Montreal’s dedication to the festival circuit is back on full display this year, with the return of the International Jazz Festival, the Osheaga music festival, and the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. Unsurprisingly for this food city, a number of culinary events are also on the docket. Here, we round up — in chronological order — the food festivals and events in store this summer.
YATAI MTL
When: June 10 to 12
Where: Marché des Possibles and Entrepôt 77
What: Closing off Montreal’s Japan Week festivities is this Mile End ode to Japanese culture and street food. Local restaurants like Okeya Kyujiro, Fleurs et Cadeaux, and Ramen Nakamichi will be present, dishing up unagi don (eel and rice), yakitori, and karaage, respectively. The program also includes sake tastings, karaoke competitions, and a canine (shiba and akita, specifically) gathering.
First Fridays (Les Premiers Vendredis)
When: July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7
Where: The Esplanade of the Olympic Park
What: With its first event of the season already behind us, this mega Montreal food truck festival will repeat on the first Friday of the month, until October. Expect dozens of vendors, including local favourites like Mexican restaurant Calaveras, Jamaican staple Boom J’s, and doughnut slinger Crémy, plus outdoor seating for 3,000 and rotating DJ sets.
Le Grand PoutineFest
When: July 13 to 31
Where: Quai de l’Horloge in Old Montreal
What: After touching down in Laval, Lachenaie, the West Island, and elsewhere in the province, this festival dedicated to fries, cheese, and gravy lands in Old Montreal, serving up about 20 variations on the iconic dish, plus a beer pairing workshop, cooking demonstration, and a cheese curd tasting.
Soif de Cidre
When: July 15 to 17
Where: Hangar 1825, 40 Rue des Seigneurs
What: In the first edition of this new cider event, roughly 30 producers from across the province will gather on the Lachine Canal allowing visitors to sample all sorts of ciders — be they sweet, dry, sparkling, or iced.
A Taste of the Caribbean
When: August 25 to 28
Where: Quai de l’Horloge in Old Montreal
What: This event dedicated to spotlighting the culture of the Caribbean is a great opportunity to dig into delicious eats from the region. Groove to the reggae while checking out the food from established Montreal restaurants like Seasoned Dreams and Kwizinn, to smaller catering outfits like Ti Joe BBQ and Tasty Touch.
Did we miss a Montreal summer food festival or event? Send us a tip at montreal@eater.com.
