Events calendar Montreal

Set up for several weeks in Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent and Lahaie Park (Plateau Mont-Royal) and Place Émilie-Gamelin (Quartier des spectacles), this beautiful end-of-year event presents a varied outdoor program with countless shows and free activities. Concerts, entertainment, sale of fir trees, torchlight procession, marshmallow stands to grill and mulled wine to sip by the fire... All the ingredients to get into the spirit of the holiday season, whether you are young or old!

Three cultural gardens offer a journey of light of great beauty: visitors can discover the Garden of China (superb hand-made colourful lanterns!), the Japanese Garden and the First Nations Garden. Each garden takes a unique look at nature and highlights its different characteristic elements. The Botanical Garden remains exceptionally open until 9pm for the occasion (10pm on Fridays and Saturdays). A magical and original experience that will please young and old alike.

Festivities are organized all over the city for the celebration of Saint John the Baptist: concerts, various animations, face painting, exhibitions, inflatable games, races, collective meals... Everyone gets together to sing and dance while waving the fleurdelisé! A parade also takes place in a downtown street and the day ends with the Grand spectacle, which brings together many Quebec artists, in music.

Clearly one of the most popular festivals in the city, it brings the Quartier des spectacles to life with the best comedians in la Belle Province. It will be 40 years old in 2022! The festival's English-language counterpart, Just For Laughs Montreal, and Zoofest, an event dedicated to up-and-coming comedians, take place in parallel, in an unconventional and festive format. Laughter guaranteed! Note that an annual program of indoor comedy shows is also offered (see hahaha.com for more info and tickets).

The small cultural fair organized in 2004 has become a must... four times a year! It's the ideal opportunity to discover and rediscover local creations (silkscreen printing, chocolate, jewellery, ready-to-wear, candles, soaps, ceramics and the list goes on). The winter edition, held in December, allows you to unearth small (or big) gifts, encouraging local talent. Tip: it's best to arrive at the opening as the aisles are quickly crowded.

Great popular celebration with a festive atmosphere that takes over the heart of the metropolis every year. A day where green is the main theme and Guinness is flowing, and where everyone feels Irish in their own way. Many pubs, such as McKibbins's Irish Pub, downtown, organize events on the fringe of the parade, to prolong the festivities in the purest traditions of this people who have contributed to the development and culture of Montreal.

The goal of this event is to promote Quebec cinema in Canada and abroad, through meetings organized between the public and film artisans, various events, not to mention, of course, close to 300 screenings of all kinds, including about a hundred premieres and more than thirty free activities (round tables, DJ nights, workshops, awards ceremonies, etc.). Screenings take place at the Cinémathèque, the Imperial Cinema and the Odéon Cineplex in the Latin Quarter.

A unique festival in North America, bringing together the best of the African, Caribbean and South American music scenes. The artists make heads move on rhythms with multiple influences. During these summer days, between traditional music, jazz, electro or bossa nova, it is above all an atmosphere that is created. In addition, concerts are also scheduled during the rest of the year as well as workshops and inspiring conferences on the theme of music.

A host of activities await winter and outdoor enthusiasts: tube sliding, skating trail (equipment rental available on site), ice boat, dog sled ride, zip line, games of skill, entertainment for young and old, shows of all kinds, live ice sculpture, etc. A true tradition for Montreal families and the opportunity to take a trip to Parc Jean Drapeau and enjoy the snow "out of town".

Breweries from Quebec and Canada, but also from a dozen other countries, share the pumps of the kiosks, small pubs and pavilions of this great beer festival in the heart of downtown Montreal. It is the ideal place to discover local and international nectars, all in a very pleasant atmosphere. Musical shows, animations and special activities are also on the program, without forgetting the mythical Off Mondial evenings held in various craft breweries and microbreweries of the city.

An emblematic dish of la Belle Province, poutine is celebrated in its own right during the famous Poutine Week, held in various restaurants and bars in Montreal, as well as in other parts of the province. Even the rest of the country has followed suit, notably in major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Organized in the form of a competition, this event will enable you to discover this typical dish and taste different variations designed specifically for the occasion. You won't be dieting here!