The Filets Bleus Festival in Concarneau will celebrate its 104th edition in 2026. From 12 to 16 August, the pirate town in Finistère will host one of Brittany’s oldest festivals, featuring five days of free open-air concerts, a grand parade with over 2,000 participants and a village entirely dedicated to maritime trades. Free entry and a stunning setting at the foot of the walled town: here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
A century-old festival steeped in the history of fishing in Concarneau
It all began in 1904, in Concarneau, which had been 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 canning factory owner and the town’s mayor, who proposed organising a charity festival to come to their aid. The idea quickly brought together local dignitaries and circles of Parisian artists who already had a connection 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 works by master artists 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 the course of its 121-year history, this charity festival has evolved into one of the major cultural highlights of the Breton summer, whilst never losing sight of its maritime and working-class roots.
Dates and venue: see you at Quai Carnot from 12 to 16 August 2026
The 104th edition of the festival will take place from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 August 2026. All the free concerts will be held outdoors on the Armor stage, on Quai Carnot, opposite the ramparts of Concarneau’s Old Town. The venue is within walking distance of the town centre, and special facilities are in place for people with disabilities.
For festival-goers arriving by car, a disabled car park is available throughout the week at the Lin car park on Rue Professeur-Legendre, with access to the festival via Quai Carnot Arrière Scène Armor. Motorhome owners can use the service area at the Porzou car park, the Gare car park, the Kerest neighbourhood car park (rue des Lumières) or the Cours Charlemagne car park. Car-sharing is encouraged via the OuestGo platform, and shuttle buses will run on Sunday to accompany the grand parade.
The full programme of concerts for 2026
All concerts are free on the Armor stage, an open-air venue on Quai Carnot. The programme combines Breton and Celtic music, international acts and up-and-coming artists, with three to four sets per evening performed back-to-back without a break from 7 pm until midnight.
Wednesday 12 August: The festival opens at 5.00 pm 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. The 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 13 August, 7.00 pm: Bagad Bro Konk Kerne / 8.45 pm: Collectif Métissé / 10.30 pm: Eben
Friday 14 August, 7.00 pm: Banda Arume de Malvas / 8.45 pm: The Silencers / 10.30 pm: Jean-Charles Guichen
Saturday 15 August, 6.30 pm: Sol Y Sombra / 8.15 pm: Balavoine, ma Bataille / 10.30 pm: Titom
Sunday 16 August, The day begins with the grand parade at 10.30 am, followed by two final concerts in the evening: 8.30 pm: Celkilt / 10.15 pm: Green Lads
© Noémie Lefevre / Tourisme Bretagne
The grand Sunday parade: the highlight of the festival
On Sunday 16 August, the town of Concarneau is transformed into a giant stage for the grand parade. More than 2,000 participants in traditional costume, Celtic circles and bagadoù march through the streets of Concarneau. This is the festival’s most spectacular moment, the one that draws the largest crowds and best embodies the festival’s identity: a vibrant, collective celebration of Breton culture, far removed from rigid folklore.
Shuttle buses will be running specifically on that day to take people from the outlying car parks to the parade route.
© Noémie Lefevre / Tourisme Bretagne
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 women working in the canneries and nominated by her colleagues. The selection process has since been opened up considerably: today, any young woman over the age of 17 living in Concarneau, Trégunc or Melgven can apply.
The Queen is assisted by a vice-queen and three ladies-in-waiting: two wear the ‘Pen Sardinn’ headdress in memory of the women who worked in the canneries, whilst the other two wear the traditional headdress of Melgven or Trégunc, thus symbolising the union of land and sea. Being Queen of the Filets Bleus represents a commitment that extends well 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 careers in the fishing industry
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 from Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, and on the opening Wednesday from 10am to 6pm. It is the ideal place for families with children, who can gain a real insight into what it means to make a living from the sea on the Finistère coast.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, why not check out the Ar Men Du hotel and restaurant in Névez!
© Noémie Lefevre / Tourisme Bretagne
On-site dining: sardines, mussels and local specialities
Food is served on site every lunchtime and every evening.
The stalls offer a selection of classic seafood and Breton dishes: crêpes, galettes with sausages, tuna, sardines, mussels, fish soup, scallops, roast pork and buttered potatoes.
A takeaway option is also available for festival-goers who prefer to sit on the quayside. Drinks are served at the bars on site throughout the evenings.
© Léa Guillote / Tourisme Bretagne
Practical information to help you plan your visit
The concerts are completely free of charge. To support the festival and help ensure that they remain free, a support badge is available for €5, on sale at Concarneau market on Fridays in July and early August, and then at the festival itself. The 2026 poster, designed by Concarneau-based artist Olivier Lapicque, is available from the Tourist Office, the festival shop and the information centre at 14 Rue de Courcy, priced at €6.
When it comes to accommodation, bookings in southern Finistère in August should be made well in advance: hotels, campsites, holiday rentals and guesthouses are available on the Finistère Tourisme website.
Festival contact details and office address: 14, rue de Courcy, 29000 Concarneau Tel.: 02 98 97 09 09 filets.bleus@wanadoo.fr
A festival organised by 420 volunteers
The organising team consists of 50 people, 15 of whom hold key roles; all are volunteers who work year-round to prepare for the next edition. During the festival, 420 volunteers are on hand on the ground. It is this entirely voluntary model that has enabled the festival to keep all its concerts free of charge for over a century. To join the team, simply contact the organisers on 07 86 33 26 14 or at filetsbleusbenevoles@orange.fr.
