Congés Annulés Returns to Rotondes with a Month of Music, Art, and Summer Vibes
Music lovers, take note: the beloved summer festival Congés Annulés is back at Rotondes, promising a fresh and eclectic programme that once again cements its status as a highlight of Luxembourg’s cultural calendar.
Now nearing its 20th anniversary, the festival has evolved into a key summer fixture since its modest beginnings in 2007, when Luxembourg City was the European Capital of Culture.
“We had a year to create a music programme, and it felt like a missed opportunity not to do something during the summer,” recalls Marc Hauser, the festival’s long-time programmer. “So we put on a few shows in July and August with artists like Konono N°1, Apparat, and I’m from Barcelona.”
The idea resonated, and by 2009, Congés Annulés had officially launched. The name—playing on the words for “annual leave”—was a tongue-in-cheek nod to the holiday closures typical for hotels, restaurants, and cafés (the HORECA sector).
A Festival That Keeps Evolving
From its early days, Congés Annulés has continued to grow in both scale and popularity. Today, the festival spans an impressive 28 days of programming, up from just nine events in 2011. Even during the pandemic, the festival adapted and carried on within public health guidelines.
Each summer, around 10,000 visitors pass through the Rotondes site, with opening day drawing particularly large crowds. “People use the courtyard as a meeting place—some attend almost every day,” says Hauser.
The programme has expanded far beyond live music. Collaborations with institutions like the Cinémathèque have brought open-air film screenings to the festival’s courtyard, while partnerships with venues like den Atelier have added more concert offerings. The visual arts also play a role, with past exhibitions including Les Voyeuses, Voie 15, and 18 – Une nouvelle approche du minigolf.
A Creative Playground for Music
Known as a “musical laboratory,” Congés Annulés focuses on variety and discovery. Expect everything from indie rock, jazz, and electro to piano sets and experimental global sounds. Many acts are performing in Luxembourg for the first time, and repeat bookings are rare.
“We prioritise fresh sounds and new bands, but we also make room for headliners touring the festival circuit,” Hauser explains. “And of course, we’re committed to featuring local talent as well. You could attend several nights in a row and experience a completely different atmosphere each time.”
With both indoor and outdoor venues, including a cozy 280-seat hall, the setting itself offers a more intimate alternative to massive summer festivals. Each edition is also themed—past concepts have included sunscreen, badminton, and sunbathing. This year’s theme? Pizza—complete with tastings.
Looking Ahead to 2025
This year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with 45 bands and 35 DJs on the lineup. Headliners include Sprints and Factory Floor, while many new names will be making their Luxembourg debut.
A standout addition for 2025 is Family Day, scheduled for 26 July from 17:00 to 21:00. Designed with kids and parents in mind, the event will include outdoor concerts with child-friendly volumes and durations, as well as interactive DJ sets where families can step behind the decks together to create their own mixes.
Another fan-favourite returns on 17 August: the Vide-Disques & Merch-O-Rama flea market. Held under a marquee, this relaxed, vinyl-centric event brings together non-professional collectors and music lovers for record swaps and merch browsing.
Congés Annulés continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to its roots—free-spirited, accessible, and deeply connected to its community. For full programme details, visit www.rotondes.lu.