Hot Summer
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>> Your one-stop guide to the lowdown on summer in festival town

Compiled by CLAIRE PHILIPSON and MARK SLUTSKY

Every summer revellers seem to take over Montreal as the city and environs plays host to dozens of festivals, parades, fairs and other entertaining ways to keep busy when the weather’s hot. The nice thing is you don’t need a thick wallet to enjoy all this festivity—while there are plenty of events to fritter away your shekels on, an equal amount of festivals and celebrations are free.

Les Bouquinistes du St-Laurent, to Oct. 8
Booksellers set up shop in the Old Port.

Labatt Outdoor Cinema, July 11-Aug. 15
Free movie screenings (in French) every Thursday at 9:30pm on Bonsecours Island. Info and screening schedules: 496-PORT.

African Arts and Culture Week, July 20-Aug. 11
All sorts of African merchandise will be on sale at the 50 booths set up in the promenade of the Old Port, from 11am-11pm. Info: 496-PORT.

Italian Week, Aug. 8-19
Viva Italia! Italian culture gets the festival treatment with various musical performances, movie screenings, tours of Little Italy and, of course, edible treats. At various locations.

Fête des Acadiens, Aug. 15
Acadian culture is celebrated at Bonsecours island from 10am-7pm. Info: 496-PORT.

Vans Warped Tour, Aug. 16
Punk prevails with over 50 bands, including Bad Religion, No Use for a Name and Lagwagon. At Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Montreal International Celtic Festival, Aug. 9-11
Celebrate Celtic culture through traditional music, dancing and activities. Info: 481-3471

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 10-18
Hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes—strange animals, gigantic faces and other oddities—take over the St-Jean sky. Info: (450) 347-9555

Tennis Masters Series Women’s Event, Aug. 10-18
An international event with some of the best female tennis players in the world competing. Du Maurier Stadium. Info: 273-1515

Festiblues, Aug. 15-18
The fifth edition of the blues festival with proceeds going to various youth foundations. At Parc Ahuntsic. Entrance is free but donations will be collected. Info: www.festiblues.com

World Film Festival, Aug. 22-Sept. 2
Over 400 films from all over the world are screened at various theatres around town in the city’s biggest filmfest. Info: 848-3883

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