Montreal, summer is officially here and with the hot season comes even hotter festivals and events across the city. While the Quartier des Spectacles scene is well worth a visit this summer, the action won't be exclusive to Montreal's downtown core.
The Old Port is suited up to host some of the most unique and delicious festivals in Montreal including the renowned Cirque du Soleil, Festival of Colours and of course, food festivals covering cuisines from Mexico, Korea and the Caribbean, to name a few.
With many events underway and so much more excitement lined up, here are 17 things to do in Montreal's Old Port this summer.
Cirque du Soleil
Cost: $30 to $96
When: May 23 to August 25
Why You Need To Go: Until the end of August, guests can attend Cirque du Soleil's Montreal show KURIOS. The Cabinet of Curiosities takes innovating to the next level when a scientist creates a machine that leads to a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams lie waiting. The show's runtime is two hours and the show is open to all ages.
Canada Day
Cost: Free entry
When: July 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: While Montreal's Canada Day parade may be cancelled, the Old Port is hosting an array of festivities to celebrate Canada's big day. Montrealers can attend the salute of honour by the Canadian armed forces and the swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians. The night also offers a rich program with activities for everyone, including a play area, Parks Canada workshops, children's makeup, free mini cupcakes, a relaxation space, and a musical performance by DJ Hools.
Taste of the Caribbean Festival
Cost: Free entry
When: July 11 to 14
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers will be able to experience four days' worth of flavours, sights, and sounds that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the warm, enigmatic, and inviting embrace of the Caribbean nations. You will be able to enjoy live musical performances from homegrown talent, including Grammy and Juno Award-winning artists, along with cooking and mixology demos from local Caribbean restaurants and guest chefs.
Le Grand Poutinefest
Cost: Free entry
When: July 17 to 28
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can prepare to stuff their faces with Quebec's most iconic dish…poutine! Guests will be able to enjoy an array of poutine flavours and styles with former years offering up creations including general tao poutine, butter chicken poutine and a Tex-Mex mix on the chips, cheese and gravy concoction.
AfroMonde Festival
Cost: $10 participation fee
When: August 15 to September 15
Why You Need To Go: The 15th AfroMonde festival attracts thousands each year to celebrate Afro-descendant communities with arts, music, food, fashion, and technology. The highlight, a costumed and drummed Carnaval parade, featuring traditional songs and music, will place on August 20.
Festival Orientalys
Cost: Free entry
When: August 8 to 11
Why You Need To Go: Returning to Montreal is none other than the Festival Orientalys, a cultural fest that takes attendees on a journey celebrating Asia with loads of shows, animations, workshops and exhibitions.
Montreal Korea Week
Cost: Free entry
When: August 22 to 25
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to discover Korean culture through a variety of activities, entertainment, and performances. Approximately 30 vendors offer affordable Korean food, snacks, products, desserts, and beverages. Enjoy culinary experiences like making Kimchi or mini Gimbap. Participate in exciting activities such as traditional games, Korean cooking, K-pop random dance play, calligraphy, and more. From traditional performances like samulnori to K-pop and b-boy shows, there's a diverse range of entertainment for everyone.
Montreal Streetfood Festival
Cost: The 2023 entry fee was $3
When: August 2024 (specific dates TBD)
Why You Need To Go: You can take your taste buds on a culinary adventure to explore global flavours — no passport required! Picture the sizzle of the grill, the aroma of mouth-watering spices, the buzz of excited chatter, and the vibrant colours of over 40 food stalls. The Montreal Streetfood Festival is back and better than ever this summer 2023, featuring more than 150 street foods for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Montreal Streetfood Festival
Les Premiers Vendredis — Latin Fiesta
Cost: $5
When: August 4 and 5 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and August 6 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: Les Premiers Vendredis is taking a break from the Olympic Park for its Old Port Latin Fiesta. Guests will be able to dive into countless varieties of Latin food from so many of Montreal's famed restaurants and food trucks including Miss Tacos, Caffé Roma, Bubble Tacos Mexicain, Churros & Churros, Piri Piri and Boom J's Cuisine, to name a few.
MTL Taco Fest
Cost: $12.95 to $18.95
When: August 31 to September 2
Why You Need To Go: With over 150 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. Not to mention this year's festivities include a Jarritos section and a tequila and mezcal tasting.
Jackalope
Cost: Free entry
When: September 13 to 15
Why You Need To Go: Jackalope is the ultimate gathering of Canada's action sports communities that brings together top athletes and professionals in the skateboarding world as well as enthusiasts and curious.
Shérif Festival
@mikechaar Hey, Montreal! A new country music festival and southern food fair is coming to the city this summer. Festival Shérif will run from September 19 to 22 where you can catch performances by Brittany Kennel, Robyn Ottolini, Phil Lauzon and more. Not to mention you can enjoy tons of activities such as line dancing, a mechanical bull and southern food BBQ trucks. Tickets will be available for pre-sale as of July 15th! Yee-haw! 🤠 #mtl #montreal #mtlfestivals #montrealfestivals #oldport #montréal #mtlblogger #sheriffestival #sherif #countrymusic #countrymusicfestival #southernfood #bbq #mechanicalbull #linedancing #montrealactivities #montrealevents #mtlfoodie #thingstodoinmontreal #festival #foodfestival
Cost: $22.50 to $50
When: September 19 to 22
Why You Need To Go: The country music festival will feature daily performances, including Brittany Kennel on opening day, Robyn Ottilini on September 20, Francis Degrandpré on September 21, and Phil Lauzon on September 22. Enjoy activities like line dancing, mechanical bull riding, and themed games, with a giant inflatable playground available. Savour Southern cuisine such as smoked meats, Cajun-style shrimp, fried chicken, grilled corn, and spicy chilis around large barbecues. Craft beer lovers can also enjoy local microbrews in the saloon area.
SOS Labyrinthe
Cost: $19 to $23
When: The maze is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Note that on Mondays and public holidays, SOS Labyrinthe is open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: SOS Labyrinthe, a giant maze in the Old Port of Montréal, challenges participants to navigate two kilometres of corridors to find four hidden treasures using a mission card. Beware of pitfalls and dead ends along the way! Luckily, our rollerblading animators are ready to help you get...lost. This unique experience, perfect for family or friends, promises fun and laughter for all.
La Grande Roue
Cost: $31.62 to $17.25
When: The Grande Roue in Montreal is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: As the tallest observation wheel in Canada at 60 meters, it offers 18-minute rotations, allowing you to enjoy an exceptional 360-degree view of Montréal. Guests can board one of its 42 luxurious gondolas, each equipped with comfortable air conditioning and UV-protected glass panels, ensuring you enjoy every moment of your ride in elegance. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, our VIP cabin features a glass floor, providing an immersive experience.
Montreal Science Centre
Cost: $18.50 to $28 (for the exhibitions)
When: From June 22 to September 2, the Montreal Science Centre will remain open on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Science Centre offers top-notch exhibitions with interactive devices for both education and entertainment. You can explore life-sized science, including motion, air, light, water, geometry, and matter, and enjoy hands-on coding activities. For children 0 to 7, Mini Mondo provides an interactive world with themed areas like The City, The Forest, and The River. In The Techno Garden, discover urban agriculture technology and biodiversity with AI support for plant growth.
Clock Tower Beach
Cost: Free (except during events)
When: From June 14 to September 2 the Clock Tower Beach will be open Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: The Clock Tower Beach features heaps of soft, silky sand, lounge chairs, colourful parasols and a wooden boardwalk. While swimming isn’t allowed, refreshing mist stations set up along the beach take the edge off of the summer heat. Located at the base of the Clock Tower, the beach affords a spectacular vantage of the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Île Sainte-Hélène and Old Montréal.
Tyrolienne MTL Zipline
Cost: $19.99 to $24.99
When: From May 13 to October 14 the zipline will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: Dive into the heart of the action with Tyrolienne Montréal, the ultimate urban experience that propels you into a thrilling adventure in the heart of the Canadian metropolis. You'll be able to soak up the energy of one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods and let yourself be carried away by this unique and exhilarating 82-foot-high experience.
Tyrolienne MTL Zipline
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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