Every June 21st, cities worldwide transform streets, parks, and squares into open-air concert venues. From amateur bands to school choirs, DJs to brass ensembles, this celebration invites everyone to play, dance, and listen. Full of spontaneity and community spirit, it has become a beloved tradition. But where did it start, and how did it grow so vibrant?
The Birth of a Revolutionary Idea: Music for All, Everywhere
Make Music Day began in France in 1982, when then-Minister of Culture Jack Lang and Maurice Fleuret, Director of Music and Dance, noticed many played music privately but rarely publicly. They created an event to break down barriers, moving music from concert halls to streets. The slogan “Faites de la musique, pas du bruit” (“Make music, not noise”) encouraged all musicians to share their music on June 21st—the longest day, symbolizing light and life. Despite initial fears of low turnout, thousands spontaneously joined, making the first event a surprising success and sparking a beloved annual tradition.
Now celebrated in over 120 countries, the festival welcomes everyone—from parks to metro stations, cafés, bakeries, and rooftops. Musical styles mix freely: metal, opera, raï, electronic music, and more. Paris has also enhanced accessibility with sign language interpretation and vibration-based performances, inviting all to connect through the universal language of music.
Why Celebrate Make Music Day 2025 at Canal Saint-Martin?
Canal Saint-Martin in Paris’s 10th arrondissement is a hotspot for the day. Known for venues like Le Point Éphémère, La Rotonde Stalingrad, and Le Comptoir Général, it buzzes with culture. On June 21st, music flows from terraces, cafés, and restaurants hosting bands, DJs, and brass groups. The quays fill with sounds and celebrations on every corner. Though official concerts end near midnight, spontaneous after-parties keep the vibe alive, drawing locals and visitors for an authentic Parisian night. This blend of culture and nightlife makes it a must-visit.
Beyond music, Canal Saint-Martin is a culinary hotspot. Artisanal shops, fromageries, bakeries, and bistros offer French flavors alongside the festival. The Canal Food Walk, a small-group guided food tour (about 10 people), starts with an exclusive tasting in the 17th-century cheese cellar of Paroles de Fromager. Along the way, participants sample exceptional cheeses, local specialties, and fine wines, ending amid lively terraces and open-air dancefloors where music fills the streets. This blend of tastes and sounds offers a full sensory celebration, setting the perfect tone for the evening.
Don’t miss Make Music Day in Paris this year!
Make Music Day reclaims public spaces for creativity and connection. At Canal Saint-Martin, music, food, and community unite to create a vibrant, living stage for shared moments.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, book your spot now on the Canal Food Walk Food Tour and let the music, flavors, and good vibes of the canal carry you away!
