Get ready for a Montreal July that’s hotter than a heatwave and packed with unforgettable experiences.
This month, the world's biggest Jazz fest will kick things off (along with the Euro Cup finals), transforming the city into a playground of must-see events and activities.
Whether you're into the arts, comedy or outdoor adventures, our ultimate July bucket list will keep you entertained and coming back for more. Dive in and discover why Montreal is the place to be this summer!
Get starry-eyed at the International Fireworks Competition
When: June 27 to August 1
Where: La Ronde
Cost: Free
Reason to go: Watching grand displays of fireworks set to music is a staple of Montreal summer nights. Pyrotechnic firms from around the world will put on their best shows, starring displays from Japan, Italy, Austria, Mexico, Canada, and France, with music broadcast on 105.7 FM.
Nerd out at Montreal Comic-con
When: July 5 to 7
Where: Palais des Congres
Cost: $40 for one day, or $110 for weekend pass
Reason to go: This year comic-con's packed with a stellar lineup: Kevin Smith, also known as Silent Bob from Jay and Silent Bob, Alan Tudyk, voice of dozens of animated characters best known for his role in Firefly, Gates McFadden from Star Trek TNG, stars from both the animated and live versions of Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Trailer Park Boys, and much more!
Go on a kayak tour of the canal
When: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Centre Nautique du Canal de Lachine
Cost: $60 to $75
Reason to go: Explore the canal in a down-to-water experience by taking a kayaking tour along the canal. Different options are available from lessons to tours out into the Old Port. The nautical center offers a variety of kayaks, swan boats, paddleboats, paddleboards and even electric boats to get around on a hot summer day.
Enjoy an enchanting evening at a candlelight concert
When: July 4 to August 28
Where: Cathédrale Christ Church, Le 9e, Cabaret Lion d'Or, and Théâtre Rialto
Cost: $60 to $80 and up
Reason to go: The world touring event will be in Montreal across four dramatic venues illuminated by candlelight. These concerts feature performances by talented musicians, playing a variety of genres from Hanz Zimmer and Vivaldi to Coldplay or Celine Dion. The intimate and atmospheric settings create unforgettable evenings, perfect for music lovers looking to enjoy a magical night out.
Make note(s) of the Montreal International Jazz Festival
When: June 27 to July 6
Where: Place des Arts
Cost: Varies from free to $100+
Reason to go: The world's biggest Jazz festival is turning 44 this year and offers a wide range of jazz styles and performances featuring world class artists. Enjoy outdoor concerts, intimate club shows, and the buzzing atmosphere of Place des Arts. Headliners include Joshua Redman Group, Andre 3000, Norah Jones, Pink Martini and many more. With numerous free events and activities, it's a perfect way to experience Montreal's musical heritage.
Celebrate at Echoes of a Proud Nation
When: July 13 and 14, opens 9 a.m.
Where: Tekakwitha Island, Kahnawake
Cost: $10
Reason to go: Kahnawake's pow-wow is the biggest in Quebec, and for the 32nd year, are welcoming you back to witness incredible performances by Indigenous dancers, drummers, and singers. There will be 75 Native craft booths and 25 food vendors, free parking, handicap-accessible facilities and ATM access on site. No pets, alcohol or drugs.
More about the Echoes of a Proud Nation
Win prizes at a new arcade downtown
When: Open now
Where: Eaton Center and Les Cours Mont-Royal — 1402, rue Metcalfe
Cost: $2.50 to $50+ for token packages
Reason to go: Two brand new arcades have just opened up in Montreal's downtown core. They offer a range of prizes like toys and giant squid hats, that you want to win (trust me) using tickets from getting high scores. Play Box and the brand-new arcade in Les Cours Mont-Royal are walking distance from each other, and offer a range of VR experiences which use the same tokens as the arcades with multiplayer modes.
See Julie Kim in Montreal
When: July 11, 7 p.m.
Where: Théâtre Sainte-Catherine — 264, rue Sainte-Catherine E.
Cost: $25
Reason to go: Julie Kim, known for her sharp wit and relatable humour, will have you laughing non-stop. Her commentary on everyday life and social issues adds depth to her dynamic stage presence and interactive performance style. As an award-winning comedian, she has garnered rave reviews, making her show a guaranteed feel-good night out.
Dance in a parade at Haïti en Folie Festival
Promotional photo for Haiti en folie festival.
When: July 24 to 28
Where: Park La Fontaine and various venues
Cost: Admission is free for some activities and paid for others
Reason to go: Montreal's Haitian festival will feature two world-class headlining artists: Boukman Eksperyans and RAM playing on the 27th and 28th respectively. On the 27th at 3 p.m., the RARA carnival parade will begin at avenue du Mont Royal and rue Cartier, as dancers in colourful Creole outfits tcha-tcha through the Plateau, all the way to Parc Lafontaine, inviting the public to join in the city's celebration of Haitian culture.
Have a staycation at PATRÓN Tequila's tropical immersive experience
When: July 12 to 13 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau — 2, chem. du Tour de l'isle
Cost: $35
Reason to go: Patrón is launching an immersive "getaway" that brings a slice of Mexico to Montreal by way of a giant projection dome. There will be sand (meant to mimic the beach, of course) and a welcome cocktail included with your ticket — all to be enjoyed within the 88 by 88 foot dome, surrounded by a one-of-a-kind visual and audio experience.
Tickets at patron360.ca/shop
Find a new favourite film at Fantasia
When: July 18 to August 4
Where: Concordia Hall and J.A. de Sève cinemas with additional screens and events at Cinémathèque québécoise and Cinéma du Musée
Cost: Prices to be announced. Ticket sale begins July 5 at 10 a.m.
Reason to go: Fantasia is Montreal's biggest film festival and is renowned for showcasing genres from horror and fantasy to animation and sci-fi. You can find the full program — including films you can watch, premiere events and opportunities to meet directors and actors — on the Fantasia website. Grab a bag of popcorn and get ready for some unique cinematic experiences!
Catch a live performance at the Montreal Botanical Garden
When: Sundays from July 7 to August 25
Where: The Montreal Botanical Garden
Cost: $15.75 for adult residents of Greater Montreal
Reason to go: As an extra incentive to see the verdant grounds of Montreal's biggest gardens, Espace pour la vie will host live bands playing a range of musical stylings each Sunday, including folk, R&B, country and electro-pop.
Crack up at Just For Laughs
When: July 18 to 28
Where: Place des Arts
Cost: Free shows, $50 to $130 for passes.
Reason to go: This year's Just For Laughs festival (JFL) will feature Dane Cook, Olivia Stadler, Bobby Slayton, Pantelis, Bassem Youssef and more. The festival's return was not so certain a few months ago when organizers announced that the 2024 edition would be cancelled due to impending bankruptcy. Thankfully, Fizz and ComediHa! stepped in to save the day — or, rather, the 10 days, over which JFL will take place as part of ComediHa! Fest. Passes will grant you access to over 200 shows, but there are plenty of free shows as well.
See 'All Gas No Brakes' star Andrew Callahan's film screening tour
When: July 11 at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Where: Beanfield Theatre — 2490, rue Notre-Dame O.
Cost: $56+
Reason to go: Known for going to obscure places to interview obscure people, often with a dry sense of humour and desire to tell unheard stories, wacky internet sensation Andrew Callahan (All Gas No Brakes/Channel 5) is bringing his film Dear Kelly to Montreal. The film, which he'll be screening 50 times in over 25 locations on this tour, has been described as intimate, informative and "not mainstream" — presumably in the same flavour as his travel vlogging projects.
Les Miserables
When: July 30 to August 4
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts — 175, rue Sainte-Catherine O.
Cost: $70+
Reason to go: This classic musical, based on Victor Hugo's novel, offers a powerful story of love and revolution accompanied by unforgettable songs. The stunning staging and performances, set in 19th-century France, resonate with universal themes of justice and compassion. Attending Les Misérables is a must for theatre lovers all across Montreal (and those from out of town, too).
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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