Hot Summer Calendar

Your guide to the festivals and frivolities of a Montreal summer

compiled by MARK SLUTSKY

There’s no party like Montreal in the summertime. As usual, this été offers a smorgasbord of post-hibernation fun, from comedy to music to movies to dragon boat races. With as many free events as ones you gotta shell out for, there’s plenty to do, whether you’re a fat cat with a thick pocketbook or a penniless artist desperate to hear some sweet, sweet bebop.

JUNE

Montreal Chamber Music Festival, to June 18
What better place to enjoy the transcendent music of the great classical composers than right atop the mountain? This classy fest features concerts throughout June, as well as special events like “Music and Intimate Letters,” with readings of letters by Tchaikovsky and music by him. At Chalet de la Montagne, Mont-Royal. Info: www.festivalmontreal.org

Suoni Per Il Popolo/ Sounds for the People Festival, to June 26
Billed as “a celebration of Liberation Music,” the Casa del Popolo/Sala Rossa’s annual summer music fest features dozens of artists, with notable guests Amiri Baraka, Hamid Drake, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Xiu Xiu, Electrelane and others. Make sure you make it out for the popular Popolo in the Park day on June 11, from noon–6 p.m. at Parc Lahaie (St-Laurent and St-Joseph). Other shows are at the Casa (4873 St-Laurent) and la Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent). Info/tix: 284-0122, www.casadelpopolo.com

Dino Fossils Montreal, to Oct. 31
More than 20 complete dinosaur skeletons and 100 other prehistoric fossils take to the Old Port for the summer in what’s the biggest exhibition of its kind ever to take place in North America. At Parc des Écluses (McGill and de la Commune), www.dinosaures2005.com

Nuit Blanche sur Tableau Noir, June 9–12
The 10th edition of Mont-Royal’s annual street-painting festival pays homage to late Quebec painting giant Jean-Paul Riopelle in the popular La Grande Fresque de Nuit, where 25 artists will go fresco-crazy on the nights of June 9 and 10. On Mont-Royal, between St-Hubert and de Lorimier. Info: www.tableaunoir.com

St-Ambroise Fringe Festival, June 9–19
Now practically a cherished institution, Montreal’s very own Fringe dance/theatre/performance festival celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Scores of companies from nine countries descend on our town to show off their stuff in and around the Plateau, with the white-hot nucleus of the action being, as usual, the storied beer tent/outdoor stage at Parc des Amériques, corner of St-Laurent and Rachel. Info: 849-FEST or www.montrealfringe.ca

Grand Prix du Canada, June 10–12
With worries about its continued presence in Montreal behind it, the city’s glitziest summer event continues unabated this year. Expect to spot movie stars, Euro-trash and hedonists of all stripes on the lower Main and in various hotspots around town. Oh, and the race itself is at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Parc des Îles. Info: www.grandprix.ca

Fringe POP, June 10–19
An offshoot of both the POP Montreal festival and the Fringe, Fringe POP sees a host of local bands taking the Parc des Amériques stage, as well as side events like a dog show (!) and the 1st Annual Baby Air Guitar Competition (!!) Info: www.popmontreal.com

Montreal’s First Peoples’ Festival, June 13–22
Coinciding as always with National Aboriginal Day, June 21, this year’s fest features film, video, dancing and music celebrating Canadian First Peoples’ culture. Events at Parc Émilie-Gamelin, the NFB, the new Grande Bibilothèque, the Cinémathèque québécoise and other venues around downtown. Info: 571-4444, www.nativelynx.qc.ca

Les Bouquinistes du St-Laurent, June 16–July 10
Antique booksellers set up shop around the Old Port in this annual event, this year coinciding with Montreal’s status as capitale mondiale du livre 2005. Info: www.lesbouquinistes.org

Montreal International Fireworks Competition (Le Mondial SAQ), June 18–July 30
Montreal’s skies burst into colourful flames all summer long at the 21st edition of this popular festival. Every week, a different country showcases its pyromaniacal pride, and while the best viewing is from La Ronde, rooftops and balconies are also a good way to go. Info: www.lemondialsaq.com

Montreal Baroque Festival, June 23
If it ain’t baroque, right? Well, in this case, it is. This mini-fest of ancient music features a free open-air concert and fireworks display. At Bonsecours Island, Old Port. Info: www.oldportofmontreal.com

Fête Nationale/St-Jean Baptiste, June 24
Show your Quebec spirit at this beloved annual early-summer blowout. Celebrations take place all over the city—in various parks and whatnot. Info on “official” celebrations: www.cfn.org

L’OFF Festival de Jazz, June 24–July 3
This homegrown fest places an emphasis on musicianship, featuring musicians from here and away. At various venues around town. Info: www.lofffestivaldejazz.com

Montreal International Tropical Festival, June 25–July 17
This umbrella series harbours events from various cultural groups, including Jamaica Festival, Access Barbados Day, Soca Festival, Gospel Day, Jamboree Hip Hop Fest, Access Eastern Caribbean and Trinidad & Tobago Cultural and Family Day. At Parc Jean-Drapeau and Parc Angrignon. Info: www.montrealtropicalfestival.com

Artfest 2005, June 30–July 3
Four days of art and fun in the Gay Village, featuring over 150 artists from around the world. Last year saw over 300,000 visitors crowd Ste-Catherine, closed to automotive traffic and transformed into an art-lover’s paradise. Info: www.festivaldesarts.org

Montreal International Jazz Festival, June 30–July 10
The big boy. The festival to end all festivals. Yes, the Jazz Fest is certainly the jewel in Montreal’s summer crown, and, as always, there’s lots to check out for music fans of all stripes. Featuring something in the order of 2,000 musicians, 150 indoor shows and countless free outdoor performances, this year’s fest will include concerts by Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Mark Knopfler, Paul Anka and many others. Events take place in around Place des Arts. Info: 871-1881, www.montrealjazzfest.com

JULY

Canada Day Festivities/Célafête, July 1
As always, there’ll be various celebrations around the city (in some parts more than others), as well as the annual Célafête party in the Old Port, featuring fireworks, performances and other stuff. Info: http://montreal.celafete.ca

Carifiesta, July 2
The fun and colourful Caribbean parade starts at noon at the corner of Guy and René Lévesque and proceeds along René-Lévesque to Berri, finishing at Berri Park, where the “after-parade program” will feature food, music and arts and crafts. Info: 735-2232

Just for Laughs, July 6–31
The world’s premier comedy fest runs a lot longer than the usual 10 days this year, though outdoor events and major festival stuff will be concentrated in the July 14-24 corridor. The 23rd edition of the festival features names like Dame Edna Everage, Jim Belushi and Eddie Izzard, as well as special events like Everybody Loves Raymond: Inside the Writer’s Room and Lewis Black hosting the World Stupidity Awards. At various venues downtown. Info: www.hahaha.com

Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show, July 7–10
A free fest run in conjunction with the Jazz Festival featuring master classes conducted by experienced musicians, workshops, demonstrations and more. Amateurs, pros and music fans alike are welcome. At Complexe Desjardins. Info: www.montrealjazzfest.com

Fantasia, July 7–24
Billed as “North America’s premier genre film festival,” Fantasia is always an ambitious, entertaining romp through the underbelly of cinema, with movies and guests from around the world. Info: www.fantasiafestival.com

Fête international de Lanaudière, July 9–Aug. 7
Music lovers flock to the lovely surroundings of Joliette for this classical music festival that’s been kicking around since the late ’70s. At the Amphithéâtre de Lanaudière, Joliette. Info/tix: 1-800-561-4343, or visit the Web site at www.lanaudiere.org

Montreal International Tango Festival, July 9–17
The third edition of this annual dance festival begins on July 9, Argentina’s national day. On the schedule are performances, milongas and more. At various spots around town, though mostly in the Old Port. Info: www.festivaldetangodemontreal.qc.ca

Tremblant International Blues Festival, July 8–17
Tremblant brings in, as always, the heavy hitters of blues for this popular annual getaway and music festival, now in its 12th year. At Mont-Tremblant. Info: http://tremblant.com/bluesfestival/

Campbell Concerts, July 10–31
A series of free open-air shows by local artists in the Old Port, featuring Jab Jab, Altsys, Lou Simon and Le Cercle philharmonique de St-Jean. Info: www.oldportofmontreal.com

Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, July 14–24
The 18th edition of this festival of African and Caribbean culture should, as always, feature a huge number of performers from all over. Music, dancing and more. At various venues around town. Info: www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com

Montreal 2005 FINA World Championships, July 16-31
After much controversy, this worldwide water sports championship—featuring water polo, swimming, diving and more—finally makes it to our city this summer. At Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.montreal2005.org

Montreal International Reggae Festival, July 15-17
The second edition of this new, exciting festival features an amazing line-up of performers including Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, Sugar Minott, Chaka Demus & Pliers, and Canada’s own Snow! At Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port. Info: www.montrealreggaefestival.com

Hellenic Festival, July 22–31
The Old Port hosts a celebration of Greek food, art, and culture. Info: www.oldportofmontreal.com

Festival International du Merengue de Montréal, July 23–24
A weekend of merengue and other Latin music. At Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.festivalmerenguedemontreal.com

Manulife International Dragon Boat Festival, July 30–31
This colourful, popular festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Watch huge, elaborate traditional Chinese dragon boats slice through water and enjoy crafts and food while you do it. At the Olympic Basin, Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.montrealdragonboat.com

Divers/Cité and Gay Pride celebrations, July 25–31
Montreal’s take on Gay Pride is deservedly famous around the world, with dances, art, community events and, of course, the famous parade, which this year will take place on Monday night, July 25. Events take place around the city, but are mostly concentrated in the Gay Village. Info: www.diverscite.org

Twist Weekend, July 28–31
Coinciding with Gay Pride, the Bad Boy Club of Montreal presents its traditional weekend of parties and celebrations. Info: www.bbcm.org

Les Francofolies de
Montreal, July 28–Aug. 6 Music from all over the francophone world (12 countries in total) is the focus of this 17-year-old festival. As with the Jazz Fest, there’s both pricey indoor shows and free outdoor concerts. All over town. Info: www.francofolies.com

Vans Warped Tour, July 29
A touring fiesta of pop-punk, rap and other youthful musics. Featuring the Offspring, My Chemical Romance, MXPX and more. Venue TBA. Info: www.warpedtour.com

Montreal Highland Games, July 31
From music to food to clothing (and you know that means kilts!), everything Scottish is celebrated at this festival, now 29 years old. Info: www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca

AUGUST

Tango Festival, Aug. 5–Sep. 2
Not to be confused with July’s Montreal International Tango Festival, this Old Port fest offers free instruction and dancing every Friday. At Place des Vestiges, Old Port. Info: www.oldportofmontreal.com

Rogers AT&T Cup, Aug. 6–14
The world’s top men’s tennis players converge in Montreal for a highly competitive throwdown/showdown. Watch champ Roger Federer defend his title. At Stade Uniprix. Info/tix: 790-1245, http://canada.masters-series.com/

International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Aug. 13-21
Ain’t nothing hotter than a hot air balloon, and billions of them fill the skies of St-Jean in this mind-bending annual event. Lots of activites on the ground too. In St-Jean sur-Richelieu. Info: www.montgolfieres.com

Festiblues, Aug. 18–21
The eighth edition of this for-charity blues fest features dozens of blues musicians performing in Ahuntsic Park. Info: www.festiblues.com

La Grande Rencontre, Aug. 24–28
The 13th edition of this trad music festival presents a “Harmonica Summit” this year, featuring virtuosos on the tin sandwich from all over. At Parc Lafontaine. Info: 273-0880, www.spdtq.qc.ca/ rencontre/rencontre.htm

World Film Festival, Aug. 26-Sep. 5
Montreal’s biggest film festival vows to continue this year in the face of cutbacks, criticism and controversy. Sure to be an interesting event no matter what. At various cinemas downtown. Info: 848-2883, www.ffm-montreal.org

Molson Indy, Aug. 26–28
If you’re more into CART racing than F1, this is the event for you. At Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Parc des Îles. Info: www.molsonindy.com