Best Summer Festivals In Montreal

Montreal is a bustling metropolis and is Canada’s second largest city, with over four million inhabitants. During the summer months, the city illuminates and becomes a cultural beacon, hosting several festivals that attract attention worldwide. Here’s your summer guide to Montreal’s festival scene with the help of DevMcGill.

• Fantasia International Film Festival

Imagine a quirkier version of the Cannes Film Festival, featuring a series of unique and strange films made by a slew of international actors and directors. This is the Fantasia International Film Festival, which has gained a massive following over the years and draws foreigners to this cinematic experience.

This year, The Villainess opened the festival, showcasing the work of Korean director Jung Byung-gil and continues until August 2, 2017. Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the closing film called The Taxi Driver, which has been gathering a lot of attention from film critics on the international festival circuit. 

• Île-Soniq

Fans of electronic dance music should listen up because Montreal is preparing for another edition of Île-Soniq, which is a massive outdoor rave at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The festival has been around for a few years and continuously attracts international talent. This year’s line-up includes Tiësto, Porter Robinson, Migos, and Afrojack, to name a few. Tickets are still available and make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and water because this outdoor rave is intense. Île-Soniq takes place from August 11-12.

• Fierté Montreal Pride

Montreal has always been an open and tolerant city, hosting a vibrant and diverse LGBT community. Every year, the city holds Montreal Pride, which comprises of a week full of activities and parties, mainly centered in the Gay Village. The celebrations culminate with a giant outdoor parade that demonstrates the vivacity and dynamism of the gay community.

Most of the festivities are free and begin on Thursday, August 10 and end with the massive parade on Sunday, August 20. For more information, consult the schedule here.

• Osheaga Music & Arts Festival

The Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is Canada’s answer to Coachella, boasting an all-star line-up, bringing out the city’s trendiest individuals. By simply walking around the festival grounds at Parc Jean-Drapeau, you’ll see some crazy outfits and some strange hair colours. Take in the sunshine and music this year from August 4-6, with a strong line-up featuring Lorde, Muse, The Weeknd, and Alabama Shakes.

• Italian Week

Montreal is home to a large Italian population that immigrated during the second half of the 20^th century. They brought a rich cultural history, which continues to thrive today and is celebrated by holding a weeklong fiesta. This year’s Italian week is from August 4-13, taking place mostly in Little Italy adjacent to Jean-Talon market.

Montreal’s summer festival scene is definitely spectacular, to say the least. If you’re visiting this glorious city and suddenly fall in love with it, consider one of DevMcGill’s condo developments and get the best property in the trendiest neighbourhoods.