The first day of summer comes with a soundtrack. On 21 June, Lebanon celebrates Fête de la Musique with a host of live performances across the country. Indeed, musicians will take to the streets, parks and public spaces, while people gather to listen and soak up the atmosphere. There is no single stage or headliner, just music echoing through towns and cities.
This year, the Institut Français du Liban is leading a weeklong celebration from 13 to 22 June under the slogan “La musique va résonner partout au Liban… et ce sera mémorable!” The program highlights both local talent and international collaborations, with events spread across regions and styles. Here is what’s in store and how you can be part of it:
Beirut
View this post on Instagram
The capital will host one of the largest gatherings on 21 June in the garden of the National Library in Hamra, where performances will begin at 5 PM and continue into the early hours. The lineup has something for everyone: from psychedelic folk and rock bands like Tekrar and Al-Rukk, to Indian classical music, tribal fusion dance, pop by Sarah Mansour and a Brazilian percussion collective. Earlier in the day, the rhythm will start at 10 AM with DJ sets in Dunkin’ restaurants in Achrafieh, followed by performances in the Jesuit Garden in Jeitawi at 3 PM. At 7 PM, LeBAM Orchestra will perform at the Zaytuna Bay Yacht Club. On 20 June, the St. Nicolas Stairs in Gemmayze will also come alive with local acts and DJs.
Bekaa
View this post on Instagram
The Bekaa offers two distinct celebrations. On 21 June, there will be four open-air stages across the city of Zahle: in Rassieh, Midan, Maalaqa and Housh el Omara, where local bands and musicians will perform in collaboration with the municipality. In Baalbeck, the festivities will take place in front of the Institut Français on the same evening. The event features a choir of visually impaired children from the Araoun center, followed by “Oud Without Borders,” a trio led by Samir Nasr Eddine, exploring the instrument’s deep regional legacy.
Chouf
View this post on Instagram
Deir El Qamar will celebrate Fête de la Musique on 21 June with music throughout the town. From 6 PM to 8:30 PM, musicians will perform as they walk through the village streets, leading into a main concert on the Dany Chamoun Square featuring Talia Lahoud, Choufna Band, Atraba Band and school choirs. This evening also marks the launch of Fannanin Fallahin, a new initiative celebrating rural musical heritage. Nearby in Jbaa Al Chouf, Mazen Kiwan’s KOON venue will host a celebration featuring over 20 performers, including Bassam Challita, Ziyad Sahhab, Rafic Abboud, Fawda Mnazami band and DJs. In Houmal, the local Maison JCF is bringing together amateur musicians from the area for a warm, open community stage.
Jounieh
View this post on Instagram
Jounieh’s celebration kicks off on 22 June at 6 PM with a collaborative event between the municipality and the Tiki Bar. The evening features performances by USEK’s student orchestra “The One Band,” the French act Zar Electrik and Lebanese bands Binky, Al Tase3 and Tekrar. The night wraps up with an after-party by DJ Elsa at Tiki Bar starting at 11:30 PM.
Kobayat
View this post on Instagram
The historic Magnanerie of Kobayat will host an intimate and moving evening. Singer Amal Kaawash will revive Palestinian traditional songs alongside original compositions, accompanied by guitarist Joe Aouad. The night continues with a 17-piece performance by the Lami music school, and a set by Walid Chaar blending saxophone and piano. The evening ends with a dance performance by Diana el Zira graceful close to a celebration grounded in cultural memory.
Saida
View this post on Instagram
At the Khan el Franj, Saida’s program blends community spirit with international flair. On 21 and 22 June, the souk will transform into a music festival space. School choirs from local institutions will open the evening, followed by a performance by Pól, whose sound fuses indie-pop with modern electro and layered harmonies. Headlining is the French-Moroccan group Zar Electrik, known for their powerful blend of gnaoua trance and electronic beats. The weekend will also feature DJ sets, young orchestras and a poetic concert on 20 June featuring Arabic translations of French poems set to live oud.
Tripoli
View this post on Instagram
In Mina, the coastal district of Tripoli, Rue Labban will host an evening of music on 20 June, from 7 PM to 11 PM. The lineup includes Sophie, the spoken word and rap fusion of Marc Nammour and Loïc Lantoine, and a second performance by Zar Electrik. With poetry, hip-hop and Afro-electro blending into one night, Tripoli promises a raw and rhythm-driven celebration.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with Mazen Kiwan, who is part of the Fête de la Musique celebrations in Lebanon.
Loading
