Montreal May Festivals & Events

Our DNA

A centrepiece of Montreal's architectural heritage, the spiral staircase embodies neighbourly culture and friendly back alleys. It's a space where the private and the public meet, where life, confined indoors during the winter months, explodes and reaches out in an unreserved rush of flower boxes and barbecues. Suspended in mid-air, and looking like the double helix of a DNA molecule, this structure is riddled with anomalies, a reminder that it's our differences that, put together, make up our collective identity.

21 BALANÇOIRES (21 SWINGS)

Celebrate spring by participating in a collective musical production in which a single moving swing sets off a note, and several create a melody! The 21 Balançoires installation was custom-made for the Promenade des Artistes in the Quartier des Spectacles.

Indecent

When Sholem Asch wrote God of Vengeance, hailed by some as an essential work of Jewish culture, and vilified by others as a work of traitorous libel, he never imagined how controversial the play would be. Inspired by true events, Indecent is a riveting look at an explosive moment in theatrical and world history. This deeply moving play charts the story of an incendiary drama and the artists who risked their careers and their lives to perform it.

Les Premiers Vendredis

The largest gathering of food trucks in Canada. It takes place every first Friday of every month, from May to October, from 16h @ 23h.

ACCÈS ASIE FESTIVAL

The Festival Accès Asie presents an eclectic and colorful program. From the sacred, profane, ancient, modern and classical to the popular, this Festival of multi-disciplinary delights, features performers from music, visuals arts, new media, dance and film to celebrate the history and the cultural richness of Canadians of Asian origins.

Montreal Sketchfest

THE Montréal’s big celebration of the art of sketch comedy! 10 days of sketch comedy shows featuring troupes from all over North America.

Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival

An explosive, exuberant literary festival, tailor-made for lovers of words against a backdrop of the most unexpected literary excesses and critical, intense debates. Writing workshops, irreverent authors and storytellers are part of what awaits you for this event.

Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama

Those who attend Mrs. Obama's event will hear her honest reflections on experiences and events, that shaped her, from her childhood on the Chicago South Side to her years as an executive, reconciling her life as a mother and her work and to years spent as a First Lady. Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and fascinating women of our time.

Montreal Medieval Fair

Unique in North America, the “Salon de la Passion médiévale et historique” offers to its visitors an extraordinary opportunity to immerge in the past. Each year, thousands of people visit this festive and colourful medieval fair where more than 75 exhibitors and artisans offer jewelry, decorative accessories, leather goods and much more.

Concert éclaté : L’OSM à l’ère du swing

Next May 4th, the OSM invites you to a concert at the Maison symphonique that is simply out of the ordinary, featuring Pierre Lapointe and Catherine Major, with Maestro Nagano conducting! Inspired by the Cabaret years, responding to the censorship of the interwar period, this true whirlwind of music, songs and dance will immerse you in the world of Kurt Weill.

Metric & July Talk

Metric & July Talk live in concert.

Colloque Arts, sociétés et partage des savoirs

As part of the Celebrating 50 Years of the Rioux Report, the UQAM Faculty of Arts, in partnership with the Faculty of Education, is organizing the scientific symposium on Arts, Societies and Knowledge Sharing. This symposium will bring together researchers from diverse backgrounds interested in the relationships between art, culture, education and the sharing of artistic knowledge in contemporary societies.

Party like Gatsby Montreal - Spectacle Extraordinaire

Party like Gatsby presents the "Spectacle Extraordinaire". Dress in your finest attire and feel the vibrant pulse of the Golden Twenties. A world aimed to amaze, amuse and entertain you. Become part of Jay Gatsby's inner circle, while dancing the night away with your friends, creating everlasting memories.

Pink

In concert at Centre Bell.

Le salon métaphysique et spirituel de Montréal

The Montreal Spiritual and Metaphysical Show is the most anticipated event of the year and the entrance is completely FREE. This show welcomes anyone who is interested in learning more about crystals, wellness, meditation, music, art and more.

Piknic Électronik

Every Sunday, discover the best of the electronic music scene in an environment created to stimulate the senses.

Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene in concert at Corona Theatre.

Montreal Beer Fest

A beer-tasting adventure that showcases the many different flavours of beer, cider and various fine dishes.

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES

An international event celebrating new works in contemporary dance and theatre, the Festival TransAmériques combines disciplines and artistic trends under cohesive programming. The Festival presents exciting forms of the art of our era, featuring works by choreographers, writers and directors. The only criterion is to present strong work, regardless of theme or place of origin.

Harry Potter Concert

Relive the magic of Harry Potter with us with this great orchestral suite from the soundtrack of the movies. The choir members of the St. Lawrence Choir / St.Lawrence Choir , under the direction of Philippe Bourque, will join us for this grand concert!

Chromatics with Desire & In Mirrors: Double Exposure Tour

Chromatics have partnered with PLUS1 and $1 from every ticket sold will go towards helping local teachers and classrooms get the supplies and resources they need to deliver the education every child deserves.

Concert Zelda a Link to the Past

The OVMF will soon transport you to the world of "Zelda: a Link to the Past", a classic Super Nintendo console. The legendary story of the game will be told musically through the original arrangements of Jocelyn Leblanc. The OVMF will share the stage again with the Vocal Ensemble Trame Sonore , its official chorus, to make you live a unique musical experience.

Florence and the Machine

Florence and the Machine in concert at the Bell Centre.

Tour la Nuit

The Tour la Nuit is a festive Friday night gathering, where enthusiastic cyclists of all ages form a colourful, luminous parade through the heart of the city. Nocturnal Montreal at its best!

La Pasta Week

Discover the best pasta restaurants in the greater Montreal area and Quebec City.

Aires Libres

An invitation to attend the many festivals, activities, and temporary art installations on Sainte-Catherine Street East. Come by and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this pedestrian-only zone.