As Quebec gears up to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, or La Fête nationale du Québec, a variety of events are planned across the province, with Montreal hosting a particularly vibrant lineup of festivities. Here’s a detailed guide to the key activities you can enjoy in the city.
Traditional Parade
The highlight of the celebration is the traditional parade, a quintessential part of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. This year’s parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24. Spectators can watch the lively floats starting from the corner of Molson and Rachel Streets, making their way toward Orléans Street, and finally heading south to Parc Maisonneuve at the corner of Sherbrooke Street East. The parade promises to be a colorful and joyous procession, celebrating Quebec’s rich culture and heritage.
The Grande Fête
On the evening of June 24, Parc Maisonneuve will host the Grande Fête, a grand celebration featuring an intergenerational, diverse, and entirely free program. The event, organized by La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal, starts at 8 p.m. and includes a spectacular lineup of performers. Hosted by Pierre-Yves Lord, the show titled “Une chance qu’on s’a!” will feature artists such as Claude Dubois, Roxane Bruneau, Patsy Gallant, and many more.
The festivities will escalate at 10:30 p.m. with a special segment by Monsieur PY, presenting a mix of 50 iconic Quebec songs accompanied by archival image projections, courtesy of Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ). The celebration will continue with a performance by Le Vent du Nord, ensuring the crowd stays energized and dancing until midnight.
Citywide Festivities
Montreal’s neighbourhoods will also come alive with local celebrations on June 23 and 24. These Fêtes de quartier will feature community picnics, arts and crafts, history workshops, bouncy castles, face painting, and fireworks. Here are some of the highlights:
- Côte-des-Neiges: On June 24, enjoy a family-friendly event at Placette Côte-des-Neiges from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring various fun activities for all ages.
- Plateau Mont-Royal: Head to Parc La Fontaine in front of Notre-Dame Hospital on June 24 at 2 p.m. for a vibrant celebration with guest artists and musicians.
- Jardins Gamelin: FunkyFalz will be performing on June 24 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., ensuring an evening of lively music and dancing.
- Lachine: The area will host two events on June 24. The Arène des jeux forains at the Musée de Lachine outdoor site offers a carnival-like atmosphere from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Later, Parc Noël-Spinelli will host a major celebration starting at 7 p.m. featuring performances by Vilain Pingouin, Mononc’ Serge, and the Crosmonautes.
- LaSalle: Celebrate along the water at Parc des Rapides from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 24 with an evening of folk songs and festivities.
- Outremont: On June 25, as part of Juin en musique à Outremont, Vision Diversité and the borough of Outremont will host an event at Place Alice-Girard, Campus MIL at 5 p.m. The event will feature over two hours of performances by nine artists, with a mix of French songs and original music created for the occasion. There will also be games for kids and a food court on site.
Whether you’re interested in parades, concerts, or community gatherings, Montreal offers a multitude of ways to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. Enjoy the festivities and immerse yourself in Quebec’s vibrant culture and community spirit!