From April 1st to 2nd: an Engaged Show at Maison de la Danse
In a new staging, Thomas Lebrun questions the concept of gender, binary, and manly norms. “Who are these men in vibrant robes and flowery hairstyles?” To find out, attend this “choreographic documentary” in the main hall of Maison de la Danse from April 1st to 2nd.
“Thanks to five remarkable performers who wear the traditional floral patterned robes of the Muxes, the third gender of the Zapotecs people in southern Mexico, Thomas Lebrun recounts his encounter with these ‘men with women’s hearts’ from the city of Juchitan de Zaragoza.”
Website of Maison de la Danse
Show by Thomas Lebrun, Maison de la Danse (Lyon 8th), from April 1st to 2nd, paid reservation required.
From April 3rd to 5th: Quai du Polar
The famous Quais du Polar festival returns to Lyon on the first weekend of April. As Europe’s premier crime genre festival, this 22nd edition revolves around the theme “In Search of Stories: Sciences and Fiction”. A way to explore “the links between science and detective fiction.”
In addition to Guillaume Musso, Franck Thilliez, and R.J. Ellroy, discover about twenty authors of all nationalities in 250 events from Palais de la Bourse to Hôtel de Ville, including Chapelle de la Trinité and Théâtre Comédie Odéon.
Quais du Polar festival, April 3rd to 5th, free. Complete program here.
Free Open-Air at Parc de la Cerisaie on April 4th
The Black Out collective celebrates the return of sunshine with a free open-air event on Saturday, April 4th from 2 pm to 10 pm. The gathering takes place at Parc de la Cerisaie, in Croix-Rousse (Lyon 4th). A revival of outdoor electro afternoons signaling the return of summer vibes, even if they may be less frequent in recent years.
Techno open-air at Parc de la Cerisaie, Saturday, April 4th from 2 pm to 10 pm, free entry.
Open-Air by Reperkusound on April 4th
If you’re feeling energetic, you can head down the plateau on the same day to Halle Tony Garnier. After nearly 20 years at Double Mixte, Reperkusound returns for three days between Transbordeur (Villeurbanne) and La Halle (Lyon 7th). A packed program!
Reperkusound festival, April 3rd to 5th, paid reservation required.
An Exhibition on Martin Luther King
60 years ago, Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Luther King visited Lyon on March 29, 1966. He was welcomed by 5,000 people at Bourse du Travail.
On the 60th anniversary of his visit, the parish of Le Change and the association Man (Movement for a Nonviolent Alternative) present an exhibition from March 29 to June 30, 2026. An opportunity to discover a lesser-known event in Lyon’s history that inspired vocations, like that of Father Christian Delorme, known as “Curé des Minguettes.”
Martin Luther King exhibition, at the Temple du Change (Lyon 5th). Visits possible on Saturdays and Wednesdays from April 8 to 22, May 13 to 27, and June 10 to 24. Free entry.
Expo #2: Bibliothèque delves into the Realms of Reality
A new exhibition at the library! Starting April 3, Bibliothèque de la Part-Dieu takes you “into the realms of reality.” Astrology, spiritism, divinatory arts, radiesthesia, astral travel… The Lyon institution explores these subjects through 300 documents from its collections.
The exhibition offers a panorama of discourses and practices that have shaped our worldview and collective imagination. And as always with the library, it’s free!
“Into the realms of reality,” from April 3 to July 11, at the municipal library of Part-Dieu. Free entry.
