Montreal's Huge Italian Food & Culture Festival Starts This Week — Here's What's Happening

Bravissimo! — the 29th edition of ItalfestMTL, formerly called Montreal's Italian Week, will take place from August 5 to 20.

The event is back in full swing with both virtual and in-person activities all around the island, including in Kirkland, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, LaSalle, Saint-Léonard, Little Italy and, for the first time ever, the Quartier des Spectacles.

This year, organizers chose to showcase the culture and the traditions of the beautiful Abruzzo region, with a photographic exhibition as well as a conference about its history.

Over the course of the 16-day festival, a long lineup of performers, from opera to pop singers, will share their love for the boot-shaped country with Montrealers. According to the program, you can expect dozens of concerts, online food and storytelling workshops, circus performances, a baking contest, magic shows, art exhibits and more.

Boulevard Saint-Laurent in Little Italy will become an exhibition space with activities and kiosks featuring crafts and food from different Italian regions.

A showcase of colourful mopeds during ItalfestMTL.Marcia Loor | Courtesy of ItalfestMTL

Movie lovers can stop by the open-air cinemas in Kirkland and Parc Dante to watch classics like La Dolce Vita under the stars.

Attendees can also check out a fashion show of works by Italian-Canadian designers and participate in historical tours.

Note that you can buy a $5 ticket to participate in the lottery and with a bit of luck, you might win one of the prizes, including a watch by designer Hamilton or a trip for two to Italy.