Shining a spotlight on music events this summer in Québec City
For music fans looking to get out of town, Québec City has plenty to offer. In addition to delicious restaurants and European charm, this super walkable locale also plays host to world-class entertainment.
Just a quick trip from both Boston and New York, this French-Canadian destination features beaucoup events, shows and concerts all summer long, from big headliners to street performers and just about everything in between. Check out what’s on the calendar and start planning your trip today.
Dinner and a show at Le Cercle
Part restaurant, part art gallery, part concert venue, Le Cercle is a one-stop-shop for dining and artistically-inclined entertainment. Located in très cool borough Saint-Roch, Le Cercle is what happens when a wine bar and a performance venue decide to merge, which is exactly how this spot was born in 2009. With a little something for everyone, the events calendar here ranges from comedy and films to music that spans the genre gamut -- covering indie rock, dance, folk and bluegrass all summer long.
Key phrase:
J'ai tous leurs albums. / I have all their albums.
Enjoy free music in the park at the Kiosque Edwin-Bélanger
Outdoor concerts and picnics in the grass are the epitome of a perfect summer evening. Lucky for you, The Edwin-Bélanger bandstand (or “kiosque à musique” in French) will host free shows all season long most weekends through the beginning of August. Bring a chair and sit among the trees at this tranquil spot in the heart of the Plains of Abraham or simply spread out a blanket and kick back while listening to some tunes en plein air. The diverse lineup includes performers ranging from soprano Natalie Choquette, who will sing opera, to accomplished accordionist Sergiu Popa and blues rockers the Casual Rites.
Key phrase:
Cette chanson me donne envie de danser. / This song makes me want to dance.
Catch big names at Centre Vidéotron
This massive indoor arena and cultural venue just opened last year and is already fast becoming the place to be for entertainment in the area. Centre Vidéotron is a multidisciplinary venue, home to sports and entertainment alike. When music is on the bill, this spot is transformed into a 19,000-seat concert venue that plays host to some big time performers. Headliners this summer will include the likes of Bryan Adams on July 27, Maroon 5 on September 24, and Canadian national treasure Céline Dion, who will take the stage for a series of five shows at the end of August.
Key phrase:
Un billet pour le concert, s'il vous plaît. / One ticket to the concert, please.
Listen to some jazz all over town
If jazz music is your thing, there is no shortage of options for catching this smooth sound all over town. Catch performances at various clubs, pubs and wine bars this summer and get a taste for what Québec City has to offer. At the Hotel Clarendon’s Jazz Bar in Old Québec, there’s music every Friday and Saturday at 8pm, while Pub Saint-Alexandre puts on a jazz and blues show from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. most days. For something a bit cozier, check out Fou-Bar (pictured above), which features jazz every Tuesday alongside an excellent selection of microbrews. Finally, Café-Bar Artéfact at the Auberge Saint-Antoine hosts a rotating bill of jazz musicians each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for free from 8 p.m. - 11p.m. so sip on a cocktail and let the good vibes take over.
Key phrase:
Wow, il est tellement talentueux! / Wow, he’s so talented!
Start planning your trip today with Québec City Tourism.
