Summer has officially arrived! The month begins with American Independence Day celebrations (yes, it’s a thing here) and halfway through fireworks, parades, concerts and public dances mark Bastille Day on July 14.  There are way too many to list but click here to see your closest fireworks.

Naturally Riviera beaches are in full swing but it’s also a season of music everywhere. In addition to the major music festivals highlighted below there are free evening concerts and cultural events in towns and villages throughout the region. Check out the full schedule of Soirées Estivales here and get ready for a fabulous summer!

Nice

American Independence Day

Square Le Clerc (Promenade du Paillon) | July 4 2-6pm

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was a big fan of Nice? Or that Harry Truman wrote about his love for the region? (These facts and more in my book Nice Uncovered) Yes the links between Nice and the USA go way back. To honor their mutual friendship the city of Nice is sponsoring a special Independence Day festival that will include a New Orleans marching band, jazz and dance groups and a special initiation into line dancing. Will there be burgers? Probably! Entrance is free.

Nice Jazz Festival

Place Masséna Theatre de Verdure | July 23-25

The three-night Nice Jazz Festival has little for jazz fans but Sting, as headliner is sure to draw crowds on July 23. The jazz star of the festival is the James Carter Quintet Coltrane: A Centennial Supreme on July 25. Prices have skyrocketed this year with different prices for different nights. Expect to pay €90 for Sting and €45 the other two nights. The festival was once the highlight of the summer but now that it moved from Cimiez to the town center, sidelined jazz and doubled the ticket prices, locals mostly avoid it. Get the program and tickets here

Nice Classique Festival

Franciscan Monastery, Matisse Museum (Cimiez) | July 21- August 9

This classical music festival brings together local and international artists in a series of classical concerts. It all takes place in Cimiez, many in the cloister of the Franciscan Monastery. Get there early and enjoy the view from the gardens. This year it’s even possible to reserve a light meal. Info and reservations here

14 Juillet

Various Venues | July 12-14

July 14, Bastille Day, is also a day of remembrance in Nice as it was July 14 2016 that a van plowed down the Promenade des Anglais killing 82 people. This traumatic event has been commemorated annually ever since with special commemorations held in and around this 10th tragic anniversary.  At 9am July 12 there will be a solemn procession from Lenval Hospital to the Jardin Albert 1er where white roses will be laid at the bandstand. At 9am July 14 there will be a military parade at Place Masséna. Later in the day there will be ceremonies and concerts culminating in a drone show at 10pm followed by the lighting of the light beams. Click here for the full program. Security will be tight.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

American Independence Day

Old Town, Square Amélie Pollonnais | July 4 4-11pm

The ties between Villefranche-sur-Mer and the USA were formed when the US Navy’s 6th Fleet stationed in the bay of Villefranche between 1948 and 1966. The friendships, marriages and families that emerged survived the test of time, encouraged by an association that regularly sponsors commemorative events including this year’s Independence Day celebration. There will be a commemorative photo exhibition, a parade of Jeeps, a dance performance, DJ and a live Swing band. Entrance is free.

Antibes-Juan-les-Pins

Jazz à Juan

Pinède Gould | July 9-19

This wonderful festival combines pop, jazz and world music in an unforgettable setting in a pine park near the sea. It’s perfect for serious music lovers. This year’s headliners include Tom Jones, Seal, Goran Bregovic and Marcus Miller. Full program and tickets here.

Cannes

Pyrotechnic Art Festival

Cannes Bay | July 4, 14, 22 10pm

This immensely popular annual festival showcases the magic and artistry of fireworks and lasts weekly through the end of August. It’s last 50 years and draws the world’s best pyrotechnic masters. The public votes and prizes are awarded at the end. The best place is enjoy the show is aboard a private boat but failing that, the spectacle is visible up and down La Croisette, the Port and Le Suquet. Don’t even think about driving there and expect massively crowded trains and buses. More info here.