Montreal Festivals: Complete Year-Round Calendar

Montreal is the festival capital of Canada with world-class events happening year-round.

Summer Festivals (June-August)

Montreal International Jazz Festival

When: Late June - Early July
What: World's largest jazz festival with 500+ concerts
Highlights: Many free outdoor shows, international headliners
Downtown becomes pedestrian-only during the festival

Just For Laughs

When: Mid-July
What: Largest comedy festival in the world
Highlights: Stand-up, improv, street performers, big-name comedians

Osheaga Music Festival

When: Early August
What: 3-day music festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Genres: Rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic
Camping: Available on-site

Montreal Fireworks Competition

When: June - August (select evenings)
What: International teams compete with fireworks set to music
Where: View from Old Port (free) or La Ronde (paid)

Winter Festivals

Igloofest

When: January - February
What: Outdoor electronic music festival in the snow
Unique: Dancing outside in -20°C weather, costumes encouraged

Montreal en Lumière

When: February
What: 2-week celebration of food, music, and arts
Highlights: Nuit Blanche all-nighter, outdoor activities, top chefs

Tips

Book hotels 3-6 months ahead for major festivals
Many festivals have free outdoor programming
Metro is best for getting around during festivals