Looking for a fun activity to attend with friends and family this week? Here below are some suggestions for interesting outings, festivals, shows and musical concerts that are guaranteed to make you smile and be part of the joyous festivities taking place all around Montreal!
Montreal International Firework Competition: July 1st to August 5th
By far the most colorful attraction of the summer, La Ronde is proud to present the 33rd edition of L’International des Feux Loto-Québec (IFLQ). This dazzling series of eight, nation themed, thirty minute pyrotechnic feast for the eyes, launches directly from the grounds of Montreal’s iconic amusement park since its inauguration launch in 1985.
La Ronde does offer paid seating to have one of the best views of one of the most impressive pyrotechnic competitions in the world, however some of the best places to see the Montreal fireworks competition up-close are completely free and include the spectacular view from the Clock Tower beach in the Old Port and directly from the top of Jacques Cartier Bridge. Just be sure to arrive at least 2 hours before the show to claim the best viewing spots!
For those who wish to combine a museum visit with the fireworks, for the first time, the Stewart Museum will be open in the evening for only 5$ for adults and free for children, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Wednesday, July 19 and 26.
Visitors can enjoy the Expo 67 a world of dreams exhibition until 10 p.m. and then watch the show from the Museum’s courtyard facing the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the river.
For a complete schedule of the Fireworks , please visit HERE
Montreal Completely Circus : July 6th to 16th
Created by TOHU, MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE is currently running it’s 8th edition in the city !
Don’t miss this festive and immersive event that transforms Saint-Denis Street and Place Émilie-Gamelin into a giant open ring circus where street performers cheerful entertain passerby’s with hilarious antics and amazing feats of flexibility and strength.
The event is characterized by its original programming and shows that leave audience members with a wide range of emotions.
This festival is a unique occasion to celebrate circus arts under all it’s forms.
For a full list of activities and shows please visit :
https://montrealcompletementcirque.com/en/
Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. July 12th to the 31st
Montreal, “the funniest city in the world” is proud to present a festival that will have you tearing up and holding your sides from gales of laughter.
The festival attracts some of the biggest names in the industry that will perform in various comedy clubs and galas across the city.
Some of the highlights of 2017 include Jerry Seinfeld and Gad Elmaleh show at the Bell Centre on July 26th.
Rick Mercer July 27th, Sugar Sammy on July 27th / 28th , Howie Mandel on July 29th , Laverne Cox July 29 and David Spade July 26.
Other popular hits include the Nasty Show at the Metropolis (July 19-29th) hosted by Mike Birbiglia and the Ethnic Show – a cultural melting pot (July 12th to 27th at Club Soda and Metropolis) hosted by Alonzo Bodden.
Full schedule and tickets available at hahaha.com.
Other shows that are not stand-up comedy related, but are equally under the Just for Laughs umbrella include the fantastic musical comedy Footloose running from the 14th of June until August 5th at Theatre St-Denis.
Footloose – 14th of June – August 5th 2017
The same creative team that was behind the success of Mary Poppins the musical, brings us this action packed musical experience, staged, translated and adapted by Serge Postigo.
Inspired by the successful film of the same name by screenwriter Dean Pitchford and director Herbert Ross, everybody in the audience will cut loose as the explosive 1980s rock ‘n’ roll sensation bursts onto the stage of Theatre St Denis with a talented cast of thirty carefully selected artists performing alongside the two leads Philippe Touzel (Ren MacCormack ) and Éléonore Lagacé ( Ariel) .
Passionate about music and dance, Ren refuses to follow the strict established rules of his new religious community. Together with a few adolescents, he will change the mindset of the whole village and show them what true freedom is!
The ever changing backdrop decor, the amazing choreography and the catchy soundtrack of Footloose will have audience members on their feet dancing to the musical’s title track by Kenny Loggins, Let’s hear it for the boys by Deniece Williams and Mike Reno’s Almost Paradise!
A special nod of appreciation goes out to the eye candy choreography attached to Ariel’s song “Holding out for a hero”
Another amazing show associated with Just for Laughs will bring you on a journey into the fantastical world of magic and the supernatural …
Rêveurs Définitifs – From June 29th – July 22nd
Apparitions, levitation, transformations…Prepared to be amazed by this poetic magic show that combines surrealism, illusion and technology with classical magic acts in ten different stunning acts.
Be amazed as a juggler makes red balls magically appear and disappear at lightning speed and gasp as a ballet dancer levitates into the air. For a brief time the audience will feel like they have taken a break from the normal rules of physics that govern our world and instead are plunged into a universe that resembles the lucid world of dreams.
This unique show with its fluid performances and dreamy qualities was created by Raphaël Navarro, with special invited musical guest Patrick Watson. The show combines circus, dance, music and illusion to form the art of “New Magic” that is slowly gaining in popularity around the world.
For information on tickets and show times please visit:
https://theatrestdenis.com/en/event/reveurs-definitifs/
For film lovers, the most outstanding and largest genre film festival in North America is about to start!
Fantasia Film Festival – 21st edition running July 13th to August 2nd
Since its inaugural year in 1996, Fantasia film Festival owes its success to the tireless efforts of impressive volunteers, savvy programmers and hordes of loyal fans that converge on the grounds of Concordia University to watch the latest Horror, Sci-Fi, Asian, International and Genre films to hit the screens.
One of the most charming aspects of the festival is the general openness and convivial atmosphere that emanates from all its participants. Guests and directors are willing and encouraged to mingle with attendees before and after screenings and it is not unusual for after parties to continue until the wee hours of the morning at various local pubs.
Among the many North American premieres that the Festival has helped launch in the past include Ringu, Inglourious Basterds, Thirst, We Are What We Are, Visitor Q and Night Watch.
On the program for 2017 are the highly anticipated films : Atomic Blonde, Canadian flick Patti Cake$, Cannes sensation Good Time starring Robert Pattinson a 3D restoration of Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and several other fan favorites such as the latest works of beloved Japanese Directors Takashi Miike and Sion Sono !
For a full lineup of movies and screening halls, please consult the Festival’s main website:
http://www.fantasiafestival.com/festival/2017/en
Thanks to Monica Wong for Editing and Photography