Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal

The Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal was founded in 2008 to showcase folk, roots, and bluegrass music at a summertime event. The inaugural Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal was a one‑day event that attracted approximately 500 festival-goers. The Festival has since evolved into a five-day event, complete with free outdoor programming and ticketed indoor concerts. Over the years, the Festival has brought in folk pioneers such as John Sebastian (The Lovin ‘Spoonful), Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary), Tim O’Brien, Jim Kweskin, and Roger McGuinn (The Byrds).

Now in its ninth year, Montreal’s Folk Fest sur le canal is proud to welcome folk music fans back to Esplanade du Centenaire (Lachine Canal, corner of Pitt and St-Patrick), where you will find world-class musicians on three stages, local food and crafts, room for kids to run and play, and space for people to camp.

Kicking things off, are three back-to-back indoor concerts at the cozy Georges-Vanier Cultural Centre, the beautiful Maison de la culture Marie-Uguay, and the gorgeous Paradoxe Theatre. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch Americana legend John McEuen, a night of new talent showcasing Stefanie Parnell, Alexander Brown and Tamara Weber-Fillion, and a one-time-only
performance of Grateful Dead tunes by Joe Grass, Andrew Barr, Brad Barr, Steve Hill, Katie Moore, Li’l Andy, Peter Mike, Colin Perry, Notre Dame de Grass, and other SURPRISE GUESTS!

Starting Friday afternoon, join us at the Esplanade du Centenaire for a weekend of free music and entertainment. This year’s lineup promises an incredible diversity of sound—from old-time and traditional Quebecois to bluegrass and singer/songwriter indie-folk. You’ll also find delicious on-site food and wine options, interesting vendors, free WI-FI, plus cold St. Ambroise brew. And there’ll be activities, games, bouncy castles, crafts, concerts, and face painting for the kids!

Once again, this year’s Montreal and Emerging Artists Stage will feature homegrown talent that will make you proud to be a Montrealer.

After a day of music at Esplanade du Centenaire, head over to the Lhasa tent for an old-time community square dance! No experience necessary—just your dancing shoes! On Friday, June 17, we will hold an old-time square dance where renowned square dance caller Martha Cooper will teach and call some squares with the help of an all-star old-time band featuring members of Sheesham and Lotus and ‘Son and The All Day Breakfast Stringband.

On Saturday, June 18, join us for the first ever Veillée du canal where traditional Quebecois dance caller Ghislain Jutras, and a stellar dance band led by fiddler David Boulanger from La Bottine Souriante, will teach you all you need to know and have you dancing like an old pro in no time. When the dances are over, be sure to join in the fun at the official after-hours venue, Bar de Courcelle!

Sleeping under the stars in the heart of a major Canadian city is one of the many unique experiences offered by the Folk Fest sur le canal. Presented by Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op, the sixth annual Learn to Camp weekend transforms the shores of the beautiful Lachine Canal into a campground where 100 families can enjoy:
• A night downtown under the stars
• Learn to Camp workshops presented by Mountain Equipment Co-op
• Outdoor activities for kids
• Urban landscapes that will leave you breathless
• Rabaska or dragonboat tours
Reserve your campsite by visiting our website: montrealfolkfest.com/the-festival/camping  1-888-773-8888!

It’s no wonder that the Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal is considered a fixture on the Quebec music scene and the most family-friendly music festival in town!

For more information, including a full list of events and site map, visit: montrealfolkfest.com

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