Hot Summer Calendar

>> A smorgasbord of festivals and diversions to keep you busy throughout the fair-weather months

’ROUND ’N’ ’ROUND ’N’ LOUD: NASCAR

compiled by Lorraine Carpenter

June

Suoni per il Popolo Festival, to June 27

Claiming to be “the most significant avant-garde music festival in North America,” Suoni celebrates the free-form end of jazz, noise and rock, as programmed by the folks behind Casa del Popolo (4873 St-Laurent) and la Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent), where all the shows take place, apart from Popolo in the Park, the family-friendly party at Parc Lahaie on June 16. Suoni’s seventh edition features the likes of Akron/Family, Ian Mackaye’s the Evens, William Parker and Hamid Drake, Jandek, Sam Shalabi, Marc Ribot and les Georges Leningrad, who will play what is rumoured to be their final show. Info/tix: (514) 284-0122, www.casadelpopolo.com.

Salsafolie Sundays, until Sept. 9

Latin rhythms take over the Old Port every Sunday this summer. Info: www.salsafolie.com.

Grand Prix du Canada, June 7–10

Formula 1 fans, career party people and Eurotrash flock to town for Montreal’s annual race and, moreover, all the associated festivities and general debauched atmosphere, from Crescent to the Main. Cars go ’round and ’round at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Parc des Îles. Info: www.grandprix.ca.

Nuit Blanche sur Tableau Noir, June 7–10

Comix is the theme for this year’s Grande fresque de nuit, the overnight street-painting session that’s the centre-piece of this annual event, now in its 12th year. Comix will also feature in an affiliated exhibition and art market, and a Tintin & Gaston-themed event for kids, while anyone perusing the outdoor art can enjoy a little live music and slam poetry. On Mont-Royal, between St-Hubert and de Lorimier. Info: www.tableaunoir.com.

St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival, June 7–17

At the chaotic age of 17, Montreal’s alternative theatre, dance and comedy festival is willing to show you theirs if you show them yours. Make sure the kids are in bed because performers from all corners of the Earth will display their weird wares in venues all over the Plateau and Mile-End. Info: (514) 849-FEST, www.montrealfringe.ca.

Fringe Pop, June 8–9, 14–17

Pop Montreal and the Fringe come together again, presenting free, outdoor performances by acts such as the Golden Dogs, Montag, Giselle Numba One and Plants and Animals. At the Parc des Amériques stage (corner of Rachel & St-Laurent). Info: www.popmontreal.com.

National Environmental Exhibition, June 8–10

The second edition of this exhibition hosts 150 kiosks where the public can peruse environmentally friendly products and technologies and organic and fair-trade products, as well as learn about government programs, and be entertained by documentaries, a green fashion-show and a parade of eco-friendly vehicles. At the Old Port. Info: www.sne2007.com.

Montreal First Peoples Festival, June 10–21

Beginning this weekend and ending on National Aboriginal Solidarity Day, the First Peoples’ Festival reflects the cultural heritage and persistent concerns of the native community. Visual arts and crafts exhibitions, film and video screenings, ceremonies, performances, readings, lectures and more take place at venues across the city. Info: (514) 677-7877, www.nativelynx.qc.ca.

Eureka! Festival, June 15–17

UNDERWATER CAMERA DEVICE: Eureka!

Eureka! invites the public to explore the latest in medicine, the environment and technology, with demonstrations, workshops, performances, lectures and a science picnic. At the Old Port’s Artists’ Walk and Montreal Science Centre. Info: www.eurekafestival.ca.

Tremblant Film Festival, June 20–24

Tremblant has a different draw in the summertime, one that will appeal more to the sedentary than the sporty. This second annual event promises more international films and guests, more premieres and parties and over 60 screenings outdoors, in the scenic splendour of the Laurentians. At the Mont-Tremblant Resort Village. Info: www.tremblantfilmfestival.org.

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, June 20–July 28

Whether you’re at the heart of the action at la Ronde, or watching from a nearby rooftop or some other nifty vantage point, the world’s top fire-workers will fill the night sky with explosions of light and colour every weekend.

FLASH, KABOOM: Fireworks festival

Montreal Baroque, June 21–25

The concept “From Heaven to Hell” runs through this fifth annual fest, featuring a parade, concerts, conferences, masterclasses, a baroque “fayre,” circus acts, kids’ theatre and more. Check the Web site for the schedule and locations: www.montrealbaroque.com.

Les Bouquinistes du St-Laurent, June 21–July 15

In the French tradition, and largely in the French language, this is an open-air book festival, exhibition and sale held by publishers and booksellers in the Old Port. Info: www.lesbouquinistes.org.

BOOKS EN FRANÇAIS: Les Bouquinistes

L’Off Festival de Jazz, June 22–July 1

The other jazz fest brings in musicians from home and abroad, for music’s sake. At Pub St-Ciboire, Lion d’Or and O Patro Vys. Info: (514) 524-0831, www.lofffestivaldejazz.com.

Fête Nationale/St-Jean Baptiste, June 24

Celebrate Quebec’s national holiday with a parade, a huge concert in Parc Maisonneuve (featuring Marjo, Pierre Lapointe and many more) and other festivities happening all over town. View the program of official events at www.cfn.org.

Festival International Montréal en Arts 2006, June 28–July 1

Over 150 artists from the region and beyond create an open-air gallery in the Gay Village, on Ste-Catherine between St-Hubert and Papineau. Info: www.festivaldesarts.org.

Montreal International Jazz Festival, June 28–July 8

The mother of local festivals features hundreds of musicians on the streets and in the venues of Montreal’s downtown, with thousands of locals and tourists absorbing every note. This year’s line-up includes Bob Dylan, Manu Chao, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and Angélique Kidjo. Info: (514) 523-3378, www.montrealjazzfest.com.

International Flora—The Montreal Garden Festival, June 29–Sept. 3

Take in over 45 residential gardens, along with conferences, workshops and tips for sustainable development practices. Funds raised will benefit the Sainte-Justine hospital. At Parc des Écluses in the Old Port. Info: www.floramontreal.ca.

A Cultural Rendezvous, June 30–July 1

The fifth edition of this multicultural bash puts the focus on Haiti, with 30 other cultures represented in music, dance, crafts and cuisine. At the Pointe-à-Callière archeology museum in Place Royale. Info: www.pacmuseum.qc.ca.

July

Canada Day/Célafête, July 1

Though Canada Day in Quebec pales in comparison to the St-Jean celebration, there are family-friendly games, exhibitions, live music, fireworks and an official ceremony as part of the annual Célafête festivities in the Old Port. Meanwhile, smaller parties go down around town to mark the country’s 140th birthday. Look into the recycled-hat contest at www.celafete.ca.

Carifiesta, July 1–7

Modeled after the traditional carnival in Trinidad & Tobago, a whirlwind of wild, colourful costumes, exotic music and energetic dance will fill the downtown streets on Saturday, July 7. For details about this, as well as the Junior Carnival on July 1 and the King & Queen parade on July 6, visit www.carifiestamontreal.com.

Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show, July 5–8

It’s the third edition of this Jazz Fest-affiliated forum, and sponsorship from GM has allowed it to nearly double in size, with exhibitions, workshops and free concerts taking place at Complex Desjardins and Place des Arts from noon–9 p.m. each day. The Montreal Guitar Show has been added to the program (July 6–8 at the Hyatt Regency, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily) and the Blues Camp for kids is back, from July 2–8 at Cégep du Vieux Montréal, capped by a concert on the Jazz Fest’s TD Canada Trust stage on the 8th. Info: www.simmm.ca.

Fantasia, July 5–23

The genre film festival takes over Concordia’s Hall and J.A. De Sève theatres every July, bringing in edgy horror, action, animation, comedy and fantasy from all over the world, and packing the cinemas with raucous crowds. Info: www.fantasiafestival.com.

Montreal Intercultural Festival, July 6–Aug. 26

Over 50 countries, from South America to the Caribbean to Africa to Asia, are represented in this series of cultural-heritage celebrations at Parc Jean-Drapeau: Carifiesta (July 1–7, see more info above), Créole weekend (July 13–15), Merengue festival (July 21–22) and the “weekend patrimonial” (Aug. 23–26).

Festival de Lanaudière, July 7–Aug. 5

CLASSICAL MUSIC IN JOLIETTE: Festival de Lanaudière

Lovers of classical music will gather in Joliette for the 30th edition of this highbrow happening, promising performances by musicians from all over Canada and beyond. At the Amphithéâtre de Lanaudière, Joliette. Info/tix: 1-800-561-4343, www.lanaudiere.org.

Just for Laughs, July 8–29

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Just for Laughs has a hot line-up in store, including gala hosts William Shatner and Howie Mandel, an all-star gala featuring André-Philippe Gagnon, Russell Peters, Lewis Black etc. and another comeback by Kids in the Hall. At various venues around town. Info: www.hahaha.com.

Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, July 12–22

Vocalist Tiken Jah Fakoly, trumpet player Hugh Masekela, Motown sounds with S-Ankh Rasa, Olie B. Rasbury, Donald Bell and Sylvie Desgroseilliers, Rio’s Cabula party dances and renowned performers Nicolas Repac, Ousmane Touré and Vieux Farka Touré are just some of what this mammoth festival of African music has in store, at the Spectrum, la Tulipe, Kola Note and Club Balattou, with free concerts in Place Émilie-Gamelin. Info: www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com.

Montreal International Reggae Festival, July 13-15

Luciano, Mikey Dangerous, Kymani Marley and Black Uhuru are among the performers at this year’s reggae fest, now featuring three stages and more activities for kids, along with the usual arts, crafts, cuisine and multimedia attractions. But the main draw is the music, with ticketed and free shows in the Old Port. Info: (514) 312-3782, www.montrealreggaefestival.com.

Festival International du Merengue de Montréal, July 21–22

Anthony Santos, Atakke Amarfis, Papo Ross, Joaquin Diaz and others are slated to play at this Latin music festival in Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: (514) 279-9459, www.festivalmerenguedemontreal.com.

Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, July 26–August 5

Hundreds of performances by French-language bands will go down at venues all over town during this annual fest, back in its usual late-July slot after experimenting with early-June last year. Artists playing indoors include Stéfie Shock, TTC, numéro# and Loco Locass Symphonique—the free, outdoor program will be unveiled July 11. Info: www.francofolies.com.

Montreal International Dragon Boat Festival, July 28–29

Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Olympic Basin hosts this spectacular sporting event, featuring scores of international teams racing traditional Chinese dragon boats, with live entertainment, food, arts and crafts and a drawing contest for kids on the side. Info: (514) 866-7001, www.montrealdragonboat.com.

TRADITIONAL RACING: Dragon boat festival

August

Divers/Cité and Gay Pride celebrations, Aug. 1–5

Though the annual Gay Pride parade remains cancelled as of presstime (perhaps to be revived by some independent group), Divers/Cité is offering plenty of pride-week activities to shake the blues away, from visual arts exhibitions and film screenings to live music and club blowouts. There’ll be free concerts in and around Place Émilie-Gamelin, though the majority of events are concentrated in the Gay Village. Info: www.diverscite.org.

Twist, Aug. 2–6

The T-Dance and Twist Encore, two huge, weekend parties featuring world-renowned DJs, and Gay Day at the Beach on Ile Notre-Dame, have become pride-week staples courtesy of the good folks at the Bad Boy Club of Montreal. Peruse the schedule and ticket details at www.bbcm.org.

NASCAR Montreal 200, August 3–4

Big-time gas-guzzling stock car racing makes its first appearance in Montreal. Left left left! At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Montreal Highland Games, Aug. 5

Sports, pipe bands, dancers and delectable eats (no, really!) are all part of this annual festival of all things Scottish. At 13800 Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds (check the Web site for shuttle-bus info: www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca).

Festiblues, Aug. 9–12

The 10th edition of this annual blues-a-thon in Ahuntsic Park features, among others, Eric Lapointe, Nanette Workman, France d’Amour and Mara Tremblay. Info: www.festiblues.com.

International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Aug. 11–19

If you’re looking for a genteel alternative to skydiving, or a slow, psychedelic mode of air-travel, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu offers hot-air balloons of all shapes and sizes. Info: www.montgolfieres.com.

HIGH ON HOT AIR: Balloon festival

Rogers Cup, Aug. 4–19

The world’s top tennis players gather in Montreal for men’s and women’s championships at Stade Uniprix. Info: www.rogerscup.com.

International Expo Art Festival, Aug. 9–12

Roughly 80 independent artists and 25 galleries will descend on the Old Port’s Jacques Cartier pier for four days, exhibiting a massive collection of painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. Info: www.expoartmontreal.com.

Vans Warped Tour, Aug. 12

As I Lay Dying, Bad Religion, Coheed & Cambria, Flogging Molly, k-os, New Found Glory, Poison the Well, the Salads and the Toasters are among the acts slated for the Montreal stop of this punk-oriented roadshow. At Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.warpedtour.com.

La Grande Rencontre, Aug. 10–12

Traditional music, dance and family fun is the crux of this festival, featuring artists from Ontario, Cape Breton, PEI, the U.S., Moldavia and the Dominican Republic. At Parc Lafontaine. Info: (514) 273-0880, www.spdtq.qc.ca. 

Araband, Aug. 18–19

Local and international stars of Arab music, from the pop, dance, rap, hip hop and ballad scenes, will play the Old Port, with a variety of cultural kiosks on Jacques Cartier pier. Info: (514) 496-PORT.

World Film Festival, Aug. 23–Sept. 3

Serge Losique’s World Film Festival unfurls its international fare, student cinema, competitions and homages at various downtown theatres. Info: (514) 848-3883, www.ffm-montreal.org.

Weekend to End Breast Cancer, Aug. 24–26

Women and men are invited to join in this 60-kilometre walkathon to raise funds for cancer prevention and research at the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital. Info: www.endcancer.ca.