Paris events calendar - October 2018

October in Paris is a busy month, the last of the Parisians have trickled back to the capital after late summer vacations and school and work are in full swing. With the city full of locals, that means a slew of new events and exhibitions opening in Paris in October! The city is at its best, bustling with authentic energy and exciting activities each day to explore a more local side of Paris. So what's going on this October in Paris that you simply cannot miss? Theatre in Paris is pleased to bring the second installment of our monthly Paris events calendar, so you never miss a beat in the City of Lights. From expositions and shows, festivals and forums, here's all the Parisian events to check out:

Fête des Vendanges in Montmartre

October 10-14, 2018

Did you know Paris has its very own wine vineyard? It's right in the heart of Montmartre, and each year the annual harvest is celebrated in the best way possible, inviting all the city to celebrate wine and share in the traditions of this quaint Parisian neighborhood! For 5 days, climb up to the steps of Sacre Coeur to meet with wine producers from all corners of France and explore their wares at prices you won't find elsewhere. Also on the programme? Concerts and choirs, exhibitions by local artists, guided visits of the Paris vineyard itself, and much more! What started in the 1930s as a small neighborhood gathering to celebrate the local grape harvest, has transformed into a favorite Parisian event, the whole city migrates to the hills of Montmartre to sample French wines and delicacies each October. Prepare for a truly Parisian experience, where eating and sampling fine French specialties is the name of the game. Explore more info here, and in the case of nice weather be prepared for a Parisian crowd!

Two Parisian favorites return to the stage

October is also a big month for the Paris theatre scene, and many venues are bringing back old favorites to delight audiences. Parisian theatre-goers are in for a treat this October, with a long-awaited homecoming and the return of a Paris theatre district favourite. The best part? They both feature English subtitles by your truly, so you no longer need to worry about the language barrier.

Hello my name is (Le Prénom) playing at the Théâtre Edouard VII, home of Parisian comedy, through January 2019. They say you should never reveal a baby's name before it's born, and boy should Vincent have followed this advice. Since first appearing on the stage of the Théâtre Edouard VII in 2010, this celebrated play was adapted to the big screen in a 2012 hit film. In 2018, the award-winning play finally returns to its original stage, the home of Parisian comedy. A homecoming you can't miss, prepare for this star-studded cast to leave you laughing in your seats!

Legend of a Life by Stefan Zweig playing at the Théâtre Montparnasse through January 2019. A journey to Vienna at the dawn of the roaring 1920s, this contemporary play is a returning favorite among Parisian theatre-goers. A story of family discoveries and self-acceptance, as young Friedrich tries to live up to his father's reputation as a literary genius and unearths some unexpected secrets.

Parisian Art Nouveau by Alphonse Mucha

Luxembourg Museum, September 2018 - January 2019

While this artist may be of Czech origin, there's no denying the Parisian flair in his work, emblematic of the early 1900s Art Nouveau movement. Opening at the Luxembourg Museum in the heart of the Luxembourg Gardens, explore the Paris of another time. Not only seeking to portray his masterpieces, the exposition also demonstrates the six facets that make up Alphonse Mucha: bohemian, mystic, philosopher, creator of images, patriot, and cosmopolitan. You won’t want to miss the his unique style, full of sweeping curves and vintage Parisian charm. Expo details here

Adventure to Venice without leaving Paris

Grand Palais, October 2018 - January 2019

In the 18th century, Venice was the production center of all the richest art to come out of Europe, from operas and dances to paintings and sculpture. The artistic vitality of the Italian city influenced artists and their masterpieces throughout the European continent for years to come, and this Paris exhibition seeks not only to demonstrate the richness of 18th century Venetian artwork in all mediums, but to explore its impact on work in other countries. All this, right in one of Paris' most extravagant venues, the Grand Palais.

Details here

The art of Madagascar

Musée Quai Branly September 2018 - January 2019

A large island of the East African coast, Madagascar has a rich artistic history entirely its own. Serving as a cultural melting pot for centuries, some of the world's most unique yet little-known pieces come from the island, rich in textiles and sculptures. For those who have yet to visit the Quai Branly Museum, you're in for an exotic treat. Here, you won't find Renaissance paintings or feats of modern science, this museum right on the banks of the Seine River holds unique treasures from unexpected places around the globe.

Details here

Deep dive into the New York underground with Avant Garde artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

October 2018 - January 2019 at the Fondation Louis Vuitton

Despite his short career, American artist Jean Michel Basquiat was one of the greatest Avant Gardist creators of his time. The latest exposition at the modern Louis Vuitton Foundation features his entire collection produced in New York throughout the 1980s. Basquiat is known for creating entirely new aesthetics, often mixing textures to give a very graphic effect. A recurrent thematic in his modern work is often the underrepresentation of African-Americans in the art world. Having even collaborated with the likes of Andy Warhol himself, this new Paris exposition will show you an Avant Gardist side of New York City you’ve never seen before.

Details here

Head to the Petit Palais for a voyage to Japan

September 15 - October 14, 2018 at the Petit Palais

The artistic trip around the world continues this October in Paris with an exposition featuring eccentric Japanese artist Jakuchu. Rather than a collection of his personal creations, you will find a single work, a collection of over 30 scrolls entitled The colorful realm of living beings. The 18th century scrolls are so fragile that the exposition can only be open for a few weeks, and this is only the second time the work has been able to be viewed outside Japan, a monumental chance to view such a rare piece of Japanese art right here in Paris!

Details here

Get your engines ready for the World Auto Expo

October 4-14, 2018 at the Porte de Versailles Expo Center

The Paris Motor Show is always a favorite event and car and moto lovers from all over France and Europe flock to the City of Lights to see the latest designs and technology. The biggest manufacturers from around the world present their newest collections, including not only French brands such as Citroën and Peugeot, but also BMW, Porsche, Maserati, and even Tesla. Wherever you are from, if you are a car lover in Paris during the month of October, this is a can’t miss event.

Details here

White Night - Nuit Blanche

October 6, 2018

The first Saturday of every October, Parisians and visitors are invited to take over public spaces all over Paris, with a nightlong program of different unique expositions and artistic animations. The city comes alive for an evening full of options. What’s in store? Many museums open their doors for free, and throughout the city you will find a collection of concerts, dances, unique lighting projections, artwork everywhere in every shape and form. Some details still remain to be announced, so stay tuned and pick your favorite animations in advance to explore! To make things easier, public transportation will be open all night long as well as many restaurants for this special Paris evening.

**Theatre in Paris tip: you can visit the Alphonse Mucha exhibit at the Luxembourg Museum for free one night only!

Details here

Comic Con Paris

October 26-28, 2018 at La Villette

Fans of fantasy, comics, and science fiction unite each October in Paris for Comicon, a pop culture festival! WHile it is a relatively new event in the City of Lights, after four years Comicon Paris has become well known throughout Europe. Who are the honored guests of the 2018 edition? You can expect Superman Dean Cain, Shannon Doherty, Doctor Who actress Jenna Doherty, and even a few faces you may recognize from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones!

Details here





A few more bonus tips to truly appreciate Paris in October:

Explore some Parisian foliage in the parks and gardens of Paris

Get ready for Halloween and discover the famous faces and even a ghost or two in a Parisian cemetery

So there you have it, all the best things to check out in the City of Lights this October. Check back next month for the next edition of our Paris monthly events calendar!



