Take your pick of family-friendly summer festivals in Montreal
Nothing beats a walk down Sainte-Catherine in the heart of Montreal and hear jazz rhythms bounce off the street as you window-shop or pass the time in a cafe. Both visitors and les Montrealais will be quick to tell you: Montreal is a city that knows how to party.
This summer you can have your pick of Montreal's cultural and entertainment festivals.
Here are 5 to choose from - but be sure to check out the complete calendar of festivals:
Montreal International Jazz Festivals features world-class musicians. (Courtesy Tourisme Montreal)
• Festival International de Jazz de Montréal: the world’s largest jazz festival takes over various downtown venues (indoors and out) for 11 days. More than 3,000 musicians from 30-plus countries perform about 800 concerts — most of which are free. Dates: June 25 to July 4, 2011. Visit www.montrealjazzfest.com.
Montreal Dragon Boat Festival. (Courtesy Tourisme Montreal)
• Montréal International Dragon Boat Race Festival: Head to Parc Jean-Drapeau - with about 50,000 other spectators - to watch 200 dragon-boat teams compete in an adrenaline-packed race. In addition to the dragon boat competition, you can also expect a variety of Asian-inspired entertainment, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions, plus there's kid-friendly activity -- and food! Dates: July 22 to 24, 2011 . Visit the Montréal International Dragon Boat Race Festival web site.
International Fireworks Festival in Montreal. (Courtesy Tourisme Montreal)
• Montréal International Fireworks Competition / International des Feux Loto-Québec: World-class pyrotechnic enthusiasts from nine countries compete for the world's most coveted honours. Each team produces an awe-inspiring 30-minute pyromusical display. Dates: June 25; July 2, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30, 2011. Parc Jean-Drapeau. Visit the Montréal International Fireworks Competition / International des Feux Loto-Québec web site.
Tango the night away in Montreal. (Courtesy Tourisme Montreal)
• Montréal International Tango Festival: Dancers and musicians from Argentina and Quebec holds concerts (indoor and out - many are free) and milongas (dance evenings) as well as dance training programs and workshops for beginners and dancers of all levels. Dates: July 5 to 10, 2011. Plateau Mont-Royal. Visit the Montréal International Tango Festival web site.
Don't miss the annual Just for Laughs Festiva. (Courtesy Tourisme Montreal)
• Just For Laughs Festival: You won't die laughing, but you'll certainly fall out of your seat a few times. Comics from around the world come together to deliver their best lines in Montreal. Dates: July 5 to 31, 2011. Various Montreal venues. For more details, visit Just For Laughs Festival web site.
There are literally dozens of other great festivals and celebrations in and around Montreal this summer, ranging from Divers/Cite - July 25 to 31, 2011, to Montreal's Italian Week Festival - August 6 to 15.
For summertime highlights and happenings in other parts of Quebec, visit Bonjour Quebec web site.
Bonnes vacances!
