Montreal Festivals

Jun 18 to Jun 23
Montreal's Fringe Festival is a performing arts event in which anyone is allowed to perform anything. Artists are chosen by a lottery, and all money made goes directly to performers. Nearly 100 shows have been offered at recent festivals so audiences have a variety of theatre to choose from.

Jun 18 to Jun 22
The folks at Casa del Popolo and La Sala Rossa bring the Suoni Per Il Popolo (or Sounds of the People) Festival to the people of Montreal. The event is all about Liberation Music which is anything that is inspired by freedom of expression, improvisation and sonic exploration. Genres include electronica, free jazz, turntable art, experimental rock and more.

• La Sala Rossa   Address: 4848 boulevard Saint-Laurent Montreal  QC  Canada  H2T 1R6
• La Casa del Popolo   Address: 4848, boulevard Saint-Laurent Montreal  QC  Canada  H2T 1R5

Jun 18 to Jun 23
The Infringement Festival was started to challenge commodification of the arts and corporatization of the culture, the infringement festival highlights performance activism, culture jamming and 'les arts engages'. The infringement festival, as an arts democracy is as much your festival as anyone else’s. Meet the artists, see performers, celebrate, culture-jam, community build, create – join the infringement and reclaim the culture!

Jun 18 to Jun 22
This celebration of French language, music and song is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Visitors have the opportunity to see performances by established artists as well as up-and-comers from various French-speaking countries around the world. More than 50 indoor shows take place during the event and each evening a number of free outdoor shows ensure the streets of downtown Montreal are filled with music as varied as world beat, rock, hip hop and electronic.

Jun 28 to Jul 07
Certainly at the top in world Jazz Festivals, this annual event brings the sounds of jazz to the streets of Montreal every summer. The festival brings in some of the world's greatest jazz performers as well as other renowned artists, and draws crowds of up to 2,000,000. Over 300 of the 400 shows are free and festivities and performances are held at many different venues.

Jul 03 to Jul 14
Montreal is a circus arts capital, and the Circus Arts Festival showcases the talented and unique artists--from tightrope walkers to acrobats to human cannonballs--in a program of spectacular shows held at various venues over two exciting weeks.

Jul 06 to Jul 07, Jul 13 to Jul 14
Celebrate the diverse world cultures that have found a home in Montreal at Week-ends du Monde held in Parc Jean-Drapeau. Over two weekends in July, the park hosts a cultural showcase of dance, music and food in celebration of the cultures and traditions of all Montrealers.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau   Address: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal  QC  Canada  H3C 1A9

Jul 09 to Jul 21
This outdoor festival celebrates the sights and sounds of African, Caribbean and Latin American culture through music, dance and theatrical performances. Artists from around the globe converge for festivities and concerts suitable for all ages. Events are hosted at an array of venues city-wide.

• Place Emilie-Gamelin   Address: Saint Hubert and Sainte Catherine Street East. Montreal  QC  CAN
• Kola Note   Address: 5240 Ave. du Parc Montréal

Jul 09 to Jul 21
Established in 1987, Montreal's Music Festival Nuits d'Afrique is committed to showcasing a range of artists from Africa, Latin America, the Antilles and more. Local artists representing a variety of cultural backgrounds also perform during the festival.

Jul 13
Attracting over 50,000 spectators and around 100 race teams from all across North America, this annual event features vibrant dragon boat races, a vendors village, children's activities and International food kiosks. Races and events occur at the Olympic Basin in Parc Jean-Drapeau.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau   Address: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal  QC  Canada  H3C 1A9

Jul 23 to Jul 26
Le Festival de Musique Solitaire or One Wo/Man Band Festival is a unique new music festival that celebrates and showcases the talents and creativity of one-man/woman band musicians and performers the likes of loop artists, singer songwriters, dj’s, and other forms of solo performers. For reasons of feasibility, creative expression, financial limitations and technological advancements in music production, artists today are finding new ways to express their output by recording, touring and performing alone. This festival aims to showcase their talents and support the one man/woman band phenomenon!

• Barfly   Address: 4062A, boulevard Saint-Laurent Montreal  QC  Canada  H2W 1Y8

Jul 25, Aug 03
15 years already! As early as 1999 the global emergence of electronic dance music has its local color ... Founded by Jacques Primeau and Mustapha Terki, MEG Montreal Festival is a pioneering event born from an oversea friendship. Along its eventful path, the festival welcomed many international figures as James Murphy, MIA, Justice, Chromeo, Brodinski, Gesaffelstein, Tiga, passing by Le Tigre, Santogold, or, Fisherspooner. Curious and avid for discoveries, MEG Montreal is also a showcase for talented young artists and created, in collaboration with Osheaga, a gathering dedicated to international exchanges : OSHEAGA-MEG PRO.

Ode to the most dancing and rhythmic electronic music, waving to pop, rock, hip-hop and world-music, MEG Montreal has spread across borders, revealing the richness of the Quebec scene abroad. This year, MEG celebrates also its 15th anniversary with sparkling collaborations: in Martinique at the festival Martizik, in Mexico during the Festival Cultural de Mayo, in Vancouver and even in Paris, by opening the 15th Techno Parade!

But here we are! Get ready for the 15th anniversary of the festival in his fief: From July 25th to August 3rd, MEG Montreal will make you dance alongside THE HACKER, AGORIA, PARA ONE, DUCHESS SAYS, SEXY SUSHI, SOUND PELLEGRINO THERMAL TEAM and many others, on Saint-Laurent, from the boulevard to the river!

Jul 29 to Aug 04
The Divers/Cité Festival celebrates sexual diversity and features three main events: a week long cultural festival, Community Day and the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered) pride parade.

• The Gay Village   Address: Along rue Ste-Catherine from boulevard Rene-Levesque to rue Sherbrooke and from avenue de Lorimer to rue Berri Montreal  QC  Canada

Jul 31 to Aug 03
Occurring annually in August on McGill College avenue between Maisonneuve and Sainte-Catherine street, this event features an array of fashion shows showcasing emerging designs, live music, open-air boutiques and club events.

Aug 02 to Aug 04
Showcasing emerging local music acts and International performers, this annual event takes place in Parc Jean-Drapeau and has featured appearances by Coldplay, The Beastie Boys and Arctic Monkeys. A series of concerts are also featured at an array of club venues around the city.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau   Address: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal  QC  Canada  H3C 1A9

Aug 09 to Aug 18

Montreal’s Italian Week is a cultural festival that takes place annually across the city. Honouring Italy’s beauty and diversity, the festival invites you to discover its culture through music, gastronomy, fashion and folklore.

A wide range of festivities, both varied and fascinating, will allow you to savour the aromas and culture of this community. Opera, fashion show, Ferrari parade, classical and popular music concerts, literary events, art exhibitions, tastings and guided historical tours are but some examples of the activities throughout this festival. There is something for everyone!

This year, the Emilia-Romagna region will be honoured by celebrating the 200th anniversary of the great Maestro Giuseppe Verdi as well as other activities. For its 20th edition, Montreal's Italian Week invites you to come and enjoy the festivities from August 9th to 18th, 2013, in several boroughs across Montréal: St-Léonard, Notre-Dame-de-Gr, Rivière-des-Prairies, LaSalle, and the final weekend on St-Laurent boulevard in Little Italy.

• Little Italy   Address: Petite-Patrie neighbourhood between rue Drolet and Clark and between rue Jean-Talon and Saint-Zotique Montreal  QC  Canada
• Rivière des Prairies   Address:
• Old Montreal   Address: . Montreal  QC  Canada

Aug 10
Experience a traditional Japanese festival in the heart of Montreal! Thousands of visitors celebrate and learn about Japanese culture at this annual event, which includes performances, demonstrations, Japanese cuisine and various activities.

Aug 13 to Aug 18
Celebrate Argentina's national dance at the Montreal International Tango Festival held in the North American Capital of Argentine tango. The six-day festival consists of workshops during the day and concerts and milonga in the evenings.

• Verdun   Address: Borough of Verdun Montreal  QC  Canada
• Tango Libre   Address: 2485 Mont-Royal Ave. E. Montreal  QC  CAN

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Street and stage comedy performances and galas in both English and French are featured at this long-standing festival, which showcases emerging and established performers from regional and international locales. Past guest stars have included the Monty Python cast members, Shaun Majumder and Godfrey.

• Theatre St-Denis   Address: 1594, rue Saint-Denis Montreal  QC  Canada  H2X 3K2
• Quartier Latin   Address: Rue St-Denis Montreal  QC  Canada

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Occurring in August, this vibrant festival celebrates gay, lesbian and transgender culture through theater, art exhibitions, live concerts, variety shows, club events and a grand parade. Festivities occur at a variety of venues around the village and the city at large.

• The Gay Village   Address: Along rue Ste-Catherine from boulevard Rene-Levesque to rue Sherbrooke and from avenue de Lorimer to rue Berri Montreal  QC  Canada

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The largest attended film festival in the Western World. This annual event attracts film makers from over 60 countries and offers a truly eclectic range of cinema. All the theatres showing the entries are within easy walking distance of each other.

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For the 9th Escales Improbables festival, 83 artists take us off the beaten track with puzzling shows. Music, drama, dance, performances and live graphic arts give you a rendezvous from the 2nd to the 15th of September 2012, on the Quartier des Spectacles from the 2nd to the 11th of September for Escales de Ville/city program ; on the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal for Escales de Jour/day program from the 7th to the 9th of September ; and at Usine C from the 11th to the 15th of September for Escales de Nuit/night program. An unusual and creative strolling for all.

City programm / Free entrance / Quartier des Spectacles
Day program / Free entrance / 1:30 pm- 6:30 pm / Quays of the Old Port of Montreal, in Bonsecours island
Night program / Admission charge / Usine C, 1345, Lalonde Avenue

• Quays of the Old Port   Address: Old Port District. Montreal  QC  CAN

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Pop Montreal is a festival that celebrates alternative and independent music and artists from Montreal, across Canada and the world. Past performers include Canadian favourites Stars, Metric, Sam Roberts, The Dears, Broken Social Scene, Feist and Arcade Fire, as well as popular American artists such as The Black Keys, Beck, Queens of the Stone Age and Interpol. The festival takes place at a number of clubs and venues across Montreal.

TBA
Revel in three nights of extravagant entertainment during a delightfully burlesque showcase of cabaret talent from around the world. Join the Burlesque revival!

• Club Soda   Address: 1225, boulevard Saint-Laurent Montreal  QC  Canada  H2X 2S6

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An annual event province-wide, this festival celebrates culture through a variety of festivities, including interactive opportunities at dance and art studios, museums and other venues city-side. Participants are welcomed to explore a wide range of cultural practices and creative processes in free demonstrations and festivities over the three-day event.

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The Black and Blue Festival is a non-stop party featuring music, dance and other events.

• The Gay Village   Address: Along rue Ste-Catherine from boulevard Rene-Levesque to rue Sherbrooke and from avenue de Lorimer to rue Berri Montreal  QC  Canada

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Over nine days, the L'Off Festival de Jazz presents approximately 200 performers in a passionate and creative program of concerts.

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Experience an ancient Chinese tradition at Montreal's Botanical Garden, when 700 traditional lanterns designed in Montreal and made in Shanghai illuminate the evening in a magical celebration of light and culture. Open until 9pm daily during the festival, the botanical garden hosts this radiant event at the Chinese Garden.

• Montréal Botanical Garden   Address: 4101, Sherbrooke East Montréal  Québec  H1X 2B2

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Celebrating Arabian culture, this festival features an array of cultural events, including live music, theatrical performances and a film festival. Art exhibitions and concerts by regional musicians and choral groups are also featured.

• Montreal CineRobotheque    Address: 1564 St. Denis. Montreal  QC  CAN  H2X 3K2
• Place des Arts   Address: 175 St. Catherine Street Ouest Montreal  QC  Canada  H2X 1Z8

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Since 1995, Cinemania has been bringing exceptional French-language films to audiences in Montreal, Canada. Tickets can be purchased from the Imperial Cinema.

• Cinema Imperial   Address: 1432 Bleury St. Montreal  QC  CAN  H3A 2J1

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An impressive line-up of Francophone musical artists assemble for this annual event, which presents intimate concerts at various venues across the city.

• Club Soda   Address: 1225, boulevard Saint-Laurent Montreal  QC  Canada  H2X 2S6

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This international documentary film festival celebrates local and international documentary films that look at current social, political and environmental issues. In addition to film screenings, the festival also presents workshops, master classes and panel discussions.

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Held over eight days in February, this annual spoken word and performance festival presents an exciting program of experimental and multidisiplinary shows that bring the tradition of oral literature to the forefront of modern creative expression.

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Montréal’s annual Tibetan bazaar features traditional arts and crafts, Buddhist literature and ritual objects, clothing, jewelry, as well as a sample of Himalayan cuisine and cultural performances.

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The Jacques-Cartier Pier heats up for nine days in chilly January with electrifying concerts, stunning audio-visual displays and even a zany ski suit competition.

• Jacques Cartier Pier   Address: Old Port Montreal  QC  CAN

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Lilith Fair is a touring festival that raises millions of dollars for charities and is supported by millions of fans. Founded by Grammy-award winner Sarah McLachlan and friends, Lilith Fair is a celebration of women in music and features a stellar line-up of top female artists like Nelly Furtado, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige and Sarah McLachlan.

• Bell Centre   Address: 1260, rue De la Gauchetirre Montreal  QC  Canada  H3B 5E8

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In celebration of the holiday season, Old Montreal comes alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas, complete with outdoor cinema, family skating parties, concerts, carriage rides and gourmet events. The month-long festival is capped off with a dazzling New Years eve celebration in Place Jacques-Cartier.

• Vieux Montreal   Address: Old Town Montreal  Quebec  CAN

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This annual winter festival brings people out into the beautiful winter wonderland of Parc Jean-Drapeau to enjoy various activities like tube sliding, ice hockey and skating on the St Lawrence River. The charming Boule de Neige and his band of entertaining friends welcome visitors to join in the fun for three consecutive weekends.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau   Address: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal  QC  Canada  H3C 1A9

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Speed Skating Cannada and Intanct Insurance are hosting Day on Skates at the Fete des Neiges at Parc Jean Drapeau on the 2nd and 3rd of February 2013 from 11am-4:30pm.

Day on Skates will be an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the sport of speed skating. Short speed skating clinics run by competitive speed skating athletes will provide attendees with an introduction to the sport.

The Intact Insurance Day on Skates offers free events for families and children. Activities include speed skating clinics and open skating, with rental skates provided free of charge, demonstrations by local club athletes and opportunities to meet national team athletes and Olympians.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau   Address: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal  QC  Canada  H3C 1A9

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This massive winter celebration includes outdoor festivities complete with spectacular light displays, skating, children's activities, live entertainment and fireworks, a cultural program of mind-blowing concerts and exhibitions, wine and dine events, the magnificent High Lights Event show and more. Venues include the Quartier des spectacles, Place des Festivals and more.

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This highly anticipated annual film festival is a celebration of Quebecois and national cinema. Film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, master classes and social events make up the ten-day festival.

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Billing itself as three festivals in one, the Montreal High Lights Festival is a 10-day event that attracts visitors from near and far. The event consists of the Hydro Quebec Celebration of Light which includes a range of evening activities such as the Montreal All-Nighter, the Wine & Dine Experience where 50 of the city's best chefs prepare gastronomic delights for patrons and the Sun Life Financial Performing Arts event which features a variety of dance, theatre and musical performances.

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This European art initiative came to Montreal in 2006 and highlights artistic movements influencing today's creative souls. For over two weeks, an international gathering of performing and moving image artists present their works to the public.

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Held in March, Under the Snow celebrates and promotes independent music across various genres, from post-rock to experimental. Up-and-coming local artists and international musicians lead the public on a voyage of musical discovery during performances at various venues throughout downtown Montreal.

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Festivalissimo is one of the most important cultural events in Montreal and in Canada displaying Iberian-Latin American arts. Its main objective is to portray the Iberian-Latin American culture in all its artistic forms. It includes three segments: Film, Artferia and Music.

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Held annually in spring, FIFA is a 10-day festival that celebrates worldwide films on art and media art. This competitive event showcases hundreds of films, promoting cinematic artists from around the world and entertaining a diverse public.

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This film competition features film and video on all the different art forms, including cinema itself. Whatever a visitor's personal taste, there will be an entry that appeals.

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The Fantasia Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing exciting and innovating contemporary cinema in a variety of genres including horror, fantasy and anime. The event focuses on films not often seen in North American from countries such as Japan, Spain, Italy, Germany, Thailand, France, Russia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and more.

• DB Clarke Theatre   Address: 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Montreal  QC  H3G 1M8

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Montreal's Fete des Enfants (Children's Festival) is devoted to kids and all the sorts of fun stuff that they love. A variety of educational and exciting activities and entertainment, many of which are free, are offered during the course of the festival.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau   Address: 1, circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal  QC  Canada  H3C 1A9

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This multi-lingual literary festival hosts over 200 participants from around the world in five days of readings, lectures and soirees. Workshops, awards ceremonies and activities for children are also offered.

• Delta Montreal Centre Ville   Address: 777 University Street Montréal  QC  H3C 3Z7

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This annual festival presents a diverse selection of cutting-edge digital artworks from more than 30 local and international artists. Elektra consists of exciting audio-visual performances, interactive installations, conferences and more. Held in May at various venues.

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Held in Parc Lafontaine, la Grande Rencontre festival showcases traditional music and dance from various cultures through themed activities, concerts and workshops, all in the beautiful park setting.

• Parc Lafontaine   Address: Rue Sherbrooke Est Montreal  QC  CAN  H2L 3A8

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Catering to children under six, this annual festival features a wide array of artistically-based activities to participate in and view, including hands-on workshops, film screenings and assorted stage performances.

• Maison de la Culture Maisonneuve   Address: 4200 rue Ontario E. Montreal  QC  CAN  H1V 1K1

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Acces Asie was created in order to increase the Asian presence in Quebec's cultural events and activities. The festival features comedy, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, music, poetry, new media and more, all performed or presented by Asian artists.

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Theatre Sainte Catherine hosts a hilarious line-up of sketch comedy acts from North America.

• Theatre Ste Catherine    Address: 264 Ste. Catherine E. Montreal  Quebec  Canada  H2X 1L4

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Montreal's Chamber Music Festival aims to celebrate and promote chamber music in all of its many forms by presenting concerts that combine it with other disciplines. The festival consists of a range of concerts both a jazz series and a concert series.

• St. James United Church   Address: 1435 City Councillors St. Montreal  QC  CAN  H3A 2E4

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Showcasing beers from around the world, this festival occurs over five days at the Windsor Station and courtyard in downtown Montreal. Tastings, workshops, conferences and demonstrations are just a sample of the events offered.

• Place Bonaventure   Address: 800 De La Gauchetière St W, Suite 240 Montreal  QC  CAN  H5A 1K6

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Celebrating electronic music and digital artistry, this five-day event showcases emerging artists from a multitude of technological backgrounds. An array of innovative music events are held at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues around the downtown district.

• Societe des Arts Technologique-Society for Arts & Technology   Address: 1195 Saint-Laurent Blvd. Montreal  QC  CAN  H5B 1C2
• Monument-Nationale   Address: 1182 Boulevard St Laurent Montreal  QC  Canada  H2X 2S5

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Women are crazy! Men are idiots! Throughout the ages, the sexes have felt this way about their opposites. For Shakespeare, this conflict inspired sheer, comic genius in The Taming of the Shrew. Under a canopy of stars, join us for our 24th season of Shakespeare-in-the-Park.

Taming of the Shrew Park Schedule

July 11th – 12th
City: Mont Royal
Park: Cimetière Mont-Royal
Time: 19h00

July 13th – 14th
City: Beaconsfield
Park: Park Centennial
Time: 19h00

July 15th
City: NDG
Park: Park NDG
Time: 19h00

July 17th
City: Park Extension
Park: Park Howard
Time: 19h00

July 18th - 19th – 20th – 21st
City: Westmount
Park: Park Westmount
Time: 19h00

July 25th
City: Kirkland
Park: Park Ecclestone
Time: 19h00

July 26th
City: Dorval
Park: Park Pine Beach
Time: 19:30

July 27th – 28th
City: Westmount
Park: Park Westmount
Time: 19h00

July 29th
City: Park Lafontaine
Park: Theatre de Verdure
Time: 20:00

July 31st
City: Pierrefonds
Park: East Community Centre
Time: 19h00

August 1st
City: Côte-St-Luc
Park: Park Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Time: 19h00

August 2nd
City: Verdun
Park: Park George O’Reilly
Time: 19h00

August 3rd
City: City-Marie
Park: Cabot Square
Time: 19h00

August 5th
City: Saint-Laurent
Park: Park Philippe-Laheurt
Time: 19:00

• Parc Lafontaine   Address: Rue Sherbrooke Est Montreal  QC  CAN  H2L 3A8
• Parc du Mont-Royal   Address: . Montreal  QC  Canada
• Parc   Address: Villeray/Saint-Michel/Parc-Extension Montreal  QC  Canada

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More than 250 artists take part in this highly anticipated annual celebration of creativity. Showcasing both professional and emerging artists, the festival takes place along BoulevArt (Ste. Catherine Street, between St. Hubert and Papineau).

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Montreal's Scottish Festival celebrates the history and culture of the city's Scottish inhabitants. Festivities include heavyweight competitions such as caber-tossing, highland dancing, solo piping and pipe bands, drumming and more. Concessions and a beer garden will be set up on site.
*The next edition of the Highland Games & Festival is scheduled for August 2-3, 2014.*