Bienvenue and welcome to "Things to Do in Paris!" Today is Thursday, August 14th, 2025, and the City of Light is buzzing with midsummer energy. Parisians and visitors alike are searching for cool shade and cooler events, as a heat wave settles over the city—so be sure to grab your water bottle and sunscreen before heading out[8]. Air quality remains fair, but heat-sensitive travelers should enjoy the city's many indoor and evening festivities.

Today’s Paris isn’t just warm; it’s alive with tradition, culture, and summer spectacle. On the historic Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris welcomes back crowds for the **first post-reopening Assumption procession and liturgical celebrations,** starting at 2:00 p.m. and continuing into the evening with special masses and a candlelit inside procession, making for a spiritual and visually breathtaking experience in the city’s reborn cathedral[1].

For those hungry for cultural flavor, the **Jardin d’été festival** at Musée du Quai Branly immerses visitors in Japanese summer traditions, world cuisines, and live performances—the perfect festive antidote to August crowds[4]. If you're out with family, don’t miss the **Fête des Tuileries**, the classic Parisian funfair in the Jardin des Tuileries, running through August 24th and this year featuring the dazzling Olympic cauldron[4].

Music fans, rejoice: Paris’s legendary nightlife gets a rock-and-roll jolt with **AC/DC’s concert** at Stade de France, drawing hard rock fans for an unforgettable summer show on the city’s northern edge[4]. Looking ahead to tomorrow, Place de la Bastille hosts a **free open-air gospel concert** by the Total Praise Mass Choir, celebrating the Assumption with joy and powerful vocals[4].

Art lovers and history buffs can escape the crowds at more intimate museums today, such as the Musée Zadkine or the air-conditioned Musée Guimet, which are pleasantly calm in the summer heat[2]. Or, for an offbeat adventure, head below ground to the bone-filled **Paris Catacombs**—but be sure to book your ticket online to skip the famously long wait[3].

In local news, the rare sighting of fossa cubs at Paris Zoo brings excitement for animal lovers across the city[8]. Free residential parking has been extended today due to ongoing pollution alerts—good news for anyone driving into Paris[4]. As for transport, expect heavy activity around major attractions but quieter vibes in the lesser-known neighborhoods, especially as many locals are on holiday[2].

Here’s a trio of **must-do activities** for today:
- Experience the meditative calm of Notre-Dame’s unique Assumption procession in the evening[1].
- Join a small-group **Hidden Montmartre walking tour** to discover secret artist haunts, picturesque streets, and authentic croissant stops away from the crowds[6].
- Cool off with a visit to the **Musée d’Orsay**, where Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art glows inside the beautiful former train station—just remember to get a skip-the-line ticket for a breezier entry[3][9].

**Local tip:** Want the best Parisian picnic? Pick up a fresh baguette, cheese, and seasonal fruits from an open-air market (Marché Bastille is huge on Thursdays), then settle in a shaded corner of Parc Montsouris—a quiet alternative to the overflowing Jardin du Luxembourg[2].

As the sun sets, consider catching the glittering **Crazy Horse Cabaret Show**—glamour and Parisian pizzazz in an unforgettable evening setting, starting tonight and running long through the year[7].

Looking ahead, tomorrow promises even more: open-air concerts, boutique restaurant pop-ups, and citywide celebrations for the Assumption holiday. Tune in then for your next update and more inspiration for your perfect Parisian day!