Québec

From Jazz to Indigenous drumming to the colour and joy of Pride, a host of annual celebrations and events abound in this festival-loving province, says Charlotte Flach

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

(June 29 to July 8)

Every summer music lovers flock to downtown Montréal for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Some 3,000 musicians treat audiences to live concerts around the Quartier des Spectacles, most of which are free. The festival continues to be a springboard for outstanding musical talent from Québec and further afield. montrealjazzfest.com

Grands Feux Loto-Québec

(July - September)

Every Thursday from the end of July through to early September the skies of Québec City light up during Grands Feux Loto-Québec. From the banks of St. Lawrence River, visitors can watch the whizzing pyrotechnical display against the backdrop of the impressive Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. There are five categories of tickets, making the event suitable for all budgets. lesgrandsfeux.com

Wendake International Pow Wow

(June 30 to July 2)

This free annual powwow held in late June and early July is a way for Aboriginal people to affirm their culture through drum competitions, First Nations cuisine, themed conferences, handicraft exhibitors, tastings, talks, children’s activities and more. Attendees hear from the First Nations and Inuit and learn what it means to be Indigenous in modern-day Québec. tourismewendake.ca

Le Festif! de Baie-SaintPaul

(July 20 to 29)

Le Festif! de BaieSaint-Paul is a festival of music and street performance arts spread over more than 32 sites in the heart of Baie-SaintPaul’s downtown area, Charlevoix. A must for Québec music lovers, it now welcomes the greatest artists from Québec and abroad. Throughout the weekend, festival goers will see more than 110 performers and attend up to 130 shows! lefestif.ca

Festival dété de Québec

(July 6 - 16)

Early July marks the start of Festival dété de Québec, Canada’s largest outdoor music event, along the plains of Abraham in Québec City. The festival presents a string of international stars alongside emerging artists, with a total of 300 shows over the course of 11 days. Day tickets start from CAD$60, right up to CAD$820 for Gold Front Stage Zone passes, giving up close access to performers. feq.ca

Montréal Pride

(August 3 to 13)

One of Montréal’s biggest annual parties, Montréal Pride features a rainbow of international musicians and drag queens, endless partying in the Gay Village quartier (in full effect on Community Day) and a powerful moment of silence during the Parade commemorating the 2SLGBTQ+ community’s history. Finish the celebrations at the closing outdoor T-Dance set from some of the world’s top DJs. fiertemtl.com