The Best Festivals and Events in Montreal for 2024
Montreal is a city that never sleeps, with a packed calendar of festivals and events all year round. From music and arts to food and culture, there’s always something happening in this vibrant city. Here are some of the best festivals and events you can look forward to in 2024.
Best Spring & Summer Festivals
1. Montreal International Jazz Festival
Every June and July, the world’s largest celebration of jazz takes over Quartier des Spectacles, drawing over two million visitors. Enjoy gigs at iconic downtown venues or chill in Place des Festivals where free open-air shows are held. This festival features a mix of mainstream headliners and top jazz artists. Visit Official Website
2. Osheaga
Montreal’s answer to Coachella, Osheaga is a three-day music festival in August that features a lineup of top indie and hip-hop acts. Weekend passes sell out quickly, and splurging on a Gold Pass gives you better access to the main stage and shorter lines for food and restrooms. Visit Official Website
3. Montreal Pride
Montreal Pride is one of the city’s grandest celebrations, attracting over two million people to the Gay Village for two weeks of cultural activities. The festivities culminate in the vibrant and festive Pride Parade. Visit Official Website
4. Fringe MTL
Fringe MTL offers over 800 performances in 20 days in early June. This festival includes vaudeville, stand-up, and theatre performances. Start at Fringe Park (Parc des Amériques), grab a three-show pass, and enjoy the eclectic shows at venues like Café Cleopatra, MainLine, or Wiggle Room. Visit Official Website
5. MURAL Festival
This urban art festival transforms The Main into an open-air museum for eleven days every summer. Watch world-class artists paint large murals live, and enjoy guided tours of the festival’s works. The event also features lively after-parties. Visit Official Website
6. International des Feux Loto-Québec
From July to August, countries compete in this international fireworks competition. The Jacques Cartier Bridge becomes pedestrian-only on fireworks nights, offering a great view of the pyrotechnics. For the best experience, get tickets for the grandstands at La Ronde amusement park. Visit Official Website
7. Mondial de la Bière
Canada’s love for beer is celebrated at this international beer festival in May. Discover new brews from around the world and enjoy plenty of food, fun, and foam over four days. The festival also inspires similar events in Europe and South America. Visit Official Website
8. Francos de Montréal
Kicking off summer festivities in the Quartier des Spectacles, the Francos is the world’s focal point for francophone musicians and performers. With over a million spectators, this festival features a wide range of music styles, both in large open-air concerts and intimate venues across the city. Visit Official Website
9. Fantasia Film Festival
This genre film festival, founded in 1996, is the largest of its kind in North America. Held in the summer, it features hundreds of screenings of feature-length and short films, including A-list titles and obscure cult favorites. Past special guests have included Mark Hamill, Guillermo del Toro, and John Carpenter. Visit Official Website
10. Festival International Nuits d’Afrique de Montréal
This July music festival celebrates African music and culture with two weeks of concerts, workshops, and activities across the city. It’s one of the best events for dancing the night away and enjoying a vibrant cultural experience. Visit Official Website
Stay Connected
For more information about these festivals and to stay updated on all the exciting events happening in Montreal, check out Time Out Montreal and subscribe to their newsletter for the latest news and updates.
