Not to be missed
Montreal Summer festivals

Montreal is home to some of the biggest and most successful festivals

By Patricia Dumais

The Jazz Festival is over but fortunately Montreal is home to numerous other Summer festivals, from music and performing arts, to cinema, new technology and fashion. There are festivals for all ages, tastes and interests and many are family friendly!

Here’s the list of those in progress, as well as some upcoming ones:

Elektra

Until July 9

This international digital art festival presents artists and works that combine art and new technologies. A high-calibre Montreal-based cultural initiative, the festival is a showcase of local, national and international creation for Montreal’s community. It unites creative media, such as music, video, cinema, performance, design, gaming and audio or interactive installation combined with the latest digital technologies.

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec

Until August 5

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, also known as the Montreal Fireworks Festival, is the most prestigious and largest fireworks festival in the world. Each summer, eight or nine pyrotechnical companies from different countries present a 30-minute-long pyromusical show, competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Jupiter trophies.

Purchase reserved seats at La Ronde to best see the fireworks, including an exceptional view of the lower altitude display. Other good places for viewing are on the Jacques Cartier Bridge (which is closed to traffic from around 8 pm until the end of the show) and in the Old Port of Montreal.

Montréal Complètement Cirque

Until July 16

Montreal’s 11-day indoor/outdoor multidisciplinary circus arts festival unites Montréal’s key circus companies as they highlight world-class local talent alongside ground breaking international guests. Created by TOHU, Montréal Complètement Cirque occupies different show venues in the city, transforming Saint-Denis Street and Place Émilie-Gamelin in the Quartier des spectacles, into an open sky circus ring.

Festival International Nuits D’Afrique

From July 11 to 23

The Nuits D’Afrique world music festival brings the best of African and African-influenced music from some of the biggest names in the game at numerous indoor and free outdoor shows. With the participation of more than 700 artists from 34 countries, a total of 145 concerts and activities are being presented, making the festival the greatest of world music gatherings!

Just For Laughs Comedy Festival

From July 12 to 31

The world’s largest comedy festival brings both A-List comedians and next-generation up-and-comers to its galas and club shows. Its sprawling outdoor site in the Quartier des Spectacles is also a hive of family-friendly entertainment. Lots of laughs for everyone!

Fantasia – Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Fantasia International Film Festival

From July 13 to August 2

Over 150 underground, international and retro films in the realms of horror, fantasy, sci-fi and much more are on offer at this 21st edition. Premiere magazine calls it “one of the most exciting genre film festivals in the world.”

Osheaga Music and Arts Festival

From August 4 to 6

A truly exceptional, world-class outdoor music and arts experience and the most important festival of its genre in Canada, Osheaga takes place in picturesque Parc Jean Drapeau. This 12th edition will again deliver the best in rock, pop, hip-hop, indie music and more, on six different stages.

ÎleSoniq

From August 10 to 12

This wildly popular electronic dance and urban music festival brings out 40,000 beat-happy partiers. With spectacular, state-of-the-art special effects!

Festival Mode & Design/ Fashion & Design Festival

From August 21 to 26

The festival celebrates creativity and culture through a major outdoor event in the heart of downtown Montreal. Well-known Canadian designers, retailers, up-and-coming creators and international fashion icons share their art and vision with the public.

Activities include fashion shows, live creative sessions, design showcasing and musical performances. The Fashion & Design Festival’s presence will also be felt around the city with novel exhibits, original installations and unique experiences open to all. The festival is a leading platform for fashion, design, music, beauty and shopping trends.

MUTEK

From August 22 to 27

Over 150 multi-sensory events and adventures make up the world-renowned MUTEK festival, which promotes artists and innovators at the forefront of electronic music, digital creativity and technology. Happening throughout the Quartier des Spectacles.

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