Things to do in Montreal during July
An essential guide to navigating Montreal's most festival-packed month that feels like a non-stop celebration of music, food, and culture.
Photograph: Yasuko TadokoroThe best things to do in Montreal during July can be summarized in two words: Festival fever.
Outdoor stages fill with music, neighbourhoods buzz with street fairs, and avenues swell with parades and pop-up performances. The month cracks open a kaleidoscope of sounds, tastes, and sights, inviting you to sit back, relax, and let the season wash over you. While summer-long classics continue through the month, July sees the start of a host of community celebrations, food festivals, and cultural programming.
From fireworks lighting up the skyline to the soaring acrobatics of Montréal Complètement Cirque, reggae rhythms in Old Port to al fresco dance performances at Parc La Fontaine, and more festivals than you can count, the city becomes a playground of sensory delights. Go chase improvised grooves at the world’s largest jazz festival, or just laze around by the Lachine Canal—whatever you do, July in Montreal offers no shortage of ways to make this summer your best summer.
Théâtre de Verdure: Open-air performances, all summer long
From June 4 to August 24, Parc La Fontaine’s charming outdoor amphitheatre Théâtre de Verdure returns for a summer season of free performances. With 39 shows spanning dance, music, circus, theatre, and film, it’s a warm-weather tradition that brings accessible, high-quality programming to one of Montreal’s most scenic parks. July offerings include an animated film screening, a flamenco-meets-Quebec jig dance performance, and a Brazilian orchestral ensemble. Grab a seat and enjoy the show.
Montreal Jazz Fest: Jazz takes over
Running from June 26 to July 5, Montreal Jazz Fest is a cult-classic Montreal festival that attracts a global crowd annually. This is the world's largest jazz festival, with over 3,000 artists on 20+ stages and free outdoor shows running from noon to midnight. Expect everything from epic headline acts to spontaneous street jamming as performers and fans alike lose themselves in the music.
L’Afterjazz Vinyl Jams: The perfect JazzFest afterparty
From June 26 to July 5, the party continues after dark with L’Afterjazz Vinyl Jams at PHONO. Every night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., a rotating roster of top local DJs spins deep cuts and jazz-inspired grooves from hip-hop to house on the Factory Studio sound system. These free sessions transform the second floor of Maison du Festival into a warm, high-vibe space where music lovers can wind down or dance it out.
L'International des Feux Loto-Québec: Summer shows light up the night
Running from June 26 to July 31, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec is the world’s premier fireworks competition, showcasing spectacular pyromusical displays by top teams from across the globe. Each 30-minute show takes place at La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène. Audiences can watch rain or shine from the grandstands at La Ronde, or catch glimpses of the dazzling fireworks from vantage points across the city.
Canada Day: Family, fun, and fireworks
On July 1, Montréal marks Canada Day with an explosion of celebratory energy. Old Port transforms into a hub of activity with kid zones, vendor booths, face painting, and picnics, plus a musical performance. As evening falls, fireworks burst above the pier, illuminating the skyline and capping off a day of festivities.
Festival RU: Art takes the avenue
From July 3 to 12, Festival RU brings culture curbside with an eclectic local program of open-air acts on Mont-Royal Avenue. Centred around Parc Compagnons-de-Saint-Laurent, the festival spans two weekends of free shows–think live music, urban dance, slam poetry, circus acts, and comedy, turning the pavement into an impromptu stage.
Montréal Complètement Cirque: All the city's a stage
From July 3 to 13, Montréal Complètement Cirque orchestrates its annual circus takeover, flooding the city with colourful spectacles and high-flying surprises. Streets, parks, and indoor venues all play host to performances ranging from jaw-dropping acrobatics to playful comedy shows for a full-on celebration of the vibrant diversity of circus arts performance.
Les Premiers Vendredis (First Fridays): A world of flavour
On July 4 and 5, Montreal’s Olympic Park hosts the July edition of Les Premiers Vendredis, the city’s largest monthly street food fair. Each instalment spotlights a different global culture and July’s regional theme is still under wraps, but expect food trucks dishing out international bites and open-air performances for a joyful ode to the flavours, rhythms, and stories of the immigrant communities which shape the city.
Montreal Comiccon: Fandom takes centre stage
From July 4 to 6 at the Palais des congrès, Montreal Comiccon celebrates pop culture in all forms, bringing together comics, sci-fi, gaming, anime, and cosplay under one roof. This year’s guest lineup features iconic faces like Elijah Wood and Sean Astin. Highlights include fan panels, cosplay competitions, and autograph sessions, making it the perfect event for superfans and newcomers alike.
Festiv'été at Jean-Talon Market: The spicy edition
On July 5, celebrate all things spicy at Jean-Talon Market’s Festiv’été: Spicy Edition, a free, daylong celebration complete with live Latin beats and a DJ set. Sample chili-forward products from over a dozen artisan producers, move your hips in a Colombian salsa workshop, and cheer on the brave contenders in a hot sauce tasting competition. If spicy’s not your thing, don’t worry–the market’s summer event zone offers free programming all season.
Nuits d’Afrique: Global sounds, local soul
From July 8 to 20, the 39th Festival International Nuits d'Afrique brings world rhythms to downtown Montréal, hosting 700+ artists from around 30 countries across indoor and outdoor stages. Alongside spotlighting vibrant African, Caribbean, and Latin American sounds, Nuits d’Afriques emphasizes multiculturalism and inclusivity through cultural activities, open-air workshops, and a vendor market.
Startupfest: Work hard, play hard
From July 9 to 11, Old Port’s Grand Quay plays host to Startupfest, a premier meeting point for entrepreneurs and innovators. With three jam-packed days of speaker sessions, mentorship programs, pitch competitions, and evening parties, Startupfest blends business insight with festival energy to help founders network, scale up, and get inspired.
PlazaPalooza: Street party meets sidewalk sale
From July 10 to 13, Plaza St-Hubert turns into a pedestrian-friendly playground packed with live music, street food, pop-up entertainment, and unbeatable sidewalk sales for PlazaPalooza. At this free community street fair, you can take advantage of a free Latin dance class, catch a DJ set, or just soak up the sun and wander with an ice cream cone in hand.
Taste of the Caribbean: Reggae rhythms and island flavours
From July 10 to 13, Old Port’s Clock Tower Pier goes tropical with Taste of the Caribbean, a four-day celebration of food, music, and culture. This year’s reggae edition brings performances by award winning artists, cooking and cocktail demos, a stacked food and vendor market, and tons of hands-on family fun. Whether you're here for the jerk chicken or the steel pan solos, this flavour-packed festival feels like a vacation without leaving the city.
SoulFest: Music that moves
Also running July 10 to 13 is SoulFest Montreal, an outdoor festival bringing soul, funk, gospel, disco and R&B to the Quartier des Spectacles. With a lively concert program, food trucks, and a marketplace of local artisans, the festival spotlights soulful sounds with performances at Le Balcon and open-air concerts at the St. James United Church. This is the weekend to lean into the rhythm and celebrate a historically-rooted, joy-filled musical tradition.
“Board Meeting”: A surfboard street sale
Also July 11, Rue Notre-Dame gets a beachy makeover as Brainchild Surfboards and September Café team up for Board Meeting, a laid-back surfboard street sale and summer hang. Whether you're buying, selling, or trading, expect local shapers, good vibes, cold drinks, a BBQ, and a live DJ set.
Festival Portugal International de Montréal: From Porto to the Plateau
From July 11 to 13, the Plateau fills with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Portugal and the Lusophone world. The free, outdoor Festival Portugal Internacional de Montréal offers everything from traditional eats to family-friendly activities, drawing performers and food vendors from across the Portuguese-speaking diaspora. Catch the colourful parade, then stick around for live concerts and browse handmade crafts for a vibrant tribute to the global Portuguese community.
À l’ouest de la Dame!: Summer hits the streets
From July 11 to 13, the 4th edition of À l’ouest de la Dame! takes over Notre-Dame Street West. This free pedestrian festival floods the street with live jazz, local markets, and street food. With a lively mix of open-air concerts, workshops, sports activities, and terrasses ideal for basking in the atmosphere, this is neighborhood spirit in full swing.
Just for Laughs: Comedy that packs a punch
Running from July 16 to 27, Just for Laughs Montreal returns with stand-up, roast battles, musical comedy, and mystery shows, plus the annual gala hosted by a soon-to-be-announced big industry name. Expect sharp writing, outdoor acts across the Quartier des Spectacles, and laughs that will leave your abs aching.
Le Grand PoutineFest: Quebec’s ultimate comfort food
From July 16 to August 3, food trucks and restaurants in Old Port will be serving up everything from decadent duck confit and foie gras poutines to inventive twists like mac ’n’ cheese topped fries. Le Grand PoutineFest is a foodie’s heaven and your go-to spot for unapologetic indulgence. Beyond the gravy and cheese curds, lively booths, giant games, and live music await.
Chợ Đêm MTL: A taste of Vietnam
From July 17 to 20, Chợ Đêm MTL transforms the Peel Basin into a lively Vietnamese night market, spotlighting Vietnamese culture in Québec through street food, retail vendors, and cultural programming. With the goal of celebrating Vietnamese cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and diasporic ties, the event brings together locals and visitors alike to share in its festive spirit. Expect sizzling snacks, vibrant sights, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Shows de Ruelle: Alleyway anthems
On July 17 and 31, Ruelle Gaboury and Parc Morgan light up for Shows de ruelle, a beloved Hochelaga summer tradition. Enjoy a cold beer, dig into street eats, and dance under the open sky as live music is performed on an alleyway stage.
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.
Lock & Paddle: A neon day on the water
On July 19, celebrate 200 years of the Lachine Canal at Lock & Paddle, a luminous parade of canoes and kayaks making its way down this iconic waterway. Grab your paddle, put on your brightest neon, and join the crowd from one of three launch points for music, laughter, and a vibrant display of outdoorsy community spirit.
Festival Haiti en Folie: A full-on cultural celebration
From July 23 to 27, Parc La Fontaine and venues across the city light up for Haiti en Folie, the largest Haitian cultural festival outside the country itself. This vibrant week-long celebration features music, film, dance, literature, crafts, and cuisine, drawing artists from the diaspora and beyond. From konpa concerts to conferences, the festival is a multigenerational, multidisciplinary tribute to the richness of Haitian heritage and its global influence.
POCHA MTL: Kimchi, K-pop, and community spirit
From July 24 to 27, Hangar 1825 is taken over by a high-energy Korean street market for POCHA MTL. Think four days of crispy fried chicken, bubbling bibimbap, and electric K-pop performances. Part food fest, part dance party, this can’t-miss weekend features DJs, live music, retail vendors, and guest chefs for an unforgettable festival experience.
National Bank Open: World-class women’s tennis
On July 26, July 27, and August 7, get ready for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments at the iconic Montreal National Bank Open. As a premier event on the WTA Tour, the National Bank Open features the world’s top female players in a newly expanded 12-day format. Running simultaneously with Toronto’s ATP event, this historic tournament now offers a 96-player main draw, primetime night sessions, and enhanced fan experiences.
Festival Fierté: Love in colour
Kicking off July 31 and running through August 10, Festival Fierté Montréal celebrates creativity, resilience, and 2SLGBTQIA+ pride across three hubs: Urbain, the Village, and Olympic Park. With over 120 events and 250 performers, Fierté is a high-energy celebration of love and community, complete with drag shows, concerts, and free events.
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