Festivals and Events in Montreal for August 2022
Photo by Angelique Koumouzelis
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 HERE.
Piknic Electronik
May 22 – October 2, 2022
Plaine des Jeux, Jean Drapeau
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.
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 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.
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.
Rogers Cup
Aug 5 – 14, 2022
Uniprix Stadium (285 Rue Gary-Carter)
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.
Île Soniq
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.
Otakuthon
August 5- 7, 2022
Palais des Congrès
Manga, anime, and all things Japanese take over Palais des Congres for one of the quirkiest and fun festivals. Dress up like your favourite character or find ones who share your passion. Get autographs from your favorite voice actors and cosplayers. Dance all night until 4 a.m. at the festival’s famous balls. More info 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.
Under Pressure
August 6 – 13, 2022
North American’s longest and largest graffiti and hip hop festival, brings dance competitions, symposia, exhibitions and the gorgeous street murals to St. Catherine in a celebration of urban culture. Walk down St. Catherine Street and see the artists at work as they race to make their mark. More info HERE.
Montreal First Peoples’ Festival/Présence Autochtone
Aug 9 – 18, 2022
Quartier des Spectacles/Place des Arts
This joyous event celebrates the first peoples of the Americas and indigenous people everywhere. Concerts, food, cinema, and more take over Place des Arts. This year has over 60 films and lots of live music. Information HERE.
OSM Classical Spree
August 10 – 14, 2022
Olympic Parc Esplanade
The Montreal symphony orchestra headed by Rafael Payare delivers 30 concerts over four days with chamber music, recitals, and symphonic concerts to name a few. Guests include Bruce Liu, Sergio Tiempo, James Ehnes, Janine De Bique and more. The first event is free on August 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Olympic Parc Esplanade and features works by Dvorak, Bernstein, Previn, D’Rivera, Castellanos, and Natasha Kanapé Fontaine will read a text. There are many free outdoor performances as well. Info 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.
Lasso Festival
August 12-13, 2022
Parc Jean Drapeau
The third in a series of massive festival weekends, the Lasso festival is all about country music. Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryant headline, along with a packed line up of other twangy and not so twangy stars. Info HERE.
Holi Festival of Colours 2019
August 13, 2022
Old Port of Montreal
India celebrates this super-fun colourful festival. So does Montreal. With Indian food, a South Asian bazar, and of course, the colour throw. Throw coloured powder and go home in a blur of pinks, greens, and blues. More info HERE.
Montgolfières de St. Jean sur Richelieu (Balloon Festival)
August 13-21, 2022
Saint Jean Sur Richelieu
The balloons are here! The balloons are here. Just a short drive from Montreal, enjoy watching huge hot air balloons lift off into the sky. Such a wonder! Musical performances are part of the fun, bringing in 150 different musicians like Robert Robert, Hubert Lenoir, Charlotte Cardin, Ludacris, CRI, and others. More info HERE.
Matsuri Japon / Japan Festival
Aug. 13, 2022
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal (8155 Rue Rousselot)
Japanese culture gets a second send-up this month with Matsuri Japon. This one day festival at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre has food, dance, martial arts performances, and lots of Japanese goods for sale. It has some of the cutest logos ever. Details HERE.
Diner en Blanc
August 18, 2022
Want to dine in white with 6000 other people? Yes. Huge picnic tables are set up at a secret location and guests arrive with their food, entirely dressed in white for an elegant evening. The emphasis is on class. There is no beer, no hard liquor, only wine. Stemware and dinnerware required. It’s a beautiful way to eat. More info HERE.
Orientalys
August 18 – 21, 2022
Place Jacques Cartier, Old Port Montreal
A celebration of Eastern and Middle Eastern culture, including North Africa, the Orientalys is a free festival at the Old Port. Performances showcase the variety and talent of the Middle East and North Africa, India, and Asia with a focus on Lebanon and Iraq. Details HERE.
Pocha Festival
August 19 – 21, 2022
MR-63 (1101 Rue Ottawa ; Rue Peel/Ottawa)
If you love Korean food and culture, this is where you can hang out and eat bibambap and rayum. Info HERE.
Jackalope Festival
August 19 – 21, 2022
Parc Olympique
Urban sports — which really means skateboarding and bouldering — are at the heart of this action packed festival. Watch highly skilled athletes do cool, adrenaline heavy stuff. 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.
Psicobloc
August 25 – 28, 2022
Aquatic Complex at parc Jean-Drapeau
If you’re gonna do risky free bouldering, might as well do it over a body of water. Two climbers will race up an 18 metre (65 foot) wall without any protective systems. Whether you fall or make it to the top, you still end up in the pool because dropping down is the only way to go. Info HERE.
Festival AfroMonde
August 25 – 28, 2022
Clock Tower Quay, Old Port of Montreal
Celebrate African music, culture, art, and cuisine at Festival AfroMonde. A 5 km parade of traditional and festival costumes is part of the event, along with great performances. For information, click HERE.
FMD — Montreal Fashion and Design Festival
August 25 – 28, 2022
Quartier des Spectacles
All the glam of fashion week, but done with Montreal cool and creativity. Montreal’s fashion festival has conferences, catwalks, and films all related to film. The fashion and design items for sale are a good reason to head down and see what’s happening at the Quartier des Spectacles and pick something up by a local designer. There’s even a fashion truck launching. For info, click HERE.
Fuego Fuego Festival
August 27, 2022
Olympic Park Esplanade
Headed by Nicky Jam and Farruko, this new festival will be one hot day of reggae from dawn to dusk. Get info about who is playing and purchase tickets HERE.
World Press Photo
August 31 – October 2, 2022
Marché Bonsecours (325 Rue de la Commune East)
Challenge yourself with the gorgeous photojournalism on display at the World Press Photo exhibit. This prestigious exhibition features 150 prizewinning photographs on display. Some capture world news events, others make small events into world news. It never disappoints. More info HERE.
Montreal Trad Festival
August 31 – September 4, 2022
Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic (10300 Rue Lajeunesse)
Bringing together chiefly musicians from Montreal and Quebec, this festival celebrates the tradition of trad music. If you’ve never heard it, it’s high spirited, lively music made with fiddles, guitars, tapping feet, singing, and sometimes more. It combines both old traditions and new innovations. Information HERE.
Pervers/Cité
TBD
Focusing on social justice and queerness, pervers/cité has a mandate to include all, with a focus on those who feel marginalized. This year’s pervers/cité has yet to define its dates or determine its schedule but it is generally It’s a mish-mash of events with a strong message. To find out more, see HERE.
Upcoming Events
Estival du Nouveau Cinéma
September 1 – 4, 2022
Quartier des Spectacles, Esplanade Tranquille
This event is tied with the Festival du Nouveau Cinema which takes place in October. This short, free event offers screenings at the Esplanade Tranquille Info HERE.
JOAT
Aug 31 – Sept 6, 2022
Club Soda and Place des Arts Esplanade
Hip hop, break, and popping — urban dance styles that seem to defy all the rules — are at the heart of this dance competition. The breaking battles to secure the 16 competition slots in Club Soda takes place in Place des Arts. But only one will win in each category. Find out more 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.
Ramen Ramen Festival
October 11 – 16, 2022
Whether you slurp or daintily sip, ramen prepared in as many ways as you can imagine is the focus of this delicious festival. Info HERE.
MAPP MTL Festival
Sept 22, 2022
Skatepark Van Horne
Bringing a digital block party to the Van Horne Skatepark, 60 second digital projections will be featured from different creators. Information HERE.
Monthly Festival Links
August
January
February
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]
