5 Fun things to do this weekend in Montréal! (August 7 - 9)

The International First Peoples' Festival is a landmark celebration of Indigenous cultures from across the Americas and around the globe. Held in the heart of the city, the festival features multidisciplinary programming including film screenings, live musical performances, visual art installations, and traditional ceremonies. The central plaza is transformed with immersive scenography, including a giant central teepee and longhouse.

• Best for: Indigenous art and heritage, cultural immersion, film screenings, and family-friendly outdoor exhibits.
• Location: Place des Festivals (Quartier des Spectacles).

Join the celebrations

îLESONIQ is one of Canada’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop festivals, bringing world-renowned DJs, producers, and urban artists to an island sanctuary in the St. Lawrence River. Across three massive stages, festival-goers can experience electro, house, rap, dubstep, and reggaeton, complemented by interactive art installations, chill-out lounges, water features, and vibrant food options.

• Best for: Electronic music fans, hip-hop lovers, festival production visuals, and summer party vibes.
• Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île Sainte-Hélène).

Dance away

As one of Canada's largest anime conventions, Otakuthon celebrates the art, storytelling, and fan culture surrounding Japanese anime, manga, video games, and pop culture. The weekend-long convention features a massive exhibition hall, artist alley, manga library, gaming rooms, voice actor panels, and premier cosplay events, including the Masquerade and World Cosplay Summit competition.

• Best for: Anime and manga fans, cosplayers, video game enthusiasts, and pop culture collectors.
• Location: Palais des Congrès de Montréal (Montréal’s Convention Centre).

Play around

AfroMonde is a vibrant, free-admission cultural festival celebrating urban music, fashion, dance, culinary traditions, and visual arts from African, Caribbean, and Afro-descendant communities. Designed to foster solidarity and combat discrimination through cultural exchange, the event offers carnival parades, live concerts, storytelling sessions, panel discussions, and international food kiosks along the waterfront.

• Best for: Global music lovers, dance enthusiasts, foodies, and community-driven cultural celebrations.
• Location: Quai de l'Horloge (Clock Tower Quay).

Feel the energy

Inspired by Spanish carnival traditions, Les Lumières de Saint-Michel is a community-focused neighbourhood event held at TOHU. The free three-day schedule includes hands-on lantern-making workshops, circus performances, outdoor concerts, and family activities, culminating in a nocturnal parade of hand-crafted glowing lanterns through Frédéric-Back Park and back to TOHU's public plaza.

• Best for: Families, community art lovers, outdoor evening parades, and circus arts fans.
• Location: TOHU & Frédéric-Back Park, 2345 Rue Jarry East.

Join the carnival