Montreal isn't just a cultural capital; it's a festival city where something wonderful is always on the calendar. That sense of celebration extends naturally to the table. From neighbourhood street fairs to internationally renowned culinary gatherings, Montreal celebrates food with the same creativity and energy that define its arts and music scenes.
Throughout the year, chefs, producers, winemakers and passionate food lovers come together to showcase the city's rich diversity and world-class talent. Whether you're planning a summer getaway or a winter weekend escape, Montreal's food festivals offer an unforgettable way to experience its vibrant dining scene, one delicious event at a time. Below are some of our favourites for you to explore.
Food Festivals
Montréal en Lumière (February)
This celebration of light is one of the biggest winter festivals in the world, with cultural events taking place across Montreal. The gastronomic programme includes exclusive collaborations, unique events, culinary discoveries, educational workshops, and a Village Gourmand. Expect internationally acclaimed guest chefs as well as local stars popping up at some of your favourite restaurants.
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La Poutine Week (February)
Celebrate one of Quebec's most iconic comfort foods during La Poutine Week, when restaurants across Montreal reinvent the classic dish in bold and creative ways. For one indulgent week, chefs compete to craft the most original inviting diners to taste, discover new favourites and vote for the city's ultimate champion.
Happening Gourmand (March)
The Experience Old Montreal (a collective of nine restaurants) joins forces each March to present table d'hôte dinner menus at wallet-friendly prices (three price points). The participating spots showcase a range of cuisines, from Japanese and French to Italian, alongside a steakhouse and a lobster bar. During the event, seven of the restaurants also offer special brunch menus, adding even more reasons to indulge.
First Fridays (June to September)
First Fridays is one of Montreal's most beloved food festivals, taking over the Esplanade at Olympic Stadium on the first weekend of every summer month. With more than 50 food trucks and kiosks at each edition, it's the largest street food gathering in Canada. Beyond the flavours and the music, the festival celebrates Montreal's rich immigrant communities, spotlighting the diversity, cultures and culinary traditions that shape the city's vibrant identity.
YATAI MTL (June)
Taking place over four days in Montreal, YATAI MTL is Quebec's largest Japanese street market. The festival features a vibrant lineup of Japanese street food kiosks, specialty merchants, interactive activities and cultural programming, offering an immersive celebration of Japanese cuisine and traditions in the heart of the city.
Le Grand Poutinefest (July)
Le Grand PoutineFest is a travelling celebration dedicated to Quebec's most iconic dish. Each stop brings together food trucks and vendors serving up creative takes on poutine, from classic cheese curds and gravy to over-the-top gourmet versions. Le Grand PoutineFest stops by Old Montreal in July with music, entertainment and a lively outdoor atmosphere that turns the event into a full-on summer party.
Pocha MTL (June)
POCHA MTL is a vibrant four-day celebration of South Korean culture in Montreal. Inspired by Korea's street markets, the festival serves up beloved Korean street food favourites alongside retail booths. The dynamic cultural lineup includes high-energy K-POP performances and Random Play Dance sessions, creating an immersive experience not to be missed.
Taste of the Caribbean (July)
A Taste of the Caribbean is an immersive celebration of the Caribbean's rich cultures and diverse traditions in Montreal. Blending vibrant music, flavourful cuisine, dance and live performances, the event captures the true spirit of the islands. From reggae and salsa rhythms to authentic dishes and family-friendly activities, it's a joyful gathering that brings communities together in a colourful showcase of Caribbean heritage.
MTLàTABLE (November)
MTLàTABLE is Montreal's signature restaurant week, inviting diners to explore the city's culinary scene through specially priced table d'hôte menus. Held annually in November, the event brings together hundreds of restaurants showcasing a wide range of cuisines and neighbourhoods. It's the perfect opportunity to discover new favourites, revisit beloved spots and experience the creativity and diversity that define Montreal's food culture.
Cho Ðêm MTL (July)
Chợ Đêm MTL celebrates Vietnamese cultural identity in Quebec through the vibrant lens of a large-scale street food market. This unifying event highlights the richness of Vietnamese cuisine alongside some cultural activities.
Montreal Asian Night Markets (July and August)
Marché de Nuit Asiatique are dynamic outdoor street food and cultural events that light up Montreal with the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Inspired by traditional night markets, these vibrant gatherings showcase authentic Asian street food from 30 + vendors alongside live music, entertainment, games and cultural programming for all ages.
Martinique Gourmande (September)
Martinique Gourmande is a vibrant culinary celebration showcasing the rich flavours and culture of Martinique in Montreal. Through special menus at participating restaurants, tastings, cultural events, and the Creole Market, the festival highlights Creole cuisine. It's a delicious invitation to explore the island's gastronomic heritage while celebrating the Caribbean roots that are part of Montreal's diverse cultural landscape.
Le Burger Week (September)
Sink your teeth into the city's most inventive creations during Le Burger Week, when restaurants across Montreal go head-to-head in a friendly competition to craft the ultimate burger. For one delicious week, chefs push their creativity to the limit, unveiling limited-edition burgers designed to impress and win over hungry diners eager to vote for their favourites.
Montreal Vegan Festival (November)
Montréal Vegan Festival is Quebec's largest celebration of plant-based living, bringing together vegan food lovers, makers and creators in Montreal. The festival features a diverse lineup of vegan food stalls, local vendors, workshops and tastings that highlight creative, compassionate cuisine. Whether you're fully vegan or simply curious, it's a welcoming space to explore plant-powered flavours, learn from experts and connect with a community passionate about sustainability and ethical eating.
Les Rendez-vous gourmands (August)
Les Rendez-vous Gourmands is a three-day outdoor celebration of food and summer flavours held each August in the Jardins des Floralies at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The festival brings together renowned local chefs serving seasonal creations, food trucks and tasting stations. Alongside delicious bites, visitors can enjoy free chef demos, workshops, live music and family-friendly entertainment, all in the picturesque garden setting of Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Ramen Ramen Festival (October)
This festival is dedicated to the beloved Japanese noodle dish and takes place over two weeks in participating restaurants across Montreal and Quebec City
Drinks Festivals
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal (November)
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal is a great opportunity to meet producers of wine, beer and spirits from all over the world gathered under the same roof in Old Montreal. It's also an opportunity to discover and buy exclusive products as well as a great selection of privately imported bottles.
Invasion Cocktail (usually in the fall)
Invasion Cocktail is a must-attend celebration of cocktail culture and the art of mixology, offering a spirited deep dive into the latest cocktail trends. Held annually in Montreal, the festival features exclusive cocktail menus at participating bars, themed evenings, workshops, conferences and a professional competition.
RAW WINE MTL (usually in the fall)
RAW WINE is a global touring fair dedicated to natural, organic and low-intervention wines, with a stop in Montreal. The event brings together passionate winemakers and curious drinkers who believe great wine is made with minimal additives and manipulation. It's a rare opportunity to meet producers in person and taste distinctive bottles.
Mondial de la bière (usually in the fall)
Discover and taste beers from around the world as well as those proudly made in Quebec. It's a great opportunity to meet some beer makers and fans. The festival also counts music and food stands for a great time all around.
Soif de cidre (June)
Quebec's cider industry is having a moment, and fans can dive into the world of artisanal ciders, from crisp still varieties to lively sparkling pours and creative cider cocktails. With food stalls, games, family-friendly activities and more, this festive gathering also marks the arrival of summer, making it the perfect way to toast the season's first warm days.
Les Rendez-vous Raspipav (spring and fall)
RASPIPAV brings together agencies dedicated to promoting privately imported wines and spirits. Through these exclusive tasting events, RASPIPAV offers enthusiasts a unique opportunity to discover hundreds of bottles not available at the SAQ, while connecting directly with forward-thinking producers from around the world.
La Foire des vins et cidres d'ici (usually in August)
Montreal's farmer's markets celebrate Quebec's wines and ciders annually every summer by gathering producers, wine makers, and like-minded people for a series of festive celebrations in each of the markets. Keep an eye on the markets socials for the upcoming dates.
La semaine du Cidre (usually in May)
La Semaine du cidre is a province-wide celebration dedicated to Quebec cider, running for 11 days each year. Spearheaded by Cidre du Québec, the event shines a spotlight on local cider makers and their craft. Cider lovers are invited to take part in various initiatives organized by participating cider producers, bars, restaurants, and retailers.
Here is a list of all events in Montreal
