Tweet

Get ready to simmer your way into Summer with this hot list of festivals and events taking place in Montreal this month. It’s really a lot. Don’t let the FOMO get to you. Pick a few things to do and just enjoy every chance you can to be out and about post-COVID.

Piknic Electronik

May 22 – October 2, 2022
Plaine des Jeux

Everyone’s favourite outdoor dance party rages on every Sunday and a few other days here and there in conjunction with major summer events. Enjoy local and international DJs mixing beats on stage. This year the Boiler Room makes an appearance as well. Season tickets are available and student tickets are a merciful $100. Information HERE.

Jardins Gamelin

May 26 – Oct 02 , 2022
Place Émilie-Gamelin

The park and its cultural and citizen-driven activities is one of the nicest spots to chill in the city. Open every day with something happening most of the time, be certain to find out more HERE.

Marché des Possibles/Entrepôt 77

May 27 – Oct 2, 2022
77 Bernard Est

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.

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec 

June 25 – August 6, 2022 (25 juin, 2 juillet, 9 juillet, 13 juillet, 16 juillet, 20 juillet, 27 juillet, 3 août et 6 août)

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. Info HERE.

Festival International de Lanaudière

June 30 – July 6 , 2022

If you need to get out of Montreal, the Festival de Lanaudière provides the opportunity to listen to orchestral and classical music in Joliette. It’s only about 45 minutes away from the city (by car). Mahler and Ravel are a few enticements. Find out more HERE. 

Mtl en Arts

June 29 – July 3, 2022
Rue St Catherine

Multidisciplinary arts festival offers an open air art gallery along St. Catherine St. It has of course grown to include film, installations, live demonstrations, and much more. Details can be found HERE. 

Montréal International Jazz Festival

June 30 – July 9, 2022
Place des Arts

Although it sometimes drifts into rock, funk, blues, and hip hop, Montreal’s beloved jazz festival has been racking up big names for 42 years. There will be jazz too. We promise. Come enjoy an afternoon or an evening in Place des Arts and check out the Roots, Pink Martini, Ludovico Einaudi, Bebel Gilberto, Tash Sultana, Wynton Marsalis, a. Info and tickets HERE.

Les Premiers Vendredis

July 1, 4 – 11 p.m.
Parc Olympique

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. July’s focus is Brazilian cuisine. Get ready for churrascos and picanhas from Dom Cuisine Details HERE.

Carifiesta

July 2, 2022
Along St. Catherine from Rue Guy to Phillips Square

This is a huge parade that takes over the city and brings in steel drums, colourful costumes, and just good vibes all around. Celebrate the Caribbean without leaving the city. Information HERE.

Dragon Boat Challenge and Cultural Festival

July 2-3, 2022
Olympic Basin, Parc Jean Drapeau

2000 athletes from Quebec, the US, Ontario, and the Maritimes come in their boats to compete in the Olympic basin’s annual Dragon Boat Challenge. Competition is fierce as this is part of the “triple crown circuit,” a racing event of three events in the Montreal area. There are recreational and competitive teams. Details HERE. 

Festival Streetfood

July 7 – 10, 2022
Quai d’horloge

For a chance to sample cuisine from all around the world, check this festival out. Over 100 street food creations from Takoyaki, Churros, Dim Sum, Elote to Tornado Potatoes and fresh Mango Papaya Salad to name a few. Prices for dishes start as low as $3, and going up to $12, so you can eat it all. Well, maybe not. Info HERE.

Montréal Complètement Cirque/International Festival of Circus Arts

July 7 – 17, 2022

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. The trois Geants is a set of free programming every night at 6 and 9:30 at PVM (Place Ville Marie), Jardins Gamelin, and Parc Vinet. Info HERE.

Montreal Comiccon

July 8 – 10, 2022
Palais des congrès de Montréal

Are you a Marvel superhero or a DC one? Star Wars or Star Trek? Or is Crunchy Roll your thing? Whatever pop culture gets your motor running, Comiccon invites creators, authors, artists, producers, writers, and fans together for a multi-day bonanza. Info HERE.

AIM — Electronic Music Festival

July 8 – 10, 2022
Parc Carillon (50 minute drive from Montreal)

Get ready for all the electronic music you can handle, including a 24 hour non-stop dance party from Saturday to Sunday noon. Highlights include Green Velvet, Miss Monique, TIGA, and more. Camping is available at the site. Info HERE.

SPOTFEST 4 LIFE

July 9
Girouard Park (3500 Ave Girouard), 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.

You calling me a comedian? For 12 hours, NDG welcomes some of the city’s most loved local funny folk (Leighland Bekcman, Walter Lyng, Mike Carrozza, Amanda McQueen, and many more) along with wrestling, BBQ, and general schmoozing. Interested? Get info HERE.

Echoes of a Proud Nation  Pow Wow

July 9 – 10, 2022
Kahnawake (Ile Tekakwitha)

The Keepers of the Eastern Door, the Kanien’kehá:ka nation (you might know them as the Mohawk people) welcomes other nations (including Canada and Quebec) to its territory for its annual pow wow. See magnificent hoop dances, join in the singing and dancing, and make friends. More information can be found HERE. 

Nuits d’Afrique

July 12 – 24, 2022
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. So far, some key names include Tiken Jah Fakoly, Moktar Gania, and Femi Kuti. Info HERE.

Startupfest 2022

July 13 – 15, 2022
Parc Jean Drapeau (Jardin de l’Angleterre)

Four days of people with technology and entrepreneurial dreams. Montreal is rich in startups, so get to meet some of the investors, movers, shakers, creators, and innovators. Find out who will win the pitch competition with the grandmothers. Details HERE. 

Just for Laughs

July 13 – 31, 2022
Various venues

They already booked Bill Burr and Kevin Hart at the epic-size Bell Centre. But you can also see Amy Schumer, John Mulaney, Trevor Noah, Maria Bamford, and Celeste Barber. There’s 100s of comedians and comedy podcast hosts. Maybe you’ll catch a live taping. And yes, expect the usual big galas such as the Nasty Show, Brit(ish), and the Ethnic Show. JFL puts a smile on your face even if (or in spite of, perhaps) you get heckled by the performers. Info HERE.

Le Grand Poutine Fest

July 13 – 31
Quai de l’Horloge

For the city that made the combination of fries, cheese, and gravy its signature dish… we get over 20 variations available to compare and contrast. The festival is in fact making a circuit around the province, and will also pop up at Mariabel, Granby, Quebec City, and LaSalle. Info HERE.

Zoofest and Off JFL

July 14 – 31, 2022
Various venues

JFL’s little brother, Zoofest, has even more comedy. How is this possible? It just is. Well, most performers are newer and just getting started. Be the first one to say, “I saw so-and-so when he won over the Theatre St. Catherine crowd.” For tickets and info, click HERE.

Fantasia Film Festival

July 14 to August 3, 2022
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 one of the coolest film festivals I’ve ever been to (and I used to go to Spike and Mike’s thing so… I’ve seen a lot of cool film fests). The audience meows in anticipation. Literally. Info HERE.

Festival de la Bieres de Laval

901 Av. du Parc, Laval, QC H7E 4Z6
July 15 – 17, 2022

There’s more to Laval than strip malls. There’s also beer. Well, a beer festival to be more specific. And not just beer, but stand up comedy and music. Mononc’ Serge, Bran Van 3000, and Mara Tremblay are among those playing. Information HERE. 

Soif de Cidre

July 15 – 17, 2022
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.

Grove Campus Yoga Fest

July 23, 2022
Halte Charlevoix (Charlevoix/St Patrick)

With all that eating, dancing, and drinking, maybe you just want to get in touch with your body and your spirit? The Grove Campus Yoga Fest has yoga taught by some of the city’s beloved yoga teachers (Melanie Richards, Brandon Dawson-Jarvis, Carolina Alegria) along with a Cacao ceremony, and lots of plant based food. Info HERE.

Osheaga Music and Arts Festival

July 29 to 31, 2022
Parc Jean Drapeau

Three days of music, dancing, and energy makes this annual take over of Jean Drapeau’s gorgeous outdoor venues a blast. This year, Arcade Fire stepped in and everyone is losing their minds for it. But you can also see YeahYeahYeahs, Dua Lipa, A$AP Rocky, Caribou, and Mitski. Personally, I’m all about the electronic music tent for its three days of raving. Wear shoes you can move in. Or none at all. Details HERE.

Montreal Highland Games

July 31, 2022
Douglas Hospital, Verdun (6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Verdun, QC)

If you’ve never seen a big man toss a big log, you haven’t lived. And he’ll do it in a kilt. Aside from caber tossing, there’s stone tossing and putting the stone. Also medieval combat, pipe bands, tug of war, and highland dancing. For all things Scotland (and a bit o’ Ireland too), come check it out. $15/ticket. Info HERE.

Haiti en Folie

end of July, 2022

Montreal enjoys a special relationship with the French speaking island of Haiti. The only thing mentioned so far is a Spectacle d’humour Bingo Night avec Kako & DJ at La Tulipe. Will there be more? For more information click HERE. 

Festival Arts Saint-Sauveur

July 28 – August 7, 2022
St. Sauveur

Since many people journey to the Laurentians in the summer, you might want to stop in the town of St. Sauveur to catch their arts festival. Dance is the focus. Check it out HERE.

Noise Not Borders Festival

July 29 – July 31, 2022
La Sala Rossa (4848 Boul. St Laurent)

Punk music and art connect artists who identify as displaced, migrant, bipoc, lgbtqia2+. Enjoy music from bands from Colombia, New York, and of course Montreal, along with an art exhibition by Mexican artist Arte Subversivo Hakai Teki Ato. Info HERE.

Outdoor Cinema

It seems like every night of the week, there’s a place to catch a free film during the month of July. Cinema can be seen in many public parks on different nights of the week thanks to Cinema Sous Les Etoiles, with the schedule HERE.  Film Noir Au Canal screens Hitchcock and other suspense films every Sunday from July 17 to August 21 at Square St. Patrick. Details HERE. Also, you can catch RIDM en plein air at different spots in July and August. Details should appear HERE.  Cinemania (French films subtitled in English) also tour different parks. Details TBD. Another spot to watch is in NDG at NDG Park and Jean Brilliant Park. Details TBD. 

Upcoming in August

Montréal Pride / Fierté Montréal

Aug 1 – 7, 2022
Various Venues

Whether you identify as LGBTQAI2S+ or something else, chances are you’ve got a home at Montreal’s Pride festival. This huge celebration includes a parade, special events, lots of music, a community picnic, and just a fabulous party. Some of the events include a park puppy-play, performances by lesbian choirs, draglestque latinx, and plenty of parties. Click HERE for info.

Festival Musical Independent Diapason

Aug 4 to 7, 2022
La Berge des Baigneurs, Sainte-Rose

Laval adds itself to the festival map with its 8th annual Diapason Independent Music festival. Urban camping is the way to go! For information, click HERE.

ÎleSoniq

August 5 to 7, 2022
Parc Jean Drapeau

What once was Osheaga now becomes a late night club with electronic music nonstop. this year Swedish House Mafia, Louis the Child, Lane 8, John Digweed, Illenium, DVBBS, and Black Tiger Sex Machine all perform. For tickets and details click HERE.

Italfest

August 5 – 20, 2022
Various venues

Ciao belli. You no longer need to make your way up to little Italy to celebrate all things Italian. This time, the ItalFest is moving around from the West Island to Quartier des Spectacles with many stops along the way. Let’s face it — food is kind of front and centre for this one. But this year, a lot of the program will be given over to music and cultural events as well. For info, click HERE.

Anarchist Book Fair

August 6 – 7 , 2022
Usually at Georges Vanier Cultural Centre (2450 rue Workman)

Celebrating something in the triad between proper anarchy, libertarianism, and social justice the anarchist book fair fills the Georges Vanier Cultural Centre in St. Henri with vendors and activists. Workshops, panels, films, and artwork are also part of this event. It’s well attended and often a great place to learn about social justice issues both home and around the world. Free. Information HERE.

Rogers Cup

August 5 – 14, 2022

Uniprix Stadium

The annual tennis tournament alternates between men and women’s. This year, the men are in Montreal. While there’s no telling who will play in the event, usually a few of the big names appear. Tickets start at free on the first day and begin at $245 and up for the finals. Information HERE. 

Montreal Heels Festival

August 11 -14, 2022
Doubletree Hilton

A festival dedicated to Heels, a new style of dance that combines jazz, burlesque, groove. Take classes or watch performers, and learn about this hot crave. Info HERE.

Mutek

Aug 23 – 28, 2022
Place des Arts

Showcasing digital experiences in music and art, Mutek curates some excellent experiences. Over 80 performances will take place around Place des Arts in venues like the SAT, MTELUS, and Place des Arts. Of course there’s some free shows as well. The Nocturnes, though bring together music and VJs, and are bring the world of electronic music to Montreal. Info HERE.

Montreal Electric Groove (MEG)

Sept 4 – 6, 2022

Get your dance shoes and glowsticks on at the MEG festival. With a line up of DJs that will keep you moving. Look for MIsstress Barbara, Chrlie Shulz, Adrian Voglen, and plenty more.  For more information click HERE.

Monthly Festival Links

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June