Montreal Events

JAN

Igloofest

Don’t think there’s nothing to do in chilly January in Montreal! Head to Jacques Cartier Pier at Old Port Montreal for concerts and displays at Igloofest.

FEB

Montreal en Lumiere

This 10-day, well-attended festival has been celebrated for years at night in downtown Montreal. Almost a million visitors enjoy great food, performing arts, family activities and cultural events including music, dance, art and theatre. The final night of the festival is known as “Nuit Blanche”, offering nearly 180 mostly free activities.

JUN

Canadian Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada is held annually at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Race fans pack the stands for this popular event.

Les FrancoFolies de Montréal

Downtown Montreal is the site for this multi-day festival; musical performances are held at a variety of venues. The fest has been held for nearly a quarter of a century. On-site food and drink add to the festive atmosphere.

JUL

Just for Laughs

A variety of downtown Montreal venues are utilized for this yuck-a-thon, which guarantees lots of laughs.

Montreal Fireworks Festival

This Olympics-sized fireworks fest is held at La Ronde Amusement Park. You can enjoy traditional fireworks along with pyromusical displays synchronized to music. The competition is offered on a variety of dates, so check the website ahead of your visit.

Montreal International Dragon Boat Race

Fans of the popular Dragon Boat Races head to Olympic Basin at Jean-Drapeau Park for exciting paddling, live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and a feast of ethnic foods. More than 200 teams from North America participate in this annual event.

AUG

Montreal World Film Festival

Venues including the Maisonneuve theatre of Place des Arts and the Imperial Cinema are used for this annual film fest. The festival is over 35 years old. Special Cinema under the Stars presentations are offered as well.

Matsuri Japon

For ten years, all things Japanese have been celebrated at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal. You can try authentic Japanese cuisine, participate in children’s activities, and enjoy watching traditional dance and martial arts presentations.

SEP

POP Montreal

A variety of venues host this International Music Festival. The 5-day festival brings over 600 artists to the city, attracting audiences exceeding 50,000. You will also find symposium discussions, visual art exhibits, film screens, fashion shows and more.

MULTI-MONTH

Montreal Fringe Festival

May-June – This avant-garde performance festival has been celebrated for more than 20 years. Visitors head to Plateau Mile-End for music, comedy, dance and theatre performances. You can see local, national and international artists at this fun fest.

Montreal International Jazz Festival

June-July – Inaugurated in 1980 by Ray Charles, this popular festival continues to draw great crowds of jazz aficianados. Thousands of musicians from all over the world perform at over 1,000 concerts, making this the largest of its kind in the world. Fifteen concert halls and 10 outdoor stages are utilized.

Montreal Alouettes

June-November – For Canadian Football League action, head to Molson Stadium on the campus of McGill University.

Montreal Canadiens

October-April – Head to CentreBell for popular NHL Montreal Canadiens hockey matches. Be sure to get tickets in advance to watch this popular team.