MIDEM 2026: Cannes celebrates 60 years of music with the city as its stage

Cannes is preparing to celebrate a historic milestone: the 60th anniversary of MIDEM, the flagship event of the international music industry, scheduled from February 4 to 7, 2026.

For this celebratory edition, the City of Cannes, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, and Live Nation have created a program that goes beyond the traditional professional calendar, opening the event to the city with concerts, screenings, and free events designed for a wide and diverse audience.

After its revival in 2023, following a pause, MIDEM has regained its central role as a meeting point for artists, producers, and industry professionals from around the world. Today, this growth is reflected in an edition focused on sharing and civic participation, turning the anniversary into a citywide celebration.

“MIDEM reinforces Cannes’ international prestige and reflects the evolution of contemporary music. For the 60th anniversary, we wanted to expand free events, making it a major popular moment open to everyone,” says Mayor David Lisnard.

Free tickets for residents and students

As tradition dictates, the City will provide free tickets for residents and high school students in Cannes. Distribution is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. at the Salon Marianne of the City Hall, following a “first come, first served” policy.

Featured performances include Last Train, Feu! Chatterton, Asaf Avidan with the Cannes National Orchestra, Jay Park & LNGSHOT, among other top acts. Concerts are still available for purchase online, with prices ranging from €24 to €55.

A musical surprise in the heart of Cannes

To celebrate the anniversary, a surprise event is also planned at the Allées de la Liberté – Charles de Gaulle, featuring the Cannes Orchestra, city choirs, and students from Lycée Carnot. The date will not be announced in advance, surprising passersby and residents with an unexpected performance.

Throughout MIDEM, the city center will also be accompanied by a soundtrack playing along the main shopping streets, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cinema and memories with The Greatest Night in Pop

Among the most significant events is the screening of the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, at the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. The film recounts the historic night in 1985 when some of the greatest icons of world music recorded We Are the World. Admission is free by invitation.

From sacred music to DJ sets

On Friday, February 6, the Church of Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage will host Hypnos, an immersive concert by the vocal ensemble La Tempête, a sonic journey through sacred music from the 9th to the 20th century, dedicated to the themes of dream and rebirth.

At the same time, Gare Croisette – Gare Maritime will become one of the festival’s pulsating hubs with MIDEM OFF: meetings, showcases, autograph sessions, aftershows, and DJ sets dedicated to urban and electronic scenes, featuring emerging artists, international collectives, and initiatives promoting women in electronic music.

With a program that blends big names, new voices, and numerous free events, Cannes is set to celebrate MIDEM’s 60th anniversary as a true citywide festival, uniting the music industry, culture, and public participation.