Montreal's international fireworks festival is back and here's when to catch the shows

A Taylor Swift tribute is on the schedule. 👀

Fireworks erupt over La Ronde in Montreal.

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec returned to the city on Thursday, June 26, kicking off a full month of jaw-dropping fireworks displays.

Senior Writer

Montreal’s summer fireworks season is officially underway — and if you missed the first show, don't worry, there's plenty more to come.

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec returned to the city on Thursday, June 26, kicking off a full month of jaw-dropping fireworks displays that will continue through July 31. The popular event, now in its 39th edition, brings together some of the best pyrotechnic teams from around the world to compete in a music-synced spectacle lighting up the Montreal skyline.

L'International des Feux is one of the longest-standing summer traditions in the city. And while the fireworks are exclusively launched from inside La Ronde on Île Sainte-Hélène, you can catch them from all over Montreal — in the Old Port, Longueuil's waterfront, the Saint Lawrence River, or even from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, which shuts down to cars on show nights starting at 8 p.m.

This year's programming features teams from Italy, Japan, Switzerland, the U.S., France, and Canada, plus a Taylor Swift–themed tribute night to wrap things up.

Full 2025 fireworks schedule:

  • Thursday, June 26 — Viva Latino
  • Thursday, July 3 — Italy
  • Sunday, July 6 — Japan
  • Thursday, July 10 — Canada
  • Thursday, July 17 — Switzerland
  • Thursday, July 24 — United States
  • Sunday, July 27 — France
  • Thursday, July 31 — Tribute to Taylor Swift

Each show starts at 10 p.m., with live music on the Loto-Québec stage from 8 p.m. (artist lineup varies by date).

If you want to experience the show from inside La Ronde, you'll need either a General Admission or Gold Section ticket for the event, plus a valid daily pass or season pass. Just note that the Silver Passport doesn't grant access on fireworks nights — you'll have to pay extra at the gate.

However, you don't need a ticket to enjoy the fireworks from public viewing areas. Many Montrealers set up along the Old Port, across the river in Longueuil, or along the shoreline of Parc Jean-Drapeau. The Jacques-Cartier Bridge is a classic spot too, but remember — it closes to vehicles at 8 p.m., so make sure you're on foot or bike if you're heading up there.

A quick heads-up: organizers have warned that smoke and dust from the shows may affect people with respiratory or cardiovascular sensitivities. If that's you, it might be worth keeping a mask handy or watching from a greater distance.

For the full schedule and more info, you can visit La Ronde's official site.

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  • Al Sciola
  • Born and raised in Montreal, Al Sciola is a Senior Writer for MTL Blog. With a background in covering sports and local events, he has a knack for finding stories that capture the city’s spirit. A lifelong Canadiens fan and trivia enthusiast, Al spends his downtime sipping espresso and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

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