Paris is one of the world's major capitals of culture, but with President Francios Hollande urging people to stay home, nearly every theater, museum, concert hall and opera house was shuttered Saturday.
Paris' music scene was particularly shocked and hit hard by the terrorist strike.
About 100 of the victims were killed or wounded during a performance of the American rock band Eagles of Death Metal.
Survivors said gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall and shouted about Iraq and Syria before firing into the audience. Some were brought on the stage to be executed, while others were held hostage.
Band members escaped unhurt thorough a back door, but said a British member of the crew helping with the show was killed.
The band has canceled the rest of its European tour and will return to the United States.
Out of solidarity and concern for their fans, other prominent rock groups candled their Saturday performances.
A two-day music event to raise awareness of global warming was suspended. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was the host. Elton John, Bon Jovi and Neil Young were among the scheduled acts.
The band U2 scrapped a Paris show that was to have been broadcast worldwide Saturday.
"We watched in disbelief and shock at the unfolding events in Paris and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families across the city tonight," U2 said in a statement. "We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert."
Another popular act, Foo Fighters, also canceled its Saturday show at another Paris area, as well as the rest of its French, Italian and Spanish tour.
"In light of this senseless violence, the closing of borders and international mourning, we can't continue right now," the band said in a statement that included two words summing up how millions feel about what happened in Paris: "It sucks."
