Make Music Day Las Vegas: A Global Tradition, Locally Celebrated

Make Music Day began in 1982 in France, where Jack Lang and his staff at the Ministry of Culture envisioned a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where music would fill every corner of the city street corners, parks, rooftops, gardens, and storefronts accessible to everyone. What set this event apart from typical festivals was its open invitation for anyone to participate, whether by playing music or hosting performances.

This idea blossomed into Fête De La Musique, a celebration that would take place on the summer solstice, June 21st. The name itself, in French, means both “festival of music” and “make music,” symbolizing the spirit of inclusivity. The event quickly became a national holiday in France, with almost 11% of the population (7 million people) playing an instrument or singing in public for the occasion, while 64% (43 million people) join in to listen.

Over the years, Fête De La Musique expanded worldwide, growing into a global movement celebrated in more than 2,000 cities across dozens of countries. Millions of people around the world now contribute to this event, from musicians to audiences, creating a powerful and collective celebration of music. The tradition made its way across the Atlantic to the United States 17 years ago, with the debut of Make Music New York. This grassroots initiative quickly captured the hearts of musicians and audiences alike, with thousands of performers participating in hundreds of free outdoor concerts.

Since then, Make Music has grown across the U.S., with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago organizing their own celebrations. In 2024 alone, 141 U.S. cities hosted 5,304 free concerts, turning the holiday into a nationwide phenomenon.

In Las Vegas, the spirit of Make Music Day is alive and well, bringing together the city’s diverse musical landscape to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the joy of sound. From the Strip to the local venues, June 21st becomes a day of shared musical expression, where everyone is invited to join the rhythm.

Join Us in Las Vegas

As we honor this global tradition where millions worldwide contribute to the celebration, and music fills the streets, parks, and public spaces for all to enjoy.