Festival Anicé lights up La Bresse during the week of 15 August 2026 with a programme for children and families: shows, creative workshops and outdoor activities.
History of the Anicé festival
The Anicé festival was born from the wish of the community of communes to offer, in the heart of the summer high season, an ambitious and accessible cultural programme for all. It was created in the 2010s with the idea of transforming La Bresse into a performing arts village for a few days, breaking away from the resort’s purely sporting and nature image.
The name “Anicé” references the open, joyful and curious spirit the organisers want to breathe into each edition. The stated cultural mission is twofold: to offer professional-quality shows in an exceptional natural setting, and to allow families on holiday in La Bresse to experience something beyond a simple hiking or swimming day.
Organisers: the festival is led by the La Bresse Hohneck community of communes in partnership with the La Bresse tourist office, which handles communication, ticketing and local logistics. Local sponsors (hoteliers, chalet rental owners, village shops) contribute to each edition’s budget.
Artists and companies
The Anicé festival chooses performing arts in all its forms. Invited companies are generally professionals from the national and international circuit of street arts and young audience work:
- Street theatre: street companies that take over the village squares and streets with walks, performances and interactive installations
- Contemporary circus: aerial acts, acrobatics, clowns. Accessible from the very youngest age, often the most popular shows
- Giant puppets: a specialty of European family festivals, with creatures several metres tall parading through the streets accompanied by musicians
- Tales and storytelling: professional storytellers indoors or outdoors, in French and sometimes in several languages
Programme by age group
The festival is designed so every age group finds its place:
From age 3: morning tales (30-45 minutes), short puppet shows, simple craft workshops. Short format, little frustration, attention maintained.
6-12 years: circus workshops (juggling, balance, gentle acrobatics) led by professional artists. Duration 1h30, groups of 10-15 children, by registration. Children leave with a real skill and a memorable experience.
All ages: evening street shows, giant puppet parades, family concerts. These slots are the most festive and create the “village in celebration” atmosphere characteristic of the festival.
Adults: talks, adult readings some years, technical circus shows.
Coming to the festival without a car
La Bresse is not always easy to reach without a car, but solutions exist during the festival:
- Shuttles from accommodation: some nearby hotels and residences offer an internal shuttle service during Anicé week. Ask when booking.
- Park-and-ride: during high season and the festival, park-and-ride facilities are set up at the village entrance with a pedestrian or mini-shuttle link to the centre. The tourist office publishes the map each year.
- Bike: La Bresse is compact. If accommodation is less than 3 km from the centre, cycling is a simple option for families.
Becoming a volunteer at the festival
The Anicé festival recruits several dozen volunteers each year. It is an excellent way to experience the festival from the inside while contributing to local life.
Available roles: public welcome, ticketing, stage assembly and dismantling, audience guidance between venues, social media communication, volunteer catering.
Accommodation: accommodation solutions for volunteers are generally provided by the organisers (camping, dormitories, homestays). Contact the La Bresse tourist office in May-June for registration.
Building an ideal day around the festival
The Anicé festival generally only occupies the afternoon and evening. Mornings remain free to enjoy the mountains:
Morning (8am-12:30pm): hike to Lac des Corbeaux or a Hohneck circuit depending on your level. Trails are clear in August and the ridges offer magnificent panoramas. Bring water and sun cream.
Lunch (12:30pm-2pm): farm inn for a marcaire meal (tofailles, munster, blueberry tart) or a picnic by the lake. Farm inns around La Bresse suit this format perfectly.
Afternoon (2pm-6pm): Anicé shows in the village. Detailed programmes indicate venues and times. Bring a picnic or snack for children between shows.
Evening (from 6pm): farm inn or village restaurant. The festival’s evening programme (parades, concerts) can be combined with a meal at one of the village centre restaurants.
Typical programme
- Young audience shows: theatre, puppets, tales, circus
- Creative workshops: visual arts, music, nature
- Street animation and parades
- Family evenings with concerts or screenings
Venues
The festival takes over several spaces in La Bresse: village centre, squares, community halls, park. Outdoor programming whenever the weather allows.
Practical info
- Period: week of 15 August 2026 (until around 23 August)
- Audience: families, children aged 3 to 12
- Prices: free shows or low cost, workshops by registration
- Detailed programme: published by the La Bresse Tourist Office in advance
Why come
- Kid-friendly programme, rare in the mountains at this time
- Lively village atmosphere in the heart of high season
- Ideal complement to outdoor activities: lakes, hikes, bike park
Combine with a stay
- Morning hike or swim at Lac des Corbeaux
- Afternoon Anicé shows
- Evening farm inn or barbecue at the chalet
See also: Markets in La Bresse on the official agenda.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Festival Anicé 2026?
The week of 15 August 2026 in La Bresse. Shows, workshops and activities for children and families.
Who is the festival for?
Families with children, mainly 3 to 12 years old. Several shows are suitable for all ages.
Is it free?
Many shows are free or low-cost. Some workshops require booking and a small fee.
Where is the programme published?
By the La Bresse Tourist Office on labresse.net ahead of the festival.