It's no secret that Montreal becomes a playground of endless excitement during the summer months, offering an irresistible festival lineup that's bound to make your heart skip a beat.
Just as the city's temperature is about to hit full throttle, so is its festival scene, and with summer now bursting at the seams, Montreal is about to unleash a whirlwind of unforgettable events.
With over two dozen festivals happening throughout the 514 this season, covering music, food, comedy and cultural festivities, we've compiled a list of all the must-try events taking place so you don't have to go looking.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get your festival on!
Osheaga
Cost: 1-day tickets start at $155, weekend tickets from $385
When: August 4 to 6, 2023
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau — 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC
Why You Should Go: With major artists including Billie Eilish, Aya Nakamura, Saint Levant and Kendrick Lamar, Osheaga is the summer festival for any and all music lovers.
ÎLESONIQ
Cost: Individual tickets start at $135 and weekend passes start at $230
When: August 12 to 13, 2023
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau — 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC
Why You Should Go: If you're a fan of electric and urban contemporary music then this festival is not to be missed. With a stellar lineup including major names such as Above & Beyond, Martin Garrix, The Chainsmokers and Afrojack, you're bound to feel the good vibes all weekend long.
LASSO Montreal
Cost: Single-day tickets start at $135 and weekend passes start at $230
When: August 18 to 19, 2023
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau — 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC
Why You Should Go: Calling all country music lovers! LASSO is making its return to the Montreal music scene with a major lineup including Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown, Jake Owen and Madeline Edwards.
Montreal Jazz Festival
Cost: Prices vary by venue and act.
When: June 29 to July 8, 2023
Where: Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: Organizers say jazz will be "more prominent than ever" for the 43rd edition of the renowned event, with "many established artists" making their festival debut.
Just For Laughs
Cost: Prices vary depending on the selected show (free shows are available)
When: July 14 to 29, 2023
Where: Various venues across Montreal
Why You Should Go: Montreal's annual Just For Laughs festival is returning this summer with huge names including Russell Peters, Jonathan Van Ness, Anthony Jeselnik, Trixie and Katya, and Sam Morril, to name a few.
MUTEK
Cost: Day passes start at $87.81 and weekend passes start at $157.18
When: August 22 to 27, 2023
Where: Quartiers des Spectacles, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: Montrealers can revel in up to 80 unseen performances marking this 24th edition. The festival is a haven for those who love to throw themselves into an electronic tune and get lost among the digital arts.
Taco Fest
Cost: Tickets range from $12.95 to $18.95 for entry only
When: September 2 to 4, 2023
Where: Quai de l'Horloge — Old Port of Montreal
Why You Should Go: With over 125 variations of tacos, guests can expect to indulge in the city’s top offerings of both traditional Mexican cuisine and new takes on your favourite classic dishes.
POCHA MTL
Price: $3 entry fee
Where: Les QUAIS at Bassin Peel, 1049, rue de la Commune O., Montreal, QC
When: July 6 to 9, 2023
Why You Should Go: Indulge in loads of delish Korean foods at POCHA's street market this summer with tons of vendors, activities, parties and workshops.
Montreal's First Peoples' Festival
Cost: Prices vary depending on the event (free shows are offered)
When: August 8 to 17, 2023
Where: Quartiers des Spectacles, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: An exciting multidisciplinary program offers a wide array of activities, ranging from major concerts, international film competitions, exhibitions, traditional dancing, live performances, seminars and meetings that dive into the culture and history of Canada's Indigenous communities.
First Peoples' Festival website
POP Montreal
Cost: Early bird pass is $141.52
When: September 27 to October 1, 2023
Where: POP Quarters — Le Clubhouse Rialto, 5719, ave. Parc, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: POP Montreal is now entering its 22nd year of operation and will offer stellar performances by more than 400 pop music artists over the course of the five-day festival.
First Fridays
Cost: Free entry
When: Fridays June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1 and October 6, 2023, and Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6, 2023
Where: Montreal's Olympic Park Esplanade (Friday dates), Vieux-Port de Montreal (Saturday & Sunday dates)
Why You Should Go: First Fridays is back for its 11th edition and street food lovers can expect tons of food trucks, boozy drinks and entertainment to start the summer on the right foot.
Festival International Nuits d'Afrique
Cost: $70 package for three concerts
When: July 11 to 23, 2023
Where: Quartiers des Spectacles, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: Attendees can expect concerts by national and international artists, alternating on the two outdoor stages and many indoor venues, participatory and recreational activities such as dance and music and paid entry workshops celebrating the cultures of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, not to mention tropical flavours to be sampled in the restaurants and beverage kiosks and the unmissable Timbuktu Market with its exclusive products.
Montreal Pride
Cost: Prices vary depending on the event
When: August 3 to 13, 2023
Where: Various locations across Montreal
Why You Should Go: This August, Montreal Pride is promising a celebration of resilience with 15 major free shows to attend, over 150 artists, and a parade ready to brighten up the streets of Montreal in celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Festival Orientalys
Cost: Free entry
When: August 10 to 13, 2023
Where: Quai de l'Horloge — Old Port of Montreal
Why You Should Go: The Festival Orientalys takes attendees on a journey celebrating Asia with loads of shows, animations, workshops and exhibitions.
Festival de Rue Petite-Bourgogne
Cost: Free entry
When: July 13 to 16, 2023
Where: Rue Notre-Dame Oues, between avenue Atwater and rue Vinet
Why You Should Go: The event will bring together cultural, sporting and gourmet food activities, a trade fair, terrasses, music, a pop-up shop, family activities and a DJ.
Zoofest
Cost: $49.99 to $129.99 depending on the package selected (individual tickets are also available — prices vary depending on the show)
When: July 13 to 29, 2023
Where: Various venues across Montreal
Why You Should Go: The OFF-JFL event Zoofest will have you chuckling non-stop over its impressive lineup including comics such as Urzila Carlson, Britanick, The Lucas Brothers and Gina Yashere, to name a few.
Link to the Zoofest website
Piknic Électronik
Cost: Presale tickets are $22. General admission is $27.
When: May 21 to October 1, 2023
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau, 1, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: You can vibe to the beats of great DJs such as Miss Monique, Planet Giza and 2ManyDJs at your favourite weekly outdoor party all summer long in Montreal.
International des Feux Loto-Québec
Cost: $19 for a seat in general admission
When: Starting on June 29, 2023, at 10 p.m.
Where: La Ronde, 22, chemin MacDonald, Île Sainte-Hélène
Why You Should Go: Montreal's emblematic fireworks competition is kicking off at the end of the month under the theme "Tribute To Boy & Girl Bands." Talented firms from around the world will perform every Thursday until August 10 and Sunday, July 10. You can watch the colourful fireworks for free from the Old Port or pay for an up-close watching experience at La Ronde.
MAD Festival
Cost: Free entry
When: August 24 to 27, 2023
Where: Quartiers des Spectacles, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: Per MAD Fest, festival goers will be able to immerse themselves in the worlds of Quebec artists who will be offering transcendent dance performances. As for fashion, guests will be able to discover nearly 30 designers and get to witness up-and-coming collections up close and personal.
Festival of India
An image of the Festival of India taking place in Montreal.
Festival of India
Cost: Free entry
When: July 8 and 9, 2023
Where: Parc Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: In celebration of the 42nd annual Festival of India, organizers are throwing a parade on July 8 beginning on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. The festival will include a free vegetarian meal, acclaimed music, dances, a South Asian bazaar, intriguing exhibits, henna, and yoga sessions.
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