Music, local gastronomy and a commitment to ecological sustainability are converging once again in Alsace. After a challenging previous edition where inclement weather dampened attendance, the Festival des Prés Salés is returning to the Espace des Sources in Soultzmatt for its fifth anniversary on June 5 and 6, 2026.
Organized by the association Balance ton son, the event has carved out a niche as a multi-generational gathering that prioritizes “terroir” and authenticity. This year’s iteration leans heavily into the realms of rock and “chanson,” blending established names with emerging artists who mirror the festival’s ethos of social and environmental engagement.
The recovery of the festival follows a successful community crowdfunding campaign, signaling strong local support for an event that seeks to nourish both the body and the soul. From the intimate acoustics of a guitar-voice duo to the high-energy roar of ska-punk, the programming reflects a curated balance of introspection and activism.
A Curation of Conscious Sound
The opening day on Friday, June 5, is dedicated largely to “chanson engagée”—songs with a message. The festivities begin with the Cévennes-based duo Picon mon Amour, known for a repertoire that blends humor with a daring, flirtatious edge.
A significant highlight for long-time fans of French reggae and socially conscious music will be the appearance of Guiz. After spending nearly three decades as a core member of the influential group Tryo, Guiz is touring his first solo album, Utopie, released in 2025. His performance in Soultzmatt will shift away from electronic textures in favor of a live instrumental setup, featuring guitarist Manu Eveno, also a Tryo alumnus. The set is expected to focus on themes of planetary stewardship and collective coexistence.
The energy shifts on Saturday, June 6, with the arrival of Los Tres Puntos. With nearly 30 years of experience in the French alternative scene, the ska-punk outfit brings a high-velocity performance backed by a virtuoso brass section. The group will be promoting their latest EP, Sistema, continuing their long history of musical activism.
Emerging Voices and Local Roots
The 2026 lineup continues the festival’s tradition of spotlighting rising talent alongside veteran acts. Closing out Friday’s program are Salut l’Orage, a group from Saint-Étienne. Their sound sits at the intersection of alternative rock and independent rap, characterized by a raw energy delivered through a minimalist setup of drums, guitar, and a laptop.
Saturday opens with a homecoming of sorts for Blue Jay. The Toulouse-based artist, who gained national visibility on The Voice, spent her formative years in Osenbach until the age of 17. This marks her first professional concert in Alsace, introducing local audiences to her blend of electropop and hip-hop. Her rising profile is further evidenced by a recent collaboration with Akhenaton of the legendary group IAM.
The weekend concludes with the explosive sounds of BANDi!. Formerly known as Bandikoot in dub, the artist returns to the Prés Salés stage—having previously performed in 2023—to deliver a closing set of electro-dub infused with drum and bass and hip-hop elements.
The Intimacy of Cali
The undisputed headliner of the fifth edition is Cali, scheduled to perform on Saturday, June 6, at 9 p.m. Known for hits such as “C’est quand le bonheur” and “Elle m’a dit,” Cali’s presence aligns with the festival’s “popular” identity—in the classical sense of being music for the people.
In a departure from his typically high-voltage full-band shows, Cali will perform a rare guitar-and-voice duo. This stripped-back approach follows his recent project revisiting the album L’Amour parfait 20 years after its release. The intimate setting is expected to highlight the lyrical depth and raw emotionality of his performance.
Beyond the Stage: A Taste of the Terroir
The Festival des Prés Salés is designed as a sensory experience that extends beyond the music. The “village des saveurs” serves as the culinary heart of the event, featuring a network of approximately 25 partner producers. The food offerings prioritize seasonal, local, and frequently organic products, grounding the festival in the physical landscape of the region.
While reservations for the “Piano à feu”—an ephemeral gastronomic restaurant led by chefs Robin Dorgler and Laurent Arbeit—have already closed, the general food village remains a central attraction. The atmosphere is further enhanced by diverse animations, including street photographers, a participatory mural, the Be Scott Pipe Band’s bagpipes, and performers from the Paradis des Sources.
For those planning their visit, the following schedule and pricing structure applies:
| Detail | Friday, June 5 | Saturday, June 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. | 6 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. |
| Presale Price | 20€ (Single) | 30€ (Weekend Pass) |
| On-site Price | 25€ (Single) | 35€ (Weekend Pass) |
| Youth (up to 14) | 7€ | 7€ |
The event remains accessible to families, with free entry for children under the age of 4. Detailed information and ticket sales are available through the official festival website at festivalpressales.com.
As the association Balance ton son prepares for this milestone edition, the focus remains on stabilizing the festival’s financial footing following previous weather-related losses. The success of the 2026 event will likely serve as a benchmark for the festival’s long-term sustainability in Soultzmatt.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the lineup or their experiences at previous editions in the comments below.
