Montreal Festivals in 2025

Montreal festivals are simply fantastic.

Whether it’s -30°C in winter or scorching hot in the middle of July, there’s always a festival to keep us entertained. But sometimes, there are so many that we get a little lost.

So here’s a selection of the biggest events and festivals in Montreal in 2025.

• Winter Festivals in Montreal: December to February
• Spring Festivals in Montreal: March to May
• Summer Festivals in Montreal: June to August
• Fall Festivals in Montreal: September to November

Winter Festivals in Montreal: December to February

In the heart of winter, it’s cold in Montreal. Yet, many outdoor festivals are organized in the city.

What to do in Montreal in December?

All the events in Montreal in December!

November 28, 2024 to March 9, 2025: Lumino Festival

Now in its 15th year, the Lumino Festival gives visitors the chance to discover the city from a different angle, thanks to some twenty interactive and luminous works of art. These include video projections and artistic performances.

The festival takes place every day from 4pm to 11pm and is entirely free of charge.

November 28 to December 22, 2024: Christmas Village at the Atwater Market

The Atwater Market hosts its traditional Christmas Market. In addition to free programming throughout the month, nearly 60 Quebec artisans will be showcasing their creations.

It’s the perfect opportunity to do your last bit of Christmas shopping if you’re looking for local and regional products.

Having been there several times, I must admit that I’ve always been a little disappointed with the city’s Christmas market. But it’s still very nice to walk around surrounded by the magic of Christmas.

Opening hours: note that the market is only open on weekends: from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

December 6 to 31, 2024: Christmas in the Park

The entertainment district hosts its own Christmas market for 3 weeks. Throughout the event, a variety of activities will be organized, including different types of concerts.

Of course, there will also be the traditional wooden chalets. Having been there several times, I have to admit that I’ve always been a little disappointed by the city’s Christmas market. But it’s always great fun to stroll around surrounded by Christmas magic.

Saturday, December 7, 2024: Mon Beau Sapin on Avenue Mont Royal

This year, for the first time, Avenue Mont Royal organizes its own event in honor of Christmas with Mon Beau Sapin.

For one day, Avenue Mont Royal will welcome choirs and various Christmas characters. It will also be possible to make donations for families in need.

What to do in Montreal in January?

All the things to do in Montreal in January!

Until March 9, 2025: Lumino Festival

All the info on this festival in the December section.

January 15-19, 2025: Banff Mountain Film Festival

This famous festival takes advantage of its winter tour to present some magnificent short films on the mountain.

For full details, click here.

January 16 to February 8, 2025: Igloofest

Believe it or not, Igloofest, held in the middle of winter, is one of Montreal’s biggest festivals.

For almost a month, the city’s party-goers gather at the Old Port to dance the night away from Thursday to Saturday. Most of the music is electronic. But even if that’s not your style, the festival atmosphere is still worth the trip! But make sure you’re well covered!

Until January 26, 2025: Tintin, the immersive experience

If you’re a Tintin fan, don’t miss this superb immersive exhibition on the adventures of Tintin.

For full details, click here.

What to do in Montreal in February?

All the things to do in Montreal in February!

Until March 9, 2025: Lumino Festival

All the info on this festival in the December section.

February 27 to March 9, 2025: Montreal High Lights Festival

Winter is definitely a great time to discover Montreal. From mid-February onwards, the entertainment district comes alive. The festival showcases gastronomy and a host of outdoor activities to help you discover Montreal in a different way.

The Montreal High Lights Festival ends on a high note with the Nuit Blanche: all night long, activities are organized throughout the city! There are also concerts to thrill participants.

Spring festivals in Montreal: March to May

With the warm weather slowly returning, it’s time to get out and enjoy Montreal’s great outdoors once again!

What to do in Montreal in March?

All the things to do in Montreal in March!

Until March 9, 2025: Lumino Festival

All the info on this festival in the December section.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: Happening Gourmand

It’s often said that we don’t eat well in America, but in Canada, gastronomy is often in the spotlight. With the Happening Gourmand, you’re in for a treat!

For 3 weeks, various restaurants in the Old Port will be offering fixed-price menus to showcase local specialties. It’s a bit like MTL à table, except that the restaurants are located exclusively in the Old Port.

What to do in Montreal in April?

All the things to do in Montreal in April!

Mid-April (cancelled in 2024) : Metro Metro Festival

This festival celebrates urban music every year in Montreal’s Olympic Park. Great performers come to present their greatest hits. We’ve already seen the likes of 50 Cent and Snoop Dog.

In 2023, it was Lil Wayne’s performance that caused a stir. After arriving 45 minutes late at 10.45pm, the organizers were forced to cut the sound at 11pm due to the curfew in force…

Unfortunately, there will be no edition in 2024, as one of the organizers received threats last year…

What to do in Montreal in May?

All the things to do in Montreal in May!

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: Les Piknic Electronik

All info on Piknic Electronik is available in the summer section.

May 23 to 25, 2025: Montreal Comics Festival

At the end of May, comics fans can look forward to the FBDM on rue Saint-Denis. This huge open-air festival offers the chance to discover all the latest comics releases, as well as rediscovering some of the most popular ones.

On the program: meetings with over 250 comic artists, 160 exhibitors and activities spread over 1.2 kilometers. Admission is free, but you can buy comics on site.

May 25 to June 1, 2025: Festival Go Vélo

Montreal has the advantage of being a city where cycling is in the spotlight. Even in winter, cyclists can be found braving the snow. From mid-April, Bixi self-service bikes are available for hire.

And at the end of May, the city puts even more emphasis on 2-wheeling with its Go Vélo festival.

Numerous guided bike tours are organized throughout Montreal. But it’s the Tour La Nuit that makes this festival so special. It’s a 26-kilometre route through various Montreal neighbourhoods. Start at 8 p.m. near Parc Maisonneuve!

May 30 to June 1, 2025: Festival Eurêka

At Parc Jean Drapeau, the Festival Eurêka is the biggest science festival in Quebec.

Over 3 days, various workshops and conferences are organized. This year’s theme is energy. And, of course, it’s all free!

All the info on the festival is available on their website.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: Festival Fuego Fuego

If you love Latin music, the Fuego Fuego festival is the place for you! For 2 days, international artists take turns on stage to make the Olympic Park dance.

In 2023, the daily pass starts at $120 for access from 1pm to 11pm to the Olympic Park.

Summer festivals in Montreal: June to August

The sun is definitely back! Summer festival season is underway!

What to do in Montreal in June?

All the things to do in Montreal in June!

Every Sunday: Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik is a real event in Montreal.

Every Sunday, at Parc Jean Drapeau, different artists take to the stage one after the other throughout the day. What do they have in common? They’re all electronic music geniuses!

As it’s not really my style of music, I’ve never been. But I have quite a few friends who are big fans and go at least once a year. So if you like it, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

Tickets cost $22 + tax and can be purchased on their website.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: First Fridays of the month

Originally, Les Premiers Vendredis du mois was a gathering of food-trucks on the Esplanade du Parc Olympique on the first Friday of each summer month. But over the years, the festival has become so successful that it now lasts 3 days!

With its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the place to be for street-food fans who want to sample a variety of flavors in an original setting. What’s more, throughout the weekend, different activities and concerts are organized in keeping with the weekend’s theme.

I’ve been there a few times and loved it! On the other hand, it’s often jam-packed with people (access is open to all and free), so you have to be patient and ready to queue up for the various food trucks you want to try out.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: Festival MURAL

Another great festival, the MURAL festival takes place mainly around Boulevard Saint-Laurent, in the Plateau Mont-Royal district.

This art festival has the advantage of lasting even after it’s over, because the murals painted directly on the city’s walls are visible for a long time!

It’s great to walk around and watch the different artists bring their creations to life in the festival atmosphere.

My first job was on Boulevard St-Laurent, so I got to see the murals created at MURAL every day. It was really fun.

Thursday June 12 to Sunday June 15, 2025: The Montreal Grand Prix

Even though it’s not a festival, I absolutely had to talk about the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix. It’s a major event in Montreal in June!

Although the race only takes place on Sunday at 2pm, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve becomes a real attraction for 3 days.

Tickets to attend are still quite expensive, but if you’ve developed a genuine interest in Formula 1 by watching the Netflix series (like me), it may be worth it!

June 13 to 21, 2025: Les Francos de Montréal

Les Francos de Montréal opens the ball and kicks off the concerts. Whether or not you like the style of music played here, you’re bound to be thrilled by the general atmosphere. There are several stages set up in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, giving you the chance to attend many free concerts.

This year marks the 35th edition, with over 200 shows on the program. The full 2024 program is available here.

My first year here, I was lucky enough to see plenty of free concerts with artists such as Vianney, Tryo or Julien Doré, for the French. But I also discovered a few Quebec bands like Les 3 accords and Les Cow-Boys Fringants. It was the first festival I’d been to, and I loved it.

Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22: Holi – Festival of Colors

A famous festival from India, Holi arrives in Montreal on June 21, 2025 for a new edition. With a musical ambience inspired by Bollywood and Indie tunes, the festival takes place in a joyous and cheerful atmosphere!

Color throws take place at different times of the day, but collectively every hour, starting at noon.

If you’d like to add a little color to your life, get down to the Old Port on Saint-Jean Day from noon to 10pm. All color powders must be purchased at the festival entrance ($3.50 to $4 per pack). On the other hand, we recommend buying festival tickets online in advance ($24.95) to be sure of getting in on the big day.

My advice? Dress in white so that the colors stand out! And don't bring your favorite T-shirt, as it's likely to be quite stained!

Wednesday, June 24, 2025: Quebec’s national holiday

Every year, Quebec celebrates its national holiday on June 24. Neighborhood parties are held all over the province, but this year Montreal has pulled out all the stops!

This year, the traditional parade will take place on June 24 on Rachel Street, starting at Molson Street and continuing on Sherbrooke Street. The special feature of this parade is the 50-second breaks every 5 minutes: an opportunity to share hugs and greet other Quebecers.

In the evening, a grand spectacle will be staged in Parc Maisonneuve. Quebec artists such as Roxane Bruneau, Daniel Lavoie and Claude Dubois will be on hand from 8.30pm. At 10:30 p.m., DJ Monsieur Py will be remixing some of Quebec’s best songs.

Alternatively, you can attend the neighbourhood parties on June 23 and 24. Each Montreal neighborhood has its own program.

Full program details are available here.

June 26 to July 5, 2025: The International Jazz Festival

Following on from the Francos, the Jazz Festival gets Montreal dancing to something a little different. There are, of course, some very jazzy artists, such as Diana Krall. But some of the headliners of the 2023 edition, such as Christine and the Queens, were strangely a little further removed from the usual image of jazz.

Here, too, free and ticketed concerts follow one another for ten days or so, much to our delight!

The full 2024 program can be found here.

What to do in Montreal in July?

All the things to do in Montreal in July!

Until July 5, 2025: The International Jazz Festival

All the info is in the June section!

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: L’International des Feux Loto-Québec

Probably one of my favorite Montreal festivals! For over 1 month, once or twice a week, a 20-minute fireworks show is staged at La Ronde, Montreal’s amusement park.

Of course, it’s from there that you enjoy the show the most, because you can hear the music. But if you stand in different parts of Montreal, you also get a great view of the fireworks!

My advice? Set up at the foot of the Jacques Cartier Bridge for a great panoramic view of the show.

July 3 to 13, 2025: Montréal Complètement Cirque

This festival is great fun, especially on warm summer evenings. Circus shows are staged at various locations around the city.

Most of the activities are free, but there are a few private stages at the theater.

July 4 to 6, 2025: Comiccon

Comiccon is inevitably a little different from the others, but I had to mention it, if only for all you manga fans!

Held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, it’s the place to be for fans of comics and anime of all kinds.

I don’t know much about it, but Sébastien is a big fan. Every year he wonders if he’s going to go! So I bought him a ticket for this year’s edition!

Tickets are on sale on their website and start at $31.

July 8-20, 2025: Festival International Nuits d’Afriques

This year marks the 37th time the festival has been held in Montreal. On the program? Over 100 concerts, activities and workshops celebrating African culture, as well as the Caribbean and Latin American diasporas.

This year, both free and ticketed concerts are on offer. But there are also plenty of booths to discover local gastronomy.

The full program is available here.

July 16 to 27, 2025: PoutineFest

For ten days or so, the Old Port of Montreal is the place-to-be for poutine.

Admission is totally free, so all you have to do is pay for the poutine you want to try.

If you’d like to try some original poutines, PoutineFest is probably the place to go.

July 16 to 27, 2025: Just for Laughs

We’re all familiar with the Just for Laughs festival and its mascot, the little green monster! Well, for 2 weeks, it’s in the spotlight in Montreal, with numerous comedy shows organized throughout the city.

In parallel, the Zoofest & OFF JFL festival also takes place (on the same dates) and offers many stages.

One of my first years in Montreal, I attended a show by Eric Antoine, whom I’d never met before. It was a real discovery!

July 26 to August 7, 2025: The National Bank Open

Formerly known as the Rogers Cup, the National Bank Open is a very popular tennis tournament among top sportsmen and women (or so it seems to me!).

I had the opportunity to go there a few years ago thanks to my work, which had places for employees. It was a really great experience.

Note that part of the competition takes place in Toronto at the same time.

What to do in Montreal in August?

All the things to do in Montreal in August!

Until August 7, 2025: The National Bank Open

All the info in the July section.

July 31 to August 10, 2025: Montreal Pride

The beginning of August is marked by Fierté Montréal, the festival that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.

Every year, over 2 million people come to Montreal just for the occasion, and especially for the event that closes the festival every year: the parade!

Over 3km long, more than 200 groups parade through the streets in a warm, festive atmosphere. An event not to be missed, believe me! In fact, I had the opportunity to see Justin Trudeau there during the 2017 edition.

August 1-3, 2025: Osheaga

Even if the program of Montreal’s famous music festival has been a little disappointing in recent years, Osheaga is a true event for sound lovers!

Held as it is every year at Parc Jean Drapeau, the 2023 edition will feature Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Rufus du Sol (personally, I don’t know who he is, but apparently he’s famous!).

The full program is available here. You can also buy tickets there, starting at $155 for one day.

August 1-3, 2025: ItalfestMTL

Having lived in the heart of Little Italy, on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, I know this festival well!

And believe me, the food is great!

The objective? To showcase the culture, history and gastronomy of Italy. In fact, it’s a real gathering of Italians, and you don’t hear much French spoken any more! But it’s a real pleasure to get a change of scenery while staying in Montreal.

August 8 to 10 & August 14 to 17, 2025: International Balloon Festival

We’re moving away from Montreal, but I had to tell you about this hot-air balloon festival held in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Not only can you watch over a hundred hot-air balloons soar overhead, but you can also take in a number of concerts.

August 9 and 10, 2025: ÎleSoniq

I have to say I’m not too familiar with this festival, as it’s an electronic music festival! For a few days, Parc Jean Drapeau is transformed into a full-scale discotheque.

For the 2023 edition, a number of headliners will be present, including Martin Garrix and The Chainsmokers. Tickets start at $135 for one day. More details here.

August 15-16, 2025: Lasso Montreal

If you like country music and everything in between, this is the festival for you! Set in the heart of Parc Jean Drapeau, it’s the place to be for cowboys!

Last year’s festival was a real success, and the shares on social networks really made you want to go!

Daily tickets start at $135. All festival info is available here.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: First Nations Cultural Festival

This festival honors the indigenous peoples of America and the world through a variety of events: concerts, exhibitions, traditional dances, performances and conferences.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: The OSM Classical Tour

The perfect opportunity to discover the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal!

For its 10th anniversary, La Virée Classique will feature more than 25 indoor concerts, as well as free family activities. The goal? To help you discover classical music in all its forms!

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: Psicobloc Open Series

I’d like to finish this selection of Montreal’s best summer festivals with a little novelty. Psicobloc is a festival featuring climbers who climb without ropes over a swimming pool!

The competition pits 2 climbers against each other, with the aim of climbing an 18-metre wall as quickly as possible, without a rope. And if they fall, they’re in for a big plunge!

If you’re interested, tickets are available here.

Dates 2025 to be confirmed: 18th-century public market

The Musée de la Pointe-à-Callière holds its annual market: a recreation of an 18th-century public market. You’ll discover period products, as well as merchants dressed as they were 3 centuries ago! You’ll also be able to take part in workshops, watch demonstrations of traditional skills and play games.

The theme of this year’s market is navigation. This beautiful historical re-enactment is a real event.

Fall festivals in Montreal: September to November

There are fewer events and festivals in Montreal in autumn, but there’s still plenty to keep you busy as December approaches.

What to do in Montreal in September?

All the things to do in Montreal in September!

August 29 to September 1, 2025: Festival Bières et Saveurs (Festibières de Chambly)

Beer lovers, the Festibières de Chambly is the place to be! The festival takes place in Chambly, a small town on Montreal’s South Shore. It’s easily reached by bus from the Bonaventure metro station.

The concept of the festival is simple: bring together all the best microbreweries in one place for a weekend. In addition to discovering a variety of new beers, the atmosphere is festive, warm, and family-friendly! Surprisingly, I saw plenty of children when I attended. There are activities specifically organized for the little ones.

For adults, numerous concerts take place throughout the day, and several food trucks are on-site to everyone’s delight.

At the 2024 edition, there were around 60 microbreweries and about 10 cideries (perfect if you’re not a beer lover, like me). You need to pay an entrance fee to access the site (price to be confirmed for the 2025 edition). After that, beers cost between $3 and $5. Make sure to bring cash to pay, as the ATMs on-site get very busy.

The festival is also held near Fort Chambly, which is a fantastic location and allows for a little historical walk during the day.

My advice? Bring a fun glass! It’s quite amusing to see what people bring along. You can also buy the official festival glass on-site, as no disposable cups are provided.

What to Do in Montreal in October?

All the Must-Attend Events in Montreal This October!

Dates for 2025 to Be Confirmed: Gardens of Light

The Botanical Garden hosts a truly magical event in the fall. The Gardens of Light take place in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and First Nations Garden within the renowned park. At nightfall, a luminous trail lights up, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

I haven’t had the chance to attend yet, but every year, I hope to go. Let’s hope 2024 will finally be the year!

What to Do in Montreal in November?

All the must-attend events in Montreal this November!

Dates for 2025 to Be Confirmed: MTL à Table

Over the years, the MTL à Table festival has become a must for food lovers.

For nearly a month, many participating restaurants offer fixed-price menus. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new great spots at a reasonable cost.

I’ve taken advantage of it several times, and it’s absolutely worth it. I even discovered some small restaurants near my home that I’d never heard of before!

I hope this selection of Montreal’s best festivals has inspired you to explore the city at different times of the year. If you think I’ve missed any must-see events, feel free to let me know in the comments!