Your guide to Montréal food festivals
Jason Lee
We like to party! 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!
JULY
A Taste of the Caribbean Festival (July 11 to 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.
Cho Ðêm MTL (July 18 to 21, 2024)
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!
Le Grand PoutineFest (July 18 to 28, 2024)
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.
Soif de cidre (July 26 to 28, 2024)
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!
La Guinguette du Vieux-Montréal (Annually in July)
Delicious food, energetic dancing, games, live music, including DJ sets and more.
AUGUST
ItalfestMTL (August 2 to 11, 2024)
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 (August 2 to 4, 2024)
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.
Pocha MTL (August 8 to 11, 2024)
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 (August 15 to 18, 2024)
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.
Montreal Ribfest (August 16 to 18, 2024)
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!
Rendez-vous gourmands (August 23 to 25, 2024)
Just in time for the end-of-summer harvest and barbecue season, Rendez-vous gourmands will showcase an array of produce and delicacies in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. This new outdoor event will take place in the magnificent Jardins des Floralies, and will also mark the 150th anniversary of Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Taco Fest (August 31 to September 2, 2024)
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!
SEPTEMBER
Invasion Cocktail (September 12 to 28, 2024)
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 (September 14 and 15, 2024)
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.
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.
OCTOBER
Ramen Ramen Festival (October 14 to 27, 2024)
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.
NOVEMBER
MTLàTABLE (October 31 to November 17, 2024)
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.
Festival végane de Montréal (November 9 to 10, 2024)
The Montreal vegan festival is a non-profit organization inviting everyone to discover veganism. Taking place at the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal, the program is packed with lectures, cooking demos, and exhibitors showcasing amazing vegan products.
La grande dégustation de Montréal (November 28 to 30, 2024)
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!
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.
MARCH
Old Montreal'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!
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 (May 1 to 7, 2024)
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.
Peel MTL Foodies (Annually in May)
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!
JUNE
First Fridays (from June to August, 2024)
Join the fleet of Montréal food trucks! This year, First Fridays are extended and will take place every first weekend from June to August 2024 at different locations and times:
At the Olympic Stadium, in June (Asia) and July (the Mediterranean) : Friday: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In the Old Port at Quai de l'Horloge, in August (Latin America): Friday: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Yatai (June 13 to 16, 2024)
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.
La Guinguette du Sud-Ouest (June 20 to 24, 2024)
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.
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.