Pointe-à-Callière’s 18th Century Public Market makes a major comeback!

Outside the Museum in the pedestrian zone (350 Place Royale, Old Montreal) – FREE –

With navigation as its theme, this edition of the Public Market is host to over 70 stalls, with a focus on the transfer of skills and know-how.

18th Century Public MarketPointe-à-Callière’s flagship event returns for a free 29th edition – 100% in person! From 10am to 7pm on Saturday, August 27, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday, August 28, Pointe-à-Callière is recreating the atmosphere of a typical Montreal market day in 1733, right outside the walls of the Museum. Workshops, demonstrations of traditional know-how, games, music, and merchants’ stalls are on the program, with everything taking place in a festive and family-friendly setting. 

Including a historical section brought to life by an array of authentic figures, musicians, merchants, and craftspeople, as well as a contemporary section in which a new generation of artisans will undertake to pass down ancestral practices, Pointe-à-Callière’s Public Market creates bridges between the past and the present. A summertime “must” that takes you on a journey through time, right in the heart of Old Montreal! 

A public market, just like in the days of New France 
On the street that runs alongside the Museum, as well as on Place Royale and Place D’Youville, Pointe-à-Callière is bringing Montreal’s very first marketplace back to life – on the very spot it once stood under the French Regime. A tradition imported from Europe, which brought together all strata of society to buy, sell, or share the latest news. The market even held a military encampment! Over the two days of festivities, the public will get to meet noblemen, peasants, villagers, sailors, and soldiers in period dress, while purchasing local and artisanal products. Firing exercises, military marches, musical performances—a wide range of activities add to the ambience!

A place for tradition and the passing down of age-old know-how
In reviving this moment of 18th century daily life in Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière’s Public Market offers an incredible opportunity to immerse oneself in the realities of life in New France. At that time, the market was an important place for meetings and trade between Indigenous and French people, where knowledge and skills inherited from ancient traditions coexisted. 

In the contemporary section, an entire generation of Abenaki, Anishinaabe, Kanyen’kehà:ka, Mi’kmaq, and Naskapi artists and artisans will continue to keep alive and pass along age-old know-how by leading workshops on leather tanning, cooking, and basketwork, as well as the making of moccasins, cradleboards, and dreamcatchers. 

Wool spinning, lace making, calligraphy, lute making, pottery, basketwork, mitten making… in the historical section, visitors will learn about trades of yesteryear and Indigenous practices through demonstrations and participatory workshops.

Navigation-themed activities for young and old
In the days of New France, navigation was an activity of paramount importance, notably for the transportation of goods, merchants, and buyers to the market. A new rally for families will acquaint participants with the daily lives of sailors, pirates, and privateers, while having fun with puzzles, quizzes, and other challenges throughout the site. There will also be a workshop on sailors’ knots and several other entertaining activities with a maritime flair, including a giant naval battle game! 

For more information visit: www.pacmusee.qc.ca
#PACMarket2022