Fantasia 2012

Fantasia International Film Festival • Fantasia Festival International de films

Visit Montréal

Here’s a list of local events that contribute to making Montreal such a vibrant city in the summer. Visit Montreal and join in the fun!

Events part of the Festimania Montreal Festival’s Collective (which includes Fantasia)

L’INTERNATIONAL DES FEUX LOTO-QUÉBEC

The most prestigious international pyromusical arts competition in the world. All summer, the largest pyrotechnical firms, representing their respective countries, compete to win the trophy for best performance. The shows take place at La Ronde, the number one theme park in Quebec, created as part of the Expo 67 World’s Fair. From June 25th to July 30th, 2011

MONTRÉAL COMPLÉTEMENT CIRQUE

18 days of shows from here and elsewhere illustrating the incredible wealth and variety of circuses today. Imagine the city gripped by entertainers, trapezists and acrobats! The event is organized by La TOHU, with the support of our greatest artists: Cirque Éloize, 7 doigts de la main, Cirque du Soleil, the National Circus School and En piste. From July 7th to 24th, 2011.

ZOOFEST

Considered to be the enfant terrible of Just for Laughs, Zoofest is probably Montreal’s most side-splitting festival. Music, theatre, circus, humour, cabaret and storytelling are but a few of the genres presented during this festival, which favours eclectic programming by calling upon local and international artists from the alternative scene. From July 9th to 31st, 2011.

FESTIVAL JUSTE POUR RIRE

The Just for Laughs Festival really needs no introduction. Since its creation in 1983, this festival that celebrates humour of every kind has become a veritable tradition. From the parade to the galas, to the world's best comedians, the event changed the face of the city... and added a few laugh lines to those of its fans! One-man shows, musicals, theme evenings; the programming is impressively varied and always of exceptional quality. From July 11th to 31st, 2011

FESTIVAL NUITS D’AFRIQUE

Since its first edition in 1987, the festival has seen some of the biggest names in world music like Youssou N’Dour, Alpha Blondy, Amadou and Mariam, Angélique Kidjo and Tiken Jah Fakoly, to name but a few. This year, the festival celebrates its 25th edition with the theme, “A quarter century of world music!” From July 12th to 24th, 2011

DIVERS/CITÉ

Divers/Cité, la fête gaie de Montréal – All Together Different, celebrates diversity in a festive, friendly atmosphere where all are welcome. The large outdoor component is offered free to the public. It includes Mascara, the biggest drag show on earth, a mind boggling four hour performance created by over one hundred artists. The most popular festival draw is without a doubt La Grande Danse: imagine thousands of people dancing outside to 11 hours of house music mixed by international guest DJs. From July 25th to 31st, 2011.

OSHEAGA

A music and arts festival that positions itself as a European-inspired event. With more than 60 groups and artists performing on five outdoor stages, Osheaga is now recognized worldwide as one of the biggest festivals of its kind. Its programming of up and coming artists and groups that redefine the local and international music scene make this a must-see festival for outdoor concert fans. From July 27th to 31st, 2011.

MEG MONTRÉAL

Montréal Électronique Groove is a festival of emerging and urban music whose mission is to discover artists from the world of electronic, rock, pop, hip hop… Over a four-day period, Canadian artists (mostly from Montreal) and others from France and elsewhere, transport you to their musical universe. The festival also adds showcases to its program, where local artists offer a much appreciated vehicle for music fans eager to discover the talent of tomorrow. From July 28th to 31st, 2011.

FESTIVAL PRÉSENCE AUTOCHTONE

The annual First Peoples Festival, which takes place outdoors in downtown Montreal, is a grand cultural celebration. Given this year's theme - We Belong to the World - this international event makes Montreal the capital of First Cultures of the Americas. From August 2nd to 9th, 2011.

FESTIVAL MODE ET DESIGN

The event for lovers of fashion, glamour and design trends. The event is festive and accessible to the public. The fashion section of the Festival will let you discover collections from promising local and internationally renowned designers. The design section will showcase names to watch for in urbanism, industrial design and interior design. In addition to the fashion shows, there will be exhibitions, multimedia performances and trendy events with guest DJs and performers. From August 3rd to 6th, 2011

Other festive Montreal events

THE MONT-ROYAL TAM-TAMS

Every Sunday, this free, unofficial event joins beat lovers and sun revellers in the surrounding vast green spaces of Mount-Royal Park. From May 8th to September 25th, 2011.

PIKNIC ÉLECTRONIK

Every Sunday, discover the best of the electronic music scene from here and the world in an environment created to stimulate the senses. Dance under an amazing structure by Calder and take in the beautiful view of Montreal from the of Parc Jean-Drapeau. From May 22nd to September 25th, 2011.

LE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: TOTEM

The now legendary and world-know circus troupe Cirque du soleil has a new show, directed by Robert Lepage. Tickets to enter the magical blue and yellow marquee in the Montreal Old Port are hot stuff. From June 15th to July 31st, 2011.

ASIA MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL

A veritable festival of Asian colours and rhythms, as Chinese, Indian, Japanese and other folk groups take the stage at the Olympic Bassin of Parc Jean-Drapeau. July 7th to 10th, 2011.

SAINTE-CATHERINE STREET CELEBRATES!

One of the largest sidewalk sales in Canada, on Ste-Catherine street in the heart of the metropolis. July 16th and 17th, 2011

HAITI ON FIRE!

An outdoor event entirely dedicated to Haitian cinema, culture, music and gastronomy. From July 21st to 24th, 2011.

MONTRÉAL INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL

This international event attracts over 50,000 spectators by presenting 200 racing teams, live entertainment and various cultural activities at the Montreal Botanical Garden. From July 22nd to 24th, 2011

FESTIVAL HEAVY MTL

Loud and intense, Heavy MTL features over 30 metal bands performing on Parc Jean-Drapeau. For this fourth edition, metal legends Kiss, Disturbed, Billy Talent and Godsmack headline the program. July 23rd and 24th, 2011.

Summer 2011 Exhibitions

INDIANA JONES AND THE ADVENTURE OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology transforms the museum experience into an interactive multimedia journey. At the Montreal Science Center from April 28th to September 18th, 2011

BLANC DE MÉMOIRE

A photographic exhibition highlighting 30 years of fight against AIDS. At Ecomusée du fier monde, from May 26 to September 16, 2011

VIDEOMUSIQUE

A retrospective of the work of Louis Philippe Eno from the past ten years, who directed more than an hundred videoclips for Quebec pop and rock bands. The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal also offers many great works from Quebec artists of the modern arts. From June 8th to August 14th.