?  HERE

As the undisputed champion of festivals that reinvents itself each year, the Marseille Festival promises a 2022 edition that stays true to form. Festive, explorative, joyful, creative, and firmly rooted in its time, the festival, now under the direction of Marie Didier following Jan Goossens, defines itself as a space for “multiple connections, lesser-known stories, and stage experiences that blend various aesthetics, primarily musical but also incorporating video and dance. It embodies the Festival’s commitment as a companion to Marseille artists.” Indeed, local artists make up one-third of the festival’s total lineup. Attend with confidence, take risks, be surprised—you won’t be disappointed!

 

FREESTYLE CUP

What? Festival of surfing, urban cultures, and music.

When? June 18-23, 2024.

Where? Borély Beach.

How much? Free

Questions ?  HERE

The Freestyle Cup features top international riders showcasing surfing and music over a few days. There are lessons, demonstrations, free wing-foil sessions, yoga, windsurfing, and paddleboarding during the day, followed by lively evening parties starting at 6 PM. Held at the beautiful Borély Beach, it’s an exhilarating festival experience

AU LARGE 

What? Hybrid music festival (hip-hop, disco, techno, pop).

When? June 22, 23, and 24, 2024.

Where? The Citadel of Marseille.

How much? Starting from €25, 3-day pass for €80

Questions ? HERE

How better to celebrate the first days of summer than at the Citadel, with a breathtaking view over Marseille’s harbor, to the joyful pop of Pappooz, the rap of Marseille’s own AMALIA, the Armenian folk of Ladaniva, the hybrid techno of Minut Machine and SABB, and the Malian blues of Vieux Farka Touré? Three days of a concert lineup without borders, in a magical outdoor setting.

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE CINÉMA (FID)

What? Film festival.

When? June 25-30, 2024.

Where? Cinemas, theaters, libraries, art galleries, and outdoor amphitheaters.

How much? From 0 to 10 €.

Questions ? HERE

There’s Cannes Film Festival, and then there’s FID! Held in Marseille, FID is one of the world’s top film festivals for documentaries and fiction. It’s a key event for film professionals and warmly welcomes over 20,000 movie lovers annually. The festival’s unique and rigorous selection process, along with its 11 different awards, promises unforgettable discoveries, special meetings, and exceptional screenings. It’s an event that deserves your support and shouldn’t be missed!

 

MARSEILLE JAZZ DES 5 CONTINENTS

What? Jazz music festival

When? June 30 to July 13, 2024

Where? Various venues (Friche de la Belle de Mai, Vieille Charité, Conservatoire Pierre Barbizet, Jardin du Palais Longchamp, Théâtre de la Sucrière)

How much? Tickets up to €40 (+some free concerts)

Questions ? HERE

The Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents festival is eagerly awaited not only by jazz enthusiasts but also by music lovers in general. Over its 24-year history, the festival has hosted jazz artists from around the world in Marseille. The 2024 edition is no exception, featuring performances by Jazz Quartel, Marya Andrade, Effimero Quartet, Sophie Alour, Ajoyo, Gilda, Omar Sosa, Bada-Bada, Cat Power, José James, Grégory Privat, and many more.

L’ÉTÉ MARSEILLAIS

What? Music, culture, sports, and leisure activities

When? July 6 to August 28, 2024

Where? Throughout the city of Marseille

How much? Free

The upcoming fifth edition of L’Été Marseillais promises to be a must-attend event, although the full lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Already confirmed are concerts by Véronique Samson and Kid Francescoli on July 6 and 13, 2024, at the floating stage of the Old Port. Also, dance group La Horde will showcase their latest creation, and the Massilia Sound System will celebrate their 40th anniversary. Keep an eye out for more details on this exciting summer event in Marseille!

ART-O-RAMA

What? International Contemporary Art Fair

When? August 30 to September 1, 2024

Where? Friche La Belle de Mai

How much? €8 (reduced: €5)

Questions ?  HERE

Art-O-Rama is a small-scale international contemporary art fair that presents a diverse group of emerging artists through about thirty galleries and publishers. It’s a space where visitors can explore, be intrigued, amused, moved, or all of the above. This unique artistic event marks the end of summer with excitement. Stimulating!

DELTA FESTIVAL

What? Outdoor concerts and village activities (sports, gastronomy, arts, environment, etc.).

When? September 4-8, 2024.

Where? Plages du Prado (Prado beaches).

How much? Starting from €56

Questions ?  HERE

Watch out for Delta, the ultimate festival returning from September 4th for 4 days of non-stop partying, intense vibes, and loud music in Spring Break style. This year, it boasts over 250 artists, both current stars and rising talents like Astrix, Gazo, Justice, Jain, Martin Solveig, PLK, SCH, SEFA, TIAKOLA, Vladimir Cauchemar, Feder, Whomadewho, and many more. Delta isn’t just about music—it also features villages focusing on environment, health, community, arts, food, startups, and even job opportunities.

 

UTOPIA FESTIVAL

What? Electronic and techno music festival

When? September 23 and 24, 2022

Where? Friche la Belle de Mai

How much? From €30 to €80

Questions ? C’est par HERE

The 4th edition of the young festival dedicated to electronic cultures and solidarity, Utopia, didn’t choose its name by chance. It aims to imagine the ideal city of celebration and turn the dream into reality for 2 days with around forty artists, 3 stages, debates, and various other utopian and desirable activities. This is a festival commitment that absolutely deserves support! Go for it!

HAPPY SUMMER ! 

By Alexandra Israelsson