Each year, over 1,000 cities around the world throw citywide music celebrations on June 21.

It all started 40 years ago in France.

In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops.

And, unlike a typical music festival, anyone and everyone would be invited to join and play music, or host performances. The event would take place on the summer solstice, June 21, and would be called Fête De La Musique. (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music!”)

Amazingly enough, this dream has come true. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: France shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 8% of the country (5 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique.

Three decades later, the holiday has spread throughout the world and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. In the U.S., the presenting sponsor is the NAMM Foundation.

2023 will bring this new event to Polk County.  In a partnership between the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Art Association, we are striving to bring live music, of all kinds, to the residents of Polk County.  Your business can be anywhere in Polk County to participate.

As a first year event, and on a weeknight, this event will be from 4-7pm, with the intention of growing a little bit each year.  The idea of bringing families and individuals out on the first day of Solstice to enjoy the talented musicians and visit local businesses, was one day that could not be ignored. Enjoy! Listen! Dance!