Events in Ouistreham and Caen in 2026 | Calendar & Highlights
In 2026, Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Caen, and the Côte de Nacre offer a rich and varied program, blending major sporting events, cultural festivals, musical performances, and historical highlights.
Throughout the year, the Normandy region comes alive with iconic events, perfect for punctuating a seaside holiday.
Discover below a selection of unmissable events in 2026 , to experience during your stay at Villa Andry , in the heart of Ouistreham.
February – March
Caen BMX Indoor & Urban Sports Shows – February 28th and March 1st, 2026
The Caen BMX Indoor is one of Europe's largest events dedicated to urban sports. For two days, international riders, spectacular demonstrations, and top-level competitions transform the Caen Exhibition Center into a true temple of BMX, skateboarding, and urban culture.
A dynamic and impressive event, perfect for a weekend in Caen at the end of winter , less than 20 minutes from Ouistreham.
"Tous en scène" Festival – March 20 and 21, 2026 – Ouistreham
The "Tous en scène" festival celebrates amateur and professional artistic practices in Ouistreham. Theater, dance, and live performances fill the town's venues for two days dedicated to creativity and sharing. This year's program includes the play "Le Prénom" and a performance by Chatal Ladesou.
A cultural event on a human scale, it perfectly illustrates the artistic vitality of Ouistreham Riva-Bella .
Caen Student Carnival – March 26, 2026
Every spring, the Caen student carnival brings the city center to life with its floats, costumes, and festive parades. This unmissable tradition draws thousands of participants in a friendly and colorful atmosphere.
It's the perfect opportunity to discover Caen from a festive perspective during a stay in Normandy in March .
Spring – Early Summer
Normandy Channel Race – May 27 to June 7, 2026 – Caen & Ouistreham
A leading offshore sailing race, the Normandy Channel Race connects Caen, Ouistreham, and the English and Irish coasts. The start and finish offer a unique maritime spectacle, particularly in the port of Ouistreham.
A major nautical event, it is very popular with sailing enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Freedom Marathon – Caen – June 4-7, 2026
The Freedom Marathon is one of Normandy's most iconic sporting events. The various races traverse the historic D-Day landing sites, blending athletic performance with remembrance.
A major international event, it attracts runners from all over the world every year. Bib registration opens Monday, March 2, 2026.
D-Day Festival Normandy – June 1st to 14th, 2026
The D-Day Festival Normandy commemorates the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, through official ceremonies, concerts, parachute drops, and cultural events. Events are organized on all the landing beaches, from Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach, and Ouistreham, with Sword Beach at the heart of these commemorations, offering moments of emotion and historical reflection.
D-Day Commemoration – June 6
Several commemorations are being held on D-Day, June 6th, in Ouistreham, the surrounding towns, and throughout Normandy; detailed programs will follow. It is a significant event in Normandy, a time of emotion, reflection, and encounters. Thousands of people from around the world come every year to remember and pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who, at the risk of their lives, demonstrated their courage for a world of freedom.
Summer – Culture & Festivities
Beauregard Festival – July 2-7, 2026 – Hérouville-Saint-Clair
The Beauregard Festival is one of Normandy's largest music festivals. Every summer, it welcomes French and international artists to the exceptional setting of the Beauregard Castle grounds. This unique setting provides the perfect backdrop for an lineup this year, featuring Aya Nakamura and Bob Sinclar for "The Day Before," followed by Orelsan, Pulp, La Mano 1.9, Theodora, Feu! Chatterton, Gaëtan Roussel, Mosimann, Charlotte Cardin, Franz Ferdinand, Shame, Pixies, Armin van Buuren, and Vanessa Paradis. Many other artists will provide magical musical moments just a stone's throw from the sea.
A must-see for music lovers during a summer stay in Caen and Ouistreham .
Summer events in Ouistreham – July & August 2026
During the summer, Ouistreham Riva-Bella offers a varied program of events: open-air concerts, night markets, shows, and fireworks.
These friendly gatherings are perfect for adding rhythm to a seaside holiday.
(Detailed program to come)
late summer and autumn
Cider & Dragon Festival – September 19 & 20, 2026 – Merville-Franceville-Plage
Immerse yourself in the medieval and fantastical world of the Cidre & Dragon festival , a unique event in Normandy where the charming seaside resort of Merville-Franceville-Plage transforms into a vibrant, imaginary city brimming with life and entertainment. For two days, this fantasy festival invites festival-goers, families, and enthusiasts to wander the streets of Merravilla , discover artisans, costumed entertainment, games, music, and shows in a friendly and free atmosphere by the sea.
Scallop and Seafood Festival in Ouistreham – October 17 and 18, 2026
The Scallop and Seafood Festival takes place every year on the first weekend of the school holidays. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can stroll through the fish market to buy the famous scallops, as well as various other fish and shellfish. The traditional SNSM (French Sea Rescue Society) tent will be offering its scallop skewers. The town has planned a full program of activities for the whole family, including a concert, a market, and each restaurant will be offering a special scallop menu. The complete program will follow.
A year 2026 full of events in Ouistreham and Caen
The year 2026 promises to be particularly lively in Ouistreham, Caen, and along the Côte de Nacre , with a diverse program combining major sporting events, cultural festivals, musical performances, and historical highlights. From the early months of the year through the summer festivities, the Normandy region offers numerous opportunities to discover the area in a new light.
This page will be updated regularly throughout the year to include new events and highlights as they are officially announced.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a seaside holiday, or a stay around a specific event, Ouistreham Riva-Bella is an ideal starting point to enjoy the vibrant cultural and festive atmosphere of the region.
Staying at Villa Andry , in the heart of Ouistreham Riva-Bella, allows you to experience these events firsthand, while enjoying the peace and comfort of the seaside. Choose your room for your next getaway.
