In 1982, the very first Fête de la Musique was held in Paris. Planned by the French Ministry of Culture, musical performances were maximized on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, in a festival free and open to all.

The festival is now held throughout regions of France—from jazz bands in neighborhood parks to DJ sets in busy shopping streets. It has also evolved to officially become World Music Day, bringing melodies and rhythms to countries around the globe, including the Philippines. 

In 1994, the Philippines held its first Fête de la Musique along Makati Avenue. I spoke recently to a lady who recounted wistfully how she was there at the very first fete, dating one of the guitarists in a participating band. From that single stage with around 40 participants, it has snowballed into a cultural phenomenon that is celebrated for several days, traveling to pocket stages beyond Manila to destination stages in Siargao, Davao, Siquijor, El Nido, Cebu, and more.

“No brothers, just rhythms”

This year’s theme, “Un Monde: A World of Music, A Month of Celebration,” reflects the statements of Mathilde Sejourne, head of cooperation and cultural action at the French Embassy to the Philippines. “Beyond the numbers, dear friends, Fête de la Musique is about connections,” she says. “No borders, across generations. A space where local rhythms meet global soul, an opportunity for the rhythms that unite us all.”

Last year alone, over 1,000 artists participated, showing how, over the years, Fête de la Musique has become a platform for the local music scene while fostering intercultural mixing between Filipino and world musicians, connecting both diasporas and local communities, with music as the universal language.

This year’s lineup captures that “Un Monde” spirit. The Fête de la Musique  Main Stage at the Ayala Triangle on June 21, 2025 will present a mix of established and emerging headliners, including Brigada, Janine, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas feat. Leanne & Naara, James Reid, The Ridleys, and Tarsius x Ena Mori. Off-stage, local musicians Frank Ely and Zsaris, Bolivian pop artist Bling Bling Papaya, and Singapore-based Pinoy queer artist Marian Carmel will be nearby, with some surprises to come.

To add to the “Un Monde” theme, the organizers are bringing in international acts like Ito Kashitaro from Japan and Emile Londonien from France for the main stage performances. It will also be the first time the Japan Foundation will participate in collaboration with the French Embassy. 

A month-long musical affair

Gone are the days when  Fête de la Musique was held for just one day. The celebration for the longest day of the year has now extended into several shows scheduled throughout the month of June. 

Festivities started with a pool party on June 1 at the Fairmont Hotel. Another event in the same hotel complex is the French stage, set for June 20 at the Long Bar in the Raffles Makati at 6:30 p.m.

On June 11, there will be a day-long “Music Heals” stage at the Alliance Française de Manille, with free sound healing classes, energy healing sessions, and gentle yoga, reminding us why music is more than entertainment. 

While the Main Stage at Ayala Triangle on June 21 is the central highlight, on June 13, there will be an “ember stage” at Shangri-La Plaza mall. Visitors can expect a revitalizing treat with young performers, from crooner Shanne Dandan to Jason Dhakal.

Post-main stage, the festivities will continue with pocket stages around Poblacion as part of the barangay’s fiesta on June 27. 

These pocket stages will continue to reverberate outside of Metro Manila from June 28 and 29, with Destination Stages and over 90 events from Northern Luzon, the Visayas, and Southern Mindanao.

Beyond the performances, the Fête de la Musique organizers are diving into the practical side of music-making with “Sonik Sessions” on June 26 at the Astbury Poblacion in partnership with SONIK Philippines. The roundtable will feature music marketing and business resource speakers, diving into the industry side. 

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Fête de la Musique remains totally accessible, free of charge, and open to all, inviting music lovers of all ages, tastes, and walks of life.

Stay tuned to Fete de la Musique Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram and register on www.fete.ph  for updates and information on all things FetePH 2025