Montreal’s favourite month has arrived! Festival season is in full swing, and while our city may be best known for the Jazz and Comedy Festivals and Canada Day celebrations, there are tons of other exciting activities to eat well, play hard and soak up the sun. Here’s my roundup of Montreal family activities July 2023 has to offer.

Complement Cirque Festival – July 6-30

Montreal’s circus festival is back for most of the month, with the highlight being the free show at Le Géant. Cirque Eloize will be performing twice a night at 6pm at 9:30pm at the Place Ville Marie Esplanade. Le Tohu is also offering many great ticketed ($) shows that feature clowns, acrobats, and other-family friendly performers.

First Fridays – July 7

The food trucks return to their home at the Olympic Stadium for an evening of good eats and beats. More than 60 kiosks and trucks will be on-site to make it a Friday night dinner like no other.

Marché de Possibles – Weekends throughout the month

POP Montreal is back for another year of weekends in the Mile End. The market is open Friday evenings to Sunday but the free kid-friendly activities usually take place on Saturdays and Sundays at L’Entrepot 77. On July 8 from 1-5pm, there will be a kids craft workshop featuring a large-scale collaborative weaving project.

Saint Sauveur Movie Nights & Children’s Island – July 7, 8 & 21

Head up to Mont Saint Sauveur for (French) movies under the stars. On July 7, Grease will be on the big screen, and if you want to make a weekend trip out of it, the newest waterpark installation will be inaugurated. Children’s Island will officially open on July 8 from 12pm-3pm. The play area features water games and the special event offers free slushes to all guests and the arrival of their Penguin mascot. On July 21, you can catch Footloose as the feature film.

Rendez-Vous Familial des Pompiers – July 8-9

Attention all firefighter fans! Montreal is getting another weekend festival at Angrignon Parc to celebrate firefighting and all that it encompasses. The festival includes a 1KM ($15) and 5KM ($35) run through the park that takes place on Sunday morning. Registration is required. The festival will also include antique firetrucks, a free BBQ, inflatables, and fire prevention activities.

Ital Auto Fest – July 9

The Montreal Italian community celebrates its best cars, including Ferraris and Fiats during this street festival in Little Italy from 9am-4pm. Come out to admire the vehicles, stay for dinner and enjoy the on-site entertainment.

Montreal Street Food Festival – July 13-16

Head to the Old Port to discover some of the city’s best food from Dim Sum to tacos. Taking place at the Clock Tower Quay, the 4-day festival features local fare at various kiosks. Admission is $3 and kids under 8 are free. If you plan your trip on the evening of July 13, you’ll be able to see the nearby fireworks at Laronde.

Comic-Con – July 14-16

Comic book, action hero, sci-fi and anime fans can rejoice at this festival taking place at Palais des Congrès. Over 450 exhibitors will be on-site selling their wares. Celebrities will be on stage, available for photo ops and autographs, including Billy Boyd of Lord of the Rings and Christina Ricci from The Addams Family. Asmodee will be hosting a tabletop game play area featuring games like Ticket to Ride and Catan.

Tickets: $5-$15/Kids, $31-$65/Adults