Your guide to Montréal food festivals
Gastronomy Festivals and events The city
From the large food truck gatherings at the Olympic Stadium, city-wide poutine festivals to neighbourhood sugar shacks and Asian night markets, we’ll celebrate anything in the name of food. Regardless of the time of year, we’ve got a festival you need to check out. Here are some of our favourite food events that you cannot miss!
Welcome to Montréal!
To enjoy the best food the city has to offer during your stay, please don't think of yourself as a tourist, but as one of us. Whether you're here for a few days, a few weeks or a few years, we're counting on you to enjoy Montréal in a spirit of respect, responsibility and celebration! Here's an article on our “Live like a local in Montréal” detailing how you can enjoy your stay.
FEBRUARY
La Poutine Week
February 1 to 7, 2026
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 27 to March 6, 2026 (with the gastronomic programming starting on February 20)
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.
MARCH
Old Montreal's Happening Gourmand
March 6 to 29, 2026
For a whole month, Happening Gourmand takes you on a gastronomic journey through some 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 19 to March 22, 2026
Wellington Street in Verdun transforms into a winter lumberjack village. This street festival features family-friendly activities and restaurant vendors serving up maple-inspired dishes along the curb.
APRIL
Les Rendez-vous Raspipav (printemps)
April 25 to 26, 2026
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!
MAY
La 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.
Café Collectif
May 1 to 3, 2026
This festival dedicated to speciality coffee will be held at the Société des Arts Technologiques [SAT]. Expect tastings, workshops, lectures and more to celebrate the local coffee scene.
JUNE
First Fridays
Annually during summer
Every first weekend of the month, celebrate world cuisine at Canada's largest annual street food gathering and be sure not to miss the cultural and gastronomic diversity of the communities with First Friday’s Cultural Street.
Yatai
June 4 to 7, 2026
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.
Soif de cidre
Annually in June
For a weekend in summer, Soif de cidre Montréal invites you to discover the world of Quebec cider and meet many local cider producers from all over the province!
JULY
A Taste of the Caribbean Festival
July 9 to 12, 2026
Experience the flavours, sights and sounds at Taste of the Caribbean, a free 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 plus a selection of local Caribbean restaurants and guest Chefs offering cooking and mixology demos.
Pocha MTL
June 11 to 14, 2026
In this three-day Korean festival, food vendors offer 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.
Cho Ðêm MTL
July 16 to 19, 2026
Cho Ðêm MTL spotlights the Vietnamese cultural identity in Québec with a Vietnamese Street Food Market. Over the course a few 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.
Le Grand PoutineFest
Annually in July
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.
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.
Taco Fest
Annually in August
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!
Les Rendez-vous gourmands
Annually in August
This event brings together renowned chefs and local restaurateurs to create a memorable culinary experience in the enchanting setting of Parc Jean-Drapeau. Attendees can enjoy tastings of local products, street food trucks, hands-on culinary workshops, live music, and roaming entertainment, all designed to delight every palate and create a festive atmosphere.
Montreal Ribfest
Annually in August
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!
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.
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 Mondial de la bière (Montreal Beer Fest)
September 24 to 27, 2026
The Festival Mondial de la bière has been offering workshops and demonstrations as well as samples of local microbrews and international favourites.
OCTOBER
Ramen Ramen Festival
October 12 to 25, 2026
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.
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. You don’t want to miss out on all this culinary bliss.
Festival végane de Montréal
Annually in November
The Montreal vegan festival is a non-profit organization inviting everyone to discover veganism. The program is packed with lectures, cooking demos, and exhibitors showcasing amazing vegan products.
La Grande dégustation de Montréal
Annually in November
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!
Jason Lee
Jason is a seasoned food writer and blogger with over 18 years of culinary adventures in Montréal. He’s a master at uncovering the city's hidden gems and transforming meals into captivating stories. Join him as he continues to explore and share Montréal’s vibrant food scene.