Montreal food festivals you can’t miss this summer

Since the weather has finally decided to cooperate, Montrealer’s can finally enjoy doing what they love the most: eating outside!

To give you a little foodie inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of some of Montreal’s best food festivals and pop-up events that are happening this summer.

Get your summer calendar ready!

First Fridays

Every First Friday, from June to October, the biggest food truck rally in Canada takes place at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, on the Esplanade Financière Sun Life. Organized by the Quebec Food Truck Association, this event features over 50 Montreal food trucks including Lucille’s, Mr.Crémeux, Gargantua, Le Cheese, and more. Now, grab your best buds and plan ahead for the next “First Friday”. With more than 2000 seats and a DJ, it’s going to be one heck of a party on the Esplanade this summer.
When: June 2nd to October 6, 2017, 4 pm – 11 pm
Where: Olympic Park

Lobster Clam Jam

This family-oriented food festival located along the Lachine canal (west of the Atwater market) showcases the culinary creations of a variety of renowned local chefs and restaurants, including Jerry Ferrer, Bird Bar and Ikanos. In addition, you will find tons of lobster, entertainment provided by DJ Eddy Lewis, and activities and games for the whole family. Launched in 2013, this fun day pairing delicious food in a friendly atmosphere now takes place in Toronto as well, with sights of expanding to more cities in the near future.
When: Sunday May 28th, from 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: Parc Esplanade du Centenaire du Canal Lachine

Bouffons MTL!

Located in the Quartier des Spectacles between Jeanne-Mance and St-Laurent, Bouffons MTL! is part of the Just for Laughs festival and also the largest open-air gastronomy village in North America. This year’s honorary guest is Marc-André Jetté, of the critically acclaimed restaurant, Hoogan & Beaufort. The chef will host a series of meet and greets, in addition to serving a special BouffonsMTL! menu. This food festival is an opportunity to discover Montreal’s culinary multiculturalism catered by some of the city’s finest restaurants pop-ups and food trucks.
When: July 15th – 30th from 12 pm – 11 pm
Where: Between Jeanne-Mance and St-Laurent

YULEAT

Conveniently situated in Montreal’s Old Port on the Clock Tower Quay, YULEAT is a unique event that focuses on our beloved city. On Labor Day weekend, guests get the chance to discover great street cuisine in a series of tastings, chef demonstrations, and food stands. This year, make sure to check out the newest addition “Le Parcours Gourmand” in Hangar 16 that features 20 food stations and 18 wine and spirits stations operated by Montreal finest sommeliers. During the weekend, guests can also take part in chef demonstrations that involve free tastings.
When: September 2 – September 4, Saturday & Sunday from 11 am – 11 pm / Monday from 11 am – 9 pm
Where: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port

Diner en Blanc

Celebrated in over 70 cities around the world with close to 120,000 guests participating each year, Diner en Blanc is one of Montreal’s premier summer events. Every year, the secret location is revealed at the very last minute while thousands of people dressed in the obligatory white dress code gather for the ‘chicest outdoor picnic’. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, you can bring your own food or pre-order a food basket created by the local chef ambassador. After dinner, the party continues outside and onto the streets as guests dance to the beats of the event’s guest DJ. Get your white pants and white shoes ready!
When: August 17
Where: the location is revealed on the day of the event

Balnea’s Été des chefs

Every summer, Balnea Spa & Réserve Thermale organizes a gourmet food competition that brings together 10 of Quebec’s best chefs. Every Sunday, a guest chef will take over the Beach Club restaurant to serve his summer dish, paired with a wine selected by the guest sommelier. You’ll also find the Mr. Wilson ice cream wagon on site for cool and sweet bites. The 10 Balnea dishes are served at the Spa and in the 10 participating restaurants all summer long starting July 2nd. At the end of the summer, the public is invited to vote for their favourite Balnea dish to declare the winning chef of the summer.
When: Every Sunday from July 2 to September 3
Where: Balnea Spa

The Night Market

The Night Market is the “it” block party in the Mile-Ex. The concept was born in summer 2013 with the establishment of street cuisine in Montreal. Every last Saturday of the month, Montrealers can enjoy delicious dishes while discovering artists and community vendors on the spot. The Night Market offers a great mix of good food, cool music, and local artists. This weekend (Saturday May 27th), you will be able to enjoy the food of Landry & Filles, Grumman 78 and Jerry Ferrer. Did we mention entrance is free?
When: from May to September, every last Saturday of the month between 2pm and 11pm.
Where: Alexandraplatz Bar, 6731 rue de l’Esplanade