Kid-friendly summer festivals you and your kids will enjoy. By Erin Gifford
L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec (Flickr: Matias Garabedian) (L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec (Flickr: Matias Garabedian))
During the summer, Montreal is the place to be for some of the most fabulous kid-friendly festivals. From music to fashion to fireworks, there’s something for every member of the family. Take a look at five of our favorite family-friendly festivals that make Montreal their home each summer.
Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
One of the largest festivals of the year, the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal (Montreal Jazz Festival) attracts nearly two million music-lovers who come for hundreds of concerts that take place over 10 to 11 days each summer. As a bonus, the outdoor concerts are free and musical genres span well beyond jazz as musicians that range from Snoop Dog to Elvis Costello will perform during the festival. Pack a picnic basket and a cooler full of drinks for the family and get ready to take in the sights and sounds of the Montreal Jazz Festival. June 26 – July 6.
(MORE: Find wonderful kid-friendly hotels in Montreal.)
L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec
For nearly 30 years, pyrotechnics experts have been coming to Montreal each summer to show off their talents during L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec (Montreal International Fireworks Competition) to the delight of visitors who are treated to twice-weekly fireworks shows. Every show has a different theme, like “Fright Night,” a Halloween-themed fireworks show. It’s free to watch the fireworks displays, but for the best views, spend the day at La Ronde, a popular amusement park, before settling in to watch the show near the Lac des Dauphins. June 28 – August 2. Fireworks shows Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 pm.
Montreal Completement Cirque
If your kids love trapeze artists, acrobats, jugglers and clowns, then get them to the 12-day Montreal Completement Cirque (Montreal Circus Arts Festival) this July. Circus performers from around the world descend on Montreal each summer to display their talents and perform for children and adults alike. Many of these family-friendly events are free and the Circus Minute, in particular, is not to be missed. Look for performers that challenge each other and perform acrobatics across rooftops. As a bonus, there’s even a marching band. July 2 – 13.
(MORE: Find other great kid-friendly attractions in Montreal.)
Festival International Nuits D’Afrique de Montreal
More than 90 concerts and activities highlighting the music and culture of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America make the Festival International Nuits D’Afrique de Montreal (International African Nights Festival) a must-go for families. The kid-friendly festival offers a fantastic opportunity for children to explore new instruments, dances and musical styles. The festival also features a children’s village where kids can have their faces painted and participate in arts and crafts activities. July 12 – 26.
Festival Mode & Design Montreal
For moms and dads of budding fashionistas, spend time exploring the Festival Mode & Design Montreal (Montreal Fashion and Design Festival), which takes place late-summer each year in Montreal. Head downtown for more than 50 fashion shows, which offer a first look at new fashion trends and local designers. There will also be plenty of live kid-friendly music performances to keep the energy high as models strut the outdoor catwalks. August 20 – 23.
Erin Gifford of Kidventurous contributed this to www.MiniTime.com.
