Events at the Trocadéro
Barriers on the square, a stage, runners on the Pont d'Iéna? The Trocadéro hosts several big events every year. Here are the ones that come back, with their date when it has been announced, and how to plan on those days. We never make up a date: when a programme is not published yet, we say so.
The yearly events at the Trocadéro: the Bastille Day fireworks in July (the square is one of the best viewpoints), the start of the 20km de Paris race at the Pont d'Iéna in October (11 October 2026), the European Heritage Days in September, and ceremonies or gatherings on the Parvis des Droits de l'Homme. On 5 September 2026, the French Navy celebrated its 400th anniversary here with a sound and light show.
The calendar of yearly events
The dates below are those announced by the organisers as of 25 September 2026. Later editions will be added as soon as they are published.
| When | What | At the Trocadéro |
|---|---|---|
| July (Bastille Day) | Eiffel Tower concert and fireworks | The esplanade is a major viewpoint. In 2026 the fireworks were moved to 13 July. 2027 programme not yet published. |
| September | European Heritage Days | Visits in museums and monuments. In 2026: 19 and 20 September. |
| October | 20km de Paris (running race) | Starts at the Pont d'Iéna, below the Trocadéro. In 2026: Sunday 11 October, 9am start (48th edition). |
| All year | Ceremonies and gatherings | The Parvis des Droits de l'Homme regularly hosts gatherings. No calendar: follow the Paris police announcements. |
| 31 December | New Year's Eve | Crowds gather at the Trocadéro to see the Tower at midnight. No fireworks were fired from the Tower last New Year's Eve. 2026-2027 programme not yet published. |
Sources: organisers and official pages listed at the bottom of the page. Details for Bastille Day and New Year's Eve on our Eiffel Tower fireworks page.
5 September 2026: the French Navy's 400th anniversary
On Saturday 5 September 2026, the French Navy celebrated its 400th anniversary at the Trocadéro. The programme: a military ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Chesapeake, then a 45-minute sound and light show projected onto the façades of the Palais de Chaillot, open to the public. That day, according to our own site statistics, the Trocadéro was searched on Google about three times more than on a normal day.
The venue was no coincidence: the Palais de Chaillot houses the Musée national de la Marine. A show of this size is exceptional, it does not happen every year.
Why so many events here?
The square has everything big events need: a huge open esplanade, the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, and a long history of ceremonies. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in the Palais de Chaillot in 1948. Since 1985 the esplanade has been called the Parvis des Libertés et des Droits de l'Homme, and it has become a gathering place. The full story is on our History of the Trocadéro page.
On an event day: how to plan
Things to do nearby
Eiffel Tower fireworks
Bastille Day and New Year's Eve: where to stand, closed stations.
Discover →Trocadéro restaurants
Where to eat before or after the event.
Discover →Seine river cruises
See the Tower from the water, away from the crowds.
Discover →Champ de Mars
The other big party venue, at the foot of the Tower.
Discover →Getting there
Sources (checked on 25/09/2026): defense.gouv.fr, French Navy 400th (FR), defense.gouv.fr, 20km de Paris 2026 (FR), European Heritage Days (FR), Wikipedia (FR), Parvis des Droits-de-l'Homme. Some links to ticket sites are affiliate links (see Transparency).
Frequently asked questions
What is happening at the Trocadéro today?
We list the yearly events and announced dates here. For an unplanned event on the day (ceremony, gathering), check the Paris police and RATP announcements.
When is the 20km de Paris?
The 48th edition takes place on Sunday 11 October 2026, starting at 9am from the Pont d'Iéna, below the Trocadéro.
What happened at the Trocadéro on 5 September 2026?
The French Navy celebrated its 400th anniversary: a military ceremony, then a 45-minute sound and light show projected onto the façades of the Palais de Chaillot, open to the public.
Can you watch the Bastille Day fireworks from the Trocadéro?
Yes, the esplanade is one of the best viewpoints, facing the Eiffel Tower. Access is free but screened, and Trocadéro station may be closed. In 2026 the fireworks were moved to 13 July.
Are there concerts at the Trocadéro?
There is no outdoor concert season. The big July concert takes place on the Champ de Mars, across the Seine. The Chaillot theatre, inside the palace, stages dance during its season.
A big night at the Trocadéro?
Book a table before the event, or enjoy it from the Seine. Seats with a view go fast.