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.
Piknic Electronik
May 21 – October 1, 2023
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. Season tickets are available and student tickets are a merciful $100. Information HERE.
Jardins Gamelin
May 25 – Sept 17, 2023
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. This year check out bands like the Tupi Collective, Bel and Quinn, Velours Velours, and Voyage Funktastique Open every day with something happening most of the time, be certain to find out more HERE.
Free Artistic Programming at Place des Arts
June 22 – July 29, 2023
Place des Arts
In and around Place des Arts, every week features several evenings and at least one lunch time event for free. Watch circus performers, musicians, dancers, and more. Info HERE.
Marché des Possibles/Entrepôt 77
June 23 – Sept 24, 2023
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.
Mtl en Arts
June 28 – July 3, 2023
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.
Cinéma sous les Étoiles
June 28 – August 31, 2023
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 June 29 – August 10, 2023, and Sunday July 30, 2023 (June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, July 30, August 3, August 10)
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 Boy and Girl Bands, Ukraine’s show is July 6, and August 10 ends with an homage to Metallica. Info HERE.
Woopaw Fest : Dog Festival
June 30 – July 2, 2023
Les Quais de Bassin Peel
The success of festivals dedicated to corgis, pugs, and frenchies has led to a festival for all dog parents who just can’t get enough of their beloved four (and sometimes three) legged friends. Vendors will offer all manner of dog products, and the festival includes activities for dogs and their pawrents. Info HERE.
Marché des Possibles/Entrepôt 77
June 23 – September 24, 2023
Weekends
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.
Montreal International Jazz Festival
June 29 – July 8, 2023
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 2023 lineup is already up and you can check out Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Vance Joy, George Benson, Buddy Guy, Melody Gardot, and many others. Get your tickets now. Information and tickets HERE
Annual Dragon Boat Challenge
July 1 – 2 , 2023 8 a.m..
Écluse De La Côte Saint-Paul Lock
Row, row, row the dragon boat. 150 teams from Canada and the US compete. If that sounds like fun, find out info HERE.
Initial Shock : Montreal Noise Fest
July 1 – 2, 2023
La Sotterenea
4848 St Laurent
Let’s get loud. Like wall of sound loud or like no sound known to man loud. The Noise festival focused on Montreal DIY, punk, and related areas takes place at La Sotterenea (where else would it take place?). Details and tickets HERE.
Festival des Arts Entrelacés
July 1 – 8, 2023
Various Venues
This new festival addresses the intersection of clowning, dance, folk art, and visual art. An opening party at Batiment 7, discussions, performances, and talks are all planned under the auspices of the Mossy Society. Information HERE.
Montréal complétement cirque / Circus Festival
July 6 – 16, 2023
Various Locations
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. This year, look forward to Gravity and Other Myths, Aloft, and the Cabaret du Jugement Dernier. More to come. Info HERE.
Pocha MTL : Korean Food Festival
July 6 – 9, 2023
Bassin Peel
1049 De la Commune St W
Koreans are celebrated all over Asia for pushing food to new and greater heights. They don’t make croissants. They make croissants stuffed with pasty cream with pistachios and chocolate chips and holding a sandwich of fried chicken. Or just fried chicken or kogos or any of the 100s of food options. Details HERE.
Taste of the Caribbean
July 6 – 9, 2023
ST Jacques Cartier Pier
Rue de la Commune E
From callalloo to jerk, get out to the old port and enjoy that all spice delicious Caribbean food. In addition to the food are music performance, dance lessons, percussion, and even art. Info HERE.
Festival International de Lanaudière
July 7 – August 6, 2023
Various Venues
If you need to get out of Montreal, the Festival de Lanaudière provides the opportunity to listen to orchestral and classical music in Joliette as well as see open air films. It’s only about 45 minutes away from the city (by car). The OSM opens this year with Beethoven’s Ninth. Find out more HERE
Les Premiers Vendredis / First Fridays Food Trucks
July 7, 2023
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. There doesn’t appear to be a specific theme, but who needs a theme anyway? Details HERE.
Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow Wow
July 8 – 9, 2023
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.
Festival International Nuits d’Afrique
July 11 – 23, 2023
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, the opener is ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO. Info on festival HERE.
Startupfest 2023
July 12 – 14, 2023
Old Port of Montreal
Three 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 coveted pitch competition with the grandmothers. Details HERE.
Festival Streetfood
July 13 – 16, 2023
Quai d’horloge
For a chance to sample cuisine from all around the world, check this festival out. Over 40 restaurants offer 150 street food creations from around the globe. Prices for dishes start as low as $1, and going up to $15, so you can eat it all. Well, maybe not all. Info HERE.
Zoofest / Off JFL
July 13 – 29, 2023
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.” You can see Léa Stréliski, the Womansplaining Show, and Jeremy Nadeau. For tickets and info, click HERE.
Just for Laughs / Juste Pour Rire
July 14 – 29, 2023
Quartiers des Spectacles
Just for Laughs isn’t just videos of people being pwnd outside of Lionel Groulx metro. It’s also two weeks of comedy’s top acts taking over our city. In addition, major showcases such as the Nasty Show, Just for the Culture, and Brit(ish) are regular showcases. Also, there are podcasts filmed and other related events. Maybe even catch a midnight show or two if you stay up late. Ali Wong, Russell Peters, Tom Papa are already announced. Info HERE.
Comiccon
July 14 – 16, 2023
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 de la Bieres de Laval
July 14 – 16, 2023
901 Av. du Parc, Laval, QC H7E 4Z6
There’s more to Laval than strip malls and a book of poetry. There’s also beer. Well, a beer festival to be more specific. And not just beer, but stand up comedy and music. Comment Debord, Vanille, and P’tit Belliveau are among those playing. Information HERE.
Le Grand Poutine Fest
July 19 – 30, 2023
Quai de l’Horloge
33 Rue de la Commune
For the city that made the combination of fries, cheese, and gravy its signature dish… Poutine Fest offers 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 Joliette, Granby, Laval, Brossard, Quebec City, and LaSalle. Info HERE
Fantasia
July 20 – August 9, 2023
Concordia University
1550 St Catherine Ouest
The best in genre film (and by genre – horror, thriller, sci fi, fantasy, anime) and films out of Asia are screened before audience that meow in anticipation and applaud the ramen commercial. It’s the best way to watch a movie, and, the films are great. Directors and actors are often in attendance and many films are world or north American premieres. More info HERE.
Soif de Cider
July 28 – 30, 2023
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.
Haiti en Folie
July 24 – 30, 2023
Montreal enjoys a special relationship with the French speaking island of Haiti. There hasn’t been much posted about this festival yet, so keep an eye out HERE.
Festival Arts Saint-Sauveur
July 26 – August 6, 2023
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.
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 16 to August 20 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. If you like your music with cinema, or your cinema with live music, check out the Ciné Concerts outside the SAT. Details 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
August 3 – 13, 2023
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.
Osheaga
Aug 4 – Aug 6, 2023
Parc Jean Drapeau
MUSIC. 3 DAYS OF MUSIC! And art. Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Rufus du Sol are headlining. But also great stuff like Sofi Tukker, Carly Rae Jepsen, beabadoobee. Info HERE.
The Montréal Highland Games
August 6, 2023
Douglas Hospital, Verdun
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. Info HERE.
Italfest
August 4 – 20, 2023
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.
Rogers Cup
August 4 – 13 , 2023
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 $15 on the first day and begin at $179 and up for the finals. Information HERE.
International First Peoples Festival
August 8 – 17, 2023
Place des Festivals
The cultural centre of Montreal celebrates the artistic creation and cultural renaissance of indigenous peoples around the world. Music, dance, food, a bazaar, and more are all part of the programming. For info, click HERE.
Île Soniq
Aug 11-13, 2023
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 Martin Garrix and The Chainsmokers, but DEMAU5, Afrojack, Claptone, and more are on the roster. Get those glowsticks out. The event beings August 11 in the city and shifts to Parc Jean Drapeau for August 12 and 13. Info HERE.
International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
August 11 – 20, 2023
5, Chemin de l’Aéroport Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
The sky fills with colourful balloons that gracefully float up and around at this cool day trip of a festival. Music makes the event with performances by bands like Ceelo Green, Bleu Jeans Bleu, Les Cowboys Fringants, and Rick Ross. Check out the details HERE.
Lasso Festival
August 18 – 19, 2023
Parc Jean Drapeau
In the big festival site on the big park to the south, Montreal welcomes roots and country sounds for two days. Kane Brown, Chris Stapleton, Jake Owen, and The Brothers Osborne headline. Details HERE.
Mutek
August 22 – 27, 2023
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 Heels Festival
November 16 – 19, 2023
Sheraton Hotel
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.
Monthly Festival Links
July
For Montreal Rampage’s daily events calendar, click HERE. If you have an event you would like to include, send an email to [email protected]
