Photo : Bibliothèque Václav Havel
The Video Game Festival!
Forget your couch setup and get ready to burn some serious energy on iconic rhythm arcade cabinets. Whether you want to master the Japanese drums or crush high scores on a legendary dance pad, this is your chance to turn your gaming skills into a full-blown performance.
Bibliothèque Václav Havel (Paris 18th)
About
On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Václav Havel Library in the 18th arrondissement hosts a special celebration of gaming culture. From 10:00 to 18:00, visitors can explore an extensive selection of video games in free-to-play areas and enjoy interactive activities alongside the organization Make Some Noise. Whether you are seeking high-score challenges or simply discovering new titles, this free event offers a unique opportunity to play in a welcoming environment. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can join the festivities and try out the arcade machines on display throughout the day.
Now an essential part of the cultural landscape, video games have made their entry into Parisian libraries. You can play for free on-site, participate in video game-related events, borrow games...
This time, we invite you on Saturday, October 31 for a video game culture festival with a selection of games available in all our spaces (don't hesitate to discover our vast video game collection to get an idea of what we offer) and the discovery of musical video games with our partner, Make Some Noise.
Make Some Noise is an association whose goal is to promote musical video games on arcade machines, and how to play them at home. Make Some Noise provides equipment during events such as Japan Expo, Epitanime, and many others, and organizes gatherings for players.
; Credits: Make Some Noise ; Credits: Make Some Noise ; Credits: Make Some NoiseYou will be able to discover, for example, Dance Dance Revolution, the game with iconic gameplay using arrows on the floor on which the player must dance. Reaching extreme levels of difficulty, it is a game rich in history and prone to competition. Ai yai yai, I’m your little butterfly!
Or the famous Taiko no Tatsujin which is played by hitting a Japanese drum with drumsticks. Rich in color and music, it is instantly recognizable thanks to its atmosphere inspired by Japanese folklore and festivals. Despite its simplicity, the game can also be very difficult, with songs at a frenetic speed and complex sequences.
Our take on this event
The Václav Havel Library is opening its doors for a deep dive into the world of video games on October 31, 2026. From 10:00 to 18:00, guests are invited to browse the library's gaming collection, participate in dedicated activities, and engage with the extensive library resources available for future borrowing.
The highlight of the event is a collaboration with Make Some Noise, an organization specialized in arcade-style rhythm games. Attendees will have the chance to play iconic titles such as Dance Dance Revolution, which focuses on precision footwork, and Taiko no Tatsujin, a colorful experience involving authentic drum-playing mechanics inspired by Japanese festivals. Both games offer a mix of simple gameplay and intense difficulty levels, perfect for those looking to challenge their rhythmic skills.
This event is entirely free and open to the public. Located at 26 esplanade Nathalie Sarraute in Paris, the library is wheelchair accessible, providing a comfortable space for all players to participate.
