There are very few places left where you can sit in a perfectly tuned room and simply listen. No screens, no distractions, just sound at its purest. That is the entire idea behind one of Europe’s most cherished audio events. Every autumn, sound lovers, home cinema fans, and music technology enthusiasts gather in Paris for four days of pure sensory immersion. In 2026, the event returns once again to the Palais des Congrès, and it promises to be the biggest edition yet.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, from dates and tickets to the exhibitors and attractions you should not miss.
When and Where the Show Takes Place
The 2026 edition runs from Friday, October 23, through Monday, October 26, at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, located at Porte Maillot in the heart of the city. The venue sits right next to a major metro and RER station, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the Paris region or from out of town.
This four-day format gives visitors more flexibility than ever before. Whether you can only spare a couple of hours on a weekday afternoon or want to spend an entire weekend exploring every listening room, there is a comfortable window to plan around.
Last year’s edition welcomed 33,450 visitors across more than 16,000 square meters of exhibition space. With 130 exhibitors and over 500 brands represented, the 2025 show was already the largest hi-fi and entertainment technology event in Europe. The 2026 edition is expected to build on that momentum.
What This Show Is All About
This event grew out of the long-running Festival Son & Image and has become the essential meeting point for high fidelity audio in France. It is described by organizers as the largest European event covering hi-fi, home cinema, music, DJ equipment, and lighting technology.
However, this is not simply a trade show where products sit behind glass. It is an experience built around listening. Demonstrations are run by the engineers and brand specialists themselves, and listening rooms are carefully calibrated to deliver the cleanest possible sound. Visitors are encouraged to ask technical questions directly to the people who design and build the equipment, which gives the entire event a personal and educational feel that is rare at large exhibitions.
Therefore, even visitors who are new to the world of high fidelity audio will find the event approachable. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy walking from room to room and hearing the difference that quality equipment makes.
Tickets and How to Attend
Tickets for the 2026 edition can be purchased online through the official ticketing platform linked from the show’s website. Buying in advance is the easiest way to guarantee entry and avoid any lines at the door.
Given the size of the venue and the four-day schedule, visitors have plenty of room to plan their day around specific interests. If your focus is purely high fidelity listening rooms, you may want to arrive earlier in the day when rooms tend to be quieter. If you are drawn more to the DJ and lighting side of the show, afternoons and evenings often bring more energy and live activity to those areas.
Additionally, the show’s official website features a dedicated visitor information page that covers opening times, access details, and any updates closer to the event date. Checking this page shortly before you travel is a smart habit, since exhibitor lists and showroom layouts are sometimes finalized only a few weeks ahead of the opening.
Exhibitors and Brands You Can Expect
One of the most exciting aspects of this event is the sheer range of brands on display. Visitors can expect everything from boutique audiophile manufacturers to globally recognized names in consumer electronics. Categories on show typically include loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, headphones, streaming devices, home cinema projectors, televisions, and high-resolution audio formats such as vinyl and Blu-ray.
Several major retail partners support the event each year, including specialist audio retailers that help bring niche and high-end brands to a wider audience. This partnership model is part of why the exhibitor list manages to combine both mass-market familiarity and genuinely rare, specialist equipment in the same hall.
Beyond traditional hi-fi, the show also dedicates space to the music, DJ, and lighting community. This section of the event has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting how home entertainment and performance technology have started to overlap. Visitors interested in DJ controllers, mixing equipment, and stage lighting will find a dedicated area built specifically around that audience.
Top Attractions Not to Miss
The Listening Rooms
The heart of the show is its network of acoustically treated listening rooms. Each one is designed by the exhibiting brand to showcase their equipment in the best possible conditions. Rather than rushing through, take your time in two or three rooms that interest you most. Sitting through a full demonstration, rather than just passing by, is where the real value of attending in person becomes clear.
Home Cinema Showcases
For visitors interested in home theater setups, several exhibitors build out full home cinema environments complete with surround sound, large-format displays, and ambient lighting. These showcases give a realistic sense of how a home cinema system performs in a properly designed space, something that is almost impossible to evaluate from a retail showroom or an online video.
The Music, DJ and Lights Zone
This is one of the liveliest sections of the event and a strong draw for a younger and more performance-focused crowd. Expect live demonstrations of DJ equipment, lighting rigs, and production gear. The energy here contrasts nicely with the calm, focused atmosphere of the traditional listening rooms, giving the show a broad appeal across different types of audio enthusiasts.
Vinyl and Analog Corner
Vinyl has remained a strong presence at the show for years, and analog formats continue to attract a passionate following. Turntable manufacturers, record cleaning specialists, and analog amplification brands typically have a dedicated presence, often alongside small vinyl record stalls. For collectors and analog purists, this corner of the show is always worth a visit.
Brand Talks and Technical Demonstrations
Many exhibitors schedule short talks or live technical demonstrations throughout the day. These sessions often dive into the engineering behind a specific product line, giving visitors a deeper understanding of what they are hearing. Keeping an eye on the schedule posted near each major exhibitor booth will help you catch sessions that align with your interests.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A show of this scale rewards a little bit of planning. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
- Arrive with a short list of brands or product categories you most want to explore, since the venue is large and time can disappear quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking between rooms across more than 16,000 square meters of exhibition space.
- Bring earplugs if you plan to spend time in the DJ and lighting zone, especially during peak demonstration hours.
- Take breaks between listening sessions. Critical listening is more rewarding when your ears are fresh.
- If you plan to make a significant purchase, note down model names and ask exhibitors about show-only pricing, since some brands offer limited-time discounts during the event.
- Check the official website close to the event date for any last-minute schedule changes or additional exhibitor announcements.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of the Paris Audio Video Show is set to be one of the most exciting in its history. Running from October 23 to 26 at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, the event brings together hi-fi, home cinema, music, DJ, and lighting technology under one roof. Building on a 2025 edition that welcomed over 33,000 visitors and more than 500 brands, the 2026 show promises an even larger and more immersive experience. Visitors can expect carefully calibrated listening rooms, full home cinema showcases, a lively DJ and lights zone, and a dedicated space for vinyl and analog enthusiasts. Whether you are a lifelong audiophile or simply curious about what great sound can feel like, this is an event built entirely around the joy of listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 Paris Audio Video Show take place, and where?
The event runs from Friday, October 23, through Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, located at Porte Maillot in central Paris.
How do I buy tickets for the show?
Tickets can be purchased online through the official ticketing link available on the show’s website. Buying in advance is recommended to avoid queues at the entrance.
What kinds of exhibitors can I expect to see?
Exhibitors cover hi-fi audio, home cinema systems, turntables, headphones, streaming devices, and high-resolution formats like vinyl and Blu-ray. The show also features a dedicated section for DJ equipment and stage lighting technology.
Is the event suitable for visitors who are new to high fidelity audio?
Yes. Demonstrations are led by brand specialists and engineers who are happy to answer questions in plain language. The listening rooms are designed to let any visitor experience the difference quality equipment makes, regardless of prior expertise.
How big is the show, and how many visitors does it attract?
The 2025 edition spanned more than 16,000 square meters and welcomed 33,450 visitors, with 130 exhibitors representing over 500 brands. The 2026 edition is expected to be even larger.
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