Summertime in Québec City is heating up with these cool events
Sure, Québec City has history and charm in spades, but this Canadian locale is also a happening hotspot, with oodles of amazing events all season long. Just a quick 1.5 hour flight from New York City and a 6-hour car ride from Boston, you’ll be strolling the cobblestone streets and taking in the local sights before you can say “Bonjour!”
Want to head north but not sure where to start? Here are the three can’t-miss events in Québec City this summer, plus a few key phrases en français to practice during your trip!
Dance to the beat at the Québec City Summer Festival
Festival d’été de Québec, which takes place from July 7-17, is Canada’s largest outdoor music event, drawing some 1,000 artists to the city to perform across 10 stages for 11 days. Now in its 49th year, the Summer Festival is an epic party that spills onto the streets, filling the city with amazing energy.
This year’s impressive lineup will feature megastars like Sting, Selena Gomez and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus a slew of others from an array of genres to fill out the bill. There is something here for everyone -- from rock and pop to classical and jazz. The novel juxtaposition of a multi-stage concert set against the historic backdrop of Old Québec is not to be missed.
Key Phrase:
C’est ma chanson préférée! / This is my favorite song!
A night at the circus with Crépuscule
After the sun goes down, the Agora in the Old Port will light up with feats of strength, agility and coordination thanks to circus troupe Flip FabriQue. Watch as acrobats stand on the heads of their fellow performers, juggling six feet in the air, and as aerialists drift and float from suspended silks as if submerged in water.
Set to live music by French Canadian electro pop group Valaire, Crépuscule - Raviver les braises tells the story of the backstreets and alleyways that come alive when the light leaves the sky. (The show’s name translates to “Twilight -- Rekindling the embers.”)
This outdoor circus show was a hit last summer and returns again for two full months of performances starting in July and lasting through Labor Day weekend. Even better? It’s completely free.
Key Phrase:
Les acrobaties sont à couper le souffle! / The acrobatics are incredible!
Light up the sky at Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec
Ready to “Ohh” and “Ahh” this summer? At 9pm every Saturday and Wednesday from August 6-24, a spectacle of fireworks will explode over the St. Lawrence River, uniting locals and tourists alike on the banks of Québec City and her neighbor Lévis across the water.
Each pyromusical presentation is themed, ranging from Opera Night to Jazz Night to Celtic Night and more. The fun doesn’t end there though, as the Old Port comes alive with music, dancing and street performers.
Flock to the riverbanks surrounding Quays 21 and 22 to take in the view, or book a seat aboard a boat. To simply ride and watch, ferry tickets are $20 apiece, but for those looking for something a bit more extravagant, ride with Croisières AML. This four-hour cruise offers a five-course meal and truly unique views of the colorful explosions overhead for $125 per person.
Key Phrase:
Wow! Regardez les feux d’artifices rouges! / Wow! Look at the red fireworks!
Topics Music
