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The Filets Bleus Festival in Concarneau will celebrate its 104th edition in 2026. From August 12 to 16, the pirate town of Finistère will host one of Brittany’s oldest festivals, featuring five days of free outdoor concerts, a grand parade with over 2,000 participants, and a village entirely dedicated to maritime professions. With free admission and an exceptional setting at the foot of the walled town, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
A century-old festival rooted in the history of fishing in Concarneau
It all began in 1904, in Concarneau, which was hit hard by the disappearance of sardines from its coastline. Entire families of fishermen found themselves without any means of support. It was Billette de Villeroche, a cannery owner and the town’s mayor, who proposed organizing a charity festival to help them. The idea quickly brought together local dignitaries and circles of Parisian artists already attached to the town, and the first Fête des Filets Bleus was held in 1905.
From its very first editions, the event extended beyond the borders of Concarneau : auctions of masterpieces raised funds for a solidarity fund for fishermen, and the Montmartre singer Albert Larrieu composed several songs about the town, including the festival’s official anthem, which still bears his mark today. Over its 121-year history, the charity festival has evolved into one of the major cultural events of the Breton summer, without ever losing sight of its maritime and working-class roots.
Dates and location: Join us at Quai Carnot from August 12 to 16, 2026
The 104th edition of the festival will take place from Wednesday, August 12, to Sunday, August 16, 2026. All free concerts will be held outdoors on the Armor Stage, located on Quai Carnot, across from the ramparts of Concarneau’s Old Town. The venue is within walking distance of downtown, and special accommodations are provided for people with disabilities.
For festivalgoers arriving by car, a parking lot for people with disabilities is available all week at the Lin parking lot on Rue Professeur-Legendre, with access to the festival via the Quai Carnot Arrière Scène Armor. RV travelers can use the service area at the Porzou parking lot, the Gare parking lot, the Kerest neighborhood parking lot (rue des Lumières), or the Cours Charlemagne parking lot. Carpooling is encouraged via the OuestGo platform, and shuttles will run on Sunday to accompany the grand parade.
The complete 2026 concert schedule
All concerts are free on the Armor stage, an open-air venue on Quai Carnot. The lineup features a mix of Breton and Celtic music, international acts, and emerging artists, with three to four sets performed back-to-back without interruption from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Wednesday, August 12 : The festival kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with the opening parade featuring the Queen of the Blue Nets and her bridesmaids, the Ar rouedoù Glas Celtic Circle, the Bagadig Bro Konk Kerne, and the Gabiers du Passage. Concerts then begin at 7:00 PM: 7:00 PM: Les Types à Pied / 8:45 PM: The Celtic Social Club / 10:30 PM: Carré Manchot
Thursday, August 13 : 7:00 p.m.: Bagad Bro Konk Kerne / 8:45 p.m.: Collectif Métissé / 10:30 p.m.: Eben
Friday, August 14 : 7:00 p.m.: Banda Arume de Malvas / 8:45 p.m.: The Silencers / 10:30 p.m.: Jean-Charles Guichen
Saturday, August 15 : 6:30 p.m.: Sol Y Sombra / 8:15 p.m.: Balavoine, ma Bataille / 10:30 p.m.: Titom
Sunday, August 16 : The day begins with the grand parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by two final concerts in the evening: 8:30 p.m.: Celkilt / 10:15 p.m.: Green Lads
The Grand Sunday Parade : the highlight of the festival
On Sunday, August 16, the town of Concarneau transforms into a giant stage for the grand parade. More than 2,000 participants in traditional costumes, Celtic circles, and bagadoù bands march through the streets of Concarneau. It is the most spectacular moment of the festival, the one that draws the largest crowd and best embodies the festival’s identity: a lively, collective celebration of Breton culture, far removed from static folklore.
Shuttle buses will be running specifically on that day to take people from the outlying parking lots to the parade route.
Photo credit : Noemie Lefevre
The Queen of the Blue Nets : a tradition dating back to the canneries
From the very first edition, it was decided that a queen would serve as the festival’s ambassador, originally chosen from among the cannery workers and nominated by her coworkers. The selection process has since been greatly expanded: today, any young woman over the age of 17 who lives in Concarneau, Trégunc, or Melgven is eligible to apply.
The Queen is assisted by a vice-queen and three bridesmaids: two wear the “Pen Sardinn” headdress in memory of the cannery workers, while the other two wear the traditional headdress of Melgven or Trégunc, symbolizing the union of land and sea. Being Queen of the Blue Nets represents a commitment that extends far beyond the festival: appearances in Concarneau, participation in twinning initiatives, and invitations to major Breton events. The election of the 2026 Queen is announced on the festival’s official website.
The Village of the Sea : A Look at Fishing Trades
Every day of the festival, the Village de la Mer opens its doors to the general public. Fishing and maritime trades, local fish and shellfish species, seaweed, gastronomy, marine biology, weather, and sea rescue: these are just some of the topics covered by passionate professionals. The village is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on opening Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s the perfect place for families with children, who can get a hands-on look at what it means to make a living from the sea on the Finistère coast.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, check out the Ar Men Du hotel and restaurant in Névez!
Dining on site : sardines, mussels, and local specialties
Food is served on site every day for lunch and dinner. The food stands offer classic seafood and Breton dishes: crêpes, galettes with sausage, tuna, sardines, mussels, fish soup, scallops, roast pork, and buttered potatoes. A takeout option is also available for festivalgoers who prefer to sit on the docks. Drinks are served at the bars on-site throughout the evenings.
Practical information to help you plan your visit
The concerts are completely free. To support the festival and help keep them free, a support badge is available for €5; it’s on sale at the Concarneau market on Fridays in July and early August, and then at the festival itself. The 2026 poster, designed by Concarneau artist Olivier Lapicque, is available at the Tourist Office, the festival shop, and the office at 14 Rue de Courcy, for €6.
When it comes to accommodations, be sure to book well in advance for August in southern Finistère: hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts are available on the Finistère Tourisme website.
Festival contact and office hours : 14 Rue de Courcy, 29000 Concarneau Tel.: 02 98 97 09 09 filets.bleus@wanadoo.fr
A festival organized by 420 volunteers
The organizing team consists of 50 people, 15 of whom hold key positions; all are volunteers who work year-round to prepare for the next edition. During the festival, 420 volunteers are on the ground. It is this entirely volunteer-based model that has allowed the festival to keep all its concerts free of charge for over a century. To join the team, simply contact the organizers at 07 86 33 26 14 or at filetsbleusbenevoles@orange.fr.
