©Hauts-de-France Tourisme - Bastien Pradeau
Main Square Festival in Arras
  1. Home Page
  2. Events
  3. What’s on in Northern France
  4. Main Square Festival in Arras

Main Square Festival in Arras

Big music, historic walls and summer energy.

Every July, the sound of live music reverberates through the Citadel of Arras, turning this UNESCO-listed fortress into one of France’s most iconic summer festival venues. Perfectly positioned at the crossroads of London, Paris and Brussels, Main Square Festival has built a reputation for bold programming, unforgettable atmospheres and a setting like no other.

Since its launch in 2004, the festival has made Arras its home — and it’s easy to see why. Neither stadium nor open field, the citadel offers a dramatic backdrop where history and modern music collide.

A line-up that defines the summer

Over three high-energy days, international headliners share the stage with emerging talent, spanning genres from rock, pop and indie to hip-hop, electronic and dance. With past performances from global stars and legendary bands alike, Main Square has become a must for music lovers eager to kick off the summer festival season in style.

Crowds gather by the tens of thousands, filling the citadel with movement, colour and that shared sense of anticipation only live music can create.

©Hauts-de-France Tourisme - Xavier Alphand

    More than just a concert

    Main Square Festival is also about lifestyle. Between sets, festival-goers unwind in chill-out areas, sample street food and soak up the easy-going summer mood. Many choose to camp nearby, turning the event into a full three-day escape rather than a single night out.

    The festival also carries a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives that extend far beyond the stage — including reforestation projects that underline a desire to give something back.

    Easy to reach, hard to forget

    Getting to Arras is refreshingly simple. Direct trains connect Lille to Arras in under an hour, while drivers arriving via Calais can reach the city in around 70 minutes on the A26. Once there, everything is within easy reach, allowing visitors to focus on what matters most: the music.

    A powerful blend of heritage, creativity and collective joy, Main Square Festival is where Northern France starts its summer — loud, vibrant and unforgettable.