Go big with Montréal’s 2025 summer festival season
Arts Indoor Outdoor Summer Festivals and events
With one of the most active summer events calendars in the world, when it comes to festivals Montréal is kind of a big deal. Backed by seasonal heat, lush greenery in full bloom and pedestrianized city streets and terrasses packed with revellers, Montréal is the place to be for fans of performance, art, theatre, dance, music, comedy and film every summer. And there’s so much going on at any given moment, not only is there something to suit any taste, but many things for everyone to experience and enjoy from May through to September. That’s why each festival season, Montréal is at the top of the list.
Kicking it all off in May and June
Piknic Électronik (Annually in May to October)
A summer picnic used to mean a quiet meal and blanket somewhere off the beaten path. But in Montréal, Piknic Électronik has become such a summer mainstay that when you ask a local for a picnic, they’re sure to think of this legendary series instead. But once you join the thousands gathered in the park every Sunday to the sounds of world-class DJ talent ranging from old school favourites to the latest up and comers, you’ll never think of a boring old picnic in the same way either!
Corridor Culturel (Ongoing)
Bringing together cultural institutions along a 3.6 km corridor stretching from the iconic Marché Atwater to Old Montréal’s Pointe-à-Callière archaeology museum, Corridor Culturel presents a seasonal calendar of activities, exhibitions and one-off performances throughout the year. Check their website for further information.
Festival des Musiciens du monde (Annually in May)
Dedicated to the promotion and instruction of global music and folk dancing, the Centre des Musiciens du Monde’s annual fest brings together a world’s worth of inspiring performances, unique audience participation experiences and the opportunity to learn from international musical masters from the Balkans, Asia, Africa and Middle East. Like what you hear? There’s also a full calendar of classes and workshops available to also get you playing like a pro in no time!
Festival TransAmériques (May 22 to June 5, 2025)
Festival TransAmérique has long maintained a foothold as a global hub for experimental dance, cutting-edge choreography and unforgettable performance, celebrating its 18th edition in 2025. Packed with premieres and exclusives (this year including Caroline Guiela Nguyen’s theatre piece Lacrima, Mamela Nyamza’s Hatched Ensemble, Christian LaPointe and Rósa Lind’s contemporary opera tribute to Marguerite Duras Hiroshima mon amour, and Louise LeCavalier’s danses vagabondes), FTA remains an unmissable kick-off to summer festival season.
Festival Eurêka! (May 30 to June 1, 2025)
Back for its 18th edition, Québec’s biggest science festival takes takes over Parc Jean-Drapeau and the iconic Biosphere with over 100 scientific-themed activities, workshops and demonstrations for the whole family. And not only is it free to attend, but Virtual Eurêka (designed for kids 8 years of age and older) is also available all year round!
Fuego Fuego Festival (Annually in May)
The Olympic Park Esplanade gets even hotter in the late-May sun with Fuego Fuego’s full weekend of the latest and greatest in Latinx music, ranging from dancehall to trap, reggae to reggaeton. Their 2024 roster included superstars Maluma, Rauw Alejandro, Ivy Queen and Young Miko, and 2025’s edition—Fuego Fuego’s 3rd!—is equally guaranteed to keep the Esplanade moving.
Go Bike Montréal (May 25 to June 1, 2025)
Ranked in the top 20 by the Copenhagenize Index, Montréal is a bona fide biking city. Paying loving tribute to our favourite form of transportation, the Go Bike Montréal Festival features the opportunity to bike specially-closed city centre streets during the Metropolitan Challenge, Tour de l’Île de Montréal and the locally beloved Night Ride, in which participants compete not only to cross the finish line first but to impress with helmets and decorated with twinkling lights. There’s also an adjoining conference to discuss the future of urban cycling.
St-Ambroise Montréal Fringe Festival (Annually in late May and early June)
For three weeks each year, every nook and cranny of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood doubles as a potential stage during the Montréal Fringe Festival. With more than 700 performers and musicians taking part, there’s something waiting around every corner. Keep tabs on their full schedule via their website, and prepare to be surprised.
YATAI MTL (May 29 to June 1, 2025)
Taking place all over the city, Montréal’s annual celebration of Japanese cuisine and culture features special performances and pop-ups galore. Simply pick up one of their free maps listing their events and exclusive discounts and menus at local establishments, and be sure not to miss the buzzing outdoor market for tasty treats, imported ingredients and handicrafts. Itadakimasu!
Café Collectif Festival (Annually in late May)
Walk by any of Montréal’s many popular cafés, and the city’s love for fresh brew is immediately clear. Organized by a team of local baristas, the Café Collectif Festival brings together professionals and fans alike to celebrate everyone’s favourite pick-me-up drink. Feature a variety of local roasters—including Zab, Pista, Saint-Henri, 94 Celsius, Canal, Escape, Binocle, Géogène, Le Brûloir, Julius, Za & Klo, Melk, Ambros, Jungle and others—it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the almighty cup of joe.
MURAL Festival (Annually in June)
At MURAL Festival, watching paint dry is one of the most exciting events of the summer. Inviting some of the world’s top graffiti artists to reimagine city walls as blank canvases, MURAL has more than left its mark on Montréal’s skyline with some eye-popping masterworks reaching sky-high. And after watching these artists hard at work painting their epic images throughout the day, the MURAL block party (past performers include Rick Ross, Pierre Kwenders and more) keeps things moving long into the night.
Suoni Per Il Popolo (Annually in June)
A boundary-expanding program spotlighting independent and experimental musical talent from Montréal and beyond, Suoni Per Il Popolo is a beloved destination for performers both long-known and new to the scene. From free jazz to electronic minimalism, there’s a world’s worth of new discoveries to be made at each edition of Suoni. The 2024 edition featured mind-expanding sets from Wolf Eyes & Anthony Braxton, Montréal’s vocal wonder Erika Angell and Polaris Prize-winning rapper Backxwash, and 2025’s roster is sure to equally impress. We’d suggest jumping in blind and getting carried away by the unexpected.
Francos de Montréal (June 14 to 22, 2024)
Lovers of chansons will flip for Francos de Montréal, featuring over 250 performances by French language musicians from around the globe. While some ticketed events take on some of the city’s most storied stages, the Francos’ epic outdoor stage brings thousands together to sing along as one in la belle langue.
Mondial de la bière (June 20 to 22, 2024)
Returning for its 31st anniversary, Montréal’s annual celebration of beer offers over 400 varieties created by expert brewers from Québec and abroad. There’s also a wealth of tasty food options on hand, all backed by tuneful DJ accompaniment. And don’t miss the beer-led tastings, including cheese and chocolate pairings. Bottoms up!
Festival Bloomsday Montréal (Annually in June)
For the Festival Bloomsday’s 13th edition, Montréal’s Irish community gathers in celebration of their cultural heritage, paying particular tribute to the works and legacy of James Joyce. As one of the foundational building communities of the city—Montréal’s flag proudly boasts a green Shamrock—local Irish history runs deep. Indeed, it’s estimated that no less than 40% of Québec’s population links to Irish ancestry! Expect parties and presentations with a uniquely Irish-Montréalaise viewpoint, spotlighting the living bridge between the Emerald Isle and the Island of Montréal.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June 26 to July 5, 2025)
Marking 45 years of expanding the definition of jazz with one of the most iconic lineups of performers in history, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is truly one of the year’s most legendary festival destinations. 2024’s edition featured André 3000, Norah Jones, Killer Mike, Future Islands, Charlotte Day Wilson, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Elisapie, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Jeremy Dutcher, Laufey, Vieux Farka Touré, and much much more. And while 2025’s lineup is still largely under wraps, the fest has already announced unmissable performances from Men I Trust, Gary Bartz, Samara Joy, Madlib, Branford Marsalis, Arooj Aftab, Kid Koala and George Thorogood & the Destroyers for 2025. And if you miss out on the ticketed indoor shows, worry not! Much of the Jazz Fest’s programming is free for all on the outdoor stages of the Quartier des Spectacles!
Mtl en Arts (Annually in June)
Each year during Mtl en Arts, Sainte-Catherine Street in Montréal’s storied Gay Village becomes Eastern Canada’s largest open-air arts gallery. Hundreds of artists exhibit their unique wares and creations under the summer sun. And as an added bonus, many works are available for purchase, guaranteed conversation starters on your walls back home.
L'International des Feux Loto-Québec (Annually from June to August)
The perfect punctuation to those city summer nights, the eye-popping fireworks displays of Montréal’s International des Feux Loto-Québec sees international teams of pyrotechnic wizards compete for the year’s best aerial spectacle. Each year also features a musical tribute, awe-inspiring fireworks timed with hit songs by the likes of ABBA (gimme, gimme, gimme!), Coldplay and Elton John (no, I’m not crying, you’re crying). Join the crowds around and on Jacques-Cartier Bridge or the VIP audiences seated front row centre at La Ronde and sing along.
Festival season hits high gear in July
MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE (July 3 to 13, 2025)
Montréal goes completely circus each year, as the streets transform into the world’s biggest open air Big Top. With countless performances of derring-do and ‘how did they do that?’ spectacle, MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE truly takes over the streets (and skies!) every July. Keep an ice pack handy—you might get whiplash from all of the acrobatics flying by.
Comiccon Montréal (July 4 to 6, 2025)
For three days each year, pop culturistas congregate for Comiccon Montréal at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, which resembles a brightly coloured comic strip itself. Bringing fans into direct contact with comic creators, sci-fi and fantasy authors and the creative teams behind beloved films and TV shows, it’s the coolest spot to geek out all summer.
Festival International Nuits d’Afrique (July 8 to 20, 2025)
For yearly four decades, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique has presented a packed programme of over 100 performances, activities and workshops celebrating Montréal’s Caribbean, Latin American and African diaspora. Featuring performers from more than 30 countries, the 2025 edition is certain to be another huge crowd-pleaser. Fans will also enjoy the Nuits d’Afrique’s concert series held throughout the year—listings available on their website.
Festival Portugal International de Montréal (FPIM) (July 11 to 13, 2025)
Montréal’s vibrant Portuguese community has long played an important part in the weaving of the city’s cultural fabric. This annual celebration brings together mouthwatering cuisine, family-friendly activities, big stage performances and shines a spotlight on the unique culture of Portuguese Montréalaise.
SoulFest (July 10 to 13, 2025)
Celebrating soul, motown, R&B, gospel and funk music, SoulFest Montréal takes place at the iconic Square Saint-James, and promises to transform the site into a veritable outdoor dance floor. Shows are also presented at the chic cabaret Le Balcon inside the epic St. James United Church.
Taste of the Caribbean (July 10 to 13, 2025)
Inviting guests to ‘taste their way through the islands’, the Taste of the Caribbean is one of the year’s most mouth-watering events. And to provide the perfect backing for the bold flavours and taste combos, a stellar lineup of homegrown award-winning musical talent takes to the stage. Better yet, there’s even the chance for cooking and mixology demos to take those tastes home with you.
POCHA MTL (July 10 to 13, 2025)
Celebrate cuisine, culture and K-Pop at POCHA MTL, Montréal’s annual Korean festival. Chow down on BBQ, Korean pancakes and mouthwatering kogos (Korean-style pogos with unexpected add-ons). And if you want to dance the night away to your favourite K-Pop tunes, POCHA MTL’s regularly scheduled K-Pop nights are for you. Keep tabs on all of their activities here.
La Guinguette du Vieux-Montréal (Annually in July)
Bringing the feel of a waterside resort to Old Montréal, La Guinguette du Vieux-Montréal brings together live music, games, dancing and DJs with delicious food from eight restaurants and a perfectly on-point summer vibe. And pick up some extra treats to take home from a roster of Québec artisans at the Tropical Market.
Just For Laughs Montréal (July 16-27, 2025)
The forever cheeky Just for Laughs comedy festival marks over 40 years of laughter in 2025, but this annual blast of gut-busting stand-up and performance is as spry as ever. Featuring the crème de la crème of comedic talent, JFL is not just the world’s biggest comedy festival, it’s quite clearly also the best. Expect sore cheeks and sides from laughing so much—but really, what’s better than that?
Chợ Đêm MTL (July 17 to 20, 2025)
The rich flavours and Vietnam’s vibrant tapestry of culture takes over the Peel Basin with a roster of cultural programming, pop-up shops and a mouthwatering variety of street food stalls. Celebrating Montréal’s spirited Vietnamese community, this second edition of Chợ Đêm MTL is on its way to becoming unforgettable tradition.
Fantasia International Film Festival (July 17 to August 3, 2025)
Bringing together the genre film mainstays of horror, fantasy and sci-fi, the Fantasia International Film Festival is one of Montréal’s most eagerly-awaited—not to mention fun—cinematic events. Expect hard-to-find premieres and filmmaker Q&As hosted at some of the city’s biggest and most legendary movie houses.
The unbeatable high notes of August
Fierté Montréal Festival (July 31 to August 10, 2025)
One of the biggest parties on the city’s annual calendar, Fierté Montréal Festival brings a non-stop celebratory atmosphere to the Gay Village. But unity and activism is in full force too, holding space on Community Day and the truly powerful moment of silence in commemoration of 2SLGBTQ+ history during the Parade. Expect particularly excited crowds during the Drag Superstars all-star show spotlighting queens from Québec and around the world, and the epic closing T-Dance soundtracked by some of the world’s top DJs.
Osheaga (August 1 to 3, 2025)
The leafy wilderness of Parc Jean-Drapeau transforms into one of North America’s coolest festival sites each August when Osheaga takes over. Osheaga’s annual highlights are all over the internet the day after—check out footage of previous headliners Green Day, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish for a preview of what to expect. The lineup rumour mill is already in overdrive, with whispers of Charli XCX extending brat summer and Nine Inch Nails bringing the darkness, but only time will tell until the fest makes their official announcement. And, of course, there’s no better way to beat musical FOMO than being there in person!
Otakuthon Anime Convention (Annually in August)
A true definition of a fan-driven convention, Otakuthon is a nonprofit organization staffed by hundreds of anime-loving volunteers. With weekend’s worth of exhibitions, shopping (don’t miss the tables stuffed with the latest manga titles), performances by international artists and VIP luminary appearances at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Otakuthon remains the must-see anime event of the year.
ItalfestMTL (Annually in August)
For over 30 years, ItalfestMTL has lovingly celebrated Montréal’s feisty and proud Italian community with events throughout a pedestrianized Little Italy and beyond. Spotlighting Italian culture, history and food—we’re drooling with hunger already—ItalfestMTL will leave the whole family exclaiming ciao bella!
The Montréal Highland Games (August 3, 2025)
Verdun’s stately Douglas Hospital grounds bring the Highlands to Montréal with this annual fest of all things Scottish, soundtracked by the finest pipers from Québec and abroad. Fuel up for caber tossing, hammer throwing and tug o’ war battles with tasty haggis, neeps and tatties and quality pints. As one of the founding nationalities of Montréal—commemorated on the local flag by a purple thistle—the Highland Games is a true embrace of the city’s inner Scot.
Internationnal First Peoples' Festival (IFPF) (August 5 to August 14, 2025)
The IFPF's dynamic, multidisciplinary program features major concerts, international film competitions, exhibitions, traditional dancing, live performances, seminars and meetings. Place des Festivals transforms into a hub of discovery and expression, featuring creations by contemporary Indigenous artists drawn from a rich artistic and spiritual heritage.
Orientalys Festival (Annually in August)
Held on the Clock Tower Quay in the Old Port of Montréal, the Orientalys Festival presents the vibrant colours and tastes of the East, from North Africa to China. Through workshops, performances and other activities, it’s the perfect family-friendly opportunity to explore the world’s Eastern hemisphere and broaden your sonic and culinary palette.
ÎLESONIQ Montréal (August 9 and 10, 2025)
You’d be forgiven for mistaking Parc Jean-Drapeau for one of the world’s biggest nightclubs when ÎLESONIQ packs its leafy expanses with hordes of dancing partiers. A who’s who of electronic music and DJ talent keeps the party going all evening long, and it’s just a quick 10-minute métro ride back into central Montréal for the afterparty of your choosing.
La Virée classique OSM (Annually in August)
The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal presents a calendar’s worth of performances and presentations including collaborations with MUTEK festival, family friendly activities and musical experiences perfect for a hot and lazy evening. With over 60 events on hand—most of which are free!—La Virée classique OSM brings Montréal’s celebrated orchestra from the performance halls to the summer streets.
AfroMonde Festival (Annually in August and September)
An epic celebration of African culture, music, fashion, visual arts and gastronomy, AfroMonde Festival is the definition of a multi-faceted event. Featuring modern and traditional dance, folktale presentations, conferences, tasty culinary discoveries, exhibitions and kiosks, it’s a festival experience as rich and varied as the African diaspora itself.
LASSO Montréal (August 15 and 16, 2025)
Every August, LASSO welcomes country music crowds to Montrey’all with the genre’s hottest voices at one of the world’s biggest outdoor musical hoedowns. Based at Espace 67, headliners Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Sheryl Crow, Tucker Wetmore and Riley Green and an expertly-curated lineup of other luminaries are sure to get audiences toe tapping and line dancing all day long.
Pervers/cité (Annually in August)
Representing “the underside of Pride,” Pervers/cité features activities, performances and presentations pitched by members of the local queer community. From back alley dance parties to safe space workshops, Pervers/cité creates an alternate universe of queer celebration and unforgettable one-off experiences.
MUTEK (August 20 to 24, 2025)
Marking its 26th year as an international trend-spotter of cutting-edge electronic music and digital arts, MUTEK continues to set the standard for avant-garde audio exploration and immersive experiences. Deservedly loved and respected equally by a discerning clientele and its performers, MUTEK is a true vanguard.
M.A.D. Festival (Annually in August)
Montréal’s ode to fashion and design, M.A.D. reimagines the Quartier des Spectacles as an epic runway, giving space to designers both local and international to show their latest creations in front of a captive, chic audience. Check out the associated pop-up shops, featured boutiques and new releases to refresh your closet.
Festival des arts de ruelle (FAR) (August 25 to September 7, 2025)
Montréal’s ruelles (the lively back alleyways and intriguing small streets that permeate most city neighbourhoods) are the setting for the Festival des arts de ruelle (FAR), or Alley Arts Festival. The fest’s broad and colourful programme features eclectic performances including music, dance and circus all across the city, so keep your eyes and ears open for some unforgettable back alley surprises!
JOAT Festival international de street dance (Annually in August)
Welcoming over 150 street dance artists, JOAT spotlights breaking, popping, hip-hop, krump and other styles through workshops, classes from introductory to master levels and must-see battles at all levels of competition and age groups. As a global hub for street dance, JOAT not only gathers together some of the world’s best, but also gives Montréal the chance to show off some of its own eye-popping moves.
Festival BLVD (Annually in August)
Saint-Laurent Boulevard goes pedestrian-only for this family-themed fun fest. Large scale games, creative installations, treasure hunts and more await the kids, while a relaxation zone is set aside for parents to refresh and recharge. There’s also ample opportunity to dip into one of Saint-Laurent’s boutiques for a end of summer treat, or a restful and refuelling terrasse break.
Festival Trad Montréal (Annually in August)
Showcasing artists, artisans and researchers of Québec’s traditional cultural heritage, Festival TRAD proudly shows off la belle province’s music, dance, song and storytelling through performances, activities and participatory workshops. It’s the perfect way to get up close and personal with Québec’s rich and unique culture.
Keep on summering into September
Festival Quartiers Danses (September 4 to 14, 2025)
Martha and the Vandellas’ ‘Dancing in the Street’ sets the theme for the Festival Quartiers Danses, which takes the idea to a whole other level, bringing contemporary dance out to the boulevards, parks, public markets, museums and even daycares throughout the Quartier des Spectacles.
Montréal Ukrainian Festival (Annually in September)
Featuring performances by Ukrainian, Canadian and Québec-based artists, singers, dancers, comedians and choirs, the Montréal Ukrainian Festival celebrates the Ukraine’s vibrant culture. A variety of kiosks spotlight Ukrainian cuisine, folk art and crafts and local businesses, along with a children’s play area.
TEMPÉO, Dance and Music Festival (September 10 to 15, 2025)
A perfect late-summer outdoor party on the Place des Arts Esplanade, a variety of rhythms are sure to get everyone dancing. Featuring Bollywood, salsa and a galaxy of other styles, TEMPÉO guarantees a dynamic conclusion to the summer festival season.
Jackalope (September 12 to 14, 2025)
With keywords like Action, Adrenaline and Holy Cow Are They Actually Doing That?! Jackalope invites some of the most daring athletes from around the world to display their mad skills at bouldering, skateboarding and a what’s-what of action sports.
Ferment Fest (Annually in September)
Ferment Fest brings together more than 20 Québec-based fermentation artisans to the halls of the Jean-Talon Market to showcase their wares while also sharing tips and tricks for attendees to perfect their own fermentations at home. A great way to prepare yourself for the upcoming harvest season.
Palomosa Festival (Annually in September)
End the summer on a high note with the all-new Palomosa Festival, promising a back-to-school celebration sure to ease everyone’s entry into the autumn. Opening with a block party and followed by a two day dance party at Epsace 67 and Jardin le Petit Prince in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Palomosa is sure to quickly become one of Montréal’s preferred end of summer traditions.
Mark Hamilton
Mark Hamilton is the community director for QueerMTL, an internationally-touring musician with his projects Woodpigeon and Frontperson and a graduate studies student of history researching LGBTQ+ activism in the city. He’s lived in Montréal since 2015, during which time he’s most often spotted atop a BIXI bike usally running a few minutes late.