Festivals, exhibitions, a big street fair…It’s a busy start to the fall season for the “Pink City”! To help us forget that summer is over, September is packedwith activities. And to give you some ideas, Toulouse Secret has put together a great listof events andactivities you won’t want to miss.
From September 19–20, 2026, Toulouse invites you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage during European Heritage Days. These days will offer free tours of historic sites that are often closed to the public. With concerts, workshops, and unique discoveries, the city’s most iconic landmarks will be open to everyone. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Toulouse’s history and culture in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
A superb lineup awaits you in September with the Candlelight concerts! In an exceptional setting in Toulouse, such as the Chapel of the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques University Hospital, let yourself be swept away by the magic of music with tributes to artists of all genres by the simple glow of candles! It’s the perfect way to kick off the new season!
The Great Toulouse Flea Market
From September 3 to 5, 2026, downtown Toulouse will transform into a massive bargain hunt during the Grande Braderie. Nearly 1, 000 retailers will offer clothing, accessories, home decor, and household items at discounted prices along streets that are entirely pedestrian-only. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe before the start of the school year while leisurely strolling from store to store. Outdoor musical performances will also add to the atmosphere of this major back-to-school shopping event in Toulouse.
Want to extend the magic of summer with a cultural outing that’s a real treat for the eyes? Come discover “Ballet of Lights,” a modern dance performance that reimagines “Sleeping Beauty” in Toulouse, blending classical ballet with dazzling LED costumes. Presented at La Cabane, this captivating show promises nights full of grace and elegance—the perfect way to kick off the new season in style!
As part of The Fork festival, through September 20, 2026, enjoy 50% off at around sixty restaurants in Toulouse. On the menu of festivities: for over two months, a selection of handpicked Toulouse restaurants will treat you to delicious meals at discounted prices.
Want to take off without leaving Toulouse? Head to the Cité de l’Espace, one of the most spectacular places to visit in the “Pink City,” especially with the family. With real spacecraft, life-size replicas of the Mir space station, and immersive experiences, this science park plunges you into the heart of space exploration. Here, you can see real fragments of the Moon, learn about the lives of astronauts on the ISS, or even test out an ultra-realistic lunar mission with the LuneXplorer. Add to that a next-generation planetarium, an IMAX theater, and exhibits on Mars, and you’ve got a fun activity you absolutely must try this fall!
From September 24 to 26, 2026, Montauban will come alive with the 8th edition of La Fabrique du Jazz. Under the patronage of Ibrahim Maalouf, the festival will take over the Théâtre Olympe de Gouges, the Ingres Bourdelle Museum, and the streets of downtown.
Concerts, musical parades, an exhibition, and luncheons with live music will bring the city to life for three days. A warm and welcoming event where jazz classics meet the boldness and sounds of today.
To get a wealth of original ideas as the school year begins, you can’t miss the fascinating Halle de la Machine: a true open-air universe where science meets live performance. Set on a former airstrip, this extraordinary experience invites visitors to discover immense mechanical creatures inspired by animals and utterly zany inventions. Halfway between art and engineering, the machines come to life, tell their stories, and move right before your eyes in impressive theatrical performances. The highlight of the visit: the Minotaur, a colossal 14-meter-tall machine combining wood and steel. Impressive!
The Museum of the Resistance & Deportation
The Departmental Museum of the Resistance & Deportation is offering a free tour. The exhibitions delve into the history of 1939–1945, covering the Occupation, the Resistance, the Liberation, and Deportation. A place of remembrance that also invites visitors to reflect on the values of commitment, solidarity, and passing on our history.
Want to shake off the back-to-school blues? Head to Prison Island. Inspired by game shows, this concept invites you to a unique escape experience: work as a team to tackle 27 varied challenges that will test your logic, problem-solving skills, and dexterity. Whether with family, friends, or for a special event, such as a bachelor or bachelorette party (where the bride or groom’s ticket is complimentary), this 1.5-hour adventure promises memorable moments. Get ready for a total immersion in realistic settings and a race against the clock to rack up as many points as possible.
The Piano Festival at Les Jacobins
From September 8 to 30, 2026, the Couvent des Jacobins will resound with the sound of the piano for the 47th edition of Piano aux Jacobins. Sixteen concerts will bring together internationally renowned artists and up-and-coming virtuosos inthe iconic Gothic setting of downtown Toulouse. Javier Perianes, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Jonathan Biss, and Vadim Kholodenko will share the stage with Magdalene Ho, Nabeel Hayek, and Ilyun Bürkev, among others.
From the classical repertoire tothe jazz of Paul Lay and Karla Martínez, the festival promises wonderful musical journeys through different eras and styles.
