Family Piknik

Family Piknik is not your typical electronic music festival. It’s a sunny open-air rave with a twist. Born in the parks of Montpellier in southern France, this lively gathering combines the underground dance music spirit with the laid-back vibe of a Sunday picnic. Attendees lounge on blankets under the trees, kids play and dance alongside grown-ups, and world-class DJs spin techno and house music from morning until midnight. The atmosphere is friendly and accessible, making seasoned clubbers, curious newcomers and future ravers all feel welcome.

From a Picnic in Montpellier to a Movement

Family Piknik began as a local passion project in 2012, dreamed up by Montpellier DJ Tom Pooks as a day-long festival that people in their 30s (and their kids) could enjoy together. The key idea was to blend top-tier underground electronic music with a family-friendly atmosphere. Early editions took place right in the heart of Montpellier, where party-goers could bring their own food, dance barefoot on the grass, and soak up the music under shady park trees. This open-minded concept, uniting all generations around house and techno, was something very new in France at the time, and it quickly caught on. Year after year the event grew, drawing thousands of attendees from across Europe even in its initial seasons. What started as a humble picnic party soon became a movement, turning lazy Sundays into an all-ages dance celebration.

Big Sounds, Big Names, Bigger Crowds

As the festival’s reputation spread, Family Piknik evolved from a one-day gathering into a full-blown multi-day extravaganza. Growth came naturally: more stages, longer hours, and ever-bigger crowds, all while keeping its uniquely welcoming vibe. The festival has even been recognized among DJ Mag’s Top 100 festivals worldwide for its special blend of big-room energy and underground soul. Over the years, Family Piknik’s stages have been graced by a who’s who of electronic music. Techno legends and crowd favorites like Carl Cox, Paul Kalkbrenner, Solomun, Charlotte de Witte, Black Coffee, and Richie Hawtin (to name just a few) have delivered unforgettable sets under the open sky. Thanks to its consistently stacked line-ups, the festival has solidified its standing as one of France’s top electronic music events, even being hailed as “the biggest underground French festival”. And with tens of thousands of “party-people” joining in from over 30 countries, it’s clear that Family Piknik has grown into a globally recognized highlight of the summer season.

Seaside Expansion to Frontignan

In recent years, Family Piknik expanded beyond its original city setting, finding a new home in the nearby coastal town of Frontignan. This move, about a 20-minute hop from Montpellier, gave the festival more room to spread its wings (and speakers) while retaining its open-air charm. The current venue is a picturesque park in Frontignan, lush with old trees and natural shade, just minutes away from the Mediterranean’s sandy beaches. Dancing here comes with a sea breeze - an added bonus to an already magical atmosphere. The transition to Frontignan marked an exciting evolution: the festival could welcome larger audiences and experiment with new stage setups, including a now-iconic giant pink flamingo art installation watching over the crowd. Through this expansion, Family Piknik proved its resilience and creativity. Even when a partnership with Montpellier’s city hall ended and new locations were needed, the organizers seamlessly transformed venues like a bullring in Lunel and the park in Frontignan into their electronic playground, without missing a beat. The result is a festival that feels both fresh and true to itself - bigger in scale but still as intimate and free-spirited as ever.

A One-of-a-Kind Atmosphere and Cultural Impact

What truly sets Family Piknik apart is its inclusive, multigenerational atmosphere. It’s one of the only electronic music festivals where you might see children blowing bubbles and dancing next to veteran ravers in the afternoon, and grandparents nodding along to the beat by early evening. The organizers actively welcome all ages, offering free entry for kids (typically under 14) and even for seniors over 55 – because they believe electronic music should bring everyone together. They back this up with thoughtful touches: a dedicated Kid Zone with games and water fun, chill-out areas for relaxing, and the freedom to bring your own picnic treats. Yet, despite the family-friendly feel, the party never loses its edge. When night falls and the lights glow, the dancefloor is in full throttle, united by music and positive vibes rather than VIP barricades or ego-driven antics.

Culturally, Family Piknik has made a significant mark. It has put Montpellier and its region on the map as a hotspot for electronic music, showing that a festival can be world-class in talent and production while remaining warm and community-oriented. Each edition injects energy into the local scene and economy, attracting international tourists and showcasing the south of France’s love affair with dance music. More importantly, it has pioneered a new kind of festival experience – one where “electronic music without ego” meets a family picnic ethos. In doing so, Family Piknik has nurtured a loyal following that spans generations, proving that great music and a welcoming spirit are truly universal. Friendly and accessible, this festival continues to grow and inspire, all while staying true to the joyful, inclusive culture it started with in Montpellier’s parks.