© Latin Times
© Global Championship Tour
© Cannes Lions
© Jazz a Juan
© Regates Royales
© Homardpayette
© Chris Lilley
What's On in Cannes During 2017
The biggest & best events being held in Cannes this year
The one event that everyone knows about, reads about, gossips about and generally wants to be at, is of course the Cannes Film Festival. Renowned the world over for deciding what's hot and what's not in the world of cinema, and the making or breaking careers on the red carpet.
But that's not all this beautiful seaside town, nestled in the French Riviera, has to offer the discerning tourist. From film to dance, creativity to technology and historical to modern, Cannes has a jammed packed year ahead in 2017.
January
The PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur) celebrates the Circus Arts in January and into the month of February. Hosted every two years the Biennale Internationale des Arts du Cirque brings around 300 artists to the region from across France and the world. Some 100,000 spectators are expected to enjoy this month-long festival. Visit their website to find out what shows are on near you.
February
For more of a family event, or for those amongst us that still enjoy a good game of Monopoly then the Festival des Jeux (Festival of Games) is hosted annually in Cannes in February. Over 170,000 enthusiasts come together for the three day games festival that showcases both traditional games and the newest in technology and interactive gaming. A great event for all the family, you will find it full of surprises.
March
March sees a more traditional side of the Cote d'Azur, with the re-enactment of the landing of the Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On March 1, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out again each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
Break the Floor, on the 4th March, is an event that will not only surprise, amaze and entertain but it might even inspire you. If you're like me and love those 'cheesier than most' dance movies that have the main character throwing moves that you didn't even know were possible, then this is an event you will love. Hailed as one of the world's biggest hip-hop dance events, it guarantees an electric atmosphere and some insane talent from around the globe.
May
The next big event to hit Cannes is the Cannes Film Festival. Hosted annually in May, this event will be talked about in the press for weeks before, and the red carpet dresses discussed for many weeks after. But the main feature of this event are of course the films and how they are received and judged by the industry panel. The 2016 panel, under jury president George Millar, brought fame and glamour in the form of Donald Sutherland, Vanessa Paradis and Kirsten Dunst. But there will plenty of other famous faces to look out for during the month of May.
June
Coming into the summer and Cannes sees two of the biggest and most exciting events on the French Riviera. Firstly Cannes Jumping International, which is a four-day equestrian event and attracts a high calibre of riders and horses from around the globe. The 2017 date is yet to be confirmed so stay tuned! Then from mid-June the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Possibly one of the most talked about events in the calendar, Cannes Lions has the power to celebrate, influence and change business through creativity, rewarding the best work and the brightest thinking. In 2016 it saw Channing Tatum bringing his new vodka brand to Cannes, as well as celebrities Will Smith and Usher taking to the stage.
July
The summer months in Cannes are all about the wonderful beach clubs, sunning yourself on the deck of a private yacht and of course, music! From jazz to dance music and hip hop to funk there is something to suit every taste. Amongst the music festivals is Jazz a Juan. Hosted annually this festival offers a rich programme of traditional and modern jazz with names likes Ray Charles, Jamie Cullum, Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana taking to the stage.
August
If dance music is more your thing then Les Plages Electroniques, is not to be missed. This is a unique chance to dance to electronic music on the beach in one of the most exclusive resorts on the Mediterranean. In 2016 acts like Nina Kraviz, Carl Craig, Birdy Nam Nam, Apollonia, Worakls and N'To took to the decks.
September
As we enter the autumnal months and the wind begins to pick up the stage is set for the annual Regates Royales, a week long yachting regatta. For spectators and participants alike, this is an exhilarating event, with classic yacht racing, dragon races and some of the best yacht parties in the industry.
Sprinkled throughout the year are the Mip's, Map's and Mid's of the international conference world. Cannes has long been a popular destination for exhibitions and conferences and the following list is proof that this is still that case.
- MIPIM (Le Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier) - International Property event hosted in March.
- MIPTV (Le Marché International des Programmes de Television) - International TV and digital content event hosted in April.
- MIDEM (Le Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) - International business event for the music ecosystem, hosted in June.
- MIPCOM (Le Marché Internationale de Programmes Communications) - International trade show for entertainment content, hosted in October.
- MAPIC - The International retail property trade show hosted in November.
For a full list of events in Cannes throughout 2017 then check out our Events Calendar.
