You Can Catch A Giant Light Show At This Free Winter Festival Near Montreal

Breaking the monotony of winter grey, a free winter festival on the South Shore promises to infuse the season with technicolour. One hour's drive from Montreal, Showfrette in Beloeil is gearing up to transform a historic building into a dazzling display of light, music, and creativity for one weekend in February.

On February 23 and 24, paintings, drawings, photographs, collages, and other digital creations will be projected onto the façade of St-Mathieu Church, transforming it into a animated canvas. The show is scheduled to run four times each evening, so even visitors who get there late can experience the mesmerizing light show.

Other attractions include giant illuminated marionettes, resembling glowing jellyfish, that will roam around.

Friday night, you can catch DJ Cath Peps, a familiar name for those who follow Ici Musique, energizing the open air dancefloor with tropical beats. Mandiz from Montreal's house/electronic music scene will follow with a booty bass set and mix of funky vocals, groovy percussion, and deep bass lines.

VJ HEX8, a digital artist known for his impressive outdoor mapping projects and Dadaist-inspired video collages, will add an abstract visual dimension to the music.

Saturday night brings more talent, including DJ Podz, who has made his mark across the province's club scene, and DJ Champion, known for his mix of electro and rock. They'll be accompanied by VJ Homing, who will sync urban-themed illustrations with the sound.

At the outdoor bar, visitors can grab drinks and snacks, perfect for keeping the energy up during the night. The drink menu features an eclectic mix, from warming Café Bailey's and spiced hot wine to custom Showfrette lager. Food choices range from tartares and seafood chowder to sweet treats like chocolatines and "Beigne Explosion de Choco."

Orders are paid in $2 coupons, with all items costing between one and eight coupons, which you can purchase in advance or at the entrance on the day of the festival.

If you're looking for something fresh to do in February, Showfrette Festival promises to be the coolest hotspot this side of Montreal, where even an old church can learn new tricks.