Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival 2026 – Strasbourg, France
Overview
The Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival 2026 is a premier event in the international genre cinema calendar, transforming the picturesque city of Strasbourg into a haven for fans of the strange and the supernatural. As a member of the Méliès International Festivals Federation, this event is dedicated to fantastic cinema in its broadest sense—encompassing horror, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and animation. Over ten days, the festival showcases a massive selection of international premieres, retrospectives, and independent productions that push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
What sets this festival apart is its immersive integration into the historic urban landscape of Strasbourg. Beyond the traditional cinema screens, the event features a vibrant “Fantastic Village,” indie game contests, and virtual reality exhibitions that explore the future of digital art. The festival is renowned for its festive atmosphere, bringing together a diverse community of cinephiles, industry professionals, and “geek” culture enthusiasts to celebrate the art of the imagination in one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities.
Event Highlights
- Méliès d’Argent Competition: A prestigious showcase of the best new European fantastic films, with winners qualifying for the prestigious Golden Méliès award.
- The Great Strasbourg Zombie Walk: One of the largest zombie walks in Europe, where thousands of costumed participants parade through the city streets followed by a themed ball.
- Connexions Section: A dedicated space for digital creation featuring the Indie Game Contest, VR experiences, and interactive installations by digital artists.
- Open-Air Screenings: Spectacular nocturnal film projections held in iconic public spaces, allowing thousands of fans to enjoy genre classics under the stars.
Why Attend
The Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival is a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone who loves the thrill of genre cinema and the community of fandom. It offers a rare opportunity to see avant-premiere screenings of global horror and sci-fi hits alongside rare, curated retrospectives that honor the heritage of the genre. The festival’s inclusive nature ensures that there is something for everyone, from hardcore genre fans seeking “Midnight Extremes” to families enjoying the playful side of animation and fantasy.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Industry professionals and aspiring creators should attend to participate in masterclasses and Q&A sessions with world-class directors and experts. The city of Strasbourg itself, with its stunning Gothic cathedral and medieval canals, provides a perfect, slightly eerie backdrop for a festival of the fantastic. Whether you are there to discover the next big indie hit, compete in a video game tournament, or simply witness the spectacle of the zombie walk, this event promises a deep dive into the creative heart of modern fantasy.
Date & Duration
- Start Date: Friday, September 25, 2026.
- End Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Strasbourg, France.
- Venue: Multiple Cinemas (Cinema Star, Star St-Exupéry, UGC Ciné Cité) and the Fantastic Village (Place Saint-Thomas).
- Google Maps Address: 27 Rue du Jeu-des-Enfants, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets can be purchased online through the official festival website or directly at the box offices of participating cinemas.
- Admission Type: Single screening tickets, multi-film passes, and full festival badges are available.
- Ticket Pricing: Single tickets range from approximately $6.00 to $14.00, depending on the time and venue.
- Minimum and Maximum Range: $0.00 (Free outdoor events) to $115.00 (Full Festival Pass).
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Discounted passes are available for students and seniors; professional accreditation is required for industry events and masterclasses.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: com@strasbourgfestival.com
- Phone: +33 9 52 83 73 88
- Website: www.strasbourgfestival.com/en/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/FantasticStras
- https://twitter.com/fantasticstras
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOlimDLIczqAURJM58BGYxw/feed
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/feffs/
- https://www.instagram.com/fantasticstras/
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Strasbourg Airport (SXB), 12 km from the center (~15 minutes by shuttle train); EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (MLH), 130 km away.
- Public Transport: The CTS Tram network is excellent; take Lines A or D to “Homme de Fer” or “Langstross Grand’Rue” to reach the main venues (~$2.20).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from Strasbourg Airport cost approximately $38.00 to $50.00; Uber is also active within the city.
- Parking: Use P+R (Park and Ride) stations like Elsau or Rotonde (~$5.20 per day including a tram ticket); city center parking is difficult and expensive.
- Other Access: Strasbourg is a TGV hub; high-speed trains from Paris take just 1 hour and 45 minutes, arriving at the central Gare de Strasbourg.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa (5-star, 0.2 km, Art Deco elegance, $280-500/night); Pavillon Régent Petite France (5-star, 0.4 km, historic riverside charm, $320-550/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Hotel Hannong (4-star, 0.3 km, stylish and central, $160-250/night); BOMA Easy Living Hotel (4-star, 0.1 km, trendy and vibrant, $140-230/night).
- Budget Stays: City Residence Strasbourg Centre (3-star, 0.8 km, simple apartments, $85-130/night); The People Strasbourg (Hostel, 0.6 km, modern dorms and private rooms, $40-95/night).
Attendee Experiences
- The Fantastic Village has such a great vibe for grabbing a drink between movies and meeting other fans.
- Seeing a horror movie in a classic French cinema like the Star is an experience I will never forget.
- The zombie walk is pure chaos in the best way possible; the makeup skills of the participants are incredible.
Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What types of films are shown in the "Midnight Extremes" section?
The Midnight Extremes section is dedicated to films that are more transgressive, disturbing, or graphically intense than the main competition. These screenings usually take place late at night and are intended for an adult audience looking for the darker edges of the horror and thriller genres. If you enjoy "shock" cinema or experimental underground horror, this is the most popular section of the festival for those specific tastes.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy the festival?
Most international films are shown in their original language with French subtitles, though many major premieres also include English subtitles. The "Indie Game Contest" and digital art installations are very visual and accessible regardless of language. Festival staff and the Fantastic Village community are generally very welcoming and often speak English, especially given Strasbourg’s status as a European hub.
Can I participate in the Zombie Walk if I am not a professional makeup artist?
Absolutely, the Zombie Walk is open to everyone and is a highlight of the festival's community spirit. While some people go all-out with professional-grade prosthetics, many others join in with simple DIY costumes and face paint. There is often a makeup stand in the Fantastic Village on the day of the walk where you can get a "zombie makeover" for a small fee if you haven't prepared your own.
Is the festival suitable for children?
While many of the core screenings are for mature audiences, the festival includes a "Kids' Fantastic" section with age-appropriate animation and fantasy films. The Fantastic Village also hosts various workshops and activities that are family-friendly, such as mask-making and drawing classes. Always check the individual film ratings in the program guide, as genre cinema varies wildly in its content and intensity.
How can I submit my own film or video game to the festival?
The call for entries usually opens in early spring and is conducted through platforms like Festhome for films. For the Indie Game Contest, the festival typically opens a dedicated application portal on their official website. There are various categories for feature films, short films, and digital projects, so ensure you read the specific technical and regional requirements before submitting your work for consideration.
