Who does summer better than Montreal? Don’t answer that. We will. No one. No one does summer better than Montreal. Laid back, cool, sexy, grungy, anarchists, funky, sophisticated, global – we’ve got it all. With the sun shining in through the windows, the trees green, the birds singing, time to fall in love with someone, namely yourself. Treat yourself to a festival or five and live your best life ever.
Bixi Season
April 15 – Nov 15, 2025
The Bixis are back. They’re even appearing in different Quebec cities like Sherbrooke and Quebec City. They’re easier than ever to use in the city with different pricing levels based on how far you go and how long you use the bike or opt in for the usual annual or monthly membership. Electric Bixis will change your life.$112 for the season, $23 for the month, or pay per ride. Info about Bixis is HERE.
Piknic Electronik
May 19 – October 6, 2024
Parc Jean Drapeau
Plaine des Jeux
Once upon a time, Piknic was just a loose collection of EDM fans with daytime glowsticks and rose coloured sunglasses. Now it’s as big as any of the major city summer festivals. Join the massive outdoor dance parties every Sunday featuring local and international DJs mixing beats on stage. Season tickets are available and student tickets are a merciful $100. Information HERE.
FTA (Festival TransAmériques)
May 22 – June 5, 2025
Dance, theatre, opera, and performing arts from around the world come to Montreal along with a few art exhibitions and musical pieces. Most pieces only show for a few days, but are usually high quality and thought-provoking. Tickets HERE.
Korean Film Festival
May 22 – June 7 and 28
Various locations including Bassin Peel
With a theme of Sleep, Dream, and Body continuing for its second year, over 35 films, VR exhibitions, and digital media artworks make this a festival well worth checking out. Among the films are Bong Joon Ho’s first short film Incoherence, and Jang Man-min’s debut Silver Apricot. Ending film is Hong Sangsoo’s A Traveler’s Needs which stars Isabelle Huppert. Info HERE.
OFFTA
May 23 – June 1, 2025
While the FTA (Festival Transameriques) takes place, the OFFTA showcases local works that are within the scope and spirit of the festival. Some promising titles : Shitshow, Nettles How to Disagree, and Lotion for Tomorrow. Head HERE for details.
Concours Musical International de Montréal : Voice
May 25 – June 6, 2025
24 musicians (this year, vocalists) from around the globe compete before a prestigious jury to compete for cash prizes and awards. They represent musicians at the start of their career, aged between 17 and 27. There’s not a slacker in the bunch. If you want to feel even less accomplished in life, check out the event featuring child prodigies. Information HERE.
Go Vélo / Go Bike Festival
May 25 – June 1, 2025
Various locations
The spring events of Go Bike invites riders to join large group events in different parts of Montreal and its environs. Tackle the metropolitan challenge off island starting in Brossard, Montérégie, bike through the city streets with 100s of others who bedeck their bikes in lights and speakers during the Tour de Nuit, take it longer with the Tour de l’Île — up to 100 km+ if you dare, or even take on the bike to work challenge. Info HERE.
Montreal St. Ambroise Fringe Festival
May 26 – June 15, 2025
Don’t take our word for it. Find out for yourself why this is the most exciting theatre festival in the city. Local comedians, actors, dancers, magicians, clowns, improvisers, and performers join those from further afield (some of whom who do nothing but perform in Fringe Festivals around the world) to stage productions that clock in at around an hour or less. Many types of passes are available and the vibe is unbelievable in this happy mish-mash of crazy goodness and questionable weirdness. Art, music, and other events are generally part of this festival too. Information HERE.
Jardins Gamelin
May 29 – September 14, 2025
Place Émilie-Gamelin
The park and its cultural and citizen-driven activities is one of the nicest spots to chill in the city. Things to do include karaoke, concerts, dance parties. It’s open every day with something happening most of the time, be certain to find out more HERE.
Eureka! Festival
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Biosphere
Parc Jean Drapeau
1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
It’s the biggest science festival in Quebec. It’s geared towards the little ones but adults will find lots to enjoy as they chaperone their charges. Over 100 free outdoor activities are on offer and it’s a chance to celebrate local science. Info HERE.
Halte Festival
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Bassin Peel
Another music festival, this one with a take over of Bassin Peel. Music acts include Askim, Xia, Marie Davidson, and more. Info HERE.
Montreal Makers Market
May 31 – June 1, 2025
St Jean Berchmans Church in Rosemont
5945 Rue Cartier
Free entry to this annual market puts buyers in contact with original makers of all sorts of things. Pinback buttons, jewelry, soap, lotion, zines, stickers, clothing, upcycled, recycled, furniture… you name it, it’s here. Check out the details on the instagram page HERE.
Lebanese Film Festival
May 31 – June 5, 2025
Concordia University Hall Building
1455 Maisonneuve O.
and other venues
This festival that aims to bring Lebanese cinema to Canada, hitting the big cities (so not Ft McMurray, sorry). Screenings, workshops, lectures, discussions, and interviews are promised. Feature films being shown include Mira Shaib’s film Arze about a struggling single mother in Beirut, Words Left Unspoken by Josiane Blanc, Beirut the Encounter by Borhane Alaouie, and Une Femme Cachée by Bachir Bensaddek. For details, check the website HERE.
BRÛLANCES : Radical Queer Festival
June 4 – 8, 2025
Georges Vanier Cultural Centre
2450 Rue Workman
Sexuality is still political. Falling outside acceptable norms – queerness – is often met with hostility, violence, and aggression from multiple communities. Transphobia and queerphobia is too often ignored. This festival aims to bring together activists and people who identify as queer, and offers revolutionary approaches towards those marginalized, especially rooted in multiple ideologies: feminism, anti-capitalism, decolonization, antiracism, and antifascism. The website also includes a wheat paste recipe, so ready that brush and go poster downtown. Get info about it HERE.
MURAL Festival
June 5 – 15, 2025
Rue St Laurent
The best of street artists from around the globe as well as local talent come to Montreal to paint our buildings. This year, look out for Zek, Margotella, Hoxxoh, and Belini, and more. It’s fun to take the walking tour, check out the free exhibitions, enjoy the street fair, and the music. Info HERE.
Yatai MTL : Japanese Food Festival
June 5 – 8, 2025
Hangar 1825, Griffintown
Japanese food is recognized as an intangible world treasure by UNESCO — and not many other countries can claim such a distinction. Chances are you’ve already had sushi and ramen. Now sample things like onigiri and tamagoyaki. 25 vendors on site. A shiba and akita costume contest, Japanese disco, cosplay, and Studio Ghibli piano music plus more. $4 entry. Info HERE.
Les Premiers Vendredis : L’Aise du Sud Est Special
June 6 – 7, 2025
4 – 11 p.m.
Esplanade du Parc Olympique
4545, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin
Get your food trucks here. Food trucks, food trucks, food trucks. And also always some good music. Every first Friday of the month, it’s your chance to sample what our trucks have to offer. If you love to eat, get ready to show up with your credit card and enjoy the spicy foods of South East Asia. There will be music. Details HERE.
Montreal Model Train Expo
June 7 – 8, 2025
Dorval Arena
1450 Dawson Ave, Dorval
All aboard the Orient Express. Or maybe you prefer Hogwarts Express or Thomas the Tank Engine. People of all ages love model trains and this event brings together enthusiasts, vendors, and the curious to check out train models or purchase some of their own. Over 40 vendors and over 80 model railway lines will be on display. Info HERE.
Bloomsday Festival Montreal
June 11 – 16, 2025
Various
James Joyce is a literary giant whether it’s his short stories about Dublin or his epic creation Ulysses. Fans of Joyce can celebrate him with music, pubs, lectures, and get togethers. For information on this annual event, click HERE.
MiniFest Hochelaga
June 12 – 22, 2025
Various venues in Hochelaga
MiniFest returns to Hochelaga-Maisonneuve with over 200 comedians performing. Among the names of note are Alex Paquette, Fred Gagnon, and Alexis Fortin and pretty much anyone who’s who in the franco comedy scene. Info HERE.
Festival Grand Prix Sur Crescent
June 12 – 15, 2025
Rue Crescent between Sherbrooke and St. Catherine
Some Montrealers stay far away from this bash that takes over Crescent for four days of bros and hoes and lambos (among othes). Others put on their slinky dresses or their baseball caps and walk the strip. If clubbing, Red Bull, getting pumped, and selfies with pricey sports cars and sexy gals is your thing, we know where to find you. TBQH, it’s kind of fun just to walk through even if your mind is screaming douchebags, douchebags, douchebags. Just once will satisfy for a lifetime. The race is fun, but the spandex clad bikers who lose the track or a few weeks are often in a snit. Info HERE.
Formula 1 Grand Prix
June 13 – 15, 2025
Ile St. Helene
As the formula circuit goes around the world, it makes its annual stop here so that F1 cars can rocket 70 times around Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve at a max speed of 350 mph. Rumour goes that this is the best weekend to work in the sex industry in Montreal. Is there a connection? As a passionate cyclist who trains on this track, I am glad when this festival ends and the vehicles that loop round only go about 40 km/hr. Well, I don’t, but some guys on their $15,000 Trek bikes do. Info HERE.
Festival sur le Canal
June 13 – 15, 2025
Esplanade du Centenaire, Lachine Canal
Caroline Savoie, Po Lazarus, Jerome 50, Vikki Gilmore, and Bad Uncle, among others will be performing at this annual chillaxed family-friendly free event along the Lachine canal. No pets though. Bring some chairs and park yourself on the grass for some good music. There’s always some food available. For info click HERE.
Francos de Montréal
June 13 – 21, 2025
Place des Festivals
1499 Rue Jeanne-Mance
Yes, the best of French music, with a special focus on our local talent takes over Place des Festivals with plenty of free stuff to check out as well as indoor programming of all sorts. The line up pulls in large crowds eager to enjoy some of our best. This year’s big shows include Bon Enfant, Lou Adriane Cassidy, Aliocha Schneider, Isabelle Boulay, Jay Scott, and more. Info HERE.
Cake Fest
June 14, 2025
Parc du Mt. Royal
1260 Chemin Remembrance
Let me eat cake. Please. Whether it’s a molten lava, strawberry shortcake, cheese, pound, opera, or another, I’m there with a fork! THis is the first edition of Montreal’s cake fest dedicated to the versatile pastry. Bring a cake and try someone else’s. $7. Info HERE.
Kizo Festival
June 18 – 23, 2025
Delta Hotel
475 Av. du Président-Kennedy
Afrohouse, Kizomba, Urbankiz, Semba, Tarraxinha — if this kind of music speaks to you, the Kizo festival is for you. Confirmed artists for 2025 include Carlos Camba and Anna, Samy Kizolove, Poussy and Aischa, Ceijay and Bruna, along with DJ Nicelife It’s an international lineup for people who party deep. Info HERE.
Suoni Per Il Popolo
June 19 – 30, 2025
Sala Rossa, Casa del Popolo, La Sotterenea, P’tit Ours
Invited artists perform at indie venues Sala Rossa, Casa del Popolo, P’tit Ours, and La Sotterenea. The music leans towards experimental, jazz, and ambient, but includes local acts and people who go deep in their sound. Purchase the day pass or see independent shows. Start your own version of Pitchfork media after attending this one and rule music journalism for the next 10 years with your quirky but spot-on taste. For information on who is playing and tickets, details are HERE.
Montreal Baroque Festival
June 19 – 22, 2025
Four days of maximalist music, dance, and theatre from the 17-18th centuries. This year’s festival puts the focus on the planet and the crises it is facing. Expect to encounter the music of contrasts in the offered concerts – folk music, Scandinavian music, tragic baroque music, joyful music, music about crazy love affairs. Find out more HERE.
Image+Nation Queer Short Film Fest
tbd but usually around mid June
Online and Cinema Imperial
The main festival takes place in November, but this is an adjacent fest for short films showcasing queer cinema and films featuring LGBTQA2+ themes and stories. Details HERE.
Festival Le Mondial de La Bière
June 20 -22, 2025
La Gare Windsor
1160 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Ale, ale’s the stuff to drink. Or beer, or hydromel, or cider, or your favourite ferment. Over 400 different products are available, with over 100 different breweries, many from Quebec. If you like beer (or just want to get sloppy in the middle of the day while drinking a beer), this one is for you. Click HERE for details. Admission is free, tasting is not.
Festival des Couleurs
June 21 – 22, 2025
Clocktower Quai, Old Port
In the spirit of the Indian Holi festival, get yourself spattered with coloured pigments as you dance to Bollywood, Indie, House, Regaetton, Kirtan, and Latin music. Lineup TBA. Totally kid friendly. Food. Details HERE.
Cinéma sous les Étoiles
June 25 – Aug 30, 2025
Various places/parks
If you like watching a film outdoors on a beautiful summer evening, the Cinéma sous les Étoiles will allow you to catch documentaries in parks around the city. For schedule and offerings , check out the website HERE.
Fireworks : L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
Thursdays and Sundays alternate weeks
June 26 and July 3, 6, 10, 17, 24, 27, and 31.
10 p.m.
Fireworks just make the sky pretty. For about 45 minutes at a go, check out what every country has to offer in terms of display. You can get tickets to see it, or just hang out in the old port and watch for free. The opener is an homage to Viva Latino and the closer is an homage to Taylor Swift. Info HERE.
Mtl en Arts
June 25 – June 29, 2025
Rue St Catherine
Multidisciplinary arts festival offers an open air art gallery along St. Catherine St with the intent of making art inclusive, accessible, and free. It has of course grown to include film, installations, live demonstrations, and much more. Over 150 artists will be participating and there are at least 20 interactive activities. Details can be found HERE. ‘
Montreal International Jazz Festival
June 26 – July 5, 2025
Place des Arts
Every year, the downtown core thrums with music from Montreal’s jazz fest. Although jazz is more like one of the many dishes on offer — blues, experimental, international rhythms, beats, and classic rock are all there too. It’s a great party and one of the summer highlights. The 2024 line up has started to get posted :Django Festival Allstars, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Holly Cole, Men I Trust, Kid Koala, The Brooks, The Cat Empire, Natalia Lafourcade, Rhiannon Giddens. Many more to come. Information and tickets HERE.
Soif de Cider
June 27 – 29, 2025
Hangar 1825,
Lieu Historique National du Canal de Lachine
Fans of fermented beverages made from apples and other fruit will want to check out this brand new festival taking place along the Lachine canal. Quebec’s producers will be offering tastings. There will also be a space dedicated to Mocktails, for those who want to leave the alcohol out of their swishy beverages. Info HERE.
Marché des Possibles/Entrepôt 77
Weekends
Summer 2025
5705 Ave de Gaspé
This weekend market that combines vendors with food with drink with performances and events run by the POP Montreal gang. The vibe is local and the offerings always delightful. Info HERE.
Announced and Upcoming
Pan American Club Crew Championships
July 4 – 5, 2025
Parc Jean Drapeau
Row, row, row the dragon boat. The annual dragonboat challenge steps down this year to allow the PACCC to take place instead. Countries from around the world compete. If that sounds like fun, find out info HERE.
Montréal complétement cirque / Circus Festival
July 3 – 13, 2025
Send in the clowns. I think so. But also the aerial artisans, the acrobats, the jugglers, the magicians, and the other performers of the circus. St. Denis becomes an open air circus while beloved groups will perform in venues. Circus groups coming include the Copenhagen Collective and Flip Fabrique, Info HERE.
Festival International Nuits d’Afrique
July 8 – 20, 2025
Various venues
36 years of music, workshops, and events tied to the African diaspora. Performers from Africa, the US, the Caribbean, and Latin America make this an international delight. This year check out La Chiva Gantiva, Killabeatmaker, and Sarab. Info on festival HERE.
Portugal Festival
July 11 – 13, 2025
Mission Santa Cruz
60 Rachel O
Corner of Saint-Laurent Blvd. and Marie-Anne Street
Do you like Portuguese chicken? What about a parade? Fado music? Montreal’s Portuguese community hosts its annual festival. For details and information, click HERE.
Cho Dem MTL : Vietnamese Food Festival
July 17 – 20, 2025
Bassin Peel
1049 De la Commune St W
Fans of Pho, the spring rolls, papaya salads, and lemongrass scented chicken will be delighted to know that Montreal is having a Vietnamese Food Festival. If you’ve never tried Vietnamese… are you a human? So yummy. Check it out HERE.
Comiccon
July 4 – 6, 2025
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Are you a Marvel superhero or a DC one? Star Wars or Star Trek? Maybe you just want to dress up like you’re in Bridgerton. Whatever pop culture gets your motor running, Comiccon invites creators, authors, artists, producers, writers, and fans together for a multi-day bonanza. Info HERE.
Festival Fantasia
July 17 – Aug 3, 2025
Concordia University
Chills, thrills, spills, action sequences, hauntings, zombies, martial arts, horror. Pretty much anything that falls under the banner of genre cinema finds its home at the coolest film festival I’ve ever been to. The audience meows in anticipation. Literally. Info HERE.
Osheaga
August 2 – 4, 2025
Parc Jean Drapeau
MUSIC. 3 DAYS OF MUSIC! And art. The line up is up. It’s Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator, and The Killers as the biggest of the big on the list so far. But also expect bands you need to hear and a mix of rising stars and well established acts too: Shaboozey, The Beaches, Finneas, BBNO$, and Jamie XX, and more. Info HERE.
Île Soniq
Aug 9 – 10, 2025
Parc Jean Drapeau
If you didn’t get enough of your dance on at OSHEAGA or you’re happy to skip anything you can’t dance to, Île Soniq was made for you. Two straight days of the fabulous EDM and DJs. Headliners include John Summit and Illenium, Mau P, and Steve Aoki. You get the point. Info HERE.
Palomosa
September 4 – 6, 2025
Parc Jean Drapeau
Don’t head back to school without a weekend of music. The free block party starts Septemer 4th, but then things move to Parc Jean Drapeau where you can see MIA, Arca, and others. Make sure the school year starts with feet moving, festival dress, and a good party. Info HERE.
Pop Montreal
September 24 – 28, 2025
The Plateau welcomes underground and indie music for four days of the most cutting edge performances. Discover new artists and listen to some old favorites. Some of the great shows to get excited for this year are Do Make Say Think, Teke::Teke, US Girls, La Force, DAM, and Chanel Beads. Info HERE.
Monthly Festival Links
June
For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include or a festival to announce, send an email to montrealrampage@gmail.com
