The major events at Versailles in 2026 are: the Musical Fountains Show (most Tuesdays from May, every Saturday and Sunday late March to late October); the Night Fountains Show (Saturdays, mid-June to mid-September); a Harry Potter-themed Night Fountains Show on 29 August; the Royal Serenade (Saturdays 6 June to 19 September); and a US Independence 250th anniversary event at the Trianon Estate on 4–5 July. The Versailles History Gallery is also expected to reopen in 2026 following its 400th-anniversary restoration.
The Palace of Versailles is one of Europe’s most active cultural venues — the estate runs a full calendar of shows, concerts, and special events throughout the year. 2026 is a particularly rich year, with a 25th-anniversary Harry Potter event and a major US Independence celebration adding to the usual programme. Here’s everything that’s on.
Top Tickets
# Full Access Ticket
# Versailles Night Fountains Show Ticket
Table of Contents
Regular 2026 Shows
Musical Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Musicales)
The Musical Fountains Show is Versailles’ signature daytime garden event. All 50 fountains run simultaneously to baroque music from 10 am to 7 pm. A €10 garden surcharge applies on show days — included in the Full Access Ticket.
| Day | 2026 Dates | Hours |
| Saturday | Late March to late October (most Saturdays) | 10 am – 7 pm |
| Sunday | Late March to late October (most Sundays) | 10 am – 7 pm |
| Tuesday | From early May; plus 15 August | 10 am – 7 pm |
Check en.chateauversailles.fr for the precise 2026 schedule as some dates may be excluded.
Night Fountains Show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes)
The Night Fountains Show is the Saturday evening version — illuminated fountains, baroque music, and fireworks. Tickets €32 adult / €10 children (6–17). Separate from the daytime show.
| Day | 2026 Dates | Show Start | Fireworks |
| Saturday | Mid-June to mid-September 2026 | 8:30 pm | Approx. 10:45 pm |
Note: in September, some dates become the Electro Night Fountains Show with electronic music (no fireworks; ends 11:45 pm). Check the official schedule.
Special Events in 2026
Harry Potter ‘Return to Hogwarts’ — 29 August 2026
A special one-night event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter films. Two separate parts: a free daytime event in the Orangerie Gardens (registration at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr) and a paid Harry Potter-themed Night Fountains Show in the evening (tickets at chateauversailles-spectacles.fr, from €32 adult). For full details, see our Harry Potter at Versailles 2026 guide.
Royal Serenade (Sérénade Royale) — Saturdays 6 June to 19 September 2026
A classical concert series held in the Royal Chapel of Versailles on Saturday evenings from June to September. The programme features baroque and classical music from the era of Louis XIV, performed in one of the most beautiful concert spaces in France. Tickets are sold separately via chateauversailles-spectacles.fr. An elegant alternative for those who want a cultural evening at Versailles without the garden walk of the Night Fountains Show.
US Independence 250th Anniversary — 4–5 July 2026
To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, a special historical reenactment event is planned at the Trianon Estate on 4–5 July 2026. Versailles has a deep historical connection to American independence: the Treaty of Paris (1783), which formally recognised US independence from Britain, was signed at Versailles. The event will include historical costumes, period demonstrations, and commemorative programming. Ticket and access details to be confirmed at en.chateauversailles.fr.
Versailles History Gallery Reopening — 2026
The Gallery of the History of the Palace is expected to reopen in 2026 following a major restoration as part of the 400th anniversary commemorations of the palace’s founding. The gallery traces the architectural history of Versailles from Louis XIII’s original hunting lodge to the present day. When it reopens, it will be one of the most significant new additions to the estate’s visitor experience in recent years. Check en.chateauversailles.fr for the confirmed reopening date.
Free Events at Versailles in 2026
Several events and days at Versailles are free for all visitors:
- The gardens are free to enter on Mondays year-round (when the palace is closed)
- The first Sunday of each month from November to March is free for all visitors (timed slot required) — see our free entry guide
- The Harry Potter daytime event (29 August) is free with registration at inscription.retourapoudlard.fr
- Various outdoor temporary exhibitions are sometimes held in the gardens and courtyards at no additional cost
Planning Around Events
A few practical points for planning around Versailles events:
- On Musical Fountains Show days (Tues, Sat, Sun from late March to October), the gardens are busier than normal and the €10 surcharge applies — included in the Full Access Ticket but not the Palace-Only ticket
- On Night Fountains Show Saturdays, the estate is busiest between 7 pm and 9 pm as day visitors leave and evening guests arrive simultaneously — arriving for the day visit in the morning and staying for the evening show with a separate ticket is the best way to combine both
- The Harry Potter evening show (29 August) will be exceptional demand — buy tickets as soon as they are available
- For the Royal Serenade, smart casual attire is appropriate; it is a concert in the Royal Chapel, not a garden walk
