Photo : Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Usbek & Rica Festival: Where did the fun go?
Trust is not only built in institutions or grand collective narratives. It is also nurtured by what brings us together on a daily basis: shared pleasures, moments of lightness, and experiences that create bonds. In a world crossed by anxiety and crises, the ability to experience joy together is not an anecdotal subject. On the contrary, it is a political issue.
Théâtre de la Concorde (Paris 8th)
Part of the La Confiance at Théâtre de la Concorde programme
About
Do we still have the right to have fun today? What place is left for wonder, laughter, and pleasure? Why do we need to be entertained? How is our leisure evolving? Has pleasure become an industry? Are we still capable of having fun collectively?
Over two days, the festival offers a series of debates, meetings, performances, and participatory experiences to question what can still bring us together and do us good collectively in this strange era of ours.
An event organized by Usbek & Rica, the media that explores the future, designed as an invitation to think seriously about things that, precisely, perhaps should not always be taken so seriously.
Discover the full program on the Théâtre de la Concorde website!
Our take on this event
Forget about being serious for a moment and join a unique dialogue on why we really need to let loose in today's world. This festival blends sharp thinking with interactive performances to show that rediscovering fun is actually a collective endeavor.
The Usbek & Rica festival explores the role of fun, laughter, and entertainment in today's society through a series of thought-provoking events. Taking place on November 27 and 28, 2026, at the Théâtre de la Concorde, this gathering invites attendees to analyze how our leisure habits are shifting and whether collective joy is still achievable. Through debates, performances, and interactive experiences, the event offers a deep dive into the nature of modern pleasure. Admission to all sessions is free of charge, providing an accessible way to engage with these critical cultural questions in the heart of Paris.
Hosted at the Théâtre de la Concorde, the Usbek & Rica festival, titled Where has the fun gone?, runs from November 27 to November 28, 2026. This two-day event, organized by the media outlet dedicated to exploring the future, examines whether there is still room for genuine delight and laughter in our current era. It challenges visitors to consider why we seek entertainment and whether pleasure has become merely another industrial commodity.
The schedule features a mix of debates, discussions, live performances, and participatory activities designed to foster collective reflection. By addressing these topics, the festival aims to uncover what truly unites us and brings us joy in challenging times.
All activities are free to attend. For a detailed schedule of the sessions and specific timings, please refer to the official program available through the Théâtre de la Concorde.
