The Nation’s annual provincial guide to a plethora of summer fun
While some Cree communities may still be experiencing the occasional snow shower or are watching the first signs of spring as the geese return north to be plucked by some anxiously awaiting Crees, down south the heat has already begun.
While certain folks may be tucking into their first spring goose as they read this story, it won’t be long before your summer vacation rolls around and so it’s never too early to start planning.
Whether you are looking to enjoy a major music festival, flex your muscles with something physical, take your little ones to something family-friendly or soak up local culture, Quebec is the kind of destination that makes other places pale in comparison.
Once more, Montreal features so many festivals and cultural events, that you can easily enjoy everything from professional sports to incredible music to top-of-the-line cuisine without having to travel far.
While the cities have their own delights, if you are looking to cool off in the countryside, the Nation has the 411 on that, listing off every water park, zoo, family attraction and festivity we could find.
And so without any further ado, here is the 2013 guide to making the best of your time over the coming summer months.
Montreal
Due to the incredible volume of activities happening from May to September, Quebec’s largest and liveliest city gets its own listings section.
May
If you’ve ever wanted to know how many Montreal museums you can see in a day without spending a dime on admissions, Montreal Museums Day is the perfect event for you.
A major hit amongst families and patrons for the last 27 years, Museums Day sees the doors open to 34 different museums, absolutely free, as well as free transportation from destination to destination provided, courtesy of the Société de transport de Montréal.
Whether you are looking for an artistic feast for your eyes, hours of learning about our natural environment, climates, planets, plants, archeology, history and just about everything under and including the sun, Montreal has a museum for it.
This year’s event will be celebrated on May 26.
For more info: www.museesmontreal.org
The Montreal Bike Fest
While the name at first might conjure up images of leather-clad men on Harleys, the Montreal Bike Fest is all about celebrating two-wheeled vehicles, sans the motors.
If you happen to be in Montreal May 26-June 2, there is no better time to take an amateur bike tour, enjoy the world famous Tour de l’Île, go cycling with the kids, cycle downtown when it is devoid of cars or do a major nighttime cycling event.
This cycling event features four mega-events that offer something for just about everyone in the family.
Starting with the Metropolitan Challenge on May 26, participants are invited to start out in Saint-Lazare for a lengthy, but breathtaking tour around the island of Montreal.
Then on Bike-to-Work Day, anyone and everyone in the downtown core is urged to cycle to work if possible to promote not only healthier but much greener living.
May 31 sees the return of the popular Tour de la Nuit, a zany late night cycling tour that features wildly dressed cyclists taking in the city’s breathtaking sights on a casual, after-dark excursion.
The week culminates with the Tour de l’Île on June 2, for those really looking for a major cycling challenge. This year the tour is offering five different route options so that those who aren’t professional cyclists or families who want to get out with the kids can enjoy a fabulous day of athleticism. The event wraps up with a large party to celebrate the race.
For more info: www.veloquebec.info/
MUTEK
If electronic music and avant-gardism are your bag and you want to check out the best of electronic music and arts, look no further than MUTEK’s annual event, running May 29-June 2.
Dedicated to the “dissemination and development of digital creativity in sound, music and audio-visual art” since 2000, this non-profit group puts on one of Canada’s most stellar electronic events and with each year it only gets better.
So far the lineup includes: Âme, Andy Stott, Boundary, Brant Brauer Frick, Deadbeat, Efdemin, Emika, Emptyset, Franck Vigroux & Antoine Schmitt, Frivolous, Graze, Jamie Lidell, John Roberts, John Talabot, Tejada, Jon Hopkins, Juju & Jordash, Laurel Halo, Robert Hood, Ryoichi Kurokawa, Saschienne, Space Dimension Controller, The Field and Wishmountain.
For more info: www.mutek.org/
Mondial de la bière
If beers from around the world are more your pleasure, the Mondial de la bière is the ultimate in celebrating and sampling some of the best brews from across the globe while hobnobbing with fellow novices and enthusiasts.
Celebrating its 20th edition, this homegrown festival has expanded tremendously over the years, having recently moved to Palais des Congrès to meet it supersized needs. Over the years, this event has seen the presentation and promotion of several thousand different products ranging from big-name domestic and imported brews to just about every kind of artisanal product out there to all sorts of Quebec-made products.
Running May 29-June 2, the festival features all sorts of events to learn about how to pair these products with different meals and also how to cook with them for those looking at how to incorporate these new flavours into your everyday meals.
Once more, the beer fest is a wonderful way to develop your palate for beer at a nominal fee as admission is free and tastings of three to four ounces range from two to six coupons (for most beers) with tickets going at $1 a pop.
For more info: http://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/
June
St-Ambroise Fringe Festival
For fans of drama, comedy, dance, spoken word, folk/ rock/ hip-hop, performance art, amateur wrestling, drag acts, fire eating and just about anything else you can put on a stage and sell tickets too (without nudity), the St-Ambroise Fringe Festival is back to rock your socks off June 3-23.
With over 20 days of mind-blowing amateur and professional theatre and an assortment of other forms of entertainment, this event is a gem in the hearts of many Montrealers and tourists.
Whether you have been to fringe theatre shows before or not, there is no time like the present to take in some of these fabulous and thought-provoking shows and concerts. Or, if you just want to dip a toe into the magical fringe pond, enjoy a free live show on the outdoor stage at Fringe Central, located at the corner of St-Laurent and Rachel streets in the heart of Montreal’s Plateau district.
Now in its 22nd edition, the Fringe festival had over 62,500 patrons take in events last year.
This year’s event will feature local performers as well as visiting troupes from all over Canada, the U.S., Australia and France.
For more info:
montrealfringe.ca
Suoni Per Il Popolo Festival
If you are all about finding out what lies within the heart of the common man/woman by hearing the voices of the people, this small-time fest is all about showcasing big-time heart!
Running June 5-22, this handmade festival is the antithesis to large corporate festivals like the Jazz Fest. It showcases the best of the avant garde to provide dynamic, community-based leftfield music to those who enjoy it most. This festival also features a wide variety of less mainstream genres of music, such as free jazz, hip-hop, noise, world/global, electronica, soundscapes, experimental folk, rock and pop, and musique actuelle.
With a huge, mouthwatering lineup just waiting for your discovery, this small club concert series is put on by Casa del Popolo.
For more info:
suoniperilpopolo.org
Montreal Grand Prix
If professional automobile racing is what really gets your motor running, there ain’t no better weekend to get your groove on than June 7-9, when the Grand Prix du Canada returns to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Running parallel with North America’s only major Formula 1 racing event are a series of major parties throughout the city, with major street fairs on both Crescent and St-Laurent streets.
While many come down for the race itself, the endless amount of fanfare throughout the city is enough to get your blood-a-pumping for the entire three days, between the incredible vintage and luxury automobile displays, major DJ parties, restaurant events, fashion events, and live concerts.
For those looking to kick off race weekend in style, for the third year in a row “The Grand Evening”, a benefit soiree that will serve as the official opening event of the 2013 Grand Prix du Canada is also back on June 6.
Bringing together many powerhouses and elite from Montreal’s business community, this glitzy soiree is all about coming together to raise money for Montreal’s Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur.
For more info:
www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
The Montreal Folk Fest on the Canal
Folk music fans can rejoice in the fact that Montreal’s only exclusively folk festival is back for three exciting days in June.
Running June12-14, this intimate but punch-packing event will feature legendary Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Tim O’Brien and The Travelin’ McCourys as headliners for the indoor shows.
The fest features all sorts of live acts on the St-Ambroise Terrace, located behind the McAuslan Brewery (5080 St-Ambroise St.) along the historic Lachine Canal.
For more info:
montrealfolkfest.com
FIMA
If you’ve ever wanted to explore local art from all over the province as well as fabulous works from all around the world in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting, look no further than the FIMA (Festival International Montréal en Arts) is the greatest open-air art gallery in eastern Canada.
Running June 12-16, this festival transforms a one-kilometre stretch of St. Catherine St. East into the “BoulevArt,” lined with artistic works and fanfare for patrons to purchase or simply enjoy. This is a family-friendly event for both the young and old.
For more info: www.festivaldesarts.org
Les Francofollies
For those folks out there that just love a boisterous, bountiful, big-budget festival with all of the bells and whistles, the first mega grand slam of an event on Montreal’s dance card is les Francofollies, the ultimate in French music.
Running June 13-22, North America’s largest francophone music festival is now in its 25th edition and celebrating, but it is the fest’s patrons who are getting all of the spoiling.
This year’s event includes all sorts of goodies, such as indoor shows featuring Isabelle Boulay, Paul Piché, Diane Tell, Pierre Flynn, Bruno Pelletier, Marie-Jo Therio, Danielle Oddera and Benoit Sarrasin all performing the works of Jacques Brel.
Québécois country star Paul Daraîche will perform hits from his 45-year career with the likes of Laurence Jalbert, Patrick Norman and Mario Pelchat.
To celebrate the last 25 years, Les Franco is putting on several retrospectives that highlight its history and the entertainers who have helped make it so famous.
Robert Charlebois will mark his 50 years in the Québécois music industry with special guests Ingrid St-Pierre, Dumas, Les Trois Accords, Ariane Moffatt and Louise Forestier.
Local rock heroes Les Colocs will kick out the jams with folksy wonder Paul Cargnello.
For more info: www.francofolies.com
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
If professional and competitive fireworks, all set to music and put on in the beauty of the Old Port sound like an incredible night out for you, then check out the 29th edition of the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec running June 22-August 3.
This year’s competition will include firework displays on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, featuring all sorts of unique themes, the first-time participation for Croatia and a tribute to Irish rock band U2.
This year’s participants in order of appearance are Australia, England, Hong Kong/China, Spain, the U.S., Croatia, Canada and Italy. The event will culminate with a special closing tribute to U2, titled Finale des Étoiles Loto-Québec, on August 3.
For more info: www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com
National Aboriginal Day
The folks at the Terre en vues/Land InSights, First People’s Festival will once again be handling festivities for National Aboriginal Day and will be making announcements later this month to confirm all of their festivities.
For the time being they can confirm that on June 21 they will be hosting a traditional ceremony at Place Jacques Cartier, starting at 11:00 am.
For more info: www.nativelynx.qc.ca/en
La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal
Every nation likes to celebrate itself, and Quebec is no exception. Les Québécois live it up every June 24 as they mark the Fête nationale du Québec, formerly known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
In the past, the province has seen wide array of major celebrities take to outdoor stages in Montreal’s many parks, and celebrated with parades and fireworks.
So far the lineup for this year’s event has not been released.
For more info:
www.fetenationale-montreal.qc.ca
Montreal International Jazz Festival
The city’s biggest, fattest, craziest mega-festival is none other than the Jazz Fest and, with another 10 jam-packed days of back-to-back entertainment, you may as well just install their new mobile phone app to keep on top of things as you might need a little assistance to maximize all your attendance with so much happening.
Whether it is traditional jazz, blues, folk, roots, hip-hop, Motown, R&B, rock, pop or a very special evening with the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, this year’s event has it all.
Running June 28-July 7, the fest will feature a large number of indoor shows in different venues and entertainment that runs from morning until the wee hours of the morning on the many outdoor stages set up in Montreal’s gorgeously revamped Quartier des Spectacles.
Stop by to check out what is playing on the spur of the moment or plan your every moment with the many incredible shows that will be featured.
Tickets are already on sale for the following: Aretha Franklin, Wayne Shorter, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oliver Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, John Abercrombie, Ravi Coltrane, Bill Frisell, Holly Cole, Boz Scaggs, The Specials, Belle & Sebastian, The Cat Empire, Trombone Shorty, Caravan Palace, Serena Ryder, Jason Moran, Austra, Mother Mother, Rhye, Thus:Owls, SUUNS,Woodkid, She & Him, Vieux Farka Touré, Alpha Blondy, Xavier Rudd, Alex Cuba and Nikki Yanofsky.
Be sure to check out these incredible double bill shows to double your listening entertainment: Lyle Lovett and Chris Isaak, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers and Leon Russell, Champion and his G-Strings with I Musici, Katia and Marielle Labèque.
So far the only outdoor show that’s been announced is Canadian indie songstress Feist on June 28 at 9:30 pm, who will kick off the first night of the festival. Check the Jazz Fest website later on for more details.
For more info:
www.montrealjazzfest.com
July
Start July in style by taking in Montreal’s magical Canada Day celebrations in Montreal’s Old Port July 1.
With events going on from early morning until late at night, there is something for everybody on Canada’s birthday.
Featuring a special kid’s play village comprised of all sorts of bouncy structures, face painting, animators and a plethora of fun-themed activities, the entire family can participate in celebrating what makes Canada so special.
And, because what is a birthday party without a birthday cake, 1000 pieces of cake will be handed out as is the Montreal tradition.
As the day progresses the tone of the event becomes geared towards the bigger kids and then those who are kids at heart with all sorts of live music shows, DJ dance parties, and fireworks.
For more info:
www.canadadaymontreal.orgl
International Circus Arts Festival
If spellbinding, death-defying and ultimately mind-blowing circus-style entertainment is what you and your family are looking for this summer, look no further than Montréal Complètement Cirque, the city’s only large-scale circus-style festival, running July 3-13.
Importing circus acts from around the world, this is the ultimate event to see contortionists contort, acrobatics by the finest acrobats, dramatic dances, and fiery fire throwers.
Featuring a parade of performers as well as daytime and nighttime entertainment, this incredible event is put on by Montreal’s TOHU and can be enjoyed by the young and old alike.
For more info:
montrealcompletementcirque.com
Just for Laughs
When it comes to comedy, no other festival does it as right as Montreal’s Just for Laughs. With gala after gala featuring so many big names, downtown Montreal could easily be mistaken for Los Angeles. You can pretty much bet that if they are big or on the verge of being big, they will have told jokes in Montreal.
While this year’s full lineup isn’t available yet, the festival (running July 10-28) was able to confirm the following names for their popular show series. The Nasty Show will be hosted by Bobby Slayton and will feature Jimmy Carr. The Ethnic Show: Ethnical Difficulties will get Shaun Majumder as a host and feature Fahim Anwar. While Date Night: The Relationship Show will be hosted by Godfrey and feature Debra DiGiovanni and Bob Marley.
For more info: www.hahaha.com
Festival international Nuits d’Afrique
Scintillating, stimulating and sublime, the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique runs July 9-21 and serves up a whole multidisciplinary approach to arts of Africa and of those of African descent. Featuring music, visual arts, dance, a film festival and four jam-packed days at the Quartier des Spectacles festival space downtown, this is a great event to immerse yourself into a diverse cultural world.
This year’s event will feature a record-breaking 91 shows and workshops given by more than 500 artists from 32 countries as well as five incredible concert series that will be performed in seven different indoor venues.
The Parterre du Quartier des Spectacles will feature four days of free events with 28 concerts on the Loto-Québec stage and eight open-air workshops as well as 25 different kinds of activities at the Agor’Afrique, four mini parades, a Children’s Village and the Timbuktu Market, an authentic African-style market with 44 craftspeople on site making authentic goods.
Plus, every evening at 8:00pm, the festival will feature projections of live sets on the façade of the Maison symphonique de Montréal.
For more info:
www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com
Fantasia Film Festival
If the heat of a Montreal summer has left you feeling listless and you’ve grown tired of sweating under the sun, Montreal’s annual Fantasia Film Festival is a fine form of escapism and a feast for the imagination.
Running July 18-August 6, this fantastic cinematic experience brings some of the best films from Asia as well as an assortment from the U.S., Europe and around the globe. Patrons get the chance to experience an entire world of film they may not have known otherwise. Many a classic is also screened at this event, giving younger generations the opportunity to fall in love with some cherished films.
This year’s program has yet to be posted, so check its website later.
For more info: www.festivalfantasia.com/2012/en
The Montreal International Dragon Boat Races
While most festivals are about music, art and performers, the stars of the Dragon Boat Race Festival are the ancient-style Chinese boats and the racers who push them to the limit to win.
Running July 19-21, the 2013 edition of this fabulous free event takes place in Montreal’s Olympic Basin and offers a taste of Chinese culture along with a race that has 2295 years of tradition. Featuring Chinese fare, live entertainment, various arts and crafts, and the popular Children Drawing Contest, this is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy and learn from.
For more info:
www.montrealdragonboat.com
MEG
For the last 15 years, Montreal’s Electronic Groove Festival or MEG has been serving up the best of local electronic music as well as some of the best from around the globe.
Over the years, this festival has brought names like James Murphy, MIA, Justice, Chromeo, Brodinski, Gesaffelstein, Tiga, Le Tigre, Santogold, and Fisherspooner to Montreal.
Running July 25-August 3, this year’s event features a wide variety of electronic music, pop and hip-hop shows at various venues throughout the city and also parallel events to Osheaga.
While the full schedule has yet to be unveiled, so far headliners include Agoria, Locomote, Van Did, G O’Brien, Duchess Says, Sexy Sushi, Cherry Cola, Magnanime, The Hacker and Bordello.
For more info: www.megmontreal.com/
Divers/Cité
While you don’t have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to take part in Divers/Cité, the festival celebrates the LGBT crowd and the diversity of that culture in Montreal at this event.
For over 21 years this fun and fabulous festival has brought everything from parades to shows to mega-dance events to Montreal and 2013 will be no exception with a whole week of incredible festivities running July 30-August 5.
Featuring a parade, live music and dance parties in Montreal’s Old Port, this year’s lineup so far includes: Marie-Denise Pelletier, Fanny Bloom, Ana Paula, Peter Rauhofer, Kish/Delish, Mado, Hector Romero, David Morales, CHUS + Ceballos, The Young Professionals and Stephan Grondin.
For more info: www.diverscite.org
Terre en Vue/Land InSights / First Peoples’ Festival
For those looking to celebrate Aboriginal culture in an urban setting, the First Peoples’ Festival is a spectacular celebration of cinema, art and crafts, traditional foods, visual arts and all that is First Nations from across Canada and beyond.
The festival will take place once again within Montreal’s ultra-modern and swanky Place des Festivals July 30-August 4, and will feature a wide variety of cultural shows and regalia as well as a series of installations developed specifically to showcase Indigenous artwork and design within such a modern context.
While most of the details for this event have yet to be confirmed, we were able to get a few tidbits out of the festival organizers. The films for the competition will be screened at both the Cinémathèque québécoise and Grande Bibliothèque this year for all of the Indigenous cinema buffs out there.
The downtown installation and festival site will be up from August 1-4 and will feature a plethora of activities that include the usual fare: outdoor film screenings, dance shows and concerts, confirmed so far are both CerAmony and the Digging Roots band.
For more info: www.nativelynx.qc.ca
The Montreal Fashion and Design Festival
Right in the dead heat of the summer, the city manages to turn up the sizzle factor a couple of degrees while serving as host to the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival in the downtown core.
All about glamour and putting your most fashionable foot forward, this four-day event, running July 31-August 3, sees a large strip of McGill College Avenue transformed into an incredible outdoor runway.
Blending mediums, the event brings together the leading international fashion labels, a host of renowned national designers, spectacular and cutting-edge shows, design in real time, and countless special events, all set in a one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Founded in 2001, this celebration is all about being the first to enjoy what will become the next biggest trends in fashion, design, music and shopping.
For more info:
www.festivalmodedesign.com
August
Osheaga
While California has Coachella and the UK has Reading, the Osheaga festival has become Montreal’s signature musical event of the summer, complete with mind-blowing acts that draw in hipsters, tourists and music fans from around the world.
Running August 2-4 at Parc Jean Drapeau, this year’s headliners include Mumford & Sons, the Cure, Phoenix, New Order, Vampire Weekend and the Lumineers.
Also playing on the two main stages are: Alt-J, Ellie Goulding, Pretty Lights, Imagine Dragons, Two Door Cinema Club, Porter Robinson, Silversun Pickups, Azealia Banks, Baauer, Tommy Trash, Jimmy Eat World, Misteur Valaire, Disclosure, Yelawolf, Lou Doillon, Gramatik, Frightened Rabbit, We Are Wolves, Angel Haze, Death Grips, Grouplove, Xavier Cafeine, Jesse Ware, The Heavy, Holy Ghost!, Icona Pop, Jake Bugg, Wild Nothing, Style Of Eye, The Head and The Heart, Jets, Frank Turner, The Neighborhood, DIIV, Atlas Genius, The Knocks, Rone, Floating Points, Oberhofer, Carnage, Wild Belle, Jackmaster, Amtrac, Shovels and Rope, Capital Cities, EC Twins, Kidnap Kid, Hyphen Hyphen, MNDR, Loud Larry Ajust Dusted, Guards, Ponctuation, Lucy Rose, Nightbox, Doezenne and Humans.
For more info: www.osheaga.com
Roger’s Cup
If you are more of a sports fan than a music buff, men’s tennis is back at Montreal’s Uniprix Stadium, located in Jarry Park, August 2-4.
Come and see the world’s biggest names in tennis battling it for the cup and bragging rights in one of the most exciting tournaments of the season.
If you don’t want to pay the big bucks to sit courtside for one of the major events, patrons are welcomed to pay a nominal fee to wander about the practice courts and watch matches with the greats, who are so close you can actually smell their sweat.
For more info: www.rogerscup.com
The Montreal Highland Games
If you have Scottish roots or just like to pretend, why not take in the major Montreal event that celebrates both highland traditions and the city’s Celtic community at the Montreal Highland Games?
This year the games will be hosted for the first time in Agrignon Park, the largest venue ever for this festival and the first ever that is located almost right on a métro stop.
Featuring a wide variety of Celtic music and pipes, traditional fare and various competitions such as highland dancing, caber tossing, sheaf toss, putting the stone and the hammer toss, this is a great family event.
Now in its 36th year, the highland games happen August 3-4 and are a guaranteed hit.
For more info:
www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca
FestiBlues International de Montréal
If you’ve ever wanted to attend a festival that’s all about celebrating the blues and the music that has derived from it, Montreal’s International Blues Festival, Festiblues, is all about that.
Running August 8-11 in Montreal‘s Ahuntsic district, this small yet powerful event has brought blues greats from around the world to play on its main outdoor stages or in the many smaller and intimate venues that this festival is all about.
This year’s lineup has yet to be released, so keep tabs on its website.
For more info: www.festiblues.com
Heavy MTL
Heavy MTL is all about devoting two solid days to heavy rock/ metal/ hardcore/ punk fans so they can rock out and come home with a sore neck from all of the head banging.
Running August 10-11, this year’s headliners include Avenged Sevenfold, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Godsmack, Danzig featuring Doyle, A Day to Remember, Children of Bodom, Mastodon, August Burns Red, At the Gates, Amon Amarth, Machine Head, Steel Panther, Gwar, Of Mice & Men, Finntroll, Baroness, Wintersun, Obey the Brave, The Acacia Strain, Halestorm, All Shall Perish, Cryptopsy, Augury, Unexpect, Oceano, Within the Ruins, Structures, Blackguard, Slaves On Dope and Havok.
For more info: www.heavymtl.com
Matsuri Japon
Created to raise awareness of Japanese culture in Montreal, the 12th annual Matsuri Japon or Japanese festival (matsuri means festival in Japanese) will be rolling out on August 10 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal.
Featuring a jam-packed day of traditional dance, martial arts, cultural presentations, fashion displays and traditional Japanese foods, this bright and colourful festival is a fabulous way to expand your horizons without even leaving Montreal.
For more info: festivaljapon.com
Otakuthon
While this may be one of Montreal’s newer events, Otakuthon, the anime convention, returns to Palais de Congrès for two fun-filled days that are 100% devoted to the love of Chinese/Japanese animation and the culture surrounds with it.
While definitely not for everyone, this convention sees anime/Manga fans often dressed up as their favourite characters and participating in all sorts of events, from karaoke to dance, fan fiction contests, masquerades, costume contests and gaming.
An ideal event for anyone who is into anime/Manga or wants to buy new books and films or get further immersed in the culture. It runs August 16-18 but requires registration.
For more info: www.otakuthon.com/2013
Montreal International Reggae Festival
If you’re a big fan of reggae music and its culture, there is no better way to get your reggae on than at Montreal’s major event that’s devoted to the best in reggae.
While the lineup has yet to be released, this fest features three days of reggae grooves and beats under the hot summer sun, right by the water in Montreal’s Old Port.
For more info:
montrealinternationalreggaefestival.com
Montreal World Film Festival
If ever you’ve wanted the opportunity to feel like you’re part of the film industry, get first-hand peeks at live celebrities on a red carpet, with the fanfare that surrounds a film premiere, then the Montreal World Film Festival is your chance to be part of that.
Running August 22-September 2, this event has had it fair share of major Hollywood film premieres and is a world famous film competition.
For more info:
www.ffm-montreal.org
Pointe-à-Callière’s 18th Century Public Market
If you’ve ever wanted to see what Montreal was like back in the days of New France, look no further than Pointe-à-Callière’s 18th Century Public Market, an event that takes visitors right back to 1750.
Located in the exact spot that saw Montreal’s first public market, the anthropology museum sets up a company of farmers, craftspeople and entertainers as they existed in 1750 to provide visitors with an authentic experience.
A tremendous learning experience for the entire family, this event runs August 24-25.
For more info: pacmusee.qc.ca/en/calendar-of-activities/cultural-activities/18th-century-public-market
Art Tattoo Montreal
If you are thinking about getting some new ink or just want to look at some of the best body art there is out there, then there’s no better event in the province than Art Tattoo Montreal, coming to Windsor Station September 6-8.
Once more, at this ink-savvy event you can book to get yourself an incredible new tattoo by some of the best artists in the world as they partake in this event.
So, whether you are looking for new inspiration or just want to look at something incredible, this show is worthwhile to check out. It’s only here for three days so plan your stay and art carefully.
For more info:
www.arttattoomontreal.com
Montreal’s Comiccon 2013
Bust out your tights and capes as Montreal’s Comiccon is back September 13-15 at the Palais de Congrès for more fun and excitement.
Whether you love comic books or just dressing up like a comic-book character, this is the ultimate event to get your comic-on.
This year’s event will feature a bevy of stars of film and science fiction, including the cast of Syfy’s Battlestar Galactica (Jamie Bamber, Edward James Olmos, Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer and James Callis), Lena Headey from Game of Thrones and TV’s original Hulk, Lou Ferrigno. So you’ll be able to get lots of autographs and say hello in person.
For more info:
www.montrealcomiccon.com
Some of the
best other fests!
While Montreal may be the “hostess with the mostess”, when it comes to non-stop festival madness that doesn’t mean there aren’t other worthwhile events scattered throughout the province.
It’s quite the contrary, as Montreal’s reputation for international events is renowned, when other Quebec towns plan an event, it is with this in mind. The end result is a province that knows how to put on a party, no matter what the event and no matter where it is set.
Festival des guitares du monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
If you happen to be in the Rouyn Noranda region May 25-June1, this unique event is all about celebrating one of the most essential and versatile musical instruments around – the guitar.
Featuring acts from all over the world, this will be the ninth edition of this event in Rouyn and this year’s festival has invited some of the world’s top guitarists and string instrumentalists like Côte d’Ivoire’s Aboulaye Koné, blues hero Colin James and Montreal Celtic folk great David Gossage.
For more info: www.fgmat.com
Festival International de Danse Encore
This Trois-Rivières festival is about showcasing dance in all of its forms from some of the world’s most incredible international performers.
Running June 6-9, the festival offers something for everyone, with youth showcases and competitions, free outdoor activities, gala and contemporary shows, master classes and mega hip-hop dance parties for those looking to shake their moneymakers to some sweet and styling tunes.
A world-class event for locals and tourists alike, this event usually attracts 25,000 participants from the general public, school groups, dance students and international visitors.
For more info: www.dansencore.ca
Fête de la pêche
While all Crees know that there is probably no greater fishing experience in Quebec than within some of Eeyou Istchee’s waterways, sometimes it’s fun to try out something new.
Running June 7-9, this special event is organized by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune and permits anyone throughout the province to fish anywhere they would like without a permit in order to promote fishing in Quebec.
So, why not pack up the family for a fishing adventure somewhere you’ve never been? The province is your oyster for this special event.
For more info: www.fetedelapeche.gouv.qc.ca
Festival des Fromages Fins de Victoriaville
While music and dance at a festival may be a major draw for some, in certain crowds there is nothing better to celebrate than fine cheeses and Victoriaville, known for its excellent milk quality, is a favourite amongst foodies from far and wide.
Running June 13-16, this fine cheese festival is about sampling the goods, making new discoveries and enjoying chef challenges. The event offers workshops with chefs and local celebrities as well as advice from tasting and flavour-pairing experts. There are workshops about cheese making, plus a special cheese-sculpting contest.
A celebration of fine cheeses and locally produced products, this fine-food event offers attendees a lot of flavour.
For more info:
www.festivaldesfromages.qc.ca
Saint-Honoré dans l’Vent Kite Festival
June 14-16 sees the return of a fabulous family favourite of a festival as a myriad of colour returns to the sky with the Saint-Honoré dans l’Vent Kite Festival.
A breathtaking feast for the eyes, this celebration of kite flying as well as the artistic beauty of kites attracts professional kite flyers from around the world.
With aviation-related activities, instruction on kiting for the young and old, on-site entertainment, evening shows, and a variety of local artists and exhibitors as well as wine tastings, this festival has it all for the very tall and the very small.
For more info: www.danslvent.com
Symposium international de peinture et sculpture du Saguenay Lac-St-Jean
If fine arts is your flavour and sculpture your thing, this international symposium on painting and sculpture in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean region is just the thing for you.
Running June 19-23, this event will bring out 35 regional, provincial, national and international artists this year to showcase their work and also share knowledge with the patrons of the event.
Now in its 9th edition, this event serves as a wonderful fine-arts learning opportunity in the Saguenay region.
For more info:
symposiumsaguenay.com
The James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament
A favourite among Crees and an excellent way to kick of the summer, the James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament runs June 20-29.
Whether you are intent on walleye fishing or telling tales of large fish once caught, there is no better time to get into a fishing boat with your family and show those from the outside who have come for the event, how it’s really done?
The festival will be based in Chapais, while the tournament will be held on Opemisca Lake. Multiple categories are for professionals, amateurs, youth, women and “old timers”.
This year’s entertainment includes AC/DC tribute band 21 Gun Salute (June 21), La Comtesse d’Harmonia (June 24) and Jean Marie Corbeil (June 27).
For more info: www.festivaldudore.com
Festival de la Truite mouchetée
If you really want to hit Quebec’s largest fishing tournament, Saint-Alexis-des-Monts in the Mauricie region, an area known for its brook trout, is the place to be June 22-July 1.
With nightly live entertainment, family activities to keep the whole family in good spirits and a whole lotta trout on the menu, this makes for an excellent fishing vacation for everyone to enjoy.
There are over 60 different prizes to be won, totaling $40,380, and a Polaris ATV valued at $16,500.
For more info:
www.festivaldelatruitemouchetee.com
L’Estival Rotary Desjardins in Amos
June 27-29 sees the return of a summer favourite in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, L’Estival Rotary Desjardins. This summer carnival will feature a wide variety of activities, festivities and family fun.
With shows by popular Quebec entertainers, bingo for the adults and kiddies, a midway, an opening parade and loads of other surprises to discover on site, this country fair is a party and a half.
For more info: www.estivalrotary.com
Le FestiVoix de Trois-Rivières
Featuring homegrown Québécois talent as well as acts from the rest of Canada, the U.S. and beyond, the FestiVoix music festival in Trois-Rivières brings a wide array of acts that are normally only seen in major cities.
Running June 27-July 7, this mega concert event features an eclectic variety of performances in all sorts of musical styles such as jazz, pop, opera, rock and choral performances, all in celebration of the voice.
This year’s program includes Diane Dufrense, Robert Charlebois, Éric Lapointe, Les Colocs, Jael Birdjoseph, Lisa Leblanc, Les Trois Accords, Coeur de Pirate, Random Recipe, Loco Locass, Jason Bonham’s Led Zepplin Experience, Richard Desjardins, Les Soeurs Boulay, Bears of Legend and Jorane.
For more info: www.festivoix.com
Festival forestier de Senneterre
For the little lumberjack in all of us, there is always the Festival forestier de Senneterre running June 28-30.
Attracting amateur and professional woodcutters from around the world, this family favourite of a fest is now in its 19th edition and has never been bigger or better.
Featuring a wide variety of wood categories for those new to lumberjacking, seasoned pros and even masters, these competitions have been known to draw large crowds due to their intensity.
With lots of children’s activities (like bouncy castles and other inflatable games), two nighttime concerts featuring Jonathan Painchaud and Vincent Vallières, and a host of other activities for everyone in the famil
Taking summer holidays by the horns
The Nation’s annual provincial guide to a plethora of summer fun
While some Cree communities may still be experiencing the occasional snow shower or are watching the first signs of spring as the geese return north to be plucked by some anxiously awaiting Crees, down south the heat has already begun.
While certain folks may be tucking into their first spring goose as they read this story, it won’t be long before your summer vacation rolls around and so it’s never too early to start planning.
Whether you are looking to enjoy a major music festival, flex your muscles with something physical, take your little ones to something family-friendly or soak up local culture, Quebec is the kind of destination that makes other places pale in comparison.
Once more, Montreal features so many festivals and cultural events, that you can easily enjoy everything from professional sports to incredible music to top-of-the-line cuisine without having to travel far.
While the cities have their own delights, if you are looking to cool off in the countryside, the Nation has the 411 on that, listing off every water park, zoo, family attraction and festivity we could find.
And so without any further ado, here is the 2013 guide to making the best of your time over the coming summer months.
Montreal
Due to the incredible volume of activities happening from May to September, Quebec’s largest and liveliest city gets its own listings section.
May
If you’ve ever wanted to know how many Montreal museums you can see in a day without spending a dime on admissions, Montreal Museums Day is the perfect event for you.
A major hit amongst families and patrons for the last 27 years, Museums Day sees the doors open to 34 different museums, absolutely free, as well as free transportation from destination to destination provided, courtesy of the Société de transport de Montréal.
Whether you are looking for an artistic feast for your eyes, hours of learning about our natural environment, climates, planets, plants, archeology, history and just about everything under and including the sun, Montreal has a museum for it.
This year’s event will be celebrated on May 26.
For more info: www.museesmontreal.org
The Montreal Bike Fest
While the name at first might conjure up images of leather-clad men on Harleys, the Montreal Bike Fest is all about celebrating two-wheeled vehicles, sans the motors.
If you happen to be in Montreal May 26-June 2, there is no better time to take an amateur bike tour, enjoy the world famous Tour de l’Île, go cycling with the kids, cycle downtown when it is devoid of cars or do a major nighttime cycling event.
This cycling event features four mega-events that offer something for just about everyone in the family.
Starting with the Metropolitan Challenge on May 26, participants are invited to start out in Saint-Lazare for a lengthy, but breathtaking tour around the island of Montreal.
Then on Bike-to-Work Day, anyone and everyone in the downtown core is urged to cycle to work if possible to promote not only healthier but much greener living.
May 31 sees the return of the popular Tour de la Nuit, a zany late night cycling tour that features wildly dressed cyclists taking in the city’s breathtaking sights on a casual, after-dark excursion.
The week culminates with the Tour de l’Île on June 2, for those really looking for a major cycling challenge. This year the tour is offering five different route options so that those who aren’t professional cyclists or families who want to get out with the kids can enjoy a fabulous day of athleticism. The event wraps up with a large party to celebrate the race.
For more info: www.veloquebec.info/
MUTEK
If electronic music and avant-gardism are your bag and you want to check out the best of electronic music and arts, look no further than MUTEK’s annual event, running May 29-June 2.
Dedicated to the “dissemination and development of digital creativity in sound, music and audio-visual art” since 2000, this non-profit group puts on one of Canada’s most stellar electronic events and with each year it only gets better.
So far the lineup includes: Âme, Andy Stott, Boundary, Brant Brauer Frick, Deadbeat, Efdemin, Emika, Emptyset, Franck Vigroux & Antoine Schmitt, Frivolous, Graze, Jamie Lidell, John Roberts, John Talabot, Tejada, Jon Hopkins, Juju & Jordash, Laurel Halo, Robert Hood, Ryoichi Kurokawa, Saschienne, Space Dimension Controller, The Field and Wishmountain.
For more info: www.mutek.org/
Mondial de la bière
If beers from around the world are more your pleasure, the Mondial de la bière is the ultimate in celebrating and sampling some of the best brews from across the globe while hobnobbing with fellow novices and enthusiasts.
Celebrating its 20th edition, this homegrown festival has expanded tremendously over the years, having recently moved to Palais des Congrès to meet it supersized needs. Over the years, this event has seen the presentation and promotion of several thousand different products ranging from big-name domestic and imported brews to just about every kind of artisanal product out there to all sorts of Quebec-made products.
Running May 29-June 2, the festival features all sorts of events to learn about how to pair these products with different meals and also how to cook with them for those looking at how to incorporate these new flavours into your everyday meals.
Once more, the beer fest is a wonderful way to develop your palate for beer at a nominal fee as admission is free and tastings of three to four ounces range from two to six coupons (for most beers) with tickets going at $1 a pop.
For more info: http://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/
June
St-Ambroise Fringe Festival
For fans of drama, comedy, dance, spoken word, folk/ rock/ hip-hop, performance art, amateur wrestling, drag acts, fire eating and just about anything else you can put on a stage and sell tickets too (without nudity), the St-Ambroise Fringe Festival is back to rock your socks off June 3-23.
With over 20 days of mind-blowing amateur and professional theatre and an assortment of other forms of entertainment, this event is a gem in the hearts of many Montrealers and tourists.
Whether you have been to fringe theatre shows before or not, there is no time like the present to take in some of these fabulous and thought-provoking shows and concerts. Or, if you just want to dip a toe into the magical fringe pond, enjoy a free live show on the outdoor stage at Fringe Central, located at the corner of St-Laurent and Rachel streets in the heart of Montreal’s Plateau district.
Now in its 22nd edition, the Fringe festival had over 62,500 patrons take in events last year.
This year’s event will feature local performers as well as visiting troupes from all over Canada, the U.S., Australia and France.
For more info:
montrealfringe.ca
Suoni Per Il Popolo Festival
If you are all about finding out what lies within the heart of the common man/woman by hearing the voices of the people, this small-time fest is all about showcasing big-time heart!
Running June 5-22, this handmade festival is the antithesis to large corporate festivals like the Jazz Fest. It showcases the best of the avant garde to provide dynamic, community-based leftfield music to those who enjoy it most. This festival also features a wide variety of less mainstream genres of music, such as free jazz, hip-hop, noise, world/global, electronica, soundscapes, experimental folk, rock and pop, and musique actuelle.
With a huge, mouthwatering lineup just waiting for your discovery, this small club concert series is put on by Casa del Popolo.
For more info:
suoniperilpopolo.org
Montreal Grand Prix
If professional automobile racing is what really gets your motor running, there ain’t no better weekend to get your groove on than June 7-9, when the Grand Prix du Canada returns to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Running parallel with North America’s only major Formula 1 racing event are a series of major parties throughout the city, with major street fairs on both Crescent and St-Laurent streets.
While many come down for the race itself, the endless amount of fanfare throughout the city is enough to get your blood-a-pumping for the entire three days, between the incredible vintage and luxury automobile displays, major DJ parties, restaurant events, fashion events, and live concerts.
For those looking to kick off race weekend in style, for the third year in a row “The Grand Evening”, a benefit soiree that will serve as the official opening event of the 2013 Grand Prix du Canada is also back on June 6.
Bringing together many powerhouses and elite from Montreal’s business community, this glitzy soiree is all about coming together to raise money for Montreal’s Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur.
For more info:
www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
The Montreal Folk Fest on the Canal
Folk music fans can rejoice in the fact that Montreal’s only exclusively folk festival is back for three exciting days in June.
Running June12-14, this intimate but punch-packing event will feature legendary Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Tim O’Brien and The Travelin’ McCourys as headliners for the indoor shows.
The fest features all sorts of live acts on the St-Ambroise Terrace, located behind the McAuslan Brewery (5080 St-Ambroise St.) along the historic Lachine Canal.
For more info:
montrealfolkfest.com
FIMA
If you’ve ever wanted to explore local art from all over the province as well as fabulous works from all around the world in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting, look no further than the FIMA (Festival International Montréal en Arts) is the greatest open-air art gallery in eastern Canada.
Running June 12-16, this festival transforms a one-kilometre stretch of St. Catherine St. East into the “BoulevArt,” lined with artistic works and fanfare for patrons to purchase or simply enjoy. This is a family-friendly event for both the young and old.
For more info: www.festivaldesarts.org
Les Francofollies
For those folks out there that just love a boisterous, bountiful, big-budget festival with all of the bells and whistles, the first mega grand slam of an event on Montreal’s dance card is les Francofollies, the ultimate in French music.
Running June 13-22, North America’s largest francophone music festival is now in its 25th edition and celebrating, but it is the fest’s patrons who are getting all of the spoiling.
This year’s event includes all sorts of goodies, such as indoor shows featuring Isabelle Boulay, Paul Piché, Diane Tell, Pierre Flynn, Bruno Pelletier, Marie-Jo Therio, Danielle Oddera and Benoit Sarrasin all performing the works of Jacques Brel.
Québécois country star Paul Daraîche will perform hits from his 45-year career with the likes of Laurence Jalbert, Patrick Norman and Mario Pelchat.
To celebrate the last 25 years, Les Franco is putting on several retrospectives that highlight its history and the entertainers who have helped make it so famous.
Robert Charlebois will mark his 50 years in the Québécois music industry with special guests Ingrid St-Pierre, Dumas, Les Trois Accords, Ariane Moffatt and Louise Forestier.
Local rock heroes Les Colocs will kick out the jams with folksy wonder Paul Cargnello.
For more info: www.francofolies.com
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
If professional and competitive fireworks, all set to music and put on in the beauty of the Old Port sound like an incredible night out for you, then check out the 29th edition of the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec running June 22-August 3.
This year’s competition will include firework displays on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, featuring all sorts of unique themes, the first-time participation for Croatia and a tribute to Irish rock band U2.
This year’s participants in order of appearance are Australia, England, Hong Kong/China, Spain, the U.S., Croatia, Canada and Italy. The event will culminate with a special closing tribute to U2, titled Finale des Étoiles Loto-Québec, on August 3.
For more info: www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com
National Aboriginal Day
The folks at the Terre en vues/Land InSights, First People’s Festival will once again be handling festivities for National Aboriginal Day and will be making announcements later this month to confirm all of their festivities.
For the time being they can confirm that on June 21 they will be hosting a traditional ceremony at Place Jacques Cartier, starting at 11:00 am.
For more info: www.nativelynx.qc.ca/en
La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal
Every nation likes to celebrate itself, and Quebec is no exception. Les Québécois live it up every June 24 as they mark the Fête nationale du Québec, formerly known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
In the past, the province has seen wide array of major celebrities take to outdoor stages in Montreal’s many parks, and celebrated with parades and fireworks.
So far the lineup for this year’s event has not been released.
For more info:
www.fetenationale-montreal.qc.ca
Montreal International Jazz Festival
The city’s biggest, fattest, craziest mega-festival is none other than the Jazz Fest and, with another 10 jam-packed days of back-to-back entertainment, you may as well just install their new mobile phone app to keep on top of things as you might need a little assistance to maximize all your attendance with so much happening.
Whether it is traditional jazz, blues, folk, roots, hip-hop, Motown, R&B, rock, pop or a very special evening with the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, this year’s event has it all.
Running June 28-July 7, the fest will feature a large number of indoor shows in different venues and entertainment that runs from morning until the wee hours of the morning on the many outdoor stages set up in Montreal’s gorgeously revamped Quartier des Spectacles.
Stop by to check out what is playing on the spur of the moment or plan your every moment with the many incredible shows that will be featured.
Tickets are already on sale for the following: Aretha Franklin, Wayne Shorter, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oliver Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, John Abercrombie, Ravi Coltrane, Bill Frisell, Holly Cole, Boz Scaggs, The Specials, Belle & Sebastian, The Cat Empire, Trombone Shorty, Caravan Palace, Serena Ryder, Jason Moran, Austra, Mother Mother, Rhye, Thus:Owls, SUUNS,Woodkid, She & Him, Vieux Farka Touré, Alpha Blondy, Xavier Rudd, Alex Cuba and Nikki Yanofsky.
Be sure to check out these incredible double bill shows to double your listening entertainment: Lyle Lovett and Chris Isaak, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers and Leon Russell, Champion and his G-Strings with I Musici, Katia and Marielle Labèque.
So far the only outdoor show that’s been announced is Canadian indie songstress Feist on June 28 at 9:30 pm, who will kick off the first night of the festival. Check the Jazz Fest website later on for more details.
For more info:
www.montrealjazzfest.com
July
Start July in style by taking in Montreal’s magical Canada Day celebrations in Montreal’s Old Port July 1.
With events going on from early morning until late at night, there is something for everybody on Canada’s birthday.
Featuring a special kid’s play village comprised of all sorts of bouncy structures, face painting, animators and a plethora of fun-themed activities, the entire family can participate in celebrating what makes Canada so special.
And, because what is a birthday party without a birthday cake, 1000 pieces of cake will be handed out as is the Montreal tradition.
As the day progresses the tone of the event becomes geared towards the bigger kids and then those who are kids at heart with all sorts of live music shows, DJ dance parties, and fireworks.
For more info:
www.canadadaymontreal.orgl
International Circus Arts Festival
If spellbinding, death-defying and ultimately mind-blowing circus-style entertainment is what you and your family are looking for this summer, look no further than Montréal Complètement Cirque, the city’s only large-scale circus-style festival, running July 3-13.
Importing circus acts from around the world, this is the ultimate event to see contortionists contort, acrobatics by the finest acrobats, dramatic dances, and fiery fire throwers.
Featuring a parade of performers as well as daytime and nighttime entertainment, this incredible event is put on by Montreal’s TOHU and can be enjoyed by the young and old alike.
For more info:
montrealcompletementcirque.com
Just for Laughs
When it comes to comedy, no other festival does it as right as Montreal’s Just for Laughs. With gala after gala featuring so many big names, downtown Montreal could easily be mistaken for Los Angeles. You can pretty much bet that if they are big or on the verge of being big, they will have told jokes in Montreal.
While this year’s full lineup isn’t available yet, the festival (running July 10-28) was able to confirm the following names for their popular show series. The Nasty Show will be hosted by Bobby Slayton and will feature Jimmy Carr. The Ethnic Show: Ethnical Difficulties will get Shaun Majumder as a host and feature Fahim Anwar. While Date Night: The Relationship Show will be hosted by Godfrey and feature Debra DiGiovanni and Bob Marley.
For more info: www.hahaha.com
Festival international Nuits d’Afrique
Scintillating, stimulating and sublime, the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique runs July 9-21 and serves up a whole multidisciplinary approach to arts of Africa and of those of African descent. Featuring music, visual arts, dance, a film festival and four jam-packed days at the Quartier des Spectacles festival space downtown, this is a great event to immerse yourself into a diverse cultural world.
This year’s event will feature a record-breaking 91 shows and workshops given by more than 500 artists from 32 countries as well as five incredible concert series that will be performed in seven different indoor venues.
The Parterre du Quartier des Spectacles will feature four days of free events with 28 concerts on the Loto-Québec stage and eight open-air workshops as well as 25 different kinds of activities at the Agor’Afrique, four mini parades, a Children’s Village and the Timbuktu Market, an authentic African-style market with 44 craftspeople on site making authentic goods.
Plus, every evening at 8:00pm, the festival will feature projections of live sets on the façade of the Maison symphonique de Montréal.
For more info:
www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com
Fantasia Film Festival
If the heat of a Montreal summer has left you feeling listless and you’ve grown tired of sweating under the sun, Montreal’s annual Fantasia Film Festival is a fine form of escapism and a feast for the imagination.
Running July 18-August 6, this fantastic cinematic experience brings some of the best films from Asia as well as an assortment from the U.S., Europe and around the globe. Patrons get the chance to experience an entire world of film they may not have known otherwise. Many a classic is also screened at this event, giving younger generations the opportunity to fall in love with some cherished films.
This year’s program has yet to be posted, so check its website later.
For more info: www.festivalfantasia.com/2012/en
The Montreal International Dragon Boat Races
While most festivals are about music, art and performers, the stars of the Dragon Boat Race Festival are the ancient-style Chinese boats and the racers who push them to the limit to win.
Running July 19-21, the 2013 edition of this fabulous free event takes place in Montreal’s Olympic Basin and offers a taste of Chinese culture along with a race that has 2295 years of tradition. Featuring Chinese fare, live entertainment, various arts and crafts, and the popular Children Drawing Contest, this is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy and learn from.
For more info:
www.montrealdragonboat.com
MEG
For the last 15 years, Montreal’s Electronic Groove Festival or MEG has been serving up the best of local electronic music as well as some of the best from around the globe.
Over the years, this festival has brought names like James Murphy, MIA, Justice, Chromeo, Brodinski, Gesaffelstein, Tiga, Le Tigre, Santogold, and Fisherspooner to Montreal.
Running July 25-August 3, this year’s event features a wide variety of electronic music, pop and hip-hop shows at various venues throughout the city and also parallel events to Osheaga.
While the full schedule has yet to be unveiled, so far headliners include Agoria, Locomote, Van Did, G O’Brien, Duchess Says, Sexy Sushi, Cherry Cola, Magnanime, The Hacker and Bordello.
For more info: www.megmontreal.com/
Divers/Cité
While you don’t have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to take part in Divers/Cité, the festival celebrates the LGBT crowd and the diversity of that culture in Montreal at this event.
For over 21 years this fun and fabulous festival has brought everything from parades to shows to mega-dance events to Montreal and 2013 will be no exception with a whole week of incredible festivities running July 30-August 5.
Featuring a parade, live music and dance parties in Montreal’s Old Port, this year’s lineup so far includes: Marie-Denise Pelletier, Fanny Bloom, Ana Paula, Peter Rauhofer, Kish/Delish, Mado, Hector Romero, David Morales, CHUS + Ceballos, The Young Professionals and Stephan Grondin.
For more info: www.diverscite.org
Terre en Vue/Land InSights / First Peoples’ Festival
For those looking to celebrate Aboriginal culture in an urban setting, the First Peoples’ Festival is a spectacular celebration of cinema, art and crafts, traditional foods, visual arts and all that is First Nations from across Canada and beyond.
The festival will take place once again within Montreal’s ultra-modern and swanky Place des Festivals July 30-August 4, and will feature a wide variety of cultural shows and regalia as well as a series of installations developed specifically to showcase Indigenous artwork and design within such a modern context.
While most of the details for this event have yet to be confirmed, we were able to get a few tidbits out of the festival organizers. The films for the competition will be screened at both the Cinémathèque québécoise and Grande Bibliothèque this year for all of the Indigenous cinema buffs out there.
The downtown installation and festival site will be up from August 1-4 and will feature a plethora of activities that include the usual fare: outdoor film screenings, dance shows and concerts, confirmed so far are both CerAmony and the Digging Roots band.
For more info: www.nativelynx.qc.ca
The Montreal Fashion and Design Festival
Right in the dead heat of the summer, the city manages to turn up the sizzle factor a couple of degrees while serving as host to the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival in the downtown core.
All about glamour and putting your most fashionable foot forward, this four-day event, running July 31-August 3, sees a large strip of McGill College Avenue transformed into an incredible outdoor runway.
Blending mediums, the event brings together the leading international fashion labels, a host of renowned national designers, spectacular and cutting-edge shows, design in real time, and countless special events, all set in a one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Founded in 2001, this celebration is all about being the first to enjoy what will become the next biggest trends in fashion, design, music and shopping.
For more info:
www.festivalmodedesign.com
August
Osheaga
While California has Coachella and the UK has Reading, the Osheaga festival has become Montreal’s signature musical event of the summer, complete with mind-blowing acts that draw in hipsters, tourists and music fans from around the world.
Running August 2-4 at Parc Jean Drapeau, this year’s headliners include Mumford & Sons, the Cure, Phoenix, New Order, Vampire Weekend and the Lumineers.
Also playing on the two main stages are: Alt-J, Ellie Goulding, Pretty Lights, Imagine Dragons, Two Door Cinema Club, Porter Robinson, Silversun Pickups, Azealia Banks, Baauer, Tommy Trash, Jimmy Eat World, Misteur Valaire, Disclosure, Yelawolf, Lou Doillon, Gramatik, Frightened Rabbit, We Are Wolves, Angel Haze, Death Grips, Grouplove, Xavier Cafeine, Jesse Ware, The Heavy, Holy Ghost!, Icona Pop, Jake Bugg, Wild Nothing, Style Of Eye, The Head and The Heart, Jets, Frank Turner, The Neighborhood, DIIV, Atlas Genius, The Knocks, Rone, Floating Points, Oberhofer, Carnage, Wild Belle, Jackmaster, Amtrac, Shovels and Rope, Capital Cities, EC Twins, Kidnap Kid, Hyphen Hyphen, MNDR, Loud Larry Ajust Dusted, Guards, Ponctuation, Lucy Rose, Nightbox, Doezenne and Humans.
For more info: www.osheaga.com
Roger’s Cup
If you are more of a sports fan than a music buff, men’s tennis is back at Montreal’s Uniprix Stadium, located in Jarry Park, August 2-4.
Come and see the world’s biggest names in tennis battling it for the cup and bragging rights in one of the most exciting tournaments of the season.
If you don’t want to pay the big bucks to sit courtside for one of the major events, patrons are welcomed to pay a nominal fee to wander about the practice courts and watch matches with the greats, who are so close you can actually smell their sweat.
For more info: www.rogerscup.com
The Montreal Highland Games
If you have Scottish roots or just like to pretend, why not take in the major Montreal event that celebrates both highland traditions and the city’s Celtic community at the Montreal Highland Games?
This year the games will be hosted for the first time in Agrignon Park, the largest venue ever for this festival and the first ever that is located almost right on a métro stop.
Featuring a wide variety of Celtic music and pipes, traditional fare and various competitions such as highland dancing, caber tossing, sheaf toss, putting the stone and the hammer toss, this is a great family event.
Now in its 36th year, the highland games happen August 3-4 and are a guaranteed hit.
For more info:
www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca
FestiBlues International de Montréal
If you’ve ever wanted to attend a festival that’s all about celebrating the blues and the music that has derived from it, Montreal’s International Blues Festival, Festiblues, is all about that.
Running August 8-11 in Montreal‘s Ahuntsic district, this small yet powerful event has brought blues greats from around the world to play on its main outdoor stages or in the many smaller and intimate venues that this festival is all about.
This year’s lineup has yet to be released, so keep tabs on its website.
For more info: www.festiblues.com
Heavy MTL
Heavy MTL is all about devoting two solid days to heavy rock/ metal/ hardcore/ punk fans so they can rock out and come home with a sore neck from all of the head banging.
Running August 10-11, this year’s headliners include Avenged Sevenfold, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Godsmack, Danzig featuring Doyle, A Day to Remember, Children of Bodom, Mastodon, August Burns Red, At the Gates, Amon Amarth, Machine Head, Steel Panther, Gwar, Of Mice & Men, Finntroll, Baroness, Wintersun, Obey the Brave, The Acacia Strain, Halestorm, All Shall Perish, Cryptopsy, Augury, Unexpect, Oceano, Within the Ruins, Structures, Blackguard, Slaves On Dope and Havok.
For more info: www.heavymtl.com
Matsuri Japon
Created to raise awareness of Japanese culture in Montreal, the 12th annual Matsuri Japon or Japanese festival (matsuri means festival in Japanese) will be rolling out on August 10 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal.
Featuring a jam-packed day of traditional dance, martial arts, cultural presentations, fashion displays and traditional Japanese foods, this bright and colourful festival is a fabulous way to expand your horizons without even leaving Montreal.
For more info: festivaljapon.com
Otakuthon
While this may be one of Montreal’s newer events, Otakuthon, the anime convention, returns to Palais de Congrès for two fun-filled days that are 100% devoted to the love of Chinese/Japanese animation and the culture surrounds with it.
While definitely not for everyone, this convention sees anime/Manga fans often dressed up as their favourite characters and participating in all sorts of events, from karaoke to dance, fan fiction contests, masquerades, costume contests and gaming.
An ideal event for anyone who is into anime/Manga or wants to buy new books and films or get further immersed in the culture. It runs August 16-18 but requires registration.
For more info: www.otakuthon.com/2013
Montreal International Reggae Festival
If you’re a big fan of reggae music and its culture, there is no better way to get your reggae on than at Montreal’s major event that’s devoted to the best in reggae.
While the lineup has yet to be released, this fest features three days of reggae grooves and beats under the hot summer sun, right by the water in Montreal’s Old Port.
For more info:
montrealinternationalreggaefestival.com
Montreal World Film Festival
If ever you’ve wanted the opportunity to feel like you’re part of the film industry, get first-hand peeks at live celebrities on a red carpet, with the fanfare that surrounds a film premiere, then the Montreal World Film Festival is your chance to be part of that.
Running August 22-September 2, this event has had it fair share of major Hollywood film premieres and is a world famous film competition.
For more info:
www.ffm-montreal.org
Pointe-à-Callière’s 18th Century Public Market
If you’ve ever wanted to see what Montreal was like back in the days of New France, look no further than Pointe-à-Callière’s 18th Century Public Market, an event that takes visitors right back to 1750.
Located in the exact spot that saw Montreal’s first public market, the anthropology museum sets up a company of farmers, craftspeople and entertainers as they existed in 1750 to provide visitors with an authentic experience.
A tremendous learning experience for the entire family, this event runs August 24-25.
For more info: pacmusee.qc.ca/en/calendar-of-activities/cultural-activities/18th-century-public-market
Art Tattoo Montreal
If you are thinking about getting some new ink or just want to look at some of the best body art there is out there, then there’s no better event in the province than Art Tattoo Montreal, coming to Windsor Station September 6-8.
Once more, at this ink-savvy event you can book to get yourself an incredible new tattoo by some of the best artists in the world as they partake in this event.
So, whether you are looking for new inspiration or just want to look at something incredible, this show is worthwhile to check out. It’s only here for three days so plan your stay and art carefully.
For more info:
www.arttattoomontreal.com
Montreal’s Comiccon 2013
Bust out your tights and capes as Montreal’s Comiccon is back September 13-15 at the Palais de Congrès for more fun and excitement.
Whether you love comic books or just dressing up like a comic-book character, this is the ultimate event to get your comic-on.
This year’s event will feature a bevy of stars of film and science fiction, including the cast of Syfy’s Battlestar Galactica (Jamie Bamber, Edward James Olmos, Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer and James Callis), Lena Headey from Game of Thrones and TV’s original Hulk, Lou Ferrigno. So you’ll be able to get lots of autographs and say hello in person.
For more info:
www.montrealcomiccon.com
Some of the
best other fests!
While Montreal may be the “hostess with the mostess”, when it comes to non-stop festival madness that doesn’t mean there aren’t other worthwhile events scattered throughout the province.
It’s quite the contrary, as Montreal’s reputation for international events is renowned, when other Quebec towns plan an event, it is with this in mind. The end result is a province that knows how to put on a party, no matter what the event and no matter where it is set.
Festival des guitares du monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
If you happen to be in the Rouyn Noranda region May 25-June1, this unique event is all about celebrating one of the most essential and versatile musical instruments around – the guitar.
Featuring acts from all over the world, this will be the ninth edition of this event in Rouyn and this year’s festival has invited some of the world’s top guitarists and string instrumentalists like Côte d’Ivoire’s Aboulaye Koné, blues hero Colin James and Montreal Celtic folk great David Gossage.
For more info: www.fgmat.com
Festival International de Danse Encore
This Trois-Rivières festival is about showcasing dance in all of its forms from some of the world’s most incredible international performers.
Running June 6-9, the festival offers something for everyone, with youth showcases and competitions, free outdoor activities, gala and contemporary shows, master classes and mega hip-hop dance parties for those looking to shake their moneymakers to some sweet and styling tunes.
A world-class event for locals and tourists alike, this event usually attracts 25,000 participants from the general public, school groups, dance students and international visitors.
For more info: www.dansencore.ca
Fête de la pêche
While all Crees know that there is probably no greater fishing experience in Quebec than within some of Eeyou Istchee’s waterways, sometimes it’s fun to try out something new.
Running June 7-9, this special event is organized by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune and permits anyone throughout the province to fish anywhere they would like without a permit in order to promote fishing in Quebec.
So, why not pack up the family for a fishing adventure somewhere you’ve never been? The province is your oyster for this special event.
For more info: www.fetedelapeche.gouv.qc.ca
Festival des Fromages Fins de Victoriaville
While music and dance at a festival may be a major draw for some, in certain crowds there is nothing better to celebrate than fine cheeses and Victoriaville, known for its excellent milk quality, is a favourite amongst foodies from far and wide.
Running June 13-16, this fine cheese festival is about sampling the goods, making new discoveries and enjoying chef challenges. The event offers workshops with chefs and local celebrities as well as advice from tasting and flavour-pairing experts. There are workshops about cheese making, plus a special cheese-sculpting contest.
A celebration of fine cheeses and locally produced products, this fine-food event offers attendees a lot of flavour.
For more info:
www.festivaldesfromages.qc.ca
Saint-Honoré dans l’Vent Kite Festival
June 14-16 sees the return of a fabulous family favourite of a festival as a myriad of colour returns to the sky with the Saint-Honoré dans l’Vent Kite Festival.
A breathtaking feast for the eyes, this celebration of kite flying as well as the artistic beauty of kites attracts professional kite flyers from around the world.
With aviation-related activities, instruction on kiting for the young and old, on-site entertainment, evening shows, and a variety of local artists and exhibitors as well as wine tastings, this festival has it all for the very tall and the very small.
For more info: www.danslvent.com
Symposium international de peinture et sculpture du Saguenay Lac-St-Jean
If fine arts is your flavour and sculpture your thing, this international symposium on painting and sculpture in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean region is just the thing for you.
Running June 19-23, this event will bring out 35 regional, provincial, national and international artists this year to showcase their work and also share knowledge with the patrons of the event.
Now in its 9th edition, this event serves as a wonderful fine-arts learning opportunity in the Saguenay region.
For more info:
symposiumsaguenay.com
The James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament
A favourite among Crees and an excellent way to kick of the summer, the James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament runs June 20-29.
Whether you are intent on walleye fishing or telling tales of large fish once caught, there is no better time to get into a fishing boat with your family and show those from the outside who have come for the event, how it’s really done?
The festival will be based in Chapais, while the tournament will be held on Opemisca Lake. Multiple categories are for professionals, amateurs, youth, women and “old timers”.
This year’s entertainment includes AC/DC tribute band 21 Gun Salute (June 21), La Comtesse d’Harmonia (June 24) and Jean Marie Corbeil (June 27).
For more info: www.festivaldudore.com
Festival de la Truite mouchetée
If you really want to hit Quebec’s largest fishing tournament, Saint-Alexis-des-Monts in the Mauricie region, an area known for its brook trout, is the place to be June 22-July 1.
With nightly live entertainment, family activities to keep the whole family in good spirits and a whole lotta trout on the menu, this makes for an excellent fishing vacation for everyone to enjoy.
There are over 60 different prizes to be won, totaling $40,380, and a Polaris ATV valued at $16,500.
For more info:
www.festivaldelatruitemouchetee.com
L’Estival Rotary Desjardins in Amos
June 27-29 sees the return of a summer favourite in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, L’Estival Rotary Desjardins. This summer carnival will feature a wide variety of activities, festivities and family fun.
With shows by popular Quebec entertainers, bingo for the adults and kiddies, a midway, an opening parade and loads of other surprises to discover on site, this country fair is a party and a half.
For more info: www.estivalrotary.com
Le FestiVoix de Trois-Rivières
Featuring homegrown Québécois talent as well as acts from the rest of Canada, the U.S. and beyond, the FestiVoix music festival in Trois-Rivières brings a wide array of acts that are normally only seen in major cities.
Running June 27-July 7, this mega concert event features an eclectic variety of performances in all sorts of musical styles such as jazz, pop, opera, rock and choral performances, all in celebration of the voice.
This year’s program includes Diane Dufrense, Robert Charlebois, Éric Lapointe, Les Colocs, Jael Birdjoseph, Lisa Leblanc, Les Trois Accords, Coeur de Pirate, Random Recipe, Loco Locass, Jason Bonham’s Led Zepplin Experience, Richard Desjardins, Les Soeurs Boulay, Bears of Legend and Jorane.
For more info: www.festivoix.com
Festival forestier de Senneterre
For the little lumberjack in all of us, there is always the Festival forestier de Senneterre running June 28-30.
Attracting amateur and professional woodcutters from around the world, this family favourite of a fest is now in its 19th edition and has never been bigger or better.
Featuring a wide variety of wood categories for those new to lumberjacking, seasoned pros and even masters, these competitions have been known to draw large crowds due to their intensity.
With lots of children’s activities (like bouncy castles and other inflatable games), two nighttime concerts featuring Jonathan Painchaud and Vincent Vallières, and a host of other activities for everyone in the famil
