Hot Summer Calendar
Your cure for the summertime blues
compiled by MARK SLUTSKY
June
Montreal First Peoples’ Festival, to June 22
The cultures of Canada’s First Nations are showcased, with a strong emphasis on films, videos, music and dance. The festival is scheduled to coincide with National Aboriginal Day, June 21. At various venues downtown. Info: 998-VUES, www.nativelynx.qc.ca.
Suoni Per Il Popolo, to June 23
Now in its third year, the Casa del Popolo’s in-house music fest offers a slate of performers from around the world. All shows at the Casa (4873 St-Laurent) or La Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent). Info: 284-3804, www.casadelpopolo.com.
Montreal Chamber Music Festival, to June 28
This classy music fest takes place at the top of Mount Royal. Though chamber music is the theme, musical offerings are diverse. Chalet de la Montagne, Mont-Royal. Info: www.festivalmontreal.org, 489-7444, 489-3444 (for tickets).
Montreal Fringe Festival, June 12–22
Over 80 different shows take to the various stages and venues of the massive beast that is the Montreal Fringe Fest. As usual, the action takes place around the Plateau, with the beating heart of it all being the beer tent at Parc des Amériques (corner of St-Laurent and Rachel). Info: 849-FEST or www.montrealfringe.ca.
Crescent Street Air Canada Grand Prix, June 12–14
Grand Prix weekend explodes in full force on Montreal’s most boisterous nightlife street. Gearheads will thrill to see racecars up close; lots of other activities are planned.
Air Canada Grand Prix, June 13–15
And of course there’s the Grand Prix itself, a sweaty weekend of parties, decadent celebs and wealthy dilettantes from around the globe, and, yeah, some Formula-1 racing too. The race itself is at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Parc des Îles. Info: www.grandprix.ca.
Magnifico Film Fest, June 18–22
Free movies projected for the public in the open air. Screenings are across the street from Ex-Centris (3536 St-Laurent). Info: 847-1242, http://ex-centris.com.
Main Madness, June 19–22, Aug. 21–24
There’s more than just 10,000 different kinds of socks and knock-off watches at this summer’s big street sales, which take over the Main for two weekends. Lampposts will play host to PhotoMAINia, an exhibition of works by local artists; From Boundary to Gateway is an informative attraction marking the old city limits, at St-Laurent and Duluth. On St-Laurent between Sherbrooke and Mont-Royal.
Les Bouquinistes du St-Laurent, June 19–July 13
Booksellers set up shop in the Old Port. Info: www.lesbouquinistes.org.
Mosaïcultures Internationales, June 20–Oct. 6
The bizarre and entrancing art of floral sculpture is on display at the Old Port through the summer months, with works from over 35 participating countries. At Parc des Écluses (note that admission is between $5–$12.50). Info: 868-2003, www.mosaiculture.ca.
Montreal International Fireworks Competition (Le Mondial SAQ), June 21–July 30
Summer skies light up with feats of pyrotechnic and pyromusical (fireworks set to music) displays at this summer highlight. Go to La Ronde to get a close-up peek, or just find a well-situated balcony or rooftop. At La Ronde, Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.lemondialsaq.com.
24th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, June 26–July 6
The grand eminence of Montreal summer festivals features tons of outdoor concerts and pricey indoor shows. As always, the term “jazz” is interpreted loosely, with artists as diverse as Norah Jones, Wilco, Ray Charles and Ben Harper performing. Downtown around Place-des-Arts. Info: 871-1881, www.montrealjazzfest.com.
OFF Festival de Jazz, June 26–July 6
Coinciding exactly with the bigger Jazz Fest, the fourth annual OFF Festival focuses a little more intently on jazz as a genre, and it’s a good event to check out what local musicians have been up to. Various venues. Info: 570-0722, www.lofffestivaldejazz.com.
Fête Nationale/St-Jean-Baptiste, June 24
Revelry runs rampant around town to celebrate Québécois pride. Neighbourhood street festivals, parades, madness in the parks—and the fuzz—abound.
Festival de LanaudiÈre, June 27–July 29
Classy classical music in a verdant, pastoral setting—a nice alternative to the sweaty, heaving crowds of the Jazz Fest. At the Amphithéâtre de Lanaudière, Joliette. Info: (450) 759-7636, www.lanaudiere.org.
July
Canada Day Festivities, July 1
Patriotism of a more federal kind is demonstrated with various events around town and at the Old Port. Info: 496-PORT, www.oldportofmontreal.com
Crescent Street Fest, July 3–6, Aug. 14–17
Similar to Main Madness, a street festival on this popular strip.
Artfest, July 3–6
Over 300 artists are expected to participate in Artfest, which shuts down car traffic on Ste-Catherine around the Gay Village for four days to accommodate activities, shows, circus-style performances, and more. Info: www.festivaldesarts.org.
Carifiesta, July 5
A massive Caribbean parade with calypso music, dancers and all sorts of celebratory events. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. (sharp!) at the corner of Guy and René-Lévesque; the parade proceeds along René-Levesque to St-Urbain, then down to St-Antoine and across to the Hôtel-de-ville. Info: 735-2232
Montreal International Tango Festival, July 6–13
A celebration of the art of Argentine Tango, with a week of performances by masters from around the world. At Place des Vestiges in the Old Port. Info: 527-5197, www.tangolibre.qc.ca.
Vues d’Afrique: Ciné-spectacles au clair de lune,
July 10–13
A festival of African culture with live music and outdoor film screenings. Info: 284-3322 or www.vuesdafrique.org
Just for Laughs, July 10–20
From big names like Tina Fey and Carl Reiner to nervous new prospective talents, the Just for Laughs Fest is the place to go for comedy. As always, there’ll be lots of street entertainment on St-Denis, plus the Juste pour rire (for French comics) and Comedia (film and video) side-fests. At various locales. Info: 790-HAHA, www.hahaha.com.
Labatt Outdoor Cinema, July 10–Aug. 14
Free movie screenings of popular flicks (all in French) every Thursday at 9:30 p.m. on Bonsecours Island. Info and schedules: 496-PORT, www.oldportofmontreal.com.
Montreal International Merengue Festival, July 12–13
This increasingly popular festival, now in its seventh year, is the place to be for lovers of merengue, with orchestras from all over the world performing, plus all the attendant perks (art, food, etc) of a big fest. At Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: 279-9459, www.festivalmerenguedemontreal.com.
Dragon Boat Race Festival, July 19–20
Massive boats manned by crews of 20 people or so take part in traditional races at this popular event. Artisans and food vendors can also be found on site. At the Olympic Basin, Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.montrealdragonboat.com.
Les Francofolies de Montreal, July 24–Aug. 3
Big celebrations are planned for the 15th anniversary of this French-language music fest. As usual, there’ll be dozens of shows (some outdoor and free). Notable performers include Jean Leloup, playing with his Big Band and launching his new album, legendary Serge Gainsbourg collaborator Jane Birkin, sophisto-popper Katerine, and perennial fave Arthur H. At larger clubs around town. Info: www.francofolies.com.
Divers/Cité Gay Pride, July 28–Aug. 3
Now over a decade old, Divers/Cité again boasts concerts, screenings, dancing, multimedia showcases, info booths and lots more. Of course, there’s also the wild and colourful parade Sunday afternoon. Events are centred around Emilie-Gamélin Park and surrounding venues. Info: www.diverscite.org.
Twist Weekend, July 31–Aug. 3
Another crazy weekend of dancin’ and romancin’ from the Bad Boy Club of Montreal, timed to coincide with Pride festivities. Massive parties and smaller affairs. Info: www.bbcm.org.
August
Vans Warped Tour, Aug. 1
Hit your head on the nu-punk rock at this sweaty day of debauchery featuring tons of bands. At Parterre, Parc Jean-Drapeau. Info: www.warpedtour.com.
Hellenic Festival, Aug. 1–10
A celebration of Montreal’s rich Greek culture. At the Old Port. Info: 496-PORT, www.oldportofmontreal.com.
Tennis Masters 2003, Aug. 2–10
50 of the top-ranked male tennis players compete for 2.5-million bucks. At Jarry Park. Info: 273-1515, www.masters-series.com/canada/
Montreal Highland Games, Aug. 3
The culture of Scotland—music, dancing and haggis—is celebrated at this annual festival. At Pierrefonds Sports Park. Info: 332-5242, www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca
La Semaine italienne de Montréal, Aug. 12–18
Theatre, music, jewellery, fashion, comedy, food and even historical tours make up the menu for this festival of Italian culture. At various locations. Info: www.cnic.qc.ca.
International Balloon Festival of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Aug. 9–17
Colourful hot air balloons take to the sky in the 20th edition of this big summer draw. In St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Info: (450) 347-9555, www.montgolfieres.com
Festiblues, Aug. 14–17
Nightly blues concerts, with proceeds (mostly donated, though there is a $2 charge) going to youth initiatives. In Ahuntsic Park. Info: www.festiblues.com.
Montreal Electronic Music Festival, Aug. 21–23
DJs and other electronic musicians provide avant-entertainment during the Main Madness festival. Daily, corner of St-Laurent and Prince-Arthur.
