Antibes on October 17–18: A Weekend of Art, Music and Sport

The weekend of Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, brings a varied programme of events to Antibes, combining culture, entertainment and sport. The French Riviera town welcomes a new edition of Coul’Heures d’Automne, a festival that transforms urban spaces into an open-air art gallery. Theatre enthusiasts can enjoy performances at Théâtre Antibéa, while live music fans can head to the Fontonne neighbourhood for a free rock concert.

Sunday will also focus on sport and solidarity, with the Triathlon des Roses, an event supporting breast cancer research, and the Triathlon jeunes du Cap d’Antibes for younger athletes. Table tennis and handball competitions, autumn fairground attractions and several exhibitions open throughout the weekend complete the programme.

Here is how to plan your visit to Antibes on October 17 and 18, with activities for different interests and ages.

Coul’Heures d’Automne 2026: Antibes Becomes an Open-Air Art Gallery

One of the weekend’s main highlights is Coul’Heures d’Automne 2026, an urban art festival running from October 17 to 31. Since 2020, the festival has brought artists, murals and new forms of creativity into Antibes’ public spaces. Its seventh edition involves different neighbourhoods, transforming walls and buildings into canvases for street art.

The festival opens on Saturday, October 17, with an event at La sChOOL, a cultural venue dedicated to urban art and music. The opening day also marks the beginning of new mural projects and the presentation of an artwork created on an urban transport vehicle.

Among the announced artists are French artist Difuz, Chilean artist Piero and Dutch artist Gomad, with works planned in Voie Lyan, avenue Philippe Rochat and Square Garbero respectively. Their creations add to the urban art trail running through Antibes, offering visitors a different way to discover the city while exploring its streets and neighbourhoods.

The festival’s opening takes place at La sChOOL on Saturday, October 17. The wider programme continues until October 31, with artworks and activities spread across Antibes Juan-les-Pins.

For the latest updates, additional activities and artwork locations, visit the official Coul’Heures d’Automne website.

Rock La Fontonne: Free Live Music on Saturday Evening

Live music takes centre stage on Saturday, October 17, with Rock La Fontonne, an event organised by the local business association to bring the neighbourhood together through music and entertainment.

The event begins at 7:30 pm at Place Jean Aude, in the Fontonne neighbourhood. Three bands are scheduled to perform: Janis et les Slybarts, Black Rooster on the Run and Malt Liquor, offering an evening of rock music in a friendly local atmosphere.

Admission is free, making this a great option for anyone looking for things to do in Antibes on Saturday evening without buying a ticket. Food trucks and refreshments will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy dinner or a drink during the event.

For updates and practical information, consult the official Rock La Fontonne event page.

Théâtre Antibéa: “L’homme qui voulait être un arbre”

Theatre lovers can enjoy “L’homme qui voulait être un arbre”, a production running from October 16 to 18 at Théâtre Antibéa in Antibes.

Based on the work of Jules Renard and adapted and directed by Catherine Sauval, the play explores human vulnerability, inner contradictions and the relationship between individuals and the world, combining sensitivity, humour and poetic observation.

Two performances take place over the weekend: Saturday, October 17, at 8:30 pm, and Sunday, October 18, at 4 pm. The theatre is located at 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, Antibes.

Tickets cost between €12 and €19. For bookings and further information, call +33 4 93 34 24 30, email contact@theatre-antibea.fr or visit the official Théâtre Antibéa website.

Table Tennis: OAJLP vs Chilly-Morangis

Sports fans can also attend the French national table tennis championships on Saturday, October 17. OAJLP Tennis de table takes on Chilly-Morangis in a Nationale 2 team competition.

The matches begin at 4 pm at Stade Foch in Antibes. Admission is free, offering visitors the chance to watch a national-level sporting event and support the local team.

It is a good option for anyone looking to spend an active afternoon, combining cultural activities in the town centre with local sport.

For updates, visit the official table tennis event page.

Men’s Handball: OAJLP vs Istres Provence Handball

Saturday’s sporting programme continues with handball. At 8:15 pm on October 17, OAJLP Handball faces Istres Provence Handball in the French men’s Nationale 2 championship.

The match takes place at Salle Saint-Claude in Antibes, with free admission. It is another opportunity to enjoy competitive sport without paying for a ticket and experience the atmosphere of local sporting events.

For further details, consult the official handball match page.

Fête foraine: The Autumn Funfair at Pré des Pêcheurs

Families and visitors looking for a more relaxed activity can enjoy the Fête foraine d’Antibes, the autumn funfair set up at Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs.

Running from October 10 to November 11, 2026, the fair features rides, attractions and food stalls for adults and children. On Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, the funfair is open from 2 pm to 10 pm. Entry to the site is free, although individual rides and attractions may require payment.

It is a convenient option for a family outing, a break between events or an evening stroll among the rides and food stalls.

For opening hours and practical information, visit the official Fête foraine page.

Sunday, October 18: Triathlon des Roses, Sport and Solidarity

One of Sunday’s most significant events is the Triathlon des Roses, a charity sporting event supporting breast cancer research. It is organised in partnership with Fondation ARC, Antibes Triathlon and the city of Antibes Juan-les-Pins.

The event takes place on Sunday, October 18, from 8:30 am to 2 pm, starting at Plage de la Salis. The main race is scheduled to begin at 11 am.

Participants complete three disciplines: 200 metres of open-water swimming, 10 kilometres of cycling towards Cap d’Antibes and 2.5 kilometres of running. The event combines physical activity with awareness-raising and fundraising for breast cancer research as part of the Octobre Rose campaign.

Participation is open to people aged 12 and over. The individual format is reserved for women, while two- or three-person relay teams may be mixed, with the cycling leg reserved for women. Participants are required to raise a minimum of €150 for individual entries and €250 for relay teams, in addition to the registration fee specified by the organisers.

For registration details and updated information, visit the official Triathlon des Roses page.

Triathlon jeunes du Cap d’Antibes: A Race for Young Athletes

Before the main charity event, Triathlon jeunes du Cap d’Antibes takes place on Sunday morning at Plage de la Salis. Organised by Antibes Triathlon, it is open to children and teenagers aged 6 to 14.

The races run from 8 am to 11 am on Sunday, October 18, and are open to both registered club members and non-licensed participants. The programme includes three races, which count towards the Alpes-Maritimes departmental championship for youth categories.

The first start, at 8 am, is for children aged 6 to 9, who complete 50 metres of swimming, 1 kilometre of cycling and 500 metres of running. At 8:30 am, participants aged 10 and 11 take on 100 metres of swimming, 5 kilometres of cycling and 1.5 kilometres of running. Finally, at 9:15 am, the XS race for the benjamins and minimes categories begins, covering 400 metres of swimming, 10 kilometres of cycling and 2.5 kilometres of running.

The event encourages younger generations to take part in sport and discover triathlon in an organised environment.

For technical details and registration, visit the official Triathlon jeunes du Cap d’Antibes page.

Blood Donation: An Appointment at the Maison des Associations

Another charitable initiative during the weekend is the blood donation drive organised by the French blood service, EFS, on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17.

Donations take place at Maison des Associations, 288 chemin Saint-Claude. On Friday, October 16, the session runs from 2 pm to 6:30 pm, while on Saturday, October 17, donations are possible from 8:30 am to 1 pm.

Blood donation is a practical way to support patients who need transfusions, including those undergoing cancer treatment and other complex medical therapies. Donors should check their eligibility, bring identification and make sure they have eaten and drunk enough beforehand.

For further information and appointment availability, consult the official Antibes blood donation page and the EFS website.

Exhibitions to Visit During the Weekend of October 17–18

Alongside the events taking place on specific dates, Antibes offers several exhibitions that remain open for weeks or months. These are ideal for visitors who want to create a more relaxed cultural itinerary before or after the main events.

“Une odyssée céramique” by Louis Capron

From October 9 to November 28, 2026, “Une odyssée céramique” celebrates the ceramic tradition and the artistic journey of the Capron family.

The exhibition takes place at Espace d’exposition Les Arcades, 18 boulevard d’Aguillon. Admission is free, and opening hours are 10 am–1 pm and 2–6 pm.

Works by Louis, Roger, Jacotte and Philippe Capron showcase different artistic sensibilities and a dialogue between generations.

For further details, visit the official exhibition page.

“The Sea Within” by Kathryn Cook

The exhibition “The Sea Within”, featuring the work of photographer Kathryn Cook, is open throughout October at Casemate 19, boulevard d’Aguillon.

Admission is free, and opening hours are 11 am–6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. The exhibition explores the relationship between the sea, memory and artistic imagination, reflecting Antibes’ Mediterranean identity.

For updated information, consult the official exhibition page.

“SouveReines” at Casemates 25 and 26

Located on boulevard d’Aguillon, Casemates 25 and 26 host the collective exhibition SouveReines until October 31 as part of the autumn exhibition programme.

The exhibition explores themes connected to the female body, creativity and memory. Admission is free, and the spaces are open from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm.

For more information, visit the official Casemates exhibition page.

“Claude Picasso, Une vie en marges” at the Picasso Museum

At the Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi, the exhibition Claude Picasso, Une vie en marges runs from October 11, 2026, to January 10, 2027.

The exhibition features photographs, portraits, travel images and visual experiments, offering insight into Claude Picasso’s personal and artistic world. The museum is open from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, and is closed on Mondays.

The exhibition is an excellent opportunity to combine an art visit with a walk through the historic centre.

For ticket information and visitor details, consult the official Picasso Museum exhibition page.

“Du moule au bijou, la rouelle révélée” at the Archaeology Museum

History enthusiasts can also visit “Du moule au bijou, la rouelle révélée”, running from July 7, 2026, to January 2, 2027, at the Musée d’Archéologie, Bastion Saint-André, 3 avenue du Général-Maizière.

The exhibition focuses on the rouelle, an ancient object that helps explain traditional manufacturing techniques and the transformation of moulded forms into jewellery.

In October, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5:30 pm.

For practical information, visit the official Archaeology Museum exhibition page.

How to Plan Your Weekend in Antibes

To make the most of Saturday, October 17, you could start the afternoon with table tennis at Stade Foch, explore the urban art installations of Coul’Heures d’Automne and finish the day with the free Rock La Fontonne concert or the handball match at Salle Saint-Claude.

On Sunday, October 18, head to Plage de la Salis in the morning to watch the youth triathlon and Triathlon des Roses. In the afternoon, you can attend the 4 pm performance at Théâtre Antibéa or explore the exhibitions and the funfair, which remains open until 10 pm.

For families travelling with children, the youth races, attractions at Pré des Pêcheurs and free exhibitions offer several options. Art lovers can discover the new Coul’Heures d’Automne works and visit the exhibitions around the town.

Before setting out, check the organisers’ official websites for updates, particularly regarding opening times, booking requirements and admission conditions.

The weekend of October 17–18, 2026, promises plenty of ways to experience the French Riviera through urban art, music, theatre, sport and solidarity, with free activities and cultural attractions for a wide range of interests.

Additional Exhibitions to Discover in Antibes

The cultural programme also includes the Bicentenary of Photography, scheduled from September 15 to October 31, 2026. The initiative invites visitors to explore the history of photography and its role in contemporary culture.

For the exact venue and opening hours, consult the official Bicentenary of Photography page.

Contemporary art enthusiasts may also visit “L’atelier qui prend l’eau”, a free exhibition scheduled throughout October. Check the official exhibition page for the confirmed address and opening hours.

Another exhibition listed in the city’s cultural calendar is “Une araignée au plafond”. As the available dates do not clearly establish its opening period, visitors should check the official listing before including it in their itinerary.