Year-round guide to events in Champagne

Events in Champagne are often much more than just outings; they’re experiences, moments of conviviality centered around a terroir, traditions, and, of course, Champagne! Whether you’re planning a getaway or already living here, I’ve gathered an (almost) complete list of the festive, cultural, and gourmet highlights that bring our villages and towns to life throughout the year.

Each season brings its own wave of newness. Some events grow, others fade away, and new initiatives emerge. I regularly update this page… but it will probably never be completely exhaustive.

I haven’t yet had the chance to attend all these events – some fall on the same weekend, but here you’ll find plenty of ideas to organize your stay according to the seasons and the atmospheres you love.

I’m Sarah, passionate about my region and always on the lookout for the best spots and sparkling events not to miss. On this blog, I share my discoveries to help you organize an unforgettable stay in Champagne, whether for a weekend or a longer vacation.

Top events you can’t miss in Champagne

La Balade qui Pétille — Grauves — May 3rd

In the charming village of Grauves, just a few kilometers from Epernay, La Balade qui Pétille is a must for those who love both Champagne and nature walks. Each year, on the first weekend of May, the local winemakers open their doors—and their bottles—for a gourmet trek through the vineyards.

What’s in store: tastings of local cuvées, regional delicacies, musical performances, and an incredibly convivial atmosphere.

Bulles en Bouche— Sacy — May 17th and 18th

Since 2022, the village of Sacy, nestled in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, hosts an event every May that is a feast of flavors and joyfulness in Champagne: Bulles en Bouche. Over a festive, gourmet weekend, around twenty local winemakers and Champagne producers gather to showcase their cuvées in a friendly atmosphere.

The village transforms into a large open-air market, blending regional products (like foie gras, oysters, nougat) and artisanal creations (art, cosmetics, decor). And that’s not all: estates from other wine regions such as Beaujolais, Bordeaux, and Alsace also join in.

For families, there are activities for both kids and adults: pony rides, treasure hunts, and street bands enliven the streets throughout the day. At the last edition, more than 5,000 visitors enjoyed this sparkling and discovery-rich weekend, with no fewer than 135 exhibitors present.

Champagne Party! — Bar-sur-Aube — May 30th and 31st

If you’re looking to celebrate the arrival of good weather with bubbles and loads of cheer, head to Bar-sur-Aube for the Champagne Party! For two days, the city center comes alive with Champagne bars, food trucks, and a wonderfully festive atmosphere.

But it’s not just a party: it’s also a great opportunity to have a complete wine tourism experience. The winemakers and Champagne Houses of the region open their doors to offer a special welcome:

• cellar tours,
• tastings,
• vineyard walks,
• and a variety of unique activities to discover.

A total of 14 houses welcome you simultaneously for two days of exploration in the heart of the vineyards.

La Soirée Blanche des Crayères — Reims — June 14th

Each year in June, Reims’ whitest night unfolds in the sublime setting of the Domaine Les Crayères. Join this exceptional evening in June, combining elegance, music, and Champagne, all within a splendid 7-hectare listed park.

Here, everyone plays along: white dress code required, for a chic and luminous ambiance under the stars. The program lives up to the venue:

🎶 Three live concerts,
🎆 a magical fireworks display,
🎧 and a festive DJ set to end the evening in style.

La Bullecyclette — Avize — June 14th

Looking for a retro escape through one of the captivating events in Champagne? Head to Avize, nestled in the Côte des Blancs, for an extraordinary day with La Bullecyclette! The concept: hop on a vintage bicycle, don your polka dot dresses, suspenders, and vintage hats, and embark on a 20 km ride through vineyards and villages.

Throughout the route, four festive stops await you, featuring:

🥂 Blanc de blancs Champagne,
🎶 Swing music,
🌿 Breathtaking landscapes,

and, most importantly, a healthy dose of good cheer and sharing with passionate winemakers.

Guinguette of the Marne Banks — Cumières — June 28th and 29th

Each June, the village of Cumières, nestled by the Marne just a stone’s throw from Épernay, brings the quays to life with its Champenoise Guinguette. Over an entire weekend, you’ll find a relaxed and festive ambiance, perfect for enjoying the warm days with friends or family.

On the agenda: activities for everyone, concerts, open-air dances, and of course… Champagne galore! Whether you’re coming to dance, stroll, toast, or just enjoy the bucolic setting, it’s a unique moment, in a 100% authentic Champagne spirit.

Light refreshments are available on-site, and meals by reservation are also offered.

Rétro Picnic — Champagne Métayer — June 7th

A vintage and gourmet event, where you arrive in period costumes for a picnic like no other. Guinguette ambiance, classic cars, retro outfits, Champagne, and conviviality are on the program. A step back in time that makes the present sparkle!

En Rou(t)e Libre — Châtillon-sur-Marne — June 29th

Festival Furies — Châlons-en-Champagne — June 3rd to 8th

Every June, Châlons-en-Champagne transforms into an open-air stage with the Festival Furies. Contemporary circus, street theater, dance, and unique performances take over the city, with free shows scattered from public gardens to street corners.

An offbeat and creative atmosphere that’s perfect for discovering Champagne in a different way, combining culture, excitement, and surprises around every corner.

Gourmet Walk of Maison Pougeoise — June 14th and 15th

Fêtes Henri IV — Aÿ-Champagne — July 5th to 6th

Every two years, the village of Aÿ-Champagne transforms into a historical backdrop to celebrate its connection to King Henri IV, a great enthusiast of vin d’Aÿ, the ancestor of today’s Champagne. It’s a unique event where heritage, festivity, and bubbles merge in a warm atmosphere.

Throughout the entire weekend, the streets come alive with a grand historical parade, street performances and musical acts, Champagne tastings at winemakers’ cellars, and stalls of local gastronomy and crafts.

The whole town comes together to welcome Henri IV, to whom the townsfolk symbolically present the keys to the city. A lovely way to dive back into history, while enjoying the region’s specialties and Champagne camaraderie.

👉 If you’re in the area in early July, the Fêtes Henri IV in Aÿ is a must-experience for enjoying Champagne differently, blending tradition, spectacle, and sensory pleasure.

La Soirée Blanche de l’Avenue de Champagne — Epernay — July 14th

Among the unmissable events in Champagne, La Soirée Blanche in Epernay stands out as a summer must-attend. Held every July, this open-air party transforms the Avenue de Champagne into a huge, friendly dining experience, in an atmosphere that’s both chic and laid-back.

The concept? Everyone dresses in white, you bring (or not) a picnic, a good bottle of Champagne (or not), and settle in to enjoy the evening. Live bands provide musical entertainment from 8 pm, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display around 11 pm. Access is completely free, and some tables are available—but it’s wise to arrive early or bring your own.

An iconic event that perfectly embodies the Champagne art of living: elegant, festive, and open to all.

Route du Champagne en Fête — Les Riceys — July 26th-27th

Concert Picnic of the Flâneries Musicales de Reims — Reims — July 19th

A definitive highlight of the Flâneries Musicales de Reims festival, this open-air concert draws thousands each year to the Parc de Champagne. Bring your picnic blanket, basket, and a few champagne flutes, and enjoy a musical evening under the stars, Champagne in hand!

The Secrets of Petit Bonhomme — Rilly-la-Montagne — July 19th to 20th

An original and immersive event, blending storytelling walks, street theater, and local heritage discovery. The “petit bonhomme,” mascot of the village, takes you on a family adventure full of poetry through the streets and gardens of Rilly-la-Montagne, a lovely village between Reims and Épernay.

Gourmet Walk — Mareuil-le-Port— October 11th

A must-attend if you want to experience the vineyards differently! This approximately 8 km route takes you through the hills, punctuated by several tasting stops. At each stop, you will be welcomed with music, a flute of Champagne paired with a delightful dish to enjoy.

Champagne et Vous — Château-Thierry — October 19th

Les Habits de Lumière — Epernay — December 12th to 14th

This is one of the must-see events in Champagne! For three days, the Avenue de Champagne transforms into a magical setting with light shows, parades, performances, fireworks, and of course, Champagne tastings. A magical event to experience with family or friends before the festive season.

Want to know more about one of Epernay’s must-see events, unique and magical? Check out our dedicated article 👉 Weekend in Epernay for Les Habits de Lumière

Village aperitifs in Champagne: A perfect summer experience

When the long summer days arrive, the villages of Champagne light up with festive, sparkling, and local evenings. Relaxed atmosphere, charming settings, local Champagne, and good cheer are always on the menu. Here are the dates to mark:

L’Apéro Cumariot — Cumières — June 6th

Discover local bubbles and gastronomy at the Apéro Cumariot, from 6:30 PM to 10 PM. Head to Place Philippe Martin, around the bandstand, where the Cumières Winemakers await you with live music. As for the plates, you can look forward to Champagne-infused salmon, Italian specialties, and a variety of food trucks.

Soirée Blanc de Blancs — Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — June 14th

For the final aperitif on our calendar, head to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for an evening celebrating Chardonnay and good cheer. At the Soirée Blanc de Blancs, don your best white outfit and enjoy a Champagne bar dedicated to the blancs de blancs of Le Mesnil. In the heart of the park, an orchestra will set the scene for your picnic, which you can pre-order.

Plan your Champagne visit with eventful excitement

Booking the Most Popular Events

• In spring (April to June): Champagne comes alive after winter—a perfect time for wine tours and outdoor festivals. La Bullecyclette, La Balade qui Pétille, and the first countryside aperitifs are highly popular. This is also when the open cellars return, offering the perfect opportunity to explore numerous estates over a weekend.
• In summer (July-August): experience the heart of the festive season through events in Champagne. White nights, giant picnics, and historical festivals abound—but they draw larger crowds. If you’re aiming for the Route du Champagne en Fête, Flâneries Musicales, or Fêtes Henri IV, it’s best to book your accommodation several weeks in advance.
• In autumn and winter: the ambiance becomes more intimate and cozy. It’s the perfect time for a romantic weekend with cellar tastings, Christmas markets, or food and Champagne pairing events. The unmissable event is Les Habits de Lumière in Epernay. Every December, Avenue de Champagne lights up, attracting around 30,000 visitors to admire the illuminations and festivities.

If you’re curious about what autumn really looks like in Champagne, we’ve gathered some of our favorite ideas in a dedicated article:
👉 Champagne in Autumn

And if you’re leaning more towards a winter escape filled with lights, festive markets, and warm drinks, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here:
👉 December in Champagne – unique winter wonders

My Practical Tips

• Book in advance: Some events attract thousands of visitors each year, both locals and from afar. These require a bit of planning, especially if you wish to stay overnight or partake in a specific activity.
• Don’t underestimate the travel: Even though the distances seem short on the map, the wine villages are not well-serviced by public transportation. The easiest option is to arrange for a taxi or VTC, or plan your travels with a local shuttle if the event offers one.
• Keep an eye on official sites: Dates can shift from year to year, and some additions are last minute. Regularly check the sites of local tourist offices or the concerned towns.
• Treat yourself to one or two nights on location: To fully enjoy the atmosphere (and the Champagne!), nothing beats staying in a gîte, a bed and breakfast, or a charming little hotel in the heart of the vineyards.

And there you have it, with all these events, boredom is not an option in Champagne! Now all that’s left is to decide where to go first 😉