Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on May 16, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Summer is the best season for events and festivals in Quebec City. The weather is hot and sunny (usually), and people descend on the city from all over the world. Patios are open, artists and street performers entertain in Old Quebec, and walking tours are an excellent way to experience the city.
I love the variety of summertime events and festivals in Quebec City. Here are some of the best ones!
Fête nationale
23rd – 24th June 2024
Also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Quebec’s National holiday is a time to celebrate all things French and Québécois. There are concerts, parties, a lot of Quebec pride, and tons of fun!
Canada Day
1st July 2024
Canada Day is a fun day in Quebec City. There are street performers and activities on Dufferin Terrace and throughout the city. It is not as big as Fête nationale, but there’s cake! It is also moving day in Quebec, so maybe make a game of counting moving vans? (haha)
Music Festivals in Quebec City
Festival d’été de Québec
4th – 14th July 2024
Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is an 11-day music festival featuring a mix of global superstars, Quebec artists, and indie bands. It is one of the best music festivals in Canada and a favourite in Quebec. This year’s line-up includes 50 Cent, Ava Max, Mötley Crüe, The Offspring, Post Malone, and Arkells.
Festival d’opéra de Québec
23rd July – 2nd August 2024
Celebrating its 12th year, Festival d’opéra de Québec features three French-speaking shows, as well as free events. Enjoy Roméo et Juliette at Grand Théâtre de Québec, Messe solennelle pour une plein lune d’été at Palais Montcalm, and La Fille sans régiment at Théâtre La Bordée.
Cigale
10th – 11th August 2024
Young, exciting, and sandy, Cigale is a fabulous music festival at Baie de Beauport Sun Life. Spend your day playing in the sand or relaxing with drinks while listening to Rap, Pop, Electronic, and Funk music. This year’s artists include Dennis Lloyd (Tel Aviv), Rêve (Montreal), The Cat Empire (Melbourne), and Gab Bouchard (Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean). Passes are 99 to 209 CAD.
SuperFrancoFête
15th – 31st August 2024
Located at the Agora du Port de Quebec, SuperFrancoFête is a celebration of French-speaking music. Enjoy 10 nights of francophonie music, spanning several genres, generations, and countries. See the 45th anniversary of Star Mania, and more! Tickets start at 79 CAD.
Indigenous Events & Festivals
KWE!
14th – 16th June 2024
KWE! is a spectacular Indigenous event. Meet 11 Indigenous Nations, enjoy traditional dance and music, see fire and smoke cooking demos, visit the Garden of Hearts, an Iroquoian Longhouse, and more. The event is FREE and takes place at Place Jean-Béliveau.
Wendake International Pow Wow
28th – 30th June 2024
This annual event in Wendake brings together Indigenous artists from throughout Canada and Quebec. There are artisans, dance circles, dance competitions, and more. Tickets for the dance performances are 9.75 CAD.
Foodie Events in Quebec City
Parcours Epicuriens
14th – 15th June 2024
Parcours Epicuriens tour of gourmet terraces is a delicious annual event in Old Quebec. Twenty-eight restaurants are participating in 2024, including Va Bene, Pub l’Oncle Antoine, Bistro l’Origyne, and Bistro St-Malo. Self-guided tour packages range from 69 to 99 CAD.
Festibière de Québec
15th – 18th August 2024
Beer culture is a serious thing in Quebec, so naturally, we have a beer festival every summer! Festibière takes place at Espace 400e near the marina and is a perfect reason to taste beers from all over Quebec. Access to the entire event (which includes 2 tastings and a special glass) is 32.43 CAD + taxes. Additional tastings can be purchased at the event.
Cultural & Historic Events and Festivals
Fêtes de la Nouvelle France
1st – 4th August 2024
Get a taste for life in 17th-century Quebec, when the city was a colony known as New France. There is a parade, artisan activities, live music, and yummy food. Oh, and plenty of costumed locals (and visitors)! Fêtes de la Nouvelle France is fun for the whole family.
Grand Feux Loto-Quebec
1st – 24th August 2024
One of my favourite parts of August is Grand Feux Loto-Quebec, when fireworks shows set to music take over the sky above the Saint-Lawrence River. Shows take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with things kicking off early in the evening with live DJs and food trucks.
ComediHa!
1st – 24th August 2024
Test your French skills at ComediHa! in Quebec City this summer. The festival is in its 25th year and features a mix of musical comedy and stand-up. See Laurent Paquin, Mélanie Maynard, Michel Courtemanche, and more. Events are held at Le Diamant, Grand Théâtre de Québec, and Salle Albert-Rousseau.
Fête Arc-en-Ciel de Québec
30th August – 2nd September 2024
Every year there are four days of gay pride fun in Quebec City – complete with drag shows, parades, and live music performances. Fête Arc-en-Ciel de Québec is free and open to everyone. Le Drague is always hopping, but during Pride it is electric! Some events have a fee.
Coming to Quebec City for festival fun? Book your accommodations NOW!
