22 Popular Festivals In Montreal, Canada

festivals in montreal
Nina
Nina 
Updated
| 8 min read

No matter the season is, Montreal heats up its festivals and events, offering tons of activities that cannot beat. Montreal welcomes diversity and loves culture. It’s no wonder why most of their festivals reflect their own and different cultures of people from diverse backgrounds. Montreal takes pride in presenting a rich tapestry of cultural attractions, from art walks to galleries, from restaurants to events and many more. If you want to experience world-class concerts, perhaps attending the Osheaga Festival and Montreal International Jazz Festival is what you are looking for. If music and food are your game, the Montreal Folk Festival is waving at you. This is just a fraction of action. With an endless list of festivals in Montreal, your head might be spinning right now. No worries! We have listed the popular festivals in Montreal, Canada, that will suit your taste.

1. St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival

Ouverture Parc FRINGE Park Opening Tech Weak Photo by Cindy Lopez

Posted by Festival St-Ambroise Fringe de Montréal on Sunday, 14 June 2015

Every year Montreal becomes the venue to celebrate accessibility, diversity and artistic expression, thanks to St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival. This festival is home to plenty of arts events, from music to dance, from drag-queen shows to repertory and theater. With more or less 500 artists and 800 performances around the world, Fringe Festival never runs out of style to surprise you. If you want to be part of something big in Montreal, visiting this large event will make it happen.

St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival

Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Website: St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival

Takes place: June

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2. Osheaga Festival

The National at Osheaga 2010-07-31 Montreal
Source: Photo by user tkaravou used under CC BY 2.0

Montreal rocks! Thanks to Osheaga Festival, the neighborhood of Montreal is full of music and party-goers. Since its origin in 2006, Osheaga Festival has been consistently known as a big pop and indie festival in Canada. It garnered a good deal of support and respect as the biggest artists in the world have taken part in it. It is split into six main stages: Mountain, Green, River, Valley, Zone Piknic Electronik, and Tree.

Osheaga Festival

Address: Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène, Montreal, Canada

Website: Osheaga Festival

Takes place: Usually held in August

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3. Montreal International Fireworks Competition

L'international des feux Loto-Québec
Source: Photo by user Matias Garabedian used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Montreal takes pride in presenting the Montreal Fireworks Festival (formerly l'International Benson & Hedges and Le Mondial SAQ). It is the biggest and most prestigious fireworks competition around the globe, wherein eight or nine big pyrotechnical companies represent their respective country. The competitions present pyromusical show for about 30 minutes. Each year, approximately three million audience with more or less six thousand fireworks set off during the show. It’s time to see the sky of Montreal sparkle and turn colorful as ever.

Montreal International Fireworks Competition

Address: La Ronde over the Dolphins Lake, Montreal, Canada

Website: Montreal International Fireworks Competition

Takes place: Between June and August

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4. h Century Public Market

Pointe-a-Calliere Public Market 2012 - 44
Source: Photo by user Jeangagnon used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Get a glimpse of what life was like during the 18th century in New France by dropping by the 18th Century Market Fair. This is a unique event that one should never miss. The setting is around the Museum and Place Royale. The market becomes the venue of a spectacular historical re-enactment. Musicians, Amerindian encampment, displays of plenty of historical figures, a military regiment - all these contribute to make everyone feel that they are back in ancient times.

18th Century Market

Address: Place Royale Museum (Public Market), Montreal, Canada

Website: 18th Century Market

Takes place: August

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Montreal Tour Guide

Rene Rangel Havaux

Rene Rangel Havaux

My name is Rene and after 22 years working in the clothing industry I decided to make a carrer change and do what I love and I do best: Receive, entertain and guide visitors trough beautiful Montreal, the Canadian cultural capital, that offers to its visitors more than 100 festivals every year, a great diversity of museums, outdoor activities, sports, markets, restaurantes, craft breweries , and a vibrant cosmopolitan way of living, among many other interesting things. I love travelling, ( have been to 40 different countries around the globe), people, food, architecture, cycling and history are my passions in life. Throughout all this years discovering the world, I have come to realize that the best way to really discover and understand any place is trough its local people. I love to receive clients as if they where my own family, always in a friendly and respectful manner and adapting my tours to their specific interest and needs. I have been told many times that what makes my tours so special, is my outgoing friendly and enthusiastic personality and my knowledge and passion for Montreal.

Montreal Tour Guide

Ruby Roy

Ruby Roy

5. Tam-Tams

Tam tam Mont Royal Montreal
Source: Photo by user Genséric Morel used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Here is another cheap thrill for everyone, presenting Tam-Tams. This awesome free festival is set up around Sir George-Étienne Cartier and in the green spaces of Mount Royal Park. You will probably wonder why the festival has such a peculiar name. The festival features drummers, and its name mimics the sound of drums (Tam-Tams). This festival is a venue for vendors, dancers, and spectators who aim to have a great day.

Tam-Tams

Address: Sir George-Étienne Cartier and Mount Royal Park, Montreal, Canada

Website: Tam-Tams

Takes place: Usually held in May

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6. Montreal Beer Festival

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth
Source: Photo by user Michel Curi used under CC BY 2.0

Beer lovers, this festival is for you! Known also as Mondial de la bière, Montreal Beer Festival is one of the most anticipated festivals in Montreal. It offers a wide selection of beers and activities that encourage you to have a great time with family and friends. It also presents a spectacular variety of events combining a wide range of beer like pairing workshops, guided beer tasting tours, beer and cheese workshops, and even friendly competitions.

Montreal Beer Festival

Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Website: Montreal Beer Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

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7. Montreal First Peoples Festival


Your crash course into the history of Montreal begins by witnessing and joining the Montreal First Peoples Festival. It features the rich history, culture, tradition, and even the art of American aboriginal. The festival is also served as an honor to the continent’s first settlers/inhabitants. Music, dance, performance, and fun activities for the children are available.

Montreal First Peoples Festival

Address: 508-5445 avenue de Gaspé Montreal, Quebec

Website: Montreal First Peoples Festival

Takes place: August

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8. Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival

Montréal Complètement Cirque
Source: Photo by user Matias Garabedian used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Every year, there’s a reason for people to keep going and upbeat. Montreal neighborhood is always excited to host the Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival as the whole area turns into a place of fun, laughter, and partying. In every turn, from parks to plazas and even sidewalks, there are exciting activities organized by vendors or the committee. Plenty of activities, a circus, an international show, surprises, and magical happenings are waiting to be explored.

Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival

Address: TOHU, 2345, rue Jarry E., Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1Z 4P3

Website: Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival

Takes place: July

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9. MEG Montreal Festival


MEG Montreal Festival is a big event for the music industry in Canada. Established in 1999 and cofounded by Jacques Primeau and Mustapha Terki, MEG Montreal is the first event to promote electronic music globally. MEG highlights the coming out of artists with their range of specialties, from pop to rock, from hip-hop and electronic music. What’s more? MEG urges cultural exchanges between Canada and the international music scene and exchanges between European and North American artists.

MEG Montreal Festival

Address: Piknic Électronik in Parc Jean-Drapeau and Society for Arts and Technology downtown, Montreal, Canada

Website: MEG Montreal Festival

Takes place: Usually held between August and September

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10. Montreal International Jazz Festival

Ester Rada at Scène #RioTintoAlcan
Source: Photo by user Michel Curi used under CC BY 2.0

If you want to be part of something big in the world, you are at the right place! The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal or the Montreal Jazz Fest is one of the world’s biggest festivals of jazz. All the programs arranged for are related to pop, rock, and jazz. It is definitely a world-class festival. Over 2.5 million spectators are lured to witness it, which presents hundreds of concerts over 11 days. The good news? Almost two-thirds of the fest’s concerts and shows are free of charge! The surprises don’t stop there. Plenty of family-friendly activities are also free!

Montreal International Jazz Festival

Address: Montreal, Canada

Website: Montreal International Jazz Festival

Takes place: June to July

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11. Formula 1 Grand Prix Weekend

Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix 2010
Source: Photo by user Patrick used under CC BY 2.0

Witnessing Formula 1 Grand Prix Weekend in Montreal is a dream come true for race-car enthusiasts. This is the biggest and exciting sporting event not just in Montreal but in the whole of Canada. Over 100,000 spectators come per day, which makes this event a world-class competition. Plan your vacation according to the schedule of this grand event. Bring your family or friends who share the same interests.

Formula 1 Grand Prix Weekend

Address: Montreal, Canada

Website: Formula 1 Grand Prix Weekend

Takes place: June

Price: 128 USD onward

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12. Mural Festival

Astro - Mural Festival, Montreal
Source: Photo by user Indrid__Cold used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Art lovers will be overjoyed to attend the Mural Festival. Every year, Boulevard Saint-Laurent becomes an open-air museum that presents exhibits, displays, paintings, and other forms of arts. Mural Festival is the venue in which local and international artists gather to showcase their creative talents. It is an annual celebration of freedom, creativity, and democratization of urban art in Montreal City.

Mural Festival

Address: 3527, Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 2V7

Website: Mural Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

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13. Fashion & Design Festival

Festival Mode & Design Montreal 2012 - 008
Source: Photo by user Jeangagnon used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Fashion & Design Festival is a venue for gathering big names in the fashion industry, from famous designers to leading international brands, from spectacular musical shows to glamorous ramp walks, the event has it all. This glamorous festival attracts over half a million visitors annually; it’s no wonder this is the biggest outdoor design and fashion event in North America. This gives an opportunity to experience Montreal’s style scene. Live music shows, catwalks, stilettos everywhere - this is just a fraction of what awaits you here.

Fashion & Design Festival

Address: Place des festivals, Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 3X5

Website: Fashion & Design Festival

Takes place: August

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14. Piknic Électronik

Merci pour cet été de malade. On se retrouve en 2020! ? - Thank you for this crazy summer. See you in 2020! ? Soft Melancholy

Posted by Piknic Électronik Montréal on Friday, 11 October 2019

Festive atmosphere, sunny sky, happy people, quality electronic music - that’s what awaits you at Piknic Électronik. It is a unique weekly event that attracts plenty of visitors to enjoy electronic music with a combination of social experience. Piknic Électronik shows you what entertainment is all about by beating the heat and blending with the waves of electronic music that even newcomers are pleased to experience.

Piknic Électronik

Address: Plaine des Jeux Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Website: Piknic Électronik

Takes place: Usually held between May and September

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15. Fantasia Film Festival

by/par Vincent Frechette

Posted by Fantasia International Film Festival on Friday, 2 August 2019

Started in 1996, Fantasia Film Festival earned the respect and supports of plenty of people coming not just from the local film industry but also from the international film industry. This festival becomes a big gathering of actors, directors, studio representatives, producers, and more. Fantasia Film Festival is the most influential and biggest film festival in North America. It focuses on the creative cinema of Europe, America, and even Asia.

Fantasia Film Festival

Address: Montreal, Canada

Website: Fantasia Film Festival

Takes place: July to August

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16. Montreal Pride

Bank
Source: Photo by user Dennis Sylvester ... used under CC0

Montreal will be full of colors in August, thanks to the celebration of Montreal Pride. This colorful event started in 2007 and became the largest LGBT gathering, which attracts over two million attendees worldwide. It offers thrilling and fun-filled activities, from T-Dance to free shows and different performances. There will be a parade, colorful flags, banners, music, and dance, that will fill the streets. This will be the perfect time and place to celebrate without restrictions.

Montreal Pride

Address: 1980, rue Ontario E., Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2K 1V2

Website: Montreal Pride

Takes place: August

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17. Just for Laughs Comedy Festival


Who on earth does not know Just for Laughs? The gag show that made the world laugh with their pranks once again, invites you to join the biggest comedy event, the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. If you want to laugh and have fun, this world-class and largest comedy festival should be on your bucket list. Street entertainment, galas, stand-up performances, musicals, to name a few - this festival never runs out of style to make you laugh your heart out. It caters to 1,700 artists around the globe and more or less two million spectators.

Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Address: Quartier des Spectacles, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Website: Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Takes place: July

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18. Carifiesta

Carifiesta 2017 Montréal
Source: Photo by user abdallahh used under CC BY 2.0

Experience Caribbean culture at its finest by planning your trip to Montreal in July. Carifiesta is one of the most colorful and anticipated parades in Montreal. The parade showcases artistic freedom and expression while promoting cultural inclusiveness. Most participants are dressed in colorful costumes that are made of bouncing fiberglass rods and feathers. The tradition began in Trinidad and Tobago when the French colonial masters hosted parties for three days. To entertain their masters and the visitors, the slaves impersonated their masters. The Carifiesta was founded by Caribbean Cultural Festivities Association (CCFA) in the mid-70s. It is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote racial harmony and preserve the cultural heritage. Plenty of activities are waiting here, from street theater to arts, from spectacle to fantasy and more.

Carifiesta

Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Website: Carifiesta

Takes place: July

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19. Montreal Folk Festival

Festival de Nowrouz à la Place-des-Arts
Source: Photo by user abdallahh used under CC BY 2.0

Another treat from Montreal, presenting the Montreal Folk Festival that offers entertainment by introducing their acoustic music, local products, and a selection of food. A variety of folk music, from country-folk to soulful indie-folk, from bluegrass and more, are set up in the scenic Lachine Canal. The venue gives an opportunity for a family picnic whereas specialty food trucks offer outstanding delights, cold drinks, and brewed beer. Meanwhile, the artisanal market promotes and sells their handicrafts. What’s more? Tons of exciting activities for the kiddos are also available.

Montreal Folk Festival

Address: Esplanade du Centenaire, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H4E 1A1

Website: Montreal Folk Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

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20. FrancoFolies de Montréal

Alaclair Ensemble #alaclairensemble #alaclair #francos
Source: Photo by user Indrid__Cold used under CC BY-SA 2.0

FrancoFolies de Montréal modeled Les Francofolies de La Rochelle. Today, FrancoFolies de Montréal is one of the 10 biggest cultural festivals in Canada. What sets apart this festival from the rest is Francophone (French language) music. Yes, French and Quebecois songs are the highlights of this big event, from country to pop, and hip-hop to reggae. It presents 1,000 artists with 250 shows and attracts over a million visitors from around the globe. The FrancoFolies de Montréal is the venue to experience a new taste in music and discover new talents.

FrancoFolies de Montréal

Address: Downtown Montreal, Quebec

Takes place: June

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21. Heavy Montreal [Last event in 2019]


Hard rock and heavy metal music - that’s the specialty of Heavy Montreal. Presented by Black Label (formerly Heavy MTL), Heavy Metal is a go-to-go event for hard rock and heavy metal music enthusiasts. Big names such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, System of a Down, Slipknot, and many more have performed at this prestigious event. Every year, this event has endless curated shows that will make you dizzy yet happy.

Heavy Montreal

Address: Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Website: Heavy Montreal

Takes place: July

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22. Festival International Nuits d'Afrique


Once again, Montreal will be a venue for entertainment, from dance to music and festivities. Festival International Nuits d'Afrique is the largest world music event in America, which features international stars with a new generation of performers from around the globe. “Eclectic, authentic and unifying”, that’s the goal of Festival International Nuits d'Afrique with the aim to unite all artists to share their culture, passion, and inspiration with others. Every year more than hundreds or thousands of visitors take part in this prestigious event.

Festival International Nuits d'Afrique

Address: Montreal, Canada

Takes place: Usually held in July

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Experience world-class festivals in Montreal

There’s always something happening in Montreal. Colorful streets, festive atmosphere, tons of happy people, waves of laughter, world-class festivals, right and left parties, and concerts - what a beautiful world we are living in! It’s now time to bring that spark to your escapade. Join in the festivities and events in Montreal.

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Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nina aspires to live life to its fullest and yearns to journey abroad with her loved ones. She believes in her inherent artistic nature and embraces the motto that "God is good all the time" as her...Read more

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