Montréal’s 2026 summer festival season is hotter than ever!

May

The summer festival season in Montréal kicks off each May with a focus on performance, good eats and music from around the globe.

Piknic Électronik

• When: Annually May to October
• Where: Jardin Le Petit Prince, Parc Jean-Drapeau
• What: Piknic Électronik kicks off the season festival season in epic style, as thousands of dance music lovers gather in the leafy expanses of Parc Jean-Drapeau to dance summer Sundays away to some of the world’s top DJ talent. OfF Piknic expands their programming to include Friday and Saturday programming running from late afternoon to dusk.

Cabane à Sang Festival

• When: April 30 to May 9, 2026
• Where: Various venues
• What: Celebrating trash, horror, sci-fi, erotic and all things genre, the Cabane à Sang Festival guarantees a gross and bloody start to the summer. With a supportive focus on genre filmmakers from Québec and beyond, this short film festival is no holds barred, spotlighting the best of the worst. Keep tabs on their programming at their website, including their off-festival activities. 

Café Collectif Festival

• When: May 1 to 3, 2026
• Where: Society for Arts and Technology [SAT]
• What: Montréal’s coffee shops are beloved community hubs packed with chatty locals day-in-and-day-out, and the Café Collectif Festival gathers some of the city’s finest baristas from 30 local roasters including Zab, Pista, Saint-Henri, 94 Celsius, Canal, Escape, Binocle, Géogène, Le Brûloir, Julius, Za & Klo, Melk, Ambros and Jungle to show off their skills at making the perfect brew.

South Asian Film Festival of Montréal (SAFFM)

• When: May 1 to 10, 2026
• Where: J.A. DèSeve Cinema, Concordia University
• What: The South Asian Film Festival of Montréal’s annual programming shines a spotlight on filmmakers from and focused on the South Asian diaspora around the world, exhibited both in-person and online. An independent, international jury picks the best of the fest, and public Q&A sessions with directors and stars give audiences the opportunity to get up close and personal with those behind the films on show. 

Montréal Asian Film Festival (MAFF)

• When: May 6 to June 13, 2026
• Where: Cinéma du Musée and Cinéma du Parc
• What: Formerly known as the Korean Film Festival Canada until last year, the Montréal Asian Film Festival (MAFF) premieres with its 2026 edition with an expanded focus on Asia-based and AmérAsia filmmakers from Canada and the USA. Through screenings, exhibitions, workshops and other special events, the MAFF brings some of the most exciting new voices in film to the big screen.

Palomosa Festival

• When: May 14 to 16, 2026
• Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
• What: Start the summer on a high note with the third edition of the Palomosa Festival, a vibrant musical celebration designed to ease everyone into the season with style. Kicking off with a lively block party and followed by two days of dancing under the open sky at Parc Jean-Drapeau, Palomosa is quickly becoming one of Montréal’s favourite festival offerings. Recent performers include M.I.A, TDJ, MCR-T, Arga and Rebecca Black, and if the early tease drop of MGMT’s DJ set at the 2026 edition is anything to go by, this year will be just as memorable.

Festival TransAmériques

• When: May 28 to June 10, 2026
• Where: Various venues throughout Montréal, listed here.
• What: A global hub for experimental dance, cutting-edge choreography and unforgettable performance, Festival TransAmériques celebrates its 20th edition in 2026. This year’s programming includes brave new works including Manuela Infante’s Vampyr and Kev Lambert and Olivier Arteau’s Querelle de Roberval.

Porchfest NDG

• When: Annually in May
• Where: Various venues throughout Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
• What: A two-day burst of creativity and music in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood, Porchfest NDG features dozens of performers on neighbourhood porches and front steps singing their hearts out to a wandering audience. A definite highlight at the start of summer!

Go Bike Montréal

• When: May 24 to May 31, 2026
• Where: Various venues and routes
• What: Montréal is a true biking city, ranked in the top 20 by the Copenhagenize Index, and Go Bike Montréal closes city centre streets for special events including the Metropolitan Challenge, Tour de l’Île de Montréal and the Night Ride. During these events, cyclists compete not only to cross the finish line but also to impress the crowd with helmets decorated in sparkling lights. The festival also includes a conference to discuss the future of urban cycling.

Les sommets du cinéma d’animation de Montréal

• When: May 26 to 31, 2026
• Where: Cinémathèque québécoise
• What: Back for its 24th edition, the Sommets du cinéma d’animation gathers animators and filmmakers to the Cinémathèque québécoise to share their latest creations and network. There’s an opportunity for student work to shine on the big screen, and jury-awarded prizes give props where props are due from the best music video to the best character of the year.

Festival des Musiciens du monde

• When: Annually in May
• Where: Centre des Musiciens du Monde
• What: Dedicated to the promotion and instruction of global music and folk dancing, the Centre des Musiciens du Monde’s annual fest brings together a world’s worth of inspiring artists from the Balkans, Asia, Africa and Middle East. And if you’re feeling inspired, the Centre’s full calendar of classes and workshops will get you playing like a pro in no time!

Porchfest Verdun

• When: May 30, 2026
• Where: Verdun and Nun’s Island
• What: Every front porch, stoop and lawn becomes a stage as dozens of musicians perform in the open air for passerby and Porchfest Verdun fans making their way from show to show through the Verdun riverside neighbourhood and Nun’s Island.

June

As summer gears up in June, Montréal’s festival calendar gets busier with a multitude of offerings from films to fireworks.

St-Ambroise Montréal Fringe Festival

• When: June 1 to 21, 2026
• Where: Various venues
• What: They say all the world’s a stage, and each summer the Plateau-Mont-Royal quartier transforms into a performance hot-spot with more than 700 artists and musicians giving it their all for the St-Ambroise Montréal Fringe Festival. There’s something waiting around every corner, and their full schedule is always full of surprises. 

Cinéma sous les étoiles

• When: June to September
• Where: Various venues
• What: There’s few things quite so charming as open air film screenings, and each year Cinéma sous les étoiles (or “cinema under the stars”) presents an enriching program of over 60 international films in various languages at nearly 20 parks and outdoor spaces across Montréal. Bring a cozy blanket and some snacks, and swoon the night away. 

Festival Eurêka!

• When: June 5 to 7, 2026
• Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Biosphère
• What: Returning for its 19th edition, the Festival Eurêka takes over Parc Jean-Drapeau and the iconic Biosphère with over 100 science-themed activities, workshops and demonstrations for the whole family. And not only are the in-person events free to attend, but Virtual Eurêka (designed for kids 8 years of age and older) is available all year round! 

MURAL Festival

• When: Annually in June
• Where: Saint-Laurent Boulevard
• What: At MURAL Festival, watching paint dry is truly one of the most exciting events of the summer. Inviting some of the world’s top graffiti artists to reimagine the buildings along Saint-Laurent Boulevard as blank canvases waiting to be filled, MURAL has more than left its mark on Montréal’s skyline with some eye-popping masterworks reaching sky-high. And after watching these artists hard at work painting their epic images throughout the day, MURAL’s block party events (past performers include Rick Ross, Pierre Kwenders and more) keep things moving long into the night. 

YATAI MTL

• When: June 4 to 7, 2026
• Where: Various locations around Montréal
• What: Taking over the city for a few days each June, YATAI MTL’s annual celebration of Japanese cuisine and culture features special performances and pop-ups galore. Simply pick up one of their free maps listing their events, exclusive discounts and menus at local establishments, and be sure not to miss the buzzing outdoor market for tasty treats, imported ingredients and handicrafts. It’s worth keeping tabs on their Instagram for last-minute updates too. Itadakimasu!

Festival Brûlances

• When: Annually in June
• Where: Centre culturel Georges-Vanier
• What: A radical version of Pride, Festival Brûlances presents an intriguing lineup of workshops, events and community projects culminating in a public march and celebration. 

POCHA MTL

• When: June 11 to 14, 2026
• Where: Peel Basin
• What: Celebrate cuisine, culture and K-Pop at POCHA MTL, Montréal’s annual Korean festival. Chow down on BBQ, Korean pancakes and mouthwatering kogos (Korean-style pogos with unexpected add-ons). And if you want to dance the night away to your favourite K-Pop tunes, POCHA MTL’s regularly scheduled K-Pop nights are for you—not to mention your chance to win big in the K-Pop Dance Competition! Keep tabs on all of their activities here.

Francos de Montréal

• When: June 12 to 20, 2026
• Where: Quartier des Spectacles
• What: Lovers of chansons françaises will flip for Francos de Montréal, featuring over 250 performances by French language musicians from around the globe. The 2026 edition features the likes of Orelsan, Cœur de Pirate, Pierre Lapointe, Lou-Adriane Cassidy, Lorie, Laurent Voulzy, ISHA, Limsa d’Aulnay and many more leading lights of the international Francophonie. While some ticketed events take place on the Quartier des Spectacles’ most storied venues, the Francos’ epic outdoor stage in Place des Festivals brings thousands together to sing along as one in la belle langue free of charge.

Festival Bloomsday Montréal

• When: Annually in June, around June 16
• Where: Various venues
• What: Festival Bloomsday Montréal marks the 16^th of June each year in commemoration of the fictional Leopold Bloom’s walk through Dublin in James Joyce’s Ulysses on the same day in 1904. The festivities also shine a light on Montréal’s rich Irish heritage (noted on the city’s flag with a green shamrock, no less), where it’s also said roughly 40% of Québec’s population can trace Irish ancestry. Expect parties and some good Irish craic.

Suoni Per Il Popolo

• When: Annually in June
• Where: Various venues
• What: A boundary-expanding program spotlighting independent and experimental musical talent from Montréal and beyond, Suoni Per Il Popolo is a beloved destination for performers both long-known and new to the scene. From free jazz to electronic minimalism, there’s a world’s worth of new discoveries to be made at each edition of Suoni. We’d suggest jumping in blind and getting carried away by the unexpected.

La Guinguette du Sud Ouest

• When: Annually in June
• Where: Ancienne-cour-de-triage Park, Lachine Canal
• What: With over 50 performers and space for 5,000 revelers on the banks of the Lachine Canal, La Guinguette du Sud Ouest is a blend of music, celebration and food. And while La Guinguette’s lineup of DJ talent keeps the beats pumping, the food options on hand range from licensed bars to the 100% vegan Merci Tâta, all with a focus on local and regional products.

Holi - Festival of colours

• When: Annually in June
• Where: Old Port of Montréal
• What: The two-day Holi - Festival of colours on the Quai de l'Horloge in the shadow of the iconic Clock Tower is the biggest of its kind in Canada. The traditional throwing of colourful powders on fellow revellers symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, love and fertility. But besides the climactic main event, Holi also features yoga workshops, traditional Indian dances, fusion concerts of popular and Indian music, and artisans selling souvenirs, traditional dishes, clothing, henna tattoos and more. 

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec

• When: Annually from June to August
• Where: La Ronde
• What: The perfect punctuation to those city summer nights, the eye-popping fireworks displays of Montréal’s International des Feux Loto-Québec has invited international teams of pyrotechnic wizards to compete for the year’s best aerial spectacle for 40 years. Each year also features a musical tribute, awe-inspiring fireworks timed with hit songs by the likes of ABBA (gimme, gimme, gimme!), Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Elton John (no, I’m not crying, you’re crying). Join the crowds around and on Jacques-Cartier Bridge or the VIP audiences seated front row centre at La Ronde and sing along.

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

• When: June 25 to July 4, 2026
• Where: Quartier des Spectacles
• What: For 46 years the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal has remained one of the year’s most legendary festival destinations. Expanding the definition of jazz with one of the most iconic lineups of performers in history, recent performers have included André 3000, Norah Jones, Killer Mike, Future Islands, Charlotte Day Wilson, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Elisapie, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Jeremy Dutcher, Laufey, Vieux Farka Touré, Men I Trust, Madlib, Branford Marsalis, Arooj Aftab, Kid Koala and so many more. If you miss out on the ticketed indoor shows, worry not! Much of the Jazz Fest’s programming is free for all on the outdoor stages of the Quartier des Spectacles’ Place des Festivals!

July

The height of summer brings with it the height of summer festival season in Montréal, with some heavy hitters and underground gems.

Cin’Hoch de l’été

• When: July and August
• Where: The parking lot at Dairy Queen, 4545 Sainte-Catherine Street East
• What: Featuring free open-air film screenings of popular blockbusters and family-friendly favourites, Cin’Hoch de l’été brings together the folks of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood for some summer cinema fun with soft serve very close at hand. 🍦

Festival d'Art Vocal

• When: July 1 to August 2, 2026
• Where: Institut Canadien d’Art Vocal
• What: Festival d'Art Vocal welcomes emerging international artists to the Salle Claude Champagne at the Université de Montréal for a series of unforgettable performances complete with the opportunity to say you saw them first at the start of their bright careers.

MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE

• When: July 2 to July 12, 2026
• Where: Various venues
• What: Montréal goes completely circus each year, as the streets transform into the world’s biggest open air Big Top. With countless performances of derring-do and ‘how did they do that?’ spectacle, MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE truly takes over the streets (and skies!) every July. Keep an ice pack handy—you might get whiplash from all of the acrobatics flying by.

Montréal Comiccon

• When: July 3 to 5, 2026
• Where: Palais des congrès de Montréal
• What: For three days each year, pop culturistas congregate for Montréal Comiccon at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, which resembles a brightly coloured comic strip itself. Bringing fans into direct contact with comic creators, sci-fi and fantasy authors and the creative teams behind beloved films and TV shows, it’s the coolest spot to geek out all summer. The 2025 edition included a special Lord of the Rings reunion appearance by Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, Sean Astin and Billy Boyd, and 2026 is sure to hold some magic up its sleeve too.

Festival International Nuits d’Afrique

• When: July 7 to 19, 2026
• Where: Quartier des Spectacles
• What: For nearly four decades, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique has presented a packed programme of over 100 performances, activities and workshops celebrating Montréal’s Caribbean, Latin American and African diaspora. Featuring performers from more than 30 countries, the 2026 edition is certain to be another huge crowd-pleaser. Fans will also enjoy the Nuits d’Afrique’s concert series held throughout the year—listings available on their website.

SoulFest Montréal

• When: Annually in July
• Where: St. James United Church
• What: Celebrating soul, motown, R&B, gospel and funk music, SoulFest Montréal takes over the iconic Saint-James Square and transforms it into a bumping outdoor dance floor. Additional programming is also presented at the chic cabaret Le Balcon inside the epic St. James United Church, with lineup announcements and ticket info on their website.

Taste of the Caribbean 

• When: July 9 to July 12, 2026
• Where: Clock Tower Pier, Old Port of Montréal
• What Inviting guests to ‘taste their way through the islands’, Taste of the Caribbean is one of the year’s most mouth-watering events. And to provide perfect backing for the bold flavours, a stellar lineup of musical talent takes to the stage. Best yet, there’s cooking and mixology demos to take those tastes home with you.  

Festival Portugal International de Montréal (FPIM)

• When: Annually in July
• Where: Quartier portugais, Mission Santa Cruz
• What: Montréal’s vibrant Portuguese community has long played an important part in the weaving of the city’s cultural fabric. This annual celebration brings together mouthwatering cuisine, family-friendly activities, big stage performances and shines a spotlight on the unique culture of Portuguese Montréalaise.

Canada China Film Festival

• When: Mid-July
• Where: Various venues
• What: Celebrating 10 years of annual festival programming, the Canada China Film Festival (CCIFF) spotlights feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and animations that bring China’s rich film culture into sharp focus. Red carpet award ceremonies feature internationally renowned stars up close, and accompanying special events offer the chance to rub shoulders with fellow Chinese film lovers. 

Just For Laughs Montréal 

• When: July 15 to 26, 2026
• Where: Various venues
• What: For over 40 years, the forever cheeky Just for Laughs comedy festival has brought an annual blast of gut-busting stand-up to Montréal performance spaces big and small. Featuring the crème de la crème of comedic talent, JFL has played an important part in the careers of Pete Davidson, Ali Wong, Mae Martin, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Trevor Noah, Wanda Sykes and many others. JFL is not just the world’s biggest comedy festival, it’s quite clearly also the best. Find full lineup information on their website.

Chợ Đêm MTL

• When: July 16 to 19, 2026
• Where: Peel Basin
• What: Vietnam’s vibrant cultural tapestry and rich flavours take over the Peel Basin with a roster of cultural programming, pop-up shops and a mouthwatering variety of street food stalls. Celebrating Montréal’s spirited Vietnamese community, Chợ Đêm MTL is an unforgettable annual tradition.

Fantasia International Film Festival

• When: July 16 to August 2, 2026
• Where: Hall Concordia Theatre
• What: Bringing together the genre film mainstays of horror, fantasy and sci-fi, the Fantasia International Film Festival is one of Montréal’s most eagerly-awaited and fun annual cinematic events. Expect hard-to-find premieres and filmmaker Q&As hosted at some of the city’s biggest and most legendary movie houses, and don’t forget to submit your vote for the audience choice awards!

August

The golden stretch of August brings Montréal’s festival season to its peak, with a focus on community and culture.

Fierté Montréal Festival

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Various venues
• What: One of the biggest parties on the city’s annual calendar, Fierté Montréal Festival brings a non-stop celebratory atmosphere to the Gay Village and beyond. But unity and activism is in full force too, holding space on Community Day and the truly powerful moment of silence in commemoration of 2SLGBTQ+ history during the Parade. Expect particularly excited crowds during the Drag Superstars all-star show spotlighting queens from Québec and around the world, and the epic closing T-Dance soundtracked by some of the world’s top DJs.

Wild Pride

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Various venues
• What: The definition of a grassroots alternative, Wild Pride is a community-driven series of events, parties and celebrations that spotlight QTBIPOC and non-mainstream groups often underrepresented in mainstream queer culture. Their open-arm programming ethos sees a broad range of activities and gathering opportunities offering a true alternative experience.

Osheaga

• When: July 31 to August 2, 2026
• Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
• What: The leafy wilderness of Parc Jean-Drapeau transforms into one of North America’s coolest festival sites each August when Osheaga takes over. Osheaga’s annual highlights are all over the internet the day after—check out footage of previous headliners Green Day, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator and Billie Eilish for a preview of what to expect. There’s no better way to beat musical FOMO than being there in person!

Montréal Highland Games and Festival

• When: August 2, 2026
• Where: Douglas Hospital Grounds, Verdun
• What: Scottish immigrants played a major role in the growth and development of Montréal, commemorated with the presence of the thistle on the city’s flag. And while there’s always a bit of a Glasgow vibe all year long, the Montréal Higland Games and Festival is when Scotland à la Montréal is at its peak, packed with Scottish sports, treats and culture on the beautiful grounds of the Douglas Hospital in Verdun.

International First Peoples' Festival (IFPF)

• When: August 4 to 13, 2026
• Where: Place des Festivals
• What: The International First Peoples' Festival’s dynamic, multidisciplinary program features major concerts, international film competitions, exhibitions, traditional dancing, live performances, seminars and meetings. Place des Festivals becomes a hub of discovery and expression, featuring creations by contemporary Indigenous artists drawn from a rich artistic and spiritual heritage. The full lineup is available on their website. 

Orientalys Festival

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Clock Tower Pier, Old Port of Montréal
• What: Held on the Clock Tower Pier in the Old Port of Montréal, the Orientalys Festival presents the vibrant colours and tastes of the East, from North Africa to China. Through workshops, performances and other activities, it’s the perfect family-friendly opportunity to explore the world’s Eastern hemisphere and broaden your sonic and culinary palette.

Otakuthon Anime Convention

• When: August 7 to 9, 2026
• Where: Palais des congrès de Montréal
• What: A truly fan-driven convention, Otakuthon is a nonprofit organization staffed by hundreds of anime-loving volunteers. With a weekend’s worth of exhibitions, shopping tables stuffed with the latest manga titles, performances by international artists and VIP luminary appearances at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Otakuthon remains the must-see anime event of the year.

ItalfestMTL 

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Various venues in Little Italy
• What: For over 30 years, ItalfestMTL has lovingly celebrated Montréal’s feisty and proud Italian community with events throughout a pedestrianized Little Italy and beyond. Spotlighting Italian culture, history and food—we’re drooling with hunger already—ItalfestMTL will leave the whole family exclaiming ciao bella!

îLESONIQ Montréal

• When: August 8 to 9, 2026
• Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
• What: You’d be forgiven for mistaking Parc Jean-Drapeau for one of the world’s biggest nightclubs when îLESONIQ packs its green expanses with hordes of dancing partiers. A who’s who of electronic music and DJ talent keeps the party going all evening long and it’s just a quick 10-minute métro ride back into central Montréal for the afterparty of your choosing.

La Virée classique

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Quartier des Spectacles
• What: The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal presents a calendar’s worth of performances and presentations including collaborations with MUTEK festival, family friendly activities and musical experiences perfect for a hot and lazy evening. With over 60 events on hand, most of which are free, La Virée classique brings Montréal’s celebrated orchestra from the performance halls to the summer streets.

LASSO Montréal

• When: August 15 to 16, 2026
• Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
• What: Every August, LASSO welcomes country music crowds to Montrey’all with the genre’s hottest voices at one of the world’s biggest outdoor musical hoedowns. Past headliners Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Sheryl Crow, Tucker Wetmore and Riley Green alongside an expertly-curated lineup of other luminaries kept audiences toe tapping and line dancing all day long, and 2026 is sure to continue the tradition.

ProgStorm Festival

• When: August 21 to 23, 2026
• Where: Club Soda
• What: Canada’s first festival dedicated to progressive metal, ProgStorm returns with its second edition at Club Soda in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. The international lineup of muso shredders includes Cynic, Car Bomb, Pure Reason Revolution, Vulkan, Anciients, Wilderun, Greylotus, An Abstract Illusion, Dawn of Ouroboros, Aeternam, Exist, Nospūn, Fractal Sun, Dessiderium, Heaven’s Cry, Hillward, Chronochromie and Sky Passage. 

MUTEK

• When: August 25 to 30, 2026
• Where: Quartier des Spectacles
• What: Marking its 27th year as an international trend-spotter of cutting-edge electronic music and digital arts, MUTEK continues to set the standard for avant-garde audio exploration and immersive experiences. Deservedly loved and respected equally by a discerning clientele and its performers, MUTEK is a true vanguard. 

M.A.D. Festival

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Place des Festivals
• What: Montréal’s ode to fashion and design, M.A.D. recasts the Quartier des Spectacles as an epic runway, giving space to designers both local and international to show their latest creations in front of a captive, stylish audience. Check out the associated pop-up shops, featured boutiques and new releases to refresh your closet.

AfroMonde Festival 

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Champ-de-Mars
• What: An epic celebration of African culture, music, fashion, visual arts and gastronomy, AfroMonde Festival is the definition of a multi-faceted event. Featuring modern and traditional dance, folktale presentations, conferences, tasty culinary discoveries, exhibitions and kiosks, it’s a festival experience as rich and varied as the African diaspora itself.

Festival des arts de ruelle (FAR)

• When: Annually in August and September
• Where: Various locations
• What: Montréal’s ruelles (the lively back alleyways and intriguing small streets that permeate most city neighbourhoods) are the setting for the Festival des arts de ruelle (FAR), or Alley Arts Festival. The fest’s broad and colourful programme features eclectic performances including music, dance and circus all across the city, so keep your eyes and ears open for some unforgettable back alley surprises!

Festival BLVD

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Saint-Laurent Boulevard
• What: Saint-Laurent Boulevard goes pedestrian-only for the family-themed fun fest Festival BLVD. Large scale games, creative installations, treasure hunts and more await the kids, while a relaxation zone is set aside for parents to refresh and recharge. There’s also ample opportunity to dip into one of Saint-Laurent’s boutiques for an end of summer treat, or a restful and refuelling patio break.

JOAT Festival international de street dance

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Various venues
• What: Welcoming over 150 street dance artists, JOAT spotlights breaking, popping, hip-hop, krump and other styles through workshops, classes from introductory to master levels and must-see battles at all levels of competition and age groups. As a global hub for street dance, JOAT gathers together the world’s best while also giving Montréal the chance to show off some of its own eye-popping moves.

Festival Trad Montréal 

• When: Annually in August
• Where: Maison de la culture Ahuntsic
• What: Showcasing artists, artisans and researchers of Québec’s traditional cultural heritage, Festival TRAD proudly shows off la belle province’s music, dance, song and storytelling through performances, activities and participatory workshops. It’s the perfect way to get up close and personal with Québec’s rich and unique culture. Find the full line-up of performances and other activities here.

18^th Century Public Market

• When: Annually in late August
• Where: Pointe-à-Callière
• What: The Pointe-à-Callière museum of archaeology and history has presented its 18^th Century Public Market for over 30 years in the adjacent public square every summer. A full slate of performances featuring music and re-enactments are sure to keep history buffs of all ages entertained. 

September

As summer enters its final act, Montréal’s September festival calendar keeps going strong. Summer ain’t over yet!

Montréal International Film Festival (MTLIFF)

• When: September 4 to 7, 2026
• Where: Various venues
• What: A non-profit organization focusing on the power of cinema’s impact on international social concerns, the Montréal International Film Festival (MTLIFF) pairs its screening schedule with Q&A and workshop sessions, unmissable parties and a bustling film market where filmmakers from around the globe can present their latest and upcoming works. Keep your eyes peeled for the festival’s cute popcorn kernel mascot Popi on the red carpet!

Festival Quartiers Danses

• When: Annually in September
• Where: Place des Arts
• What: Martha and the Vandellas’ ‘Dancing in the Street’ sets the theme for the Festival Quartiers Danses, which takes the idea to a whole other level, bringing contemporary dance out to the boulevards, parks, public markets, museums and even daycares throughout the Quartier des Spectacles. 

Montréal Ukrainian Festival

• When: Annually in September
• Where: Maisonneuve Park
• What: Featuring performances by Ukrainian, Canadian and Québec-based musicians, dancers, comedians and choirs, the Montréal Ukrainian Festival celebrates the Ukraine’s vibrant culture. A variety of kiosks spotlight Ukrainian cuisine, folk art and crafts and local businesses, and a children’s play area will ensure everyone is equally entertained.

TEMPÉO, Dance and Music Festival

• When: Annually in September
• Where: Place des Arts
• What: TEMPÉO invites you to a lively end-of-summer celebration outdoors on the Esplanade of Place des Arts. Folks get moving to a mix of vibrant rhythms including funk, oriental pop, country, afro-pop, and salsa, surrounded by a festive and colourful atmosphere wrapping up the festival season in style!

JACKALOPE 

• When: September 11 to 13, 2026
• Where: Jacques-Cartier Pier
• What: With keywords like Action, Adrenaline and Holy Cow Are They Actually Doing That?! JACKALOPE invites some of the most daring athletes from around the world to display their mad skills at bouldering, skateboarding and a what’s-what of action sports.

Ferment Fest

• When: Annually in September
• Where: Jean-Talon Market
• What: Ferment Fest brings together more than 20 Québec-based fermentation artisans to the halls of the Jean-Talon Market to showcase their wares while also sharing tips and tricks for attendees to perfect their own fermentations at home. It’s a great way to prepare yourself for the upcoming harvest season.

EXPOSURES — Montréal Trans Film Festival

• When: Mid-September
• Where: Various venues
• What: Canada’s only trans film festival, EXPOSURES—Montréal Trans Film Festival amplifies trans and gender variant voices with a full lineup of groundbreaking cinema and associated social and networking events for filmmakers and film fans alike. EXPOSURES also hosts screenings and gatherings throughout the year, with an up-to-date list of their activities on their website. 

Animaze

• When: September 17 to 19, 2026
• Where: Cinéma du Musée
• What: An awe-inspiring festival of screenings, conferences, networking and workshops, Animaze shows off some of the latest-and-greatest animation films from around the globe. With special programming for children and student filmmakers, there’s an enriching focus on the next generation of animation fans, but always something for animation lovers of all ages.

Sheriff Festival 

• When: Annually in September
• Where: Clock Tower Pier, Old Port of Montréal
• What: The Sheriff Festival offers a full-on country food experience, every bite taking you straight to the heart of the American South and Midwest. Enjoy delicious eats around massive BBQ pits and dance to the lively beats of headlining acts each evening. There’s also line dancing lessons, mechanical bull rides, giant inflatable games, and skill-based challenges on hand to work off some of the eats!

UCI Road World Championships Montréal 2026

• When: September 20 to 27, 2026
• Where: Various routes in and around Montréal
• What: Montréal’s role as a world-leading biking city is indisputable, and the city plays rightful host to the UCI Road World Championships 2026. Over 1,000 international athletes from more than 75 countries will compete in 13 races, with an estimated viewing audience of more than 250 million armchair cyclists. But Montréalers and visitors alike are set for a street-side front row view, paired with a festive atmosphere and a load of associated events running in tandem with the races. Bike on!

Mondial de la bière

• When: September 24 to 27, 2026
• Where: Winsor Station
• What: Returning for its 32nd anniversary, Montréal’s Mondial de la bière celebration of beer offers over 400 varieties created by expert brewers from Québec and abroad. There’s also a wealth of tasty food options on hand, all backed by tuneful DJ accompaniment. And don’t miss the beer-led tastings, including cheese and chocolate pairings. Bottoms up!