Clowning Around: Montreal Clown Festival Makes a Grand Comeback in 2024!

Laughter and madness return to the heart of Montreal as the Clown Festival comes back for a sensational 7th edition running from April 25th to the 28th, 2024.

Get ready to be amazed and dazzled by world-class talent at the Gesù (1200 De Bleury Street) and the MainLine Theatre (3997 St-Laurent Boulevard), in a spectacular celebration of the art of clowning.

This year, the festival offers a lineup that defies expectations and explores the power of clowning in all its forms. Internationally renowned artists, along with marginalized and lesser-known voices, come together to present astounding works for both children and adults, inspired by universal themes such as isolation, hope, and unity.

The festival’s opening act on April 25th was an unforgettable evening with “New Recipes: A Cabaret of New Works,” directed by the talented Gabe McKinney from Las Vegas. Audiences at the Mainline theatre were amazed by numerous captivating short performances that launched the festival with flair.

On April 26th, the popular Friday evening Cabaret, directed by Krin Haglund, was hosted by real-life “franglais” couple, Philippe “Philidor” Thibaudeau & Becky “Hoops” Priebe with an exciting mix of local talent and visiting artists.

A total of 8 artists graced the Gesù stage, including recent National Circus School graduate, Raphaëlle Pépin, Deaf artist Marie-Pierre Petit, strange and hilarious Emily Jeffers (Toronto) with her “Bitty-Bat” act, experienced circus performers: butoh-clown, Moshe Cohen (San Francisco) and juggler Joel Baker (Vermont).

Headlining on April 27th, a triple bill headliner featuring Canadian clown legend Jamie Adkins and American master of Eccentric Clowning, Avner Eisenberg, with local female Quebecore duo Laurette & Arlette, will make up the Variety show.

Late-night show Old God by irreverent Las Vegas-based artist Alec Jones-Trujillo closes the Saturday night programming.

On April 28th, Punjabi-American comic Amrita Kaur Dhaliwal (Los Angeles) plays an older man in Driving Around, asking questions about race and the American dream in a playful and gentle way that welcomes audiences to ponder difficult questions together. Christine Moynihan (Toronto) uses poetic movement to talk about an elderly person’s isolation in a post-pandemic world in Inside Ethel: Outside. 

The festival closes with Candy Roberts’ (Vancouver) Larry, a gender-bender of a clown show that offers a very rock and roll way to talk about self-improvement and the complexities of being human. 


In addition to indoor performances, the festival also offers a selection of free outdoor shows for all clowning enthusiasts.

Companies such as Nacho Con Salsa, LaboKracBoom, and Hercinia Arts Collective/Trellis Arts bring their unique touch to the clowning scene, adding an extra dimension to this vibrant celebration.

Don’t miss this must-see event on the Montreal arts scene!

Book your tickets now for a memorable experience at the 2024 Montreal Clown Festival.

For the complete schedule please VISIT: https://www.mtlclownfest.com/