FAB Festival: Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Métropole
The FAB Festival, also known as the Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Métropole, is one of Bordeaux’s most anticipated autumn events. This multidisciplinary festival turns the city and its surroundings into a vibrant stage full of creativity.
If you want to experience the essence of Bordeaux and enjoy original artistic proposals, join us on this trip that you can also complement with our free tour of Bordeaux.
What is the FAB Festival?
The FAB Festival or Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Métropole is a multidisciplinary event held annually in Bordeaux. Since 2016, the festival has been promoting contemporary creation, with a wide variety of shows combining circus, dance, theatre, music and visual arts.
Over the years, the FAB Festival has established itself as one of the most important cultural events in the region, attracting both established and emerging artists. For this reason, this festival is a must for all art lovers.
When and where does the FAB Festival take place?
The FAB Festival takes place every autumn, usually between the end of September and mid-October, in different venues in Bordeaux. Venues include theatres, public squares and natural spaces.
During the festival, you can also discover Bordeaux’s history through its iconic public spaces. The main venues of the FAB Festival are:
- Carré and Jardin d’Hiver in Saint-Médard.
- Espace Saint-Rémi in Bordeaux.
- University Circle and Carré-Colonnes National Circle.
- Outdoor spaces such as the Place de la Bourse Bordeaux and the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville.
Unique features of the Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Métropole
The Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Métropole stands out as a popular and participatory festival. It combines major free open-air productions with new creations presented in theatres and in urban and natural spaces.
The eco-responsible approach of the FAB Festival
The FAB Festival and the national scene are aware of the social and environmental impact of their activities. This commitment to transitions is therefore at the heart of its project, organised along four main lines:
- Art as a narrative tool: the programming addresses ecological and social issues.
- Sensitisation and awareness-raising: actions are carried out to raise awareness among the public and inhabitants, promoting active participation in environmental issues.
- Community cooperation: FAB encourages cooperation and mutualisation with local actors and inhabitants.
- Ecology in practice: good practices are continuously improved to contribute to the preservation of the environment. Examples of these actions are the disposal of plastic bottles, the encouragement of carpooling, the sustainable mobility of artists and equipment.
The initiative also includes:
- Dry toilets at events.
- Green brigades.
- Reusable cups.
- Collaboration with associations such as Velo-city.
In addition, FAB is part of a reflection circle of Neo-Aquita festivals, in collaboration with DRAC and DREAL, to strengthen environmental responsibility in the region.
Participatory projects
The FAB Festival is strongly committed to audience participation. Since its inception, it has developed large-scale projects, such as choreographies in public spaces and collective creation activities. These initiatives encourage citizen participation and offer a unique experience for both artists and spectators.
What the last edition of the FAB Festival left us with
The FAB Festival 2024 programme included a wide variety of international and local performances spanning disciplines such as theatre, dance, circus, music and visual arts.
International artists and performances
The festival features an international line-up of world-class artists. From the Netherlands, Vloeistof and Theo Jansen bring their revolutionary creations. Spain shines with Joan Català and the flamenco artist Rocío Molina. The Merkén Collective represents Chile with its innovative proposal.
Guest of honour: Johann Le Guillerm
Johann Le Guillerm is a multidisciplinary artist and a leading figure in contemporary circus. He is characterised by his hybrid approach that fuses sculpture, performance and installation. Since 2001, he has developed the project ‘Attraction’, in which he investigates the physical forces and creative possibilities of diverse materials. His work is distinguished by challenging the conventional forms of circus and performing arts.
Exploring new geographies
The FAB Festival invites audiences to explore the Bordeaux region through performances along the Garonne River and its tributaries. Spaces such as forests, wetlands, lagoons and the city centre are the backdrop for a fusion of nature, art and city.
You can also take the opportunity to learn more about Bordeaux’s gastronomy during your visit to the FAB Festival. The typical flavours of the region are perfectly complemented by the cultural richness offered by the event.
Experiences for everyone
One of the main qualities of the FAB Festival is its inclusive nature. With more than half of the events open free of charge, the festival strives to ensure that art is accessible to all, regardless of previous experience or age. This makes the FAB Festival a cultural reference point for locals and international visitors alike.
In short, the Festival International des Arts de Bordeaux Métropole is a unique opportunity to enjoy contemporary art while discovering Bordeaux. This must-attend event on the French cultural calendar promises an unforgettable artistic experience. If you want to experience the magic of art in the Aquitaine region, don’t hesitate to take part in the next edition of the FAB Festival.
