June 21·Every year

World Music Day

La Fete de la Musique began in France in 1982, when the Ministry of Culture decreed that June 21st — the summer solstice — should see free concerts across the country at all hours. The concept spread to over 120 countries. The rules are unchanged: all music is free, amateur and professional play side by side, and nobody can be arrested for trumpet noise after midnight.

Category: Culture
Observed in: FranceofficialGermanyofficialIndiaofficialUnited KingdomofficialUnited States

On this day in history →See the calendar Learn more ↗

Also on this day

Full history →

Notable · 2000

President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to 22 Asian Americans, mostly from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, for actions during World War II.

2025A hot air balloon catches fire mid-flight and crashes in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, killing 8 of the 21 on board.
2012A boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsizes in the Indian Ocean between the Indonesian island of Java and Christmas Island, killing 17 people and leaving 70 others missing.
2012An Indonesian Air Force Fokker F27 Friendship crashes near Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, killing 11.