August Festivals and Events in Montreal
What to do in Montreal in August
Osheaga. 2023. Photo Rachel Levine.
When it comes to things to do in the summer, Montreal delivers with a one-two punch. Festival sits on the shoulders of festival and its totally time to embrace the FOMO… because you can’t do it all. That’s okay. Even if all you do is stroll the streets, our laid back fashionistas do not disappoint, cheap food is still to be had everywhere, and our city gardeners make sure that every intersection blooms all season through.
Outdoor Cinema
It seems like every night of the week, there’s a place to catch a free film during the month of August. Cinema can be seen in many public parks on different nights of the week thanks to Cinema Sous Les Etoiles, with the schedule HERE (ends the week of August 26). Film Noir Au Canal screens Hitchcock and other suspense films every Sunday from July 14 to August 18. Details HERE. Also, you can catch RIDM en plein air at different spots in July and August. Details should appear HERE. Little Italy offers films with English or French subtitles from July 3 to August 28 as part of a joint initiative of SDC de la Petite Italie, Vision Méditerranéenne, and the Festival du Cinéma Italien Contemporain. They take place from dusk onwards, details HERE.
Festivals and Events 2024
Piknic Électronik
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. July includes Acid Arab, Skesa, MCR-T, MRD, Jacques Greene, TDJ, Audrey Belanger, and Sammy Virji as headliners. Information HERE.
Jardins Gamelin
May 30 – Sept 2024
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 Sarahmée, Salsas Salsafolie, and Empress Cissy Low. Open every day with something happening most of the time, be certain to find out more HERE.
MusOrgue Festival
June 23 – August 4, 2024
St James United Church
463 St Catherine Ouest
Sundays 1 – 2 p.m.
Find yourself a nice cool spot in one of Montreal’s beautiful downtown churches and enjoy organ music. The organizers promise 50% Canadian content, 50% female content, and the music of at least one living composer. Interested? Info HERE.
Marché des Possibles/Entrepôt 77
June 23 – September 2024
5705 avenue 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.
Fireworks : L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
Thursdays and Sundays alternate weeks
June 27 – August 1, 2024
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 and the closer is an homage to Coldplay. Info HERE.
Festival International de Lanaudière
July 6 – August 4, 2024
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 about 1-2 hours away from the Montreal (by car). Find out more HERE
Festival Fantasia
July 18 – Aug 4, 2024
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.
Festival Arts Saint-Sauveur
July 24 – August 4, 2024
St. Sauveur
Since many people journey to the Laurentians in the summer, you might want to stop in Ville de Saint-Sauveur to catch their arts festival. Dance is the focus. Check it out HERE.
Montréal Pride / Fierté Montréal
August 1 – 11, 2024
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 2 – 4, 2024
Parc Jean Drapeau
MUSIC. 3 DAYS OF MUSIC! And art. Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, SZA, Melanie Martinez, Hozier, Lil TJAY, Noah Kahan, Skepta, and many others are headlining. Info HERE.
Otakuthon
August 2 – 4, 2024
Palais de Congres
From anime to JPOP, this festival celebrates… all things nerdy about Japan. Otaku, basically. But being an Otaku is a chance to cosplay your favorite character, pick up cool figurines, get drawings done. It’s like Comiccon but more low key and with an emphasis on stuff from Crunchyroll. Info HERE.
Les Premiers Vendredis / First Fridays Food Trucks
August 2, 3, 4, 2024
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. Get ready for Latin food in August. Details HERE.
Italfest
August 2 – 11, 2024
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.
National Bank Tennis Open
August 3 – 12, 2024
Uniprix Stadium
The annual tennis tournament alternates between men and women’s. This year, the women 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.
Montreal Trans March and Transgression Event
August 3, 2024
Parc La Fontaine
Trans people face sexism, prejudice, shame, and violence at numbers that far exceed others. Trans lives are precious. March in support of body autonomy and gender affirmation. After the march is an after show in Parc La Fontaine with comedy, music, and vendors. Details HERE.
The Montréal Highland Games
August 4, 2024
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.
International First Peoples Festival
August 5 – 15, 2024
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.
Pocha MTL : Korean Food Festival
August 8 – 11, 2024
Hangar 1825
40 Rue des Seigneurs
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.
Orientalys
August 8 – 11, 2024
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 Medina. Details HERE.
Île Soniq
Aug 9 – 11, 2024
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 Zedd, Ben Böhmer, Paul Kalkbrenner, Tiesto, Masterhand. You get the point. Info HERE.
International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
August 9 – 18, 2024
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 Avril Lavigne, Charlotte Cardin, Simple Plan, and Bryan Adams. Check out the details HERE.
Under Pressure
August 10 – 11, 2024
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. Like a New York City block party of the 70s, walk down St. Catherine Street and see the artists at work as they race to make their mark. More info HERE.
Festival Streetfood
August 15 – 18, 2024
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.
OSM Classical Spree / Virée Classique
August 14 – 18, 2024
Olympic Parc Esplanade
The OSM invites you to attend over 60 different free activities. A traditional concert in Park Esplanade begins the event and the end is Verdi’s Requiem at Place des Arts. But also get ready for an opera screening, musical yoga, and classical and electronic performances as well. Info HERE.
Salsa Fest
August 16 – 18, 2024
Rialto Theatre
Get your spicy hips out to shake. You know they don’t lie. Come out to the Salsa Fest. An international panel of judges will assess who has the best salsa and bachata out there. Details HERE.
Lasso Festival
August 16 – 17, 2024
Parc Jean Drapeau
In the big festival site on the big park to the south, Montreal welcomes roots and country sounds for two days. Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Brett Young, Kip More, and Dustin Lynch headline. Details HERE.
Rib Fest
August 16- 18, 2024
13665 Boul de Pierrefonds
Make your way to the west island to sink your teeth into some juicy ribs. Whether you like yours dry or slathered, spicy or sweet, there’s ribs here for you. It’s a fundraiser, so calories don’t count. Details HERE.
Art Tattoo
August 16 – 18, 2024
Grand Quai du Port de Montreal
Perhaps you might have noticed that Montrealers have a fondness for ink. Some go small, hidden, dainty, and some go full body canvas. Arm sleeves and black line drawings seem to cut the middle path. At any rate, if getting tatted up is your thing and you’d like something special/unique/artistic, the Art Tattoo is your chance to connect with some fantastic artists. Details HERE.
Mutek
August 20 – 25, 2024
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.
MAD and FMD / Mode and Design Festival
August 22 – 25, 2024
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.
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
August 24 – 25, 2024
Grand Quai du Montreal
12 men and 12 women jump off a very, very high platform into the St. Laurent. It’s Red Bull so this is NOT boring. Having seen them backflip and dive in Boston Harbour I can attest to just how cool and impressive the divers are. Also, free Red Bull if that’s your thing. Info HERE.
Pointe a Callière Public Market of the 18th Century
August 24 – 25, 2024
Old Port by Pointe a Callière
There’s cosplay and then there’s history play. Can you tell the difference? At the Public Market, history buffs dress up in their dresses and short pants to demonstrate everything from how to weave baskets and work a smithy to indigenous methods of food preservation and housing. It’s also got a great market to shop in with some unique goods n’ gifts. Info HERE.
Festival Marionnettes Plein la Rue
August 23 – 25, 2024
Rue Wellington
Puppets in all sizes, from small to large will march along Promenade Wellington. Verdun brings in many performers including Les Cabinettes, La compagnie du Pigeon, and more to perform. Details HERE.
Festival Arts Ruelles
August 26 – September 8, 2024
Various Ruelles
An alleyway near you will be featuring music, dance, theatre, poetry, podcasts, or another form of art during this festival. Different neighbourhoods get special attention each day with performers taking over the ruelles. Info HERE.
JOAT
Aug 29 – Sept 1, 2024
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.
World Press Photo
August 28 – October 14, 2024
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 29 – September 1, 2024
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.
Montreal Fetish Weekend
August 29 – September 1, 2024
Various locations
In the kink and fetish friendly city that is Montreal, Canada’s largest international gathering of sex positivity takes place. There is a Fetish pride parade, play parties, workshops, marketplaces, and more. Details can be found HERE.
Estival du Nouveau Cinéma
August 29 – Sept 1, 2024
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.
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.
Taco Fest
Aug 31 – Sept 2, 2024
Clock Tower Pier
Who doesn’t love a taco? It’s the perfect hand food, no plate needed food. It’s simple… a bit of corn or wheat container stuffed with deliciously treated meat and/or vegetables and/or grains. Sample the whole range of variety at the taco fest. Info HERE.
Upcoming Events
Ladyfest
September 2 – 8, 2024
Various Venues
Women in comedy is serious business and what better way to support the female comics of Montreal than by attending a show at Ladyfest. Women, femme, non-binary, and women-identifying comedians take over at key venues for sketch, improv, and stand-up. Check out the shows HERE.
Palomosa
September 5-7 2024
Parc Jean Drapeau
Don’t head back to school without a weekend of music. The free block party starts Septemer 5th, but then things move to Parc Jean Drapeau where you can see Kali Uchis, BADBADNOTGOOD, Yung Lean, SHYGIRL, and others. Make sure the school year starts with feet moving, festival dress, and a good party. Info HERE.
Diner en Blanc
September 6, 2024
Location TBA
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.
Festival des Arts Entrelacés
September 7 – 27, 2024
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.
Jackalope Festival
September 13 – 15, 2024
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. Best of all, it’s free. Live vicariously through the athletes. Info HERE.
Festival AfroMonde
September 12 – 19, 2024
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.
MAPP MTL Festival
Sept 26 – 28, 2024
MAPP festival celebrates digital mapping of the city. It often includes block parties, gatherings, and coordinated projects. Find out about this innovative festival HERE.
Coupe de Coeur Francophone
November 7 – 17, 2024
Various locations
The Coupe de Coeur Francophone brings in… surprise… francophone singers from around the globe. The earliest announced acts include Marjo, Les Soeurs Boulay, Monica Freire, and more. Details HERE.
Montreal Heels Festival
November 14 – 17, 2024
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
August
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 [email protected]
