Festivals, exhibitions, outdoor movies… The start of the school year is packed with events in Marseille! To help us forget that summer is over, September is packedwith activities. And to give you some ideas, Marseille Secrète has selected the must-do activities you won’t want to miss!
Sure, there’s the pleasure of a dark movie theater. But when temperatures remain mild despite the days getting shorter, what could be better than catching a movie at an outdoor cinema? As part of the 31st edition ofthe “Écrans Sud”festival, City Hall has decided to offer a variety of open-air movie screenings at dusk in different locations throughout Marseille through September 22, 2023.
Attend the Pointus gathering in Port-Cros
Calling all sailors and lovers of sea spray: an event as unique as it is specialized is taking shape between Marseille and Port-Cros. On Friday, September 4, about twenty “pointus” will set sail from Marseille to reach the small island in an elegant maritime procession. This gathering invites curious visitors for a weekend combining friendly regattas,
parades in period costumes, and workshops: Les Pointus à Port-Cros!
Candlelight concerts help us forget the hassles of going back to school with a wonderful musical lineup that will enchant Marseille. In September, Marseille hosts tribute concerts to the greatest artists andsoundtracks… Choose your favorite atmosphere and let yourself be swept away by the beauty of these musical evenings.
Indulge at the MPG Street Food Festival
From September 10 to 12, the Esplanade de la Major will host the MPG Street Food Festival. This event showcases the talents of chefs, food artisans, and local producers to offer an exceptional culinary experience. This year, Brussels takes center stage with a Village dedicated to the treasures of the Belgian capital, not to mention a festive touch with musical evenings and a feast for the senses.
Get into the spirit at the Afro Heat Festival
A newcomer that promises to liven up all of Marseille:the Afro Heat Festival is coming to the Esplanade Gisèle Halimi in September! It’s sure to add some color and good vibes to your start of the season, with a lineup featuring Afrobeat, dancehall, shatta, and Caribbean music!
(Re)discover Marseille’s treasures during Heritage Days
On September 19 and 20, Marseille will be celebrating. For two days, the city will host Heritage Days. This year’s themes are “Photographic Heritage” and “Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.” This 43rd edition will offer free admission to numerous historic and cultural buildings in France’s second-largest city.
Talk about money at the Allez Savoir festival
The Allez Savoir social sciences festival returns September 24–26 with its 7th edition, dedicated to the theme“Money: What Does It Mean?” An initiative of the EHESS and the City of Marseille, the festival examines money through the lens of the social sciences. This hot-button topic will be explored through roundtables, film screenings and discussions, performances, tours, and even fun workshops.
Stroll through the Marseille International Fair
For this new edition, taking place from September 25 to October 5, the Marseille International Fair has gone all out. Concerts, shows, gourmet evenings, and even virtual reality experiences will revolve around the theme “The Mediterranean Takes Center Stage.”
To keep the back-to-school energy going, the Utopia Festival returns on September 25 and 26, 2026, at the Friche la Belle de Mai in Marseille. On the program: melodic techno, groovy techno, hard techno, sunny house, and futuristic ambient, with artists set to get the venue’s four stages buzzing for two full nights!
Join the socially conscious festivities at the So Good MAIF Festival
On September 26, 2026, the So Good MAIF Festival invites you to La Plateforme for a day and a night of laughter, connections, creativity, activism, and music. All brought to life by the voices of committed artists, activists, and comedians. Danyl, Camélia Jordana, the Twerkistan collective, and Joha Wallas… They’re all here for a day dedicated to activism, sharing, and celebration.
