Kicking it all off in May and June

Corridor Culturel (Ongoing)

Bringing together cultural institutions along a 3.6 km corridor stretching from the iconic Marché Atwater to Old Montréal’s Pointe-à-Callière archaeology museum, Corridor Culturel presents a seasonal calendar of activities, exhibitions and one-off performances throughout the year. Check their website for further information.

Festival des Musiciens du monde (May 17 to 19, 2024)

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 performances, unique audience participation experiences and the opportunity to learn from international musical masters from the Balkans, Asia, Africa and Middle East.

Piknic Électronik (May 19 to October 6, 2024)

A summer picnic used to mean a quiet meal and blanket somewhere off the beaten path. But in Montréal, Piknic Électronik has become such a summer mainstay that when you ask a local for a picnic, they’re sure to think of this legendary series instead. But once you join the thousands gathered in the park every Sunday to the sounds of world-class DJ talent ranging from old school favourites to the latest up and comers, you’ll never think of a boring old picnic in the same way either!

Festival TransAmériques (May 22 to June 5, 2024)

Festival TransAmérique has long maintained a foothold as a global hub for experimental dance,  cutting-edge choreography and unforgettable performance. Packed with premieres and exclusives (this year including celebrated director Tiago Rodrigues' Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists), FTA remains a must-see kick-off to summer festival season.

Festival Eurêka! (May 24 to 26, 2024)

Back for its 17th edition, Québec’s biggest science festival takes takes over Parc Jean-Drapeau and the iconic Biosphere with over 100 scientific-themed activities, workshops and demonstrations for the whole family. And not only is it free to attend, but Virtual Eurêka is also available all year round!

Fuego Fuego Festival (May 25 and 26, 2024)

The Olympic Park Esplanade gets even hotter in the late-May sun with Fuego Fuego’s full weekend of the latest and greatest in Latinx music, ranging from dancehall to trap, reggae to reggaeton. This year’s roster including superstars Maluma, Rauw Alejandro, Ivy Queen and Young Miko is sure to get the Esplanade moving.

Go Bike Montréal (May 26 to June 2, 2024)

Ranked in the top 20 by the Copenhagenize Index, Montréal is a bona fide biking city. Paying loving tribute to our favourite form of transportation, the Go Bike Montréal Festival features the opportunity to bike specially-closed city centre streets during the Metropolitan Challenge, Tour de l’Île de Montréal and the locally beloved Night Ride, in which participants compete not only to cross the finish line first, but to impress with helmets and decorated with twinkling lights. There’s also an adjoining conference to discuss the future of urban cycling.

St-Ambroise Montréal Fringe Festival (May 27 to June 16, 2024)

For three weeks every year, every nook and cranny of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood doubles as a potential stage during the Montréal Fringe Festival. With more than 700 performers and musicians taking part, there’s something waiting around every corner. Keep tabs on their full schedule via their website, and prepare to be surprised. 

L’Appel Montréal (May 30, 2024)

Celebrating Montréal’s internationally-renowned indie music scene, leading local bands Half Moon Run and Men I Trust join forces to co-curate and headline L’Appel Montréal. This full day of hand-selected artists from across Canada is sure to gather together some old favourites and unveil some newly discovered favourites on the same epic outdoor stage at the iconic Olympic Park. 

Café Collectif Festival (Late May)

Walk by any of Montréal’s many popular cafés, and the city’s love for fresh brew is immediately clear. Organized by a team of local baristas, the Café Collectif Festival brings together professionals and fans alike to celebrate everyone’s favourite pick-me-up drink. Feature a variety of local roasters—including Zab, Pista, Saint-Henri, 94 Celsius, Canal, Escape, Binocle, Géogène, Le Brûloir, Julius, Za & Klo, Melk, Ambros, Jungle and others—it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the almighty cup of joe.

Festival Portugal International de Montréal (FPIM) (June 7 to 9, 2024)

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. 

MURAL Festival (June 6 to 16, 2024)

At MURAL Festival, watching paint dry is one of the most exciting times of the summer. Inviting some of the world’s top graffiti artists to reimagine city walls as blank canvases, 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, the MURAL block party keeps things moving into the night. 

Suoni Per Il Popolo (June 12 to 13, 2024)

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. The 2024 edition features must-sees Wolf Eyes & Anthony Braxton, Montréal’s vocal wonder Erika Angell and Polaris Prize-winning rapper Backxwash. We’d suggest jumping in blind and getting carried away by the unexpected.

YATAI MTL (June 13 to 16, 2024)

Taking place all over the city, Montréal’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 and exclusive discounts and menus at local establishments, and be sure not to miss the buzzing outdoor market. Itadakimasu!

Francos de Montréal (June 14 to 22, 2024)

Lovers of chansons will flip for Francos de Montréal, featuring over 250 performances by French language musicians from around the globe. While some ticketed events take on some of the city’s most storied stages, the Francos’ epic outdoor stage brings thousands together to sing along as one in la belle langue.

Festival Bloomsday Montréal (Annually in June)

For the Festival Bloomsday’s 12 edition, Montréal’s Irish community gathers in celebration of their cultural heritage, this year paying particular tribute to the works and legacy of James Joyce. As one of the foundational building communities of the city—Montréal’s flag proudly boasts a green Shamrock—local Irish history runs deep. Indeed, it’s estimated that no less than 40% of Québec’s population links to Irish ancestry. Expect parties and presentations with a uniquely Irish-Montréalaise viewpoint, spotlighting the living bridge between Ireland and Montréal.   

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June 27 to July 6, 2024)

Marking 44 years of expanding the definition of jazz with one of the most iconic lineups of past performers in history, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is truly one of the year’s most legendary festival destinations. This year’s tasty lineup includes André 3000, Norah Jones, Killer Mike, Future Islands, Charlotte Day Wilson, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Elisapie, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Jeremy Dutcher, Leif Vollebekk, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Unessential Oils, Laufey, Vieux Farka Touré, Pink Martini, Elisapie, Alfa Mist, Joshua Redman Group feat. Gabrielle Cavassa, Oliver Jones at 90: a Celebration with Friends and much much more. Didn’t get tix fast enough? Worry not! Alongside ticketed events, much of the Jazz Fest’s programming is free for all on the outdoor stages of the Quartier des Spectacles!

Mtl en Arts (June 27 to July 1, 2024)

Each year during Mtl en Arts, Sainte-Catherine Street in Montréal’s storied Gay Village becomes Eastern Canada’s largest open-air arts gallery. Hundreds of artists exhibit their unique wares and creations under the summer sun. And as an added bonus, many works are available for purchase, guaranteed conversation starters on your walls back home.

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec (Annually from June to August)

The perfect punctuation to those city summer nights, the eye-popping fireworks displays of Montréal’s International des Feux Loto-Québec sees international teams of pyrotechnic wizards compete for the year’s best aerial spectacle. Each year also features a musical tribute, awe-inspiring fireworks timed with hit songs by the likes of ABBA (gimme, gimme, gimme!) 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 season hits high gear in July

MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE (July 4 to 14, 2024)

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.

Comiccon Montréal (July 5 to 7, 2024)

For three days each year, pop culturistas congregate for Comiccon Montréal 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.

Festival International Nuits d’Afrique (July 9 to 21, 2024)

For yearly 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, this year 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.

Taste of the Caribbean (July 11 to 14, 2024)

Inviting guests to ‘taste their way through the islands’, the Taste of the Caribbean is one of the year’s most mouth-watering events. And to provide the perfect backing for the bold flavours and taste combos, a stellar lineup of homegrown award-winning musical talent takes to the stage. Better yet, there’s even the chance for cooking and mixology demos to take those tastes home with you. 

Zoofest & OFF JFL - 2024 edition cancelled

Cocky kid siblings to the Just for Laughs Festival, the envelope-pushing Zoofest and OFF JFL brings stand-up comedy back to the clubs where it all began. Featuring future headliner-worthy JFL up-and-comers early in their careers (with added bragging points for having seen them first), it’s also the perfect opportunity to check out some of Montréal’s most legendary cabaret spaces including Café Cléopâtre and the Théâtre Sainte-Catherine. Check their website for more details.

Just For Laughs - 2024 edition cancelled

The forever cheeky Just for Laughs comedy festival is turning 42 in 2024, but this annual blast of gut-busting stand-up and performance is as spry as ever. Featuring the crème de la crème of comedic talent, JFL is not just the world’s biggest comedy festival, it’s quite clearly also the best. Expect sore cheeks and sides from laughing so much—but really, what’s better than that?

Chợ Đêm MTL (July 18 to 21, 2024)

The rich flavours and Vietnam’s vibrant tapestry of culture takes over the Peel Basin a roster of cultural programming, pop-up shops and a mouthwatering variety of street food stalls. Celebrating Montréal’s spirited Vietnamese community, this Chợ Đêm MTL’s inaugural edition is sure to mark the start of an unforgettable tradition.

Fantasia International Film Festival (July 18 to August 4, 2024)

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—not to mention fun—cinematic events. Expect hard-to-find premieres and filmmaker Q&As hosted at some of the city’s biggest and most legendary movie houses.  

The unbeatable high notes of August

Fierté Montréal Festival (August 1 to 11, 2024)

One of the biggest parties on the city’s annual calendar, Fierté Montréal Festival is a non-stop rainbow of internationally beloved performers, bringing a non-stop party atmosphere to the Gay Village (and celebrating unity and activism in full force 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.

Osheaga (August 2 to 4, 2024)

The leafy wilderness of Parc Jean-Drapeau transforms into one of North America’s coolest festival sites each August when Osheaga takes over. Headlined in 2024 by Green Day, SZA and Noah Kahan, Osheaga’s annual highlights are all over the internet the day after—check out footage of last year’s headliners Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Rüfüs du Sol for a preview of what to expect. Other 2024 performers include Skepta, Sleater-Kinney, Blonde Redhead, Arlo Parks, Dominic Fike, The Smashing Pumpkins, T-Pain, Rancid, Hozier, Justice, Alvvays, Raye, Amyl and the Sniffers, DIIV and Cadence Weapon. And, of course, there’s no better way to beat musical FOMO than being there in person!

POCHA MTL (August 8 to 11, 2024)

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. Keep tabs on all of their activities here.

ItalfestMTL (August 2 to 11, 2024)

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!

The Montréal Highland Games (August 4, 2024)

Verdun’s stately Douglas Hospital grounds bring the Highlands to Montréal with this annual fest of all things Scottish, soundtracked by the finest pipers from Québec and abroad. Fuel up for caber tossing, hammer throwing and tug o’ war battles with tasty haggis, neeps and tatties and quality pints. As one of the founding nationalities of Montréal—commemorated on the local flag by a purple thistle—the Highland Games is a true embrace of the city’s inner Scot.

ÎleSoniq (August 9 to 11, 2024)

You’d be forgiven for mistaking Parc Jean-Drapeau for one of the world’s biggest nightclubs when ÎleSoniq packs its leafy 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 after party of your choosing.

LASSO Montréal (August 16 and 17, 2024)

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. Based at Espace 67, headliners Eric Church and Sam Hunt and an expertly-curated lineup of other luminaries are sure to get audiences toe tapping and line dancing all day long.

MUTEK (August 20 to 25, 2024)

Marking its 25th 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 (August 24 to 27, 2023)

Montréal’s ode to fashion and design, M.A.D. reimagines 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, chic audience. Check out the associated pop-up shops, featured boutiques and new releases to refresh your closet.

JOAT Festival international de street dance (August 27 to September 2, 2024)

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 not only gathers together some of the world’s best, but also gives Montréal the chance to show off some of its own eye-popping moves.

SMASH Festival (August 28 to September 1, 2024)

SMASH brings the world’s top volleyball athletes together in one place, battling it out for supremacy in front of hyped-up fans. But more than just a regular volleyball tournament, SMASH turns up the volume with a dose of music, festivities and associated fun to keep things action-packed both on and off the court.

Psicobloc (August 30 and September 1, 2024)

Join the gobsmacked open-mouthed fans at Psiobloc, as over 300 climbers from around the globe attempt to scale a 65-foot wall overhanging the Parc Jean-Drapeau swimming pool with just their bare hands and grit at their disposal. Suspenseful, dizzying and unforgettable, Psiobloc guarantees more white-knuckled suspense than the cineplex. 

Festival TRAD (Annually in August)

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.

Orientalys Festival (Annually in August)

Based on the Clock Tower Quay 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.

AfroMonde Festival (Annually in August)

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.

La Virée classique OSM (Annually in August)

Taking classical music into the great outdoors, the La virée classique OSM features over 20 outdoor concerts guaranteeing new discoveries and a few old favourites performed by the always forward-looking Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer sunset.

Pervers/cité (Annually August to September)

Representing “the underside of Pride,” Pervers/cité features activities, performances and presentations pitched by members of the local queer community. From back alley dance parties to safe space workshops, Pervers/cité creates an alternate universe of queer celebration and unforgettable one-off experiences.

La Guinguette du Vieux-Montréal (Annually in August)

Bringing the feel of a waterside resort to Old Montréal, La Guinguette du Vieux-Montréal brings together live music, games, dancing and DJs with delicious food from eight restaurants and a perfectly on-point summer vibe. And pick up some extra treats to take home from a roster of Québec artisans at the Tropical Market. 

Otakuthon Anime Convention (Annually in August)

A true definition of a fan-driven convention, Otakuthon is a nonprofit organization staffed by hundreds of anime-loving volunteers. With weekend’s worth of exhibitions, shopping (don’t miss the 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.

Keep on summering into September

Jackalope (September 13 to 15, 2024)

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 (Annually in September)

Ferment Fest brings together 20-plus 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. A great way to prepare yourself for the upcoming harvest season.

Montréal Ukrainian Festival (Annually in September)

Featuring performances by Ukrainian, Canadian and Québec-based artists, singers, 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, along with a children’s play area.  

Festival BLVD (Annually in September)

Saint-Laurent Boulevard goes pedestrian-only for this family-themed fun fest. 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 a end of summer treat, or a restful and refuelling terrasse break.