The best things to do in Montreal during August
Montreal leans into the end of summer with cultural celebrations, top-level sports, global street eats, and genre-spanning music festivals.
Photograph: JF GalipeauDowntown, in parks, on boats, and in stadiums, Montreal’s August lineup is equal parts energy and escape. Just when summer seems to slow down, Montreal raises you world-class tennis serves, golden hour DJ sets, and superstars on the OSHEAGA stage for moments that feel both laid-back and electric.
From dubstep drops at îLESONIQ to country croons at LASSO, open-air yoga sessions to community beer gardens, the city offers wild nights, slow mornings, and everything in between this August. All that’s left to do is to pour a drink, grab some shades, and make the most of the last full month of summer.
Fantasia International Film Festival: Bold, bizarre, and brilliant
From July 17 to August 3, Fantasia International Film Festival returns for three wild weeks of premieres, packed screenings, cosplay, and Q&As with some of the boldest contemporary voices in cinema. This is North America’s largest celebration of imaginative genre film, with diverse offerings ranging from offbeat animation to international thrillers.
Cirque du Soleil: A dream of Mexico in Old Port
Running from May 15 to August 24, LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil fuses awe-inspiring acrobatics with a surreal journey through an imagined Mexico. The show unfolds like a waking dream, bouncing from smoky cabarets to desert landscapes with stunts that defy gravity and visuals that dazzle the senses. Lush, luminous, and impossibly graceful, it’s the kind of spectacle only Cirque can pull off.
Yoga, Pilates, & Sun: Outdoor workouts in Verdun
Every Saturday this summer from June 28 to September 27, Arthur-Therrien Park serves as an open-air studio for Courageous Radiant Karma’s weekly wellness series Yoga, Pilates, & Sun. Whether you’re stretching for the first time or flowing like a pro, it’s a laid-back, all-levels celebration of community and movement with mats provided, live DJs, and space for up to 50 participants.
National Bank Open: World-class tennis comes to Montreal
From July 26 to August 7, Montreal hosts top WTA contenders through the final rounds of the National Bank Open–quarterfinals, semis, and the championship match. With a new Grand Slam-style format, this tournament delivers unmatched rallies and a lively atmosphere featuring festive activities and programming across the grounds.
Bleu Soir by Cinéma Public: Outdoor cinema into late summer
Running June 26 to August 31, Cinéma Public and Livart continue their collaboration on Bleu Soir, a captivating series of open-air film screenings in the cozy Livart courtyard. As the evenings cool down, settle in for a curated mix of cult classics, festival hits, and fresh premieres, complete with a laid-back atmosphere and bar service. As summer winds down, special events and guest appearances keep energy high through the season’s end.
Le Grand PoutineFest: A comfort food feast
From July 16 to August 3, Le Grand PoutineFest returns to Old Port, serving up all kinds of poutine–from comforting classics to fresh, decadent reinventions. Le Grand PoutineFest levels up in 2025 with revamped programming and new headliner shows. This year, enjoy special dinner-time concerts, plus all the usual fun: food trucks, giant games, and a festive, family-friendly vibe.
Fierté Montréal: Loud, proud, and back in full force
From July 31 to August 10, Fierté Montréal takes over the Village and beyond with the largest Pride celebration in the Francophone world. Expect 11 days of free shows, community programming, panels, film screenings, and, of course, the annual pride parade drawing a crowd of over 300,000.
Wild Pride: Community-built and radically inclusive
Kicking off on July 31 with a three-week lineup running parallel to Fierté, Wild Pride emerges as a bold, grassroots pride festival alternative. Spearheaded by queer BIPOC and disabled organizers, it centres accessibility, care, and resistance with sliding-scale events, free transit passes, and safe, sober spaces. Think: drag story hours, concerts, poetry readings, and political panels with zero corporate sponsors in sight.
Les Premiers Vendredis: Celebrating culture and cuisine
On August 1 and 2, the Olympic stadium is once more transformed into a vibrant street food market as Les Premiers Vendredis takes over for the weekend. Over 50 food trucks dish up bold flavors inspired by a rotating cultural theme, paired with music for a lively experience that brings Montreal’s vibrant immigrant communities to life. Returning on the first Friday and Saturday of every summer month, August’s edition promises to be unforgettable.
OSHEAGA: Big names, big weekend
From August 1 to August 3, OSHEAGA returns to Parc Jean-Drapeau with a stacked lineup featuring Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, The Killers, Gracie Abrams, and more, with over 100 acts across multiple stages. Beyond the music, art installations, gourmet eats, and a dedicated crowd make the festival a full sensory experience. As one of the most famed festivals of the season, this is the blowout that defines Montreal summers.
OM at the Foot of Mount Royal: Symphony in the city
On August 2, one of Montreal’s most beloved summer traditions returns: a free open-air concert by the Orchestre Métropolitain at the foot of Mount Royal. Settle in for a lush program conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and featuring the sounds of Dvořák, Coulthard, Márquez, plus performances by guest virtuoso pianist Alain Lefèvre. Drawing 50,000 attendees, this sunset evening is an unforgettable celebration of orchestreal mastery in an iconic Montreal setting.
Festival Orientalys: A kaleidoscope of Eastern cultures
From August 7 to 10 at the Old Port’s Quai de l’Horloge, Festival Orientalys invites you to journey across continents without leaving Montréal. This free festival blends the music, dance, and traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in one open-air celebration. Picture a bustling medina by the water, filled with workshops, performances, and cultural fusions ranging from Morocco to Japan. Come curious, leave inspired.
Otakuthon: Cosplay, pop culture, and community
From August 8 to 10, Palais des Congrès becomes anime central as Otakuthon returns for its 2025 edition. This fan-run, bilingual festival is Montreal’s largest anime convention: from cosplay contests to J-pop dance battles, artist alleys to game tournaments, it’s a weekend packed with energy, creativity, and community spirit.
Montreal RISE Reggae Festival: Montréal’s New Rhythm
Also August 8 to 10, Montreal RISE Reggae Festival makes its debut at Bassin Peel. This 3-day celebration brings together reggae, dancehall, soca, reggaeton, afrobeat, konpa, and zouk, featuring intimate, full-scale live band performances from local and international talent. With a focus on community, culture, and the energy of reggae music, RISE promises a weekend to remember.
International Balloon Festival: A sky full of colour
From August 8 to 17, journey just 40 minutes outside Montréal to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, where the International Balloon Festival lifts off once again. Canada’s largest hot air balloon gathering features twice-daily launches, a sprawling amusement park, and a seven-day lineup of concerts and comedy shows. Whether you're catching a sunrise flight, dancing under the stars, or watching the nuits magiques balloon glow, it’s a wonder-filled summer escape for all ages.
ItalFestMTL: A slice of Italy
From August 8 to 17, Montréal channels its inner la dolce vita as ItalfestMTL returns for its 32nd edition. With free concerts, cultural programming, and plenty of pasta and pastries, this citywide celebration of Italian-Québécois culture hits all the senses. From Little Italy to the Quartier des Spectacles, expect heritage, food, music, and community served with flair.
Under Pressure: 30 years of spray cans, beats, and block party energy
On August 9 to 10, more than 100 artists will take over downtown for Under Pressure, a weekend of mural painting, DJ sets, street dance battles, talks, and throwback block party vibes straight out of ‘70s NYC. No ego, no gatekeeping—just pure love for graffiti, Hip Hop, and the community that’s kept it alive for three decades. Mark your calendars. This one’s for the heads, the homies, and the next generation.
ÎLESONIQ: Dubstep, techno, house and more
On August 9 and 10, bassheads and beat lovers assemble as îLESONIQ brings its signature energy back to Parc Jean-Drapeau. Big names like John Summit and Illenium headline the electric weekend, plus more artists perform across three stages alongside immersive visuals, interactive installations, and a sun-soaked crowd ready to dance from daylight until long past dark.
Lasso Montréal: Open-air country
On August 15 and 16, cowboy boots hit the island as LASSO Montréal brings two days of country music to Parc Jean-Drapeau. With Sheryl Crow, Shaboozey, Bailey Zimmerman, and more on deck, Nashville energy meets the Montreal skyline. The festival features 30 artists across three stages, food trucks, and plenty of dancing under the sun.
MTL RibFest: The ultimate rib feast
From August 15 to 17, rib lovers unite as world-famous cooks light up the grills for a weekend of smoky, saucy goodness at MTL RibFest. With a marketplace, kidzone, and live entertainment, this festival offers fun for the whole family, plus proceeds benefit WIAIH and Make-A-Wish. Get your taste buds ready!
TRANSITION: A sunset DJ cruise
On August 15, climb aboard the Bateau-Mouche for TRANSITION–a four-hour cruise blending music, movement, and Montreal skyline views. As the sun sets over the St. Lawrence, DJs Berti and Wanna Dhenz take you on a sonic journey from golden hour to after-dark. Boarding starts at 6:20pm, with the boat returning to dock at 11pm. Come for the view, stay for the vibe.
MUTEK: The future is now, and it sounds great
From August 19 to 24, MUTEK returns for its 26th edition with a visionary lineup of electronic artists, digital art experiments, and late-night sonic journeys. This year’s theme, A New Cycle, unfolds across Montréal’s most cutting-edge venues, from the immersive dome of the SAT to free shows at Esplanade Tranquille. MUTEK is where sound and innovation meet with genre-bending sets, tech-forward talks, and an international line up.
Afromonde Festival: Celebrate African culture and community
From August 21 to 24, the AfroMonde Festival lights up Montreal with music, comedy, fashion, art, and food centered around the theme “Mon héritage, Mon délire.” This lively two-stage event mixes tradition and modern flair to showcase Afro culture through arts and gastronomy, building excitement for the final event: AfroMonde Carnival, a joyful, all-ages parade through Old Port where communities come together in vibrant traditional dress to celebrate heritage and unity.
Imagine Monkland: A local street fair
August 21 to 24, Imagine Monkland is back by popular demand. This street festival turns Monkland Avenue into a lively pedestrian paradise with live music, dance performances, local vendors, family activities, and unexpected surprises. Come celebrate what makes NDG’s vibrant community so unique.
M.A.D. Festival: Bold fashion, art, and design
Also August 21 to 24, M.A.D. Festival returns with a bold line-up of artistic programming. With over 550,000 festival-goers, this event showcases emerging artists, international icons, and everything in between. From street art to fashion shows, live music to dance, this is a space for boundary-pushing art and style. M.A.D. invites you to celebration of creativity, fashion, music, and art.
Montreal International Film Festival: Celebrating socially conscious filmmaking
From August 22 to 24, Montreal becomes a hub for global cinema with the Montreal International Film Festival. With a focus on films that spark social change, the festival offers over 30 screenings to challenge perspectives and ignite conversation. Filmmakers and audiences connect through powerful storytelling and immersive activities, such as panel Q&A sessions, and a film market and cocktail hour round out festival offerings for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Fringale: A global food crawl on Jean-Talon Est
Fringale is back this August–exact dates TBA–for another delicious run through Saint-Léonard, one of the city’s most quietly diverse food hubs. Expect mom-and-pop gems, secret family recipes, and the rare chance to taste the neighbourhood’s multicultural roots one plate at a time.
JOAT International Street Dance Festival: Rhythm meets the streets
From August 26 to September 1, Montreal hosts artists from around the world for a week of live music, performances, dance battles, parties, workshops, art exhibitions, and conferences at JOAT International Street Dance Festival. Created to celebrate street dance culture, JOAT offers an all-ages program spanning indoor and outdoor venues across the city. A can't-miss festival for dance lovers, JOAT takes seriously the historic and cultural heritage of street dance as an art form.
World Press Photo Expo: Capturing our world
From August 27 to October 13, the World Press Photo Expo exhibition returns to Bonsecours Market, showcasing over 130 powerful images. Selected from a staggering 59,320 entries by photographers from 141 countries, these award-winning photos tell compelling stories of global events, human struggles, and triumphs. This is a thought-provoking photojournalism experience, perfect for anyone passionate about photography and global affairs.
Live at Lost River: Music and magic in the woods
From August 28 to 31, escape the city and step into a curated world of sound and nature with Live at Lost River. Set in a secret forest location in Wentworth-North, this intimate festival dreamed up by Patrick Watson blends live music, art, and wilderness into one unforgettable experience. Expect twinkling lights, immersive atmospheres, and an unforgettable concert lineup.
BLVD Festival: A street festival for the city's longest strip
August 28 to 31, Saint-Laurent Boulevard will shut down for BLVD Festival and becomes a pedestrian free-for-all of games, music, and gloriously goofy street activities. It’s part neighbourhood block party, part kid-powered fever dream—with mini-putt, foot darts, splash zones, and face painting all packed into one long weekend. But it’s not just for families: there are terrasse hangs for the adults, live DJs after sundown, and street sales that stretch for blocks. No tickets, no nonsense.
Last year featured a Most Stylish Corgi contest, if that tells you anything about what to expect.
Ramen Ramen de Rue: Slurp and savour
Also August 28 to 31, Ramen Ramen de Rue takes over Hangar 1825 for Québec's biggest ramen celebration. This outdoor event offers a taste of Japan with a curated selection of ramen booths from top local and specialized restaurants, alongside mouthwatering Japanese dishes and sweets. This is the place to be for ramen enthusiasts!
L’Amour et la Mousse: Beer, bites, and backyard vibes
August 29 to 31 marks the second weekend of Hochelaga’s festive pop-up beergarden, L’Amour et la Mousse, featuring crisp pints, street food, and community cheer in collaboration with les P’tites Brassées. Sip from local faves while enjoying stand-up shows, live music, DJs, and outdoor eats. With quizzes, a local market, and a chill family-friendly vibe, it’s a neighbourhood block party you won’t want to miss.
Taco Fest Montreal: A flavor-Packed fiesta
From August 30 to September 1, Taco Fest Montreal brings the heat with a vibrant Mexican-inspired fiesta full of tacos, guacamole, churros, tequila, and fiery hot sauces. Dive into over 150 taco variations by celebrated chefs and dance the night away to live music, DJs, salsa performances, and an authentic mariachi band. Get ready for a flavorful celebration where every bite and beat celebrates the culture and cuisine of Mexico!
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