Montréal's celebrations during the Fête nationale du Québec
This year, Montréal will be moving to beat of La Saint-Jean-Baptiste or La Saint-Jean as everyone affectionately calls it as we throw a huge bash in celebration of Québec’s birthday. The theme of this grand 190th edition of La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal is a future filled with possibility, so be there on June 23 and 24, 2024, for all the music, fun and festivities!
The traditional parade
What would a Saint-Jean be without its spectacular parade? Starting at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24, come watch the jubilant floats that will leave from the corner of Molson and Rachel Streets, heading toward Orléans Street. Next, the colourful procession will head south to arrive at Parc Maisonneuve at the corner of Sherbrooke Street East.
The Grande fête
On the evening of June 24, you can enjoy an intergenerational, diversified and entirely FREE program, brought to you by La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal organization. The Grand spectacle, entitled “Une chance qu’on s’a!”, hosted by Pierre-Yves Lord, will feature Claude Dubois, Roxane Bruneau, Patsy Gallant, Queenie, Daniel Lavoie, Kanen, Éléonore Lagacé, Judi Richards, FouKi and Le Vent du Nord. It all starts at 8 p.m. at Parc Maisonneuve, where everyone will be out celebrating their pride in Québec and the beauty of the French language. At 10:30 p.m., the party goes next-level when Monsieur PY brings us a 100% Québec music moment thanks to a mix of 50 great songs from here. Not only can you soak up all this awesome music, but you’ll be able to see projections of archive images presented in partnership with the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ). Long live our nostalgia! Le Vent du Nord will be onstage next to work the crowds into a joyous singing and dancing mass until the clock strikes midnight.
All across Montréal
The Fêtes de quartier (neighbourhood block parties) are also back on June 23 and 24 in the city’s parks, back alleys and public spaces. Enjoy fireworks, community picnics, arts and crafts or history workshops, inflatable games (bouncy castles), face painting and lots of fun with your family and neighbours. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
On June 24, in the neighbourhood of Côte-des-Neiges, take part in a fun-filled family event at Placette Côte-des-Neiges from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Stay tuned for program details.
Have fun singing and dancing to the sounds of traditional music at a party organized by EspaceTrad in the neighbourhood of Ahunstic-Cartierville. Concerts, picnic, storytelling, workshops for kids, square dances and jams: there’s something for everyone! It all happens on June 23 from 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Parc Ahuntsic’s Welcome Centre on Lajeunesse Street.
The Plateau Mont-Royal will be throwing a party on June 24 at 2 p.m. and inviting guest artists and musicians to treat us to their amazing talents at Parc La Fontaine in front of the Notre-Dame Hospital.
At the Jardins Gamelin, FunkyFalz will be turning up the heat on June 24 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get ready to shake it!
Lachine will be throwing two parties on June 24 in honour of La Fête nationale du Québec. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. bring the whole family to the Arène des jeux forains at the Musée de Lachine outdoor site and immerse yourself in an old-time carnival-like ambiance. Later, head to Parc Noël-Spinelli for a major celebration starting at 7 p.m. to rock it out with Vilain Pingouin (on their last tour!), Mononc’ Serge and the Crosmonautes.
Come celebrate the Fête nationale along the water at the Parc des Rapides dance floor in LaSalle and enjoy an evening of folk songs and festivities. Be there from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 24 at the corner of LaSalle and Bishop-Power Boulevards.
Lastly, as part of 𝗝𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗮̀ 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁, Vision Diversité, in partnership with the borough of Outremont, will be celebrating the Fête nationale at Place Alice-Girard, Campus MIL at 5 p.m. on June 25. On the program is an over two-hour show featuring nine artists who will be doing covers from the Québec catalogue in French set to groovy mixed beats, original French songs created especially for the event as well as songs from their own repertory. Come sing and dance with Bianca Rocha, Estelle Lavoie, Sadio Sissokho, Lavanya Narasiah, Subir Dev, Diely Mori Tounkara, Waahli, Joyce N’sana, Akawui, Nora Toutain and Damian Nisenson as well as Chantal Bergeron. There will also be games for kids and a food court on site.
Bonne Saint-Jean! it’s going to be a blast!
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.