March
Old Montral's Happening Gourmand (March 1 to 30, 2024)
For a whole month, Happening Gourmand takes you on a gastronomic journey through the nine restaurants of Experience Old Montréal (a select group of boutique hotels and restaurants in the old city). Special table d’hôte menus at three tempting prices will satisfy all palates.
Cabane Panache (March 21 to 24, 2024)
Wellington Street in Verdun transforms into a winter lumberjack village. This street festival is celebrating its eighth year with family-friendly activities and restaurant vendors dishing up maple-inspired creations along the curb.
Salon des vins Le printemps dézIPpé (March 23 to 24, 2024)
This spring wine fair is the perfect time to pick up some of your favourite privately imported wine. Discover many private import products from a few different countries!
© Olivier Bourget
May
Festival Mondial de la bière (Montreal Beer Fest) (May 24 to 26, 2024)
The Festival Mondial de la bière has been offering workshops and demonstrations as well as samples of local microbrews and international favourites.
Pizza Week (Annually in May)
Pizza Week unites the city (and the country!) through cheese slices. Many restaurants in the city will offer their signature pizzas in a bid to be crowned the city’s best.
© Vincent Ledenec - La Lutinerie
June
La Guinguette du Sud-Ouest (Annually in June)
A local festival that celebrates inclusivity as well as Québec culture, from music, food and performing arts. La Guinguette features local artisans and food stalls that bring you some of the best of what our province has to offer, all on the border of the Lachine Canal.
First Fridays (Annually from June to October)
Join the fleet of Montréal food trucks every first Friday of the month until to October at the Esplanade Financière Sun Life at the Olympic Park, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for some awesome open-air eats.
Yatai (Annually in June)
Celebrate all things Japan from food and culture. Enjoy thunderous taiko drum performances, concerts, movie viewings, artist workshops and most importantly street food! Fun for the entire family.
Cho Ðêm MTL (Annually in June)
Last year's edition of Cho Ðêm MTL spotlights the Vietnamese cultural identity in Québec with the a Vietnamese Street Food Market happening in the Peel Basin. Over the course of 4 days, visitors to the market can enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of the unique market. Beyond the food, the festival will also feature a retail space and cultural activities. Stay tuned for 2024!
SudBest (Every last weekend - annually from June to September)
The colourful southwest area of the city puts on a monthly street festival that attracts Montréalers from all over. A play on words for “sud-ouest” (southwest) the SudBest neighbourhood market takes place every last Saturday and Sunday of each month from June to September. Featuring local restaurants and artisanal crafts and good times. Stay tuned for 2024!
© Soif de cidre Montréal
July
A Taste of the Caribbean Festival (July 11-14, 2024)
Experience the flavours, sights and sounds at Taste of the Caribbean, a free, 4-day cultural festival that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the warm cultural embrace that makes the Caribbean nations so enigmatic and inviting. Enjoy live musical performances from homegrown talent, including Grammy and Juno Awarding winning artists plus a selection of local Caribbean restaurants and guest Chefs offering cooking and mixology demos.
Soif de cidre (Annually in July)
For a weekend in July, Soif de cidre Montréal invites you to discover the world of Quebec cider and meet many local cider producers from all over the province!
Pocha MTL (Annually in July)
This three-day Korean festival takes over in the Peel Basin for a weekend in July. Food vendors offering up the best Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki (grilled rice cake skewers), eomuk (fish cake) and Kogos! Don’t miss out on the K-pop crew dance battles and performances.
Festival StreetFood (Annually in July)
2022 marked the first edition of Festival StreetFood Montréal’s night market/festival taking over the Old Port. Some restaurants and the city’s favourite chefs will be offering over different street food items that celebrate the flavours of Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and of course Québec.
Le Grand PoutineFest (Annually in July)
What’s a summer festival season without celebrating poutine? Taking place in the heart of the Old Port, visit this traveling festival that features many vendors slinging the squeakiest of cheese curds with unique variations and more. Carnival games, drinks and fun.
Peel MTL Foodies (Annually in July)
Discover Montreal’s iconic Peel street through food! Many restaurants along the strip offer a unique gastronomic experience starting in summer right through the autumn months. Enjoy a variety of culinary offerings and a party atmosphere with live DJs throughout happy hour and weekend!
© ItalfestMTL
August
ItalfestMTL (Annually in August)
Previously known as Montreal’s “Italian Week”, Italfest offers a variety of activities and events in various Montreal neighborhoods, celebrating everything “La dolce vita”. From performances concerts to the legendary street festival in Little Italy on the iconic St. Laurent Boulevard, this event is a summer staple in the city.
Halal Ribfest Tour (Annually in August)
The Halal Ribfest Tour 2023 was North America's largest Halal Barbecue and Fast Food Truck Festival. Spanning 13 Canadian and 7 US cities, this festival showcases an extraordinary fusion of flavors and cultural experiences.
Montreal Ribfest (Annually in August)
This festival is for the barbecue aficionados. This traveling pack of ribbers from across Canada make their way to the city to serve up some delicious ‘cue - ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket and more. Other food vendors and perch retailers on site as well. Stationed in various neighbourhoods throughout the summer, follow their schedule online or just follow your nose!
La Guinguette du Vieux-Montréal (Annually in August)
Delicious food, energetic dancing, games, live music, including DJ sets and more.
September
Le Burger Week (Annually in September)
Initiated by the same people who bring you La Poutine Week, Le Burger Week features many restaurants around Montréal that offer their tasty interpretation of the humble hamburger.
Taco Fest (Annually in September)
Experience an electrifying atmosphere showcasing Montréal's finest and most renowned chefs with an authentic Mexican flair. This festival highlights a mouthwatering array of tacos, guacamole, churros, tequila, hot sauce, and other Mexican delights!
Invasion Cocktail (Annually in September)
Not only do you get to enjoy cocktails at a reduced price, but also the chance to immerse yourself in the cocktail culture of many participating restaurants and bars.
Martinique Gourmande (Annually in September)
The Martinique Tourism Committee started this modest culinary initiative in 2008 with only four participating restaurants. Today, you can enjoy the culinary influences of the colorful island of Martinique at over 40 different restaurants where local chefs and mixologists offer dishes and cocktails inspired by the “île aux fleurs” gastronomy.
Festival végane de Montréal (Annually in September)
The Montreal vegan festival is a non-profit organization inviting everyone to discover veganism. Taking place at the Palais des Congrès, the program is packed with lectures, cooking demos, and exhibitors showcasing amazing vegan products.
© Alison Slattery
October
Ramen Ramen Festival (Annually in October)
If you guessed that Ramen Ramen Festival is a festival dedicated to celebrating this iconic noodle dish from Japan, you’d be correct! During the nearly week-long event, ramen shops and pop-ups will be invited to showcase their own original ramen creations, and festivalgoers can vote for their favourites.
Kampai Montréal (Annually in October)
Join in the celebration of Japanese culture and its beloved nectar at Kampai Montréal's Sake Festival, the only event of its kind in Quebec. With an impressive selection of over 150 sakes and spirits from Japan, including rare and private imports, you're sure to find a new favorite. Indulge in the delectable offerings from some of Montréal's finest Japanese restaurants, making for an unforgettable evening.
La grande dégustation de Montréal (Annually in October)
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal is a highly anticipated annual event for wine and spirits lovers. Visitors can meet exhibitors from various countries, products and wine regions!
© Alison Slattery
November
MTLàTABLE (Annually in November)
Montréal’s own restaurant week: many restaurants in the city serving specialty table d’hôte menus at a reduced price. Make your reservations, you don’t want to miss out on all this culinary bliss.
© Olya Krasavina
February
Poutine Week (February 1 to 14, 2024)
Restaurants around the city create signature poutines – our official unofficial dish – in a bid to win the title of the city’s best poutine.
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE (February 22 to March 10, 2024)
One of the largest festivals in the world celebrating winter, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE pairs world-renowned chefs with some of the city’s finest tables to create menus and wine pairings offering unforgettable experiences.
Jason Lee
Jason is a food eater and picture taker. As the blogger behind Shut Up and Eat, he covers everything food, from recipes to reviews. Jason has vowed that he will not stop until he has officially eaten his way across Montréal. It’s a big claim, and it’s one he’s making.