As summer nears, the city of Montreal is gearing up to welcome returning and first-time tourists from near and far to our vibrant, multicultural metropolis. With the change of seasons comes a new wave of excursions that are enjoyably entertaining for all ages—some of which (if not all) are much-anticipated and highly favourable among the locals.
This June, consider kicking up your social calendar a notch with your family or friends by partaking in one—or all!—of the fun activities that are happening throughout the city. Here’s what should be pencilled in your agenda this month:
Fall in Love (Again) With Cirque du Soleil
Since its debut première in Montreal 25 years ago, Cirque du Soleil’s beloved and iconic performance Alegría has returned home to dazzle old and new star-struck audiences in celebration of its anniversary. The theatrical masterpiece is the touring company’s most popular touring show to date, with over 5,000 performances in more than 255 cities around the world. Additionally, the show’s highly acclaimed music was released as a studio album and was nominated for a Grammy Award. So far, Alegría has sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide and remains Cirque du Soleil’s best-selling album of all time.
While the show has been revamped to reflect the current trends of today’s cultural pulse, it remains a timeless classic, as it revitalizes the viewers with a renewed spirit and mindset for a more invigorating tomorrow. Experience the magic and witness the beauty of the costumes, choreography, and feats for yourself at one of their on-going performances from now until the end of July. Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable outing under the Big Top in the Old Port of Montreal—you don’t want to miss it!
The Party Doesn’t Stop at Piknic Électronik
Electronic music fans, unite! Or if you’re a music enthusiast who’s looking to branch out of your musical preferences or recently developed a liking for electronic music, Piknic Électronik is the place to be. Every Sunday and all summer long, dance your heart out to the latest musical genres by both local and international DJs and artists. This outdoor event takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is situated 10 minutes from downtown Montreal.
This festive gathering is the place to be, as it gives you the full Montreal experience, from the extraordinary sights to the upbeat and multi-diverse environment to taking advantage of the summer weather with some of your favourite people. Check out Dogme, Interstellar Funk, Kora, Sinca, Lou Fre$h, or Alex Pycke, as well as the list of scheduled performances. Tickets are still available, so come get your groove on and become one with the beat—this is a party you don’t want to miss!
Ready, Set, Race!
Montrealers, get ready for the city’s most anticipated sporting event of the year: F1 Grand Prix! For newcomers to the city or first-time attendees, F1 Grand Prix is an annual international racing event and party that’s held in Montreal over the course of three days. Celebrities and tourists travel from near and far to partake in the festivities and celebrate among the locals. This year, the event takes place from June 7th – 9th, and it’s a non-stop party for 72 hours that you don’t want to miss!
For the first two days of the event, head over to Crescent Street where the entire street is converted into a pedestrian-only area that allows you to enjoy live performances by top Canadian bands, meet race car drivers, and get autographs. On Sunday—the day of the race—head over to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve at Jean-Drapeau Station to cheer on the race car drivers as they rev up their engines and anxiously await the drop of the racing flag. The energetic roar of excitement from thousands of attendees will surely make you want to come back for more every year!
Get Jazzy
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s see those jazz hands! For over 40 years, the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal has been a hotspot for music-goers that love and appreciate all types of jazz music. The annual festival takes place in the heart of downtown Montreal at the Quartier des Spectacles for 10 days. The outdoor venue is off-limits to cars and welcomes numerous well-known jazz performers, such as Kendrick Scott Oracle, Peter Frampton, Nikki Yanofsky, Norah Jones, and Orchestre National de Jazz.
The jazz party—beginning June 27th and concluding July 6th—is a popular event that is attended by both locals and tourists. Gather your friends or family and head on down to have a jazzy time!
Marvel at the Spectacular Fireworks Show
The perfect way to end a beautiful summer night can be summarized in one word: fireworks. Starting June 29th until July 27th, prepare to be dazzled and wowed for 30 minutes as the night sky is lit up with colourful explosives that are synchronized with musical accompaniment. Every year, L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec hosts an international fireworks competition where major companies show off the latest advancements and innovations in the field of pyrotechnics.
To fully enjoy the 35th edition of the show with the spectacular view of Montreal as its backdrop, you can view them in the grandstands at La Ronde or on top of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, which is completely closed off to vehicles and cyclists. The fireworks spectacle starts at 10:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday—rain or shine.
Do you love the vibrant city and want to be near the action? If the answer is yes, we have a solution for you! Le Bourbon is an upcoming condominium building located in the heart of downtown Montreal that’s set to welcome occupants in spring 2020. All of our units feature spacious interiors with big terraces overlooking the gorgeous view the city has to offer. Give us a call today at 514-543-3939 for further information or to reserve your new home!
*All claims made on this website are subject to change, and depend on the season, location and other factors.
