Summer has kicked into gear in Montreal as July has finally arrived. From Just For Laughs to concerts, food, and everything in between, here is what’s happening around Montreal all month.
See also
- 44 FREE things worth checking out in Montreal this July
- Montreal ranks as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world
- Visitor satisfaction was almost at 100% for Montreal travellers in 2018: survey
The Montreal International Jazz Festival
festivaljazzmontreal/Instagram
The Montreal International Jazz Festival was named the largest jazz festival in the world in 2004 according to the Guinness Book of World Records and it’s only gotten bigger since.
The 39th edition of the festival features over 500 artists from all over the world who will perform over 150 shows during a three-week span.
The streets are completely closed off to traffic and the festival is full of music-hungry fans. Some specific shows cost money to enter but the majority of the shows, both indoor and outdoor, are free.
When: From now until July 6
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier des Specatcles
Price: Free admission to the site
Bryan Adams – Bell Centre
Bryan Adams/Shutterstock
The Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist and activist will kick off the month at the Bell Centre in a sure-to-be sold-out show.
When: Tuesday, July 2
Time: 6:30 pm doors, 8 pm show
Where: Bell Centre
Price:$85.25 – $157.25, available online
Montreal Comiccon
Comiccon/Shutterstock
Montreal Comiccon’s lineup is completely stacked this summer.
Join hundreds of artists, celebrities, and actors at the localized genre festival for pictures, autographs, workshops and Q&As. Comiccon is headlined by Harry Potter’s Tom Felton, Elijah Wood, George St-Pierre, William Shatner, Robert Sheehan, and so many more.
When: July 5 – 7
Time: Friday, 1 to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Palais des Congrés
Tickets: Available online, starting at $69 – $229
Festival of India
Alex Hubenov/Shutterstock
The two-day event will feature all sorts of festivities, including a parade down Saint Laurent Boulevard (starting at Rue Milton), restaurant outlets, live music, dancing, yoga workshops, kid’s games, and a souvenir shop.
When: July 6 – 7
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Parc Jeanne Mance
Price: Free admission
The Ethnic Show – Just For Laughs
One of Just For Laughs’ most celebrated series, The Ethnic Show returns this summer with 19 shows.
The Ethnic Show (July 10 to 25) will be hosted by the hilarious Latina comedian, Cristela Alonzo, who recently became the first Latina woman to create, produce, write and star in her own US primetime comedy, Cristela, according to Just for Laughs.
She’ll be joined by Gina Yashere and Lebanese-Canadian comedian Dave Merheje.
When: July 10 – 25
Time: 7 pm and 9:30 pm
Where: Club Soda
Price: online$59.61, available
Jennifer Lopez – Bell Centre
jlo / Instagram
Her love might not cost a thing, but these tickets will.
JLo is returning to the road for the first time in over six years for her “It’s My Party: The Live Celebration” tour.
To celebrate her 50th birthday, the internationally-known entertainer will bring an all-new show to fans in 24 cities across North America this summer, including Montreal on July 10.
When: Wednesday, July 10
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Bell Centre
Price: $112.50 – $748.70, available online
Fantasia International Film Festival
@fantasiafestival/Instagram
Fantasia works primarily as a film screening festival, showcasing a variety of programming, both independent and commercial, while focusing on the imaginative cinema of Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The festival also welcomes guests from across the cinema community, including actors, directors, producers, studio reps, and distributors.
When: July 11 – August 1
Time: Varies according to screening
Where: Concordia University – 1455 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest
Price: Varies according to screening
Kahnawake Pow Wow
The Kahnawake Pow Wow is readying for its 29th annual event. This unique opportunity is a chance to discover Native dancing, music, food, and arts and crafts as you celebrate with the Mohawks of Kahnawake and take part in the Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow Wow.
The Pow Wow features tribal and smoke dancing, all-native craft booths, prizes and native cuisine food sampling.
When: July 13 and 14
Time: Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Kahnawake Pow Wow Grounds
Price: $8
Backstreet Boys – DNA World Tour
The Backstreet Boys are back again.
Nick, AJ, Brian, Kevin, and Howie are hitting the road as part of their long-awaited world tour which includes a stop at Montreal’s Bell Centre on July 15.
The major world tour is promoting their 10th studio album, DNA, which was released in January.
It’s the pop group’s first full-length album since “In a World Like This” in 2013, in which time the guys have since set up a Las Vegas residency, which wrapped in April.
The DNA world tour, BSB’s largest in 18 years, will feature a live band as opposed to dancers and will run for two hours. You’ll get to hear all the classic hits from the group, who formed in 1993, songs from the new record and surely some surprises as well.
When: Monday, July 15
Time: 7 pm doors, 8 pm show
Where: Bell Centre
Price: Various prices, available online
Comedy at the Art Loft
Comedy at the Art Loft/Facebook
Comedy at the Art Loft is the hottest underground comedy show in Montreal. It’s the city’s only weekly bilingual show and is run out of a private loft on rue Saint-Laurent and is usually packed with people. It feels like a college part, except a comedian is slinging jokes into a microphone.
The hosts, headliners, and featured acts change weekly and we’ll be sure to keep you up to date.
The venue features a DJ and snacks. BYOB and it’s 420 friendly. Very 420 friendly.
When: July 5, 12, 19, and 26
Time: Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 10:30 pm
Where: 4152 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $10 at the door (cash only)
Bowling – Forum Sports Bar
Bowling / Shutterstock
Strike some bowling off your list this month.
The Forum Sports Bar hosts 16 lanes of 10-pin bowling for $5 a game every Tuesday and Wednesday (tax and shoes included).
You also can’t go wrong with the giant square bar, arcade games, and TV screens.
When: July 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31
Time: 11 am – 1 am
Where: 2313 rue Ste. Catherine
Price: $5 per game, shoe rental included
Montreal Beachclub
@beachclubmtl/Instagram
Located in Pointe-Calumet, an easy 45-minute drive from Montreal, Beachclub is exactly what its name implies — a club on the beach.
The outdoor beach site can host up to 10,000 guests at a time, making it the largest outdoor club in North America.
July’s lineup is also pretty spectacular:
- Mark Knight: July 1
- Daddy Yankee: July 6
- Carnage: July 7
- Shaggy: July 13
- 3Lau: July 14
- Flo Rida: July 21
- Slander: July 27
When: June 1, 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, and 27
Time: Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 Rue 38, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Monday to Friday: $12; Saturday and Sunday: $15 (subject to change when special events are held) Prices for DJ events vary, tickets are available online
Scotiabank Cheapie Tuesday Movie Night
Scotiabank offers $7 general admission tickers every Tuesday at their downtown location.
June is a great month for movies, especially for under $10. Check out Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Lion King, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Crawl, Stuber, and much more.
They also have deals on snack combos. Can you honestly say no to that popcorn smell?
When: June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Time: Varies depending on selection
Where: 977 Rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Price: General admission starts at $7
Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk
Secret Montréal/Facebook
Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s indecent past.
Who knows, you might even see a ghost.
The tour is led by a professional actor and storyteller and the path leads to tales about the dark and lewd history of Montreal’s old Red Light District. Many of the sites are even said to be haunted.
The tour takes place at what is currently known as the Quartier des Spectacles, known for its festivals and entertainment. But Secret Montreal takes its guests on a historical journey of another form of entertainment.
When: July 5, 12, 19, and 26
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online
Def Leppard
Def Leppard/Facebook
The English rock band, formed in 1977 in the UK, will be rocking out the Bell Centre on July 17.
Tickets are reasonably priced considering the band’s reputation.
When: Wednesday, July 17
Time: 7 pm
Where: Bell Centre
Price:$25.70 – $343.30, available online
Montreal ToyCon
Eventbrite
From Funko pop, action figures, statues, plush toys, high-end collectibles, comics, and video games, the Courtyard by Marriott is hosting a giant toy festival for everyone to enjoy.
When: Sunday, July 21
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Airport
Price: Free admission
Jeff Ross’ The Roastmaster’s Invitational
Returning for his wildly popular “The Roastmaster’s Invitational,” Jeff Ross will be hosting a four-night, elimination-style, winner-takes-all roasting competition which will include a slew of international comedians and superstar judges from July 24 to 27 at the iconic Club Soda.
When: July 24 – 27
Time: 11:59 pm
Where: Club Soda
Price: $40, available online
Margaret Trudeau – Just For Laughs
Just For Laughs
Margaret Trudeau, the mother of Prime Minister Trudeau and international mental health advocate, will be bringing her critically-acclaimed candid conversation “Certain Woman of an Age” to the festival for a three-night run from July 25 to 27.
When: July 25 – 27
Time: 7 pm and 9:30 pm
Where: Gesù Montreal
Price: online$61 – $77.55, available
Jim Jefferies – Just For Laughs
Jim Jefferies/YouTube
The controversial and thought-provoking Jim Jefferies returns to host two multi-comic galas at the Salle Wilfrid Pelletier at the end of July.
Recently named one of the top five touring comedians in the world, and fresh off three Netflix comedy specials (Freedumb, Jim Jefferies: BARE, Jim Jefferies: This Is Me Now), Jefferies will bring together a bevy of hilarious comedians from around the globe, in which he’ll host.
When: Thursday, July 25
Time: 7 pm and 9:45 pm
Where: Salle Wilfrid Pelletier
Price: $63.46 – $147.67, available online
Trevor Noah – Just For Laughs
Trevor Noah/Facebook
Comedic powerhouse and political commentator Trevor Noah returns to the world’s biggest comedy fest, bringing his “Loud & Clear” tour to the Bell Centre on July 26.
When: Friday, July 26
Time: 8 pm
Where: Bell Centre
Price: $58.50 – $112.70, available online
’77 Punk-Rock Music Festival
@willy.b.goode/Instagram
’77 specializes in ska, punk and rock music and boasts an impressive lineup of each genre.
The festival will include Pennywise, Bad Religion, Streetlight Manifesto, The Exploited, BIGWIG, Wavves, and so much more.
When: Friday, July 26
Time: 12:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $77 – $117, passes available online
Heavy MTL
dwphotos/Shutterstock
Heavy MTL is a two-day, outdoor heavy metal and hard rock music festival. If you want to jump into a mosh pit and bang your head, Parc Jean Drapeau’s Heavy MTL has got you covered.
This year’s festival is headlined by Slayer, Ghost, Evanescence, Godsmack, Clutch, Slash, Anthrax, and so much more.
When: Saturday, July 27
Time: 12 pm – 11 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Price: $175 – $320, available online
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
Parc Jean-Drapeau
The world’s largest fireworks festival is on its way back to la belle province as the 35th edition of the International Fireworks Competition, known officially as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, kicks off on Saturday.
When: From now until July 27
Time: 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free
HUM(AIN) – We Could Be Human: A Learning Machine
julienhuon/Instagram
It seems like Siri has some SIRIous competition as a new art exhibition in Montreal features an AI robot that learns from visitors the more it interacts with them.
As part of musician David Usher’s Hum(ai)n exhibition, a digital character named Ophelia will be speaking with humans all summer. This interaction will help to evolve her cognitive state.
When: From now until September 15
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Phi Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre
Price:$21.97 – $25.50, available online
Through the Echoes
py1_experience/Instagram
The first-of-its-kind pyramid-shaped entertainment venue, PY1, created by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté continues its showing all month.
The innovative venue will offer a multi-sensory experience, state-of-the-art technology and “a unique playground” for multimedia entertainment combining high tech with the talent of the greatest digital creators.
The PY1 experience made its worldwide debut with Through the Echoes, a show produced exclusively for the pyramid last month, located near the Clock Tower grounds in the Old Port.
When: Every day in July
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online
Parc Jean-Drapeau Aquatic Complex
Parc Jean-Drapeau/Facebook
Parc Jean Drapeau’s Aquatic Complex features three massive Olympic-sized pools, trampolines, diving boards and towers, a shaded area, sprinklers and water sports. Beat the July heat in style!
When: Every day until September 3
Time: 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $3.50-$9
Jean-Doré Beach
Jean-Doré Beach is situated on Parc Jean Drapeau and has nice golden‑sand and clear water. What makes it even more appealing is that it’s very close to downtown and easily accessible by bike or public transit.
With a wide swimming area of more than 15,000 square metres, both kids and grown-ups can enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach without going far.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: 3-13 years: $4.50, 14 years and over: $9
Pointe-Calumet Beach
Pointe-Calumet Beach gets too much of a “party vibe” because it hosts the famous Beachclub parties in the summer. But it offers a secluded, quiet alternative for beach-goers who just want to relax in front of the Lake Deux Montagnes.
When: Every day in July
Time: Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 Rue Pointe-Calumet
Price: Monday to Friday: $12, Saturday and Sunday: $15
Parc Safari
Calgary Zoo
Parc Safari opens its gates daily to their 47th season last month.
The park has over 500 animals, exciting rides, and fun activities to keep you going back all season long.
The park starts off with the “Safari Adventure” where guests can get close to exotic animals like never before. While driving to the main park entrance, the optional adventure path allows for the more docile but equally large animals to check you out in your car.
Oh, how the tables have turned.
Animals on the “Safari Adventure” include buffalo, zebras, llamas, gazelles, ostriches, deer, peacocks, and camels. You’re encouraged to feed and pet the animals during the low-speed trek and you’ll always want to keep your windshield wipers handy. Your car might get dirty but it’s worth it.
It’s not often you get to brag about llama saliva on your windshield.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online
Aquazilla
Parc Jean Drapeau is brining Montrealers another challenge this summer: staying afloat.
Aquazilla, the floating obstacle course on water, is returning to the man-made island again this summer.
The 30-by-35 metre inflatable structure is combined with obstacles, slides, and platforms. Your job is to complete the course without falling into the Jean-Doré beach.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Price: 6 – 13 years: $13 for an hour/$25 unlimited, 14 and over: $15 for an hour/$28 unlimited, family deal: $50 f0r an hour, $98 unlimited (tickets available on-site)
Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau
Parc Jean Drapeau
The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and this summer, it could be a gorgeous sight to stand on as well.
Lasalle KSF is a store that specializes in surfing, kayak, and paddleboarding and they are teaming up with Parc Jean-Drapeau to get you stand-up paddleboarding this summer.
This great way to stay active, and to be part of the historic River is offered in three different varieties: SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), SUP Yoga, and SUP Fitness.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen
Complexe Atlantide
Complexe Atlantide/Facebook
No offence to La Ronde, but sometimes it’s nice to have an alternative from the constant buzz of the big city.
Enter: Complexe Atlantide.
This huge amusement centre/water park hybrid venue features water slides, mini putt, a wave pool, and zoo animals, all located in Saint-Calixte, an hour outside of Montreal.
Families are also encouraged to spend a few days on site as the park is found in the middle of Quebec’s largest campground.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 11155 QC-335, Saint-Calixte
Tickets: Varies depending on your selection, tickets available online
Tonga Lumino
Mont-Tremblant wants to make sure you have giant plans this summer. Literally.
The renowned ski mountain has transformed into an enchanted hiking trail where participants embark on a quest to find the last sleeping giant of its kind.
Uh. Yes, please.
The adventure, Tonga Lumina, is produced by Moment Factory, the same company known for their illuminations of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
This summer’s Mont-Tremblant trail will be illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as giant-seekers must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find the slumbering giant.
When: Every day in July
Time: Every 15 minutes from 9:15 pm – 10:45 pm
Where: 1000 Chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant
Price: $11.99 – $27.99, available online
La Ronde
La Ronde – PAGE OFFICIELLE/Facebook
Since the weather gets toasty in July, you have to check out Quebec’s biggest amusement park.
Try battling The Goliath, get rocked on Le Ednor or check out the park’s newest ride, Chaos.
July’s sunny weather means La Ronde is open almost every day.
When: Every day in July
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 10:30 am – 8 pm (11:30 pm during the fireworks)
Price: Available online or at the box office
Piknic Electronik
Piknic Electronik
Piknic is an outdoor electric music dance festival featuring DJs and artists from all over the world. There are obviously good tunes, but there’s also good food, good drinks, and plenty of activities to keep you going. Best of all – the show goes on rain or shine.
When: June 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $16, available online
Voiles en Voiles
Voiles en Voiles/Facebook
Climb aboard life-size replicas of both royal and pirate ships from the 18th century in Montreal’s Old Port (how fitting).
They are over 100 feet in length and range from two feet high for the young pirates to 35 feet for Peter Pan wannabes.
As the obstacle course gears up for its final stretch run, check out the 61 different activities between the Royal Ship and the Pirate Ship. Activities include zip lining, rock climbing, and bouncy castles.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online
Volcanoes 3D – IMAX
Old Port of Montreal
The IMAX Telus Theatre at the Montreal Science Centre invites guests to a “very hot immersive experience.” Volcanoes 3D will take patrons where few humans dare to venture: into the heart of a volcano.
Using state-of-the-art 3D technology, Volcanoes 3D will offer viewers a thrilling experience, exposing them to the lava erupting at over 700ºC.
The documentary will plunge daringly into the heart of various volcanoes from around the globe, exploiting IMAX with new laser technology.
When: Every day in July
Time: Various times
Where: 2 de la Commune Ouest
Price: $10.50 – $12, available online
Amaze Escape Room
You escaped the winter’s cold, now try to get out of an escape room.
Try your luck at escaping from a prison, military facility, lost temple, or laboratory. Make a reservation, choose your adventure and then you have anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to get out of any respective room. Each mission is reserved solely for your group and you’re given a walkie-talkie in case you need hints/get scared.
When: Every day in July
Time: 2pm – 10:30pm
Where: 3550 Rue St. Jacques
Price: $15-$30 depending on your chosen mission (per person). Make your reservation first online.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
http://www.lagranderouedemontreal.com
Hit up Canada’s largest observational wheel and take in some absolutely breathtaking views of the city, during spring. Not to mention, some primetime photo ops that’ll make your Instagram crowd jealous.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 11 pm
Where: 362 rue de Commune Est
Price: $14.79 – $25
Musée Grévin Montreal
If you want to cool down in an air-conditioned museum while staring at wax celebrity figures, Musée Grévin is for you.
Check out your favourite actors, athletes, and artists in wax form. The figurines are displayed beautifully through the four-floor museum that also features optical illusions and interactive displays. It’s admittedly pretty creepy staring into Elvis’ eyes, especially if he starts blinking.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 705 Rue Saint Catherine (4th floor of the Eaton Centre)
Price: $19.50 for adult, $13.50 for children, $15.50 for youth and students and $18 for seniors
iSaute Kirkland
ISaute/Facebook
Take your kids to iSaute Kirkland and pretend it’s for them (when it’s really for you).
iSaute is a massive venue that has over 30 giant trampolines, trampoline basketball, wall climbing and a trampoline jungle gym. You pay by the hour, there’s a lot to do and it’s actually a fantastic workout. Fun for all ages (and a great workout).
When: Every day in July
Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 3220 Jean Yves, Kirkland
Price: $16 for the first hour, $10 for the second. Tickets are sold at the door
Coup Sûr
With the baseball and softball in full swing (literally), why not take a couple cuts at the batting cage?
Coup Sûr has six pitching machines all throwing at various speeds and each machine throws either baseballs or softballs. They have a closed off radar section too if you want to practice pitching.
They supply bats and helmets and boast an impressive Baseball Town store if you’re looking for some gear for the season.
When: Every day in July
Tim: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: 3835 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Laval
Price: 1 token (20 pitches): $5.75/ 5 token special (100 pitches): $23.00
Putting Edge Mini-Putt
Putting Edge/Facebook
Golf season is in high stride, you might want to hone your putting skills.
Putting Edge is an indoor mini-putt course that (besides having a great name), glows in the dark. Every hole has Canadian-based trivia questions plus the venue has an arcade and they serve alcohol. Need we say more?
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 1 am
Where: 1259 rue Guy
Price: $11.99
Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria
Alegria by Cirque du Soleil
The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil production will be at the Big Top all month.
Alegria, which was first performed by Cirque in 1994, stole the eyes and ears of more than 14 million spectators. Performed under a traditional Big Top tent, the show made its way to 255 different cities over 19 years of touring, until its last performance in 2013.
The show mixes the high energy acrobatics which Cirque du Soleil is famous for with a “rallying theme for change, hope, and optimistic renewal.” The cast is made up of more than 50 performers and musicians, all renowned internationally for their craft.
When: Every day in July
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online
This Light Never Goes Out
JimCarrey/Twitter
A new art exhibition featuring works from Jim Carrey is going on display in Montreal all summer.
As part of the Phi Centre’s commitment to celebrating technology-based media, the arts centre will present the world premiere of This Light Never Goes Out, featuring over 50 of the actor’s works in an exhibition that will run from June 20 to September 1.
“Jim Carrey is known to most people as a comedic genius on the silver screen, but since 2016, his Twitter feed has been the canvas for a series of satirical and subversive cartoons, penned in response to headlining news,” reads the Phi Centre’s description.
Carrey’s cartoons weigh in on the American political right, focusing on many who are abusing their power in the United States.
His work combines the Ontario native’s artistic talent with strong social messages, demonstrating how creative civic engagement can influence political debates, as per the Phi Centre.
When: Every day in July
Time: 10 am – 9 pm (Tuesday – Thursday), 10 am – 10 pm (Friday & Saturday), 10 am – 7 pm (Sundays)
Where: Phi Centre, 315 St-Paul Ouest
Price: $12.40, available online
Follow Channels and Categories