Montreal’s 375th: a year-long party!

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The coming year promises to be spectacular. To celebrate the 375^th anniversary of Montreal’s founding, the city is pulling out all the stops. You can get some rest in 2018!

The Quartier des Spectacles is going to be one of Montreal’s hot-spot throughout the year, with a jam-packed calendar of events: outdoor art exhibits, extreme winter sports, public art and plenty of once-in-a-lifetime shows.

Here are a few key 375^th anniversary events in the Quartier des Spectacles.

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE WINTER…

Les Hivernales

Multiple locations
January 6 to March 11

If you love winter, there’s plenty of snowy fun to be had. Îlot Clark will be the site of a winter obstacle course called Barbegazi – “frozen beard” (from January 6 to 8 and 13 to 15). On Saint-Denis Street, a winter soapbox derby is the icy highlight (January 21). And during Montréal en lumière, the illuminated curling is going to rock!

Illuminart

Multiple locations
February 23 to March 11

This all-new event invites you to explore a series of 25 illuminated, interactive and immersive high-tech artworks on an east-to-west walk through the Quartier des Spectacles. Illuminart will provide more proof of Montreal’s arrival as a smart city, showcasing the talent of digital artists who are making the city shine around the world.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS

Another Brick in the Wall

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
March 11 to 26

Montrealers will be treated to the world premiere of this operatic adaptation of Roger Waters’ rock masterpiece, The Wall. Dominic Champagne directs this exciting new version, starring baritone Étienne Dupuis, accompanied by a 48-voice choir and 70 musicians. A majestic event.

Symphonie montréalaise

Maison symphonique
May 31 to June 2

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and maestro Kent Nagano are peerless ambassadors for the city. To celebrate Montreal, young composer Samy Moussa has created a symphony especially for the City of a Hundred Steeples. The performances will be enhanced with multimedia elements by Moment Factory.

Leonard Cohen – A Crack in Everything

Musée d’art contemporain
November 9, 2017 to April 1, 2018

This exhibition was already in the works before the passing of Leonard Cohen. With this show, the MAC will celebrate the great poet and singer-songwriter’s immense contributions to Montreal with a multi-disciplinary exhibition of new art by local and international artists, all inspired by the beloved Montrealer’s words and music.

AWAKEN YOUR INNER ARTIST

100 % Montréal

Festival TransAmérique, Place des Arts
May 25 to 28

Everything you ever wanted to know about Montrealers, but were afraid to ask. This reality-performance puts the spotlight on our local people, of all genders, colours, religions and ages – everybody’s in the mix!

Les Arts de la rue

Multiple locations
July 1 to 30

The street will be where Montreal comes alive. Throughout the month of July, the city will celebrate street theatre with North America’s biggest event of its kind. Clowns, actors and acrobats, from the hilarious to the poetic, will take over the streets of the Quartier des Spectacles.

KM³

Multiple locations
August 29 to October 15

With this event, the walls, squares, alleys and houses of the Quartier will become a giant open-air museum. The new initiative will give Montrealers a series of breathtaking temporary public artworks and a new way to experience their city. Talent from Quebec will be front and centre in this art walk curated by Melissa Mongiat and Mouna Andraos from Daily tous les jours, creators of 21 Balançoires/21 Swings.

Le Super méga continental

Place des Festivals
September 15 to 17

In the heart of the Quartier, 375 amateur dancers will express themselves in a mass modern line-dance choreographed by Sylvain Émard. Stand back and watch in amazement, or let your feet get in on the action!