SynthFest France, the French Synthesizer celebration, returns in 2026 with more space, more developers, and more fun.
SynthFest in the French city of Nantes has become a true highlight of the Synthesizer event scene for me over the last three years. Starting as a simple annual community gathering, it has evolved into a wonderful Synthesizer celebration.
Each year it becomes more international, more diverse in its themes, but without losing its down-to-earth character. For SynthFest France 2026, the organizers are taking the event to the next level with more space, more developers, and also more fun.
SynthFest France is the leading French gathering dedicated to synthesizers and electronic musical instrument manufacturers.
Neither a trade show nor a purely musical festival, SynthFest is the meeting place for synthesizer manufacturers and electronic musical instrument enthusiasts.
SynthFest is held annually in the Nantes region. One day is reserved for professionals, and 3 days are open to the public. With environmental concerns in mind, SynthFest takes place outside the city center at the
Fleuriaye Convention Center in Carquefou, which is certified as High Environmental Quality (HQE). Access is available by tram and bus
SynthFest France 2026
SynthFest France 2026 will take place this year from April 17th to 19th in Nantes. Mark these dates in your calendar. Almost a month before Superbooth in Berlin.
Previously, the event took place at L’Odyssée Le Bois Cesbron in Orvault, a district of Nantes. However, the venue has become a bit too small. I can confirm this.
Therefore, the organisation team is moving the SynthFest France event to a larger location with more space for more developers and workshops. It will be for the first time at the Centre de Congrès de la Fleuriaye at Carquefou. The organisation writes:
Why the change? The Théâtre de l’Odyssée, which has hosted us since 2023, is a venue we love, but our festival is growing thanks to you. With record attendances in 2024 and 2025, we need a larger space to ensure your comfort and that of our exhibitors.
No more temporary structures: the new venue offers modern spaces, a capacity of up to 1,500 people, an 800-seat auditorium, modular spaces, easy access, and improved public transport connections, just 20 minutes from the center of Nantes.
What’s Happening At SynthFest France?
SynthFest France is a three-day Synthesizer celebration with a multifaceted concept. Initially conceived as a come-together event for the French Synthesizer community, the SFF is today a very European, even international, gathering of Synthesizer enthusiasts.
The 2026 edition is no different, just with more space to communicate, turning knobs, and experiencing music. The centerpiece of the event will once again be a large exhibition featuring many French and international Synthesizer companies.
There are still booths available; here is an overview of the companies that have already confirmed their participation.
- Akai, Arturia, B4 Distribution (Waldorf, Sonicware, Studiologic), Baloran, Beatsurfing, BLEASS, Cyma Forma, Embodme, Enjoy Electronics, Expressive E, FCPro Audio,
- Fred’s Lab, GlouGlou, Haken Audio, Joranalogue, Kiviak Instruments, Kodamo, Koana La Voix Du Luthier, Larix Elektro, Morphor, Novation, Sequential, Oberheim, SynTesla, and many more
Big names, yes. But SynthFest France 2026 is also a gathering of many excellent smaller developers like NRSynth, SynthR, Plural Modular Synthesizer, and more.
Simultaneously, product presentations take place every half hour in a noise-dampened chill environment, along with workshops for all ages, culminating in evening concerts.
The stars of the SFF2026 evening shows are German experimental musician Hainbach and French artist Charlotte Dubois.
Support SFF 2026 & You Could Win A Synthesizer
SynthFest France 2026 is not a commercial event like the NAMM Show or so. It’s organized by volunteers who put their full energy and passion into this event. Organizing an event like this costs a lot of money. Nothing in this life is free, not even the “free plugins” we celebrate.
It is financed in various ways. Firstly, through booth fees, which are obvious for an exhibition. But the biggest part comes directly from the community.
Every year, a raffle/tombola is held, with developers donating products that participants can win. The proceeds from this raffle go entirely towards financing the event. This year, the pool includes 2500 tickets, each costing 10€.
There are 32 prizes to be won, with a total value of over 22000 €, including a SynTesla DecaHertz Système 5U Hans Zimmer Signature, a Morphor ECHON 6, an Expressive E Osmose 61, a Korg Phase 8, Sequential Fourm, Arturia AstroLab 37, and many more.
The tombola is already open, and you can already buy your tickets.
Will There Be Synth Anatomy Coverage Of SynthFest France 2026?
My answer to that question is simple: Yes. I will be at SynthFest France 2026 again and will be reporting extensively on the event.
Even though the trip gets trickier every year (the flight), I’m always really looking forward to visiting the French synthesizer community. Plus, I can brush up on my rusty French, which I used to speak very well.
You can see what to expect in my linked playlist of videos from SynthFest France 2025.
I hope to see you there. Many thanks to the SFF team for everything they do for this event, and also for supporting my activities throughout the year.
SynthFest France 2026 will be from April 17 to 19, 2026, in the Centre de Congrès De La Fleuriaye CARQUEFOU in Nantes (France)
More information here: SFF
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