Did you think that Chamonix was only skiing and mountaineering? Think again! All year round, it comes alive to the rhythm of exceptional festivals that transform this little corner of alps In real life cultural scene international. And attending a jazz or classical music concert with Mont Blanc in the background really has nothing to do with an ordinary evening. Not to mention the events around photography or cinema. Here is our selection of 6 must-see festivals which are really worth a visit during your stay in Chamonix.
The 6 essential festivals that should not be missed
1. Unlimited Festival: the global trail running event
Are you passionate about mountain running? So you can't miss The Unlimited Festival ! This major event takes place from 25 to 29 March 2026 and transforms Chamonix into world capital of trail running. On the program:
- legendary races such as the Mont-Blanc Marathon;
- the Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail (UTMB);
- several other courses that attract the best runners on the planet.
But this festival is much more than competitions! You will discover a real village with equipment manufacturer stands, conferences with returning athletes, film screenings and an electric atmosphere throughout the valley. Even if you're not running, the atmosphere is worth the trip: cheering on runners at the crossing points is a contagious experience.
2. Cosmojazz Festival: free jazz under the stars
Imagine yourself listening to Quality jazz, in the open air, with Mont-Blanc in the background. This is exactly what the Cosmojazz Festival ! This free summer event takes place from 20 to 25 July 2026 and offers concerts in various magical places in the valley.
The spirit of the festival? Making music accessible to everyone, in exceptional natural settings. You can attend concerts in village squares, in gardens, sometimes even at altitude! The program combines traditional jazz, jazz fusion, world music and contemporary discoveries. It's the perfect opportunity to combine a hike during the day and a concert in the evening. Just remember to bring a little sweater: even in summer, evenings can be cool in the mountains.
3. Chamonix Vallée Classics Festival: great music at the foot of Mont-Blanc
Lovers of classical music ? Chamonix has an exceptional event every summer. The Chamonix Valley Classics Festival will be held from July 29 to August 5, 2026 and will welcome some of the biggest stars on the international scene. Virtuoso pianists, renowned string quartets, talented cellists: the program is of remarkable quality and makes Chamonix a real cultural destination in the Alps.
The concerts take place in two iconic locations :
- the magnificent Saint-Michel church with its exceptional acoustics;
- the Espace Michel Croz 2, modern and comfortable room.
On the 2026 program: Jean Efflam Bavouzet, the Danel Quartet, the Danel Quartet, the Modigliani Quartet, Edgar Moreau, Boris Giltburg, Axelle Fanyo and many other internationally recognized artists. Listen Beethoven, Mozart or Brahms after a day in the mountains, with still in mind the images of the glaciers and peaks. And part of the profits support the association “To each his own Everest!” who helps sick children.
4. Chamonix Film Festival: the adventure on the big screen
Lovers of mountains, adventure and beautiful images are delighted every year with the Chamonix Film Festival. La 6th edition will be held from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 June 2026 and promises to be a highlight of the year in the valley. This event brings together the best film productions of the year dedicated to mountains, mountaineering, climbing and adventure.
The Vox Historic Cinema (located in the heart of Chamonix) will host the screenings in the theater with optimal comfort and quality of projection. But the festival is also overflowing in the streets: don't miss the free outdoor screenings on Friday and Saturday evenings at Parc Couttet! Also on the program:
- meetings with directors and actors;
- workshops at the PlanB Hotel;
- literary events at the Café des Aiguilles Gallery;
- and even mountain outings.
5. The Guide Festival: a century-old tradition
Every year in mid-August, Chamonix celebrates its local heroes: high mountain guides. This age-old tradition (which dates back to 1924) pays tribute to these professionals who accompany mountaineers and hikers on the most beautiful peaks of the Alps, but also to those who have lost their lives in the mountains.
La Guides' Day begins with a solemn mass, followed by an impressive parade where the guides put on their most beautiful traditional costumes. In the afternoon, you can attend demonstrations of mountaineering techniques, discover climbing equipment from yesterday and today, but also chat with these mountain enthusiasts. It is a moving and authentic moment that immerses you in the history and soul of Chamonix, the cradle of world mountaineering.
6. Chamonix Valley Photo Festival: the mountain from every angle
Finally, photography enthusiasts meet every year in Chamonix for a unique event of its kind. The Chamonix Valley Photo Festival takes place on October 30 and November 1, 2026. But that's not all: for several weeks, exceptional photographic exhibitions take over public places, shop windows, cultural spaces and even ski lifts!
On the program: works by mountain photographers recognized internationally, but also emerging talents who offer their vision of the Alps and natural areas. You can participate in photo courses supervised by professionals and some outings are even organized in the mountains to capture the magical light of dawn or dusk on the peaks. It's a total immersion in mountain photography!
How to organize your festival in Chamonix?
To take full advantage of Chamonix festivals, the Hotel Les Aiglons is the ideal address. Our Chamonix spa hotel 4 stars is located in the heart of the valley: it offers you all the comfort you need after a day rich in emotions. Relax in our Chamonix spa with swimming pool, steam room and sauna, before enjoying fine cuisine in our Restaurant Chamonix. And to make sure you don't miss out on cultural and sporting events, check out the News in Chamonix. Book your stay now to take full advantage of your festival!
