10 Montreal Festivals that ARE happening Virtually or Safely in 2020!
Montreal’s festivals are considered one of the many highlights of the city. Endless fun, discoveries and inspiration can be found at the many events the city offers in its warmer months.
Think your chances of fun have been wiped out this summer? Think again. Many festivals are still happening and waiting for you to attend! Here are 10 Montreal festivals scheduled in 2020.
1. The Summer at The OSM
This year includes over 60 surprise outdoor performances by small ensembles and, a weekly cultural program hosted by André Robitaille. Collaborations with other institutions such as Quartier des spectacles and Tohu will feature different Quebec artists and offer a mixture of classical music and, other performance art forms like dance, circus and literature.
The festival takes place from July 3rd, 2020 until September 22nd, 2020 on Saint-Urbain Street. Ticket prices range from 25 to 35 dollars.
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to marvel at some undeniably enchanting classical music!
2. À Vous De Jouer, Ici, Là, Partout!
Check out surprise performances by 60 creators from Thursdays to Sundays. Have a city picnic on beautiful picnic tables decorated by artists such as: Romain Boz, Delphie Côté-Lacroix, Mathieu Labrecque, Mathieu Potvin, Amélie Tourangeau and Lateef Martin. Relax to original melodies by Patrick Watson or, enjoy surprise performances at delicious restaurants at designated spaces on either end of the Place des Festivals. View the fountains at Place des Festivals and the public art installation “Our DNA”. Walk in the Jardins Gamelin and swing on the”21 Balançoires”.
These free activities are available from the 16th of July to September 16th, 2020. There is LOTS to do at the Quartier des Spectacles this summer! Grab your buddies and get exploring.
3. Jardins Gamelin
Jardins Gamelin, a spectacular urban oasis of fun is open to visitors from the 16th of July to September 27th, 2020. Located at the Quartier des Spectacles this natural and intricately decorated area is the place to be!
Enjoy the Grande terrace and eat delicious food while taking in spontaneous performances Thursday through Sunday. Observe social distancing guidelines and this may become your hang-out spot for friends gatherings and abundant fun.
4. Zoofest & Off
Music, theater, comedy and other genres are displayed at this wild and unique international festival. The craziest, most bizarre, artistic creations from all around the globe are shown to curious festival-goers and newbies alike.
Be amazed at bewildering creations from around the globe for thirteen days starting on the 29th of September and ending on the 11th of October, 2020. Pass prices range from $55 to $140 dollars. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to see marvelous, diverse, art.
5. Fantasia International Festival
Support breakout filmmakers of the year from the 20th of August, 2020 till September 2nd, 2020. Grab a snack and enjoy some fascinating films with your loved ones!
6. Un Coeur Nomade
Discover the life and artistic endeavours of the famous author through a series of panels. Gain insight on Laferrière’s nomadic life from Haiti to Montreal, Miami and Paris. The exhibition also offers ”L’exil vaut le voyage”, an animated short film shown after sunset on the façade of UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy.
You have the chance to attend this colorful exhibit from the 20th of August, 2020 until the 1st of November, 2020 at the Promenade des Artistes for free. The fascinating life and times of Dany Laferrière are definitely something worth knowing more about.
7. MUTEK
Mutek has always strived to display, promote and support innovation in new electronic music and digital art. The “MU” in MUTEK even refers to “Mutation” in order to represent the ever changing nature of the field.
The festival will start on Tuesday, September 8 and end on Sunday, September 13, 2020. It will also take place virtually and in several different venues. This festival is undeniably unique and can open your eyes to a whole new world of digital innovation and creativity.
8. Just for Laughs
A four-day online comedy festival offers the best of francophone comedy. The English Just for Laughs festival will be completely online, while the French Just pour rire will be virtual content and live performances. Just for Laughs will feature “interactive online gatherings, conversations,
The main event goes from September 29th to October 11th, 2020. Let your hair down and laugh a bit. Get some snacks, your family, your pets and laugh all day long!
9. Festival International Nuits d’Afrique
Travel plans ruined? Go on a 34-day musical journey to Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean instead! Over 125 word-class local artists introduce their newest creations through a series of 25 indoor concerts on the stages of the National, the Fairmount, the Gesù, the Ministère and, at the iconic Club Balattou. This festival offers music lovers the chance to discover new sounds from all around the world.
Festival International Nuits d’Afrique will take place from September 27 to October 31, 2020 and, it will partially be online for the first time in its 34-year history. Tickets for different venues range from $10-45 dollars and some shows are free if you already have passes for other shows.
10. Montreal Pride
It is the largest parade of its nature in the francophone word as it attracts about 2.7 million visitors each year! The goals of the parade are to support the local LGBTQ+ community and offer hope for people around the world still fighting against discrimination and other injustices. Free shows, panels, the community day and the parade would usually proceed at the official venue of the event, Parc des Faubourgs.
However this year, the event cannot proceed due to public health concerns. The organization will still offer an alternative for its passionate attendees and has given the dates August 10, 2020- August 16, 2020. Those keen on attending should definitely keep an eye out for more information on the website!
So, here you go! Your summer is far from being ruined with the abundance of festivals Montreal has to offer in 2020. Discover something new around every corner in this year’s hot Montreal summer! A Nostalgic look at a past FAVE end-of-Summer Foodie event…
Have any fave festivals? Let us know!
