Pete the Monkey Festival 2026 – Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, France
Overview
Pete the Monkey Festival 2026 is a one-of-a-kind boutique music and arts festival set in the charming coastal village of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer in Normandy. Since its inception in 2012, this non-profit event has transformed a quiet fishing village into a vibrant “jungle” of sound, color, and creativity. The festival is famously inspired by a viral video of a dish-washing chimpanzee, but its mission is deeply serious: it serves as a major fundraising initiative for Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY), a Bolivian charity dedicated to fighting deforestation and wild animal trafficking in the Amazon.
The 2026 edition marks a highly anticipated return following a planned hiatus in 2025. Known for its “under-the-radar” appeal, the festival curates an eclectic lineup that champions emerging international talent alongside established indie, electronic, and world music acts. Beyond the music, the festival grounds are a marvel of sustainable design, featuring stages crafted from wooden pallets and old tractor trailers, as well as immersive art installations and a yearly creative theme that guides the production and costumes.
What truly sets Pete the Monkey apart is its intimate, community-driven atmosphere. It is a place where thousands of “large children” gather to celebrate summer through pulsating sounds, staggering performances, and meaningful social encounters. By attending, guests contribute directly to environmental conservation while enjoying a weekend of artistic discovery on the beautiful Normandy coast, making it one of Europe’s most beloved and ethically conscious summer festivals.
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Event Highlights
- Enjoy a diverse musical lineup of over 40 artists across multiple stages, featuring a curated mix of indie-pop, tropical disco, electronic, and global beats.
- Explore the creative festival grounds filled with eco-friendly art installations, independent bars, and unique stages built from recycled materials.
- Participate in a wide array of activities including yoga sessions, creative workshops, theater performances, and the famous Saturday costume parade.
- Support a significant cause, as a portion of all festival proceeds goes directly to supporting a wildlife sanctuary for rescued animals in the Bolivian Amazon.
Why Attend
Pete the Monkey Festival 2026 is the ideal destination for travelers who crave a more meaningful and intimate festival experience away from the commercial giants. It is perfect for families, environmental activists, and music discovery enthusiasts who value sustainability and social impact as much as a great party. The festival’s all-ages policy and diverse daytime programming make it particularly welcoming for those who want a boutique experience that feels like a shared secret among friends.
The primary benefit of attending is the unique blend of a coastal vacation and a high-quality cultural event. You can spend your mornings swimming in the English Channel and your nights dancing in a hand-built forest of lights and music. Because the festival has intentionally limited capacity to maintain its “secret garden” feel, attendees enjoy a relaxed environment without the overwhelming crowds typically found at major European summer events.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: July 10 – 12, 2026
- Event Duration: 3 days
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold exclusively online via the official website through the Weezevent platform.
- Admission Type: Ticketed event; Free Admission for children under 12 years old.
- Ticket Pricing: $58 to $165 (Pricing follows a tiered system including Community, Loyalty, and Solidarity options).
- Special Seating Options: There is no reserved seating as the festival is an outdoor park event with open lawns and hay bales.
- VIP Options: No traditional VIP packages are offered, but a Solidarity Tier ticket allows guests to provide extra support for the Bolivian monkey sanctuary.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, France
- Venue Name: Pete the Monkey Festival Site
- Google Maps Address: Rue de la Mairie, 76740 Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, France
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: hello@petethemonkey.com
- Phone Number: +33 2 35 97 51 33
- Official Website: https://petethemonkeyfestival.org/en
- Social Media Links:
- https://open.spotify.com/user/pete-the-monkey-festival
- https://www.instagram.com/pete_the_monkey/?hl=fr
- https://www.youtube.com/user/CapuchinoMonkeyman
- https://www.facebook.com/petethemonkeyfestival/?ref=br_rs
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Deauville – Normandie Airport is 45 miles away, though Paris Charles de Gaulle offers more international connections.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Dieppe Train Station is the closest rail link, located approximately 12 miles from the festival site.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The Ligne 61 regional bus runs from Dieppe to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, and dedicated festival shuttle buses are available.
- Parking Availability: A dedicated festival car park is located near the site, though space is limited and carpooling is strongly encouraged.
- Directions by Car: Access is via the A13 or A151 motorways from Paris, following signs for Dieppe and then the coastal road to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer.
What is this event?
Pete the Monkey is an independent music and arts festival that raises funds for environmental conservation and wildlife protection in South America. It combines a boutique festival atmosphere with a strong commitment to sustainable living and ethical tourism.
The event features a mix of live bands, DJs, and performing arts set against the scenic Normandy coast. It is known for its creative themes, eco-friendly infrastructure, and its role as a fundraiser for the CIWY monkey sanctuary in Bolivia.
Why is it popular?
The festival is popular for its authentic, “unspoiled” feel and its reputation for being one of the best-curated small festivals in Europe. Its unique mission gives attendees a sense of purpose, knowing that their ticket purchase directly aids endangered animals.
Its popularity is also driven by the stunning location and the high level of effort put into the festival’s artistic production. The sense of community and the creative freedom of the attendees, who often come in elaborate costumes, creates an infectious and joyous energy.
Attendee Experiences
- Dancing in a field under the stars while knowing the money I spent was helping monkeys in the Amazon made the night feel so special.
- The stage designs were incredible; everything felt so handmade and magical, like a giant treehouse party for grown-ups.
- It was so refreshing to go to a festival where the organizers actually care about the environment instead of just using it as a slogan.
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FAQ's
What kind of accommodation is available for the festival weekend?
The festival provides a dedicated campsite adjacent to the music arenas for those who want to stay close to the action. For those seeking more comfort, the village of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer and nearby Quiberville offer several small hotels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday rentals. Because it is a small coastal town, these local accommodations book up many months in advance, so it is best to secure your stay as soon as the dates are announced.
Are there activities for children at the festival?
Yes, Pete the Monkey is very family-friendly and offers a variety of workshops and performances specifically designed for younger "monkeys." During the daytime, the festival grounds host craft stations, storytelling sessions, and games that allow children to engage with the festival's environmental theme. Children under 12 enter for free, but they still require a pre-booked "Mini Monkey" ticket to ensure the site capacity is managed safely.
How does the festival support the monkey sanctuary in Bolivia?
Pete the Monkey was founded by a team who personally volunteered at the CIWY sanctuary and decided to create the festival as a sustainable source of income for the project. A significant portion of every ticket sold, along with profits from the bars and merchandise, is donated directly to the sanctuary. These funds help pay for food, veterinary care, and the protection of the land where rescued monkeys and other wildlife live in freedom.
Is the festival site accessible for people with reduced mobility?
The festival is held on a natural green field, which can be uneven in some places, but the organizers work to ensure the main pathways are as accessible as possible. Dedicated accessible toilets are provided, and the staff are always on hand to assist guests who may need extra help navigating the site. If you have specific accessibility requirements, it is recommended to email the team in advance so they can provide you with the most up-to-date site map and support.
Can I bring my own alcohol or glass bottles into the festival?
In accordance with local safety regulations and the festival's environmental policy, glass bottles and outside alcohol are not permitted within the music arenas. There are several independent bars on-site serving a range of craft beers, organic wines, and soft drinks, often sourced from local Normandy producers. You are allowed to bring your own water in a reusable non-glass bottle, and there are free water refill stations located throughout the site to help reduce plastic waste.
