It’s already summer in Les Jardins Gamelin!

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With summer weather finally here, press pause on your routine and come enjoy Les Jardins Gamelin! This fourth season brings a packed schedule of activities and plenty of chances to spend some quality time with friends and family.

Pascale Daigle, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership’s programming director, talked to us about the new season and Les Jardins Gamelin’s mission.

What is the mission of Les Jardins Gamelin?

From the outset, the idea has been to make the space into a place where everyone would feel welcome, and bring some new energy to this part of downtown Montreal. The ideas of co-existence and inclusiveness are at the core of our mission, because the people most affected by what we do here are those who live in the area. We work closely with the police, the borough of Ville-Marie and social workers to build solid community relationships and to make sure the Jardins are safe and welcoming.

Are there any surprises in store for the fourth season?

There are plenty of new features this year, starting with the layout of the space itself. The terrasse has been expanded and more greenery added. Now it won’t just be the city’s biggest patio – it’s also sure to be the greenest and most welcoming!

We especially wanted to create a welcoming and safe place for families, and we’re very happy with the creative work of Castor et Pollux, the designers of the Maison jaune, the children’s play space. In front of the little yellow house you’ll find a shaded area with games, a perfect spot for parents who want to play or relax with their kids.

Lastly, we can thank the vivid imagination of the Pictographe team for the Gamélites. This little stone beings live in the Jardins and take part in different facets of life there. People can follow their adventures and funny musings about people and life in the Jardins or on Facebook.

What draws the crowds to Les Jardins Gamelins?

The diversity and quality of the Jardins’ programming attracts all kinds of people and encourages them to have interesting encounters. Each activity has its audience. Games and kids’ workshops appeal to families, while yoga tends to attract adults. The activities presented by the BAnQ, which offers presentations and informal discussions about its archives, are of interest to people from every part of Montreal. Not to mention our ever-popular dance nights!

On the programming side, this year’s music programming reflects Montreal’s artistic diversity – the line-up is 100% local artists, and they come from more than 25 different communities!

A RICH AND VARIED SUMMER PROGRAM

The eclectic and intriguing list of activities in May and June has something for absolutely everyone.

Move your body in the Jardins

Fans of dancing already know Les Jardins Gamelin as the place to go for irresistible evenings on the dance floor, like Saturdays with Salsafolie and Wednesdays les bals de l’été while yogis of all levels will find the Jardins a perfect place to start the day with outdoor yoga. This year also brings new meditation workshops to help you relax and clear your mind – an excellent way to start your day. Meditation sessions, Tuesdays from 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. Outdoor Yoga, Wednesdays from 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. Les bals de l'été, Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Salsafolies, Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Get closer to nature with urban agriculture

Every Sunday, the Côté Jardins workshops presented by Sentier Urbain, are loaded with tips and tricks for growing your garden. It’s also time to explore one of this year’s most exciting new features, the butterfly tent. Bring the whole family for the flight of the butterflies and garden tour for kids on June 17. Côté Jardins workshops, Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Discover Montreal’s talented musicians

In Les Jardins Gamelin, solo artists, bands and DJs take turns sending out good vibrations! Every Wednesdays, the DJs of the Tupi Collective will have you basking in hot Brazilian grooves. Want to travel ? The Escales musicales series presents promising new artists like the brother-sister duo Juliana and Jesse on May 31. Friday, noontime jazz feature established artist Jacques Kuba Séguin, who plays on June 8 and 15, giving visitors an inspiring lunchtime interlude, while the Ce soir on danse! event is everyone’s favourite Friday night dance party. New this season, every Saturdays, the retro brunch takes you back to another time from the 50' to the 80' with choice cuts spun by some great DJs. Tupi Collective, Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Les escales musicales, Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Noontime jazz, Fridays june 8 and 15 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Ce soir, on danse ! Fridays June 1, 8 and 15 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Retro Brunch, Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 3 p.m.

An urban playground for families

Little ones are invited to La Maison jaune, where the activity leaders run age-appropriate creative workshops and other fun activities. Take the kids to the Petits bonheurs family mornings where they can get a taste of the performing arts through shows and workshops put on by professionals. In May and June, La Maison jaune is open Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Petits bonheurs family mornings, Sundays from 10 a.m.

There’s some good old-fashioned fun for adults and teenagers too: every Sunday, the crew from Randolph, leads a game club. Later on, there’s an ever-popular trivia night, putting a hilarious cap on another fine week in Les Jardins Gamelin. Sundays, Game Club by Randolph, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Art Machine show, presented by Théâtre Sainte-Catherine, is inspired by talent shows. Emceed by Carlos Vézina, the show is a terrific blend of sketches, circus acts, burlesque routines and all kinds of hilarious entertainers. Art Machine, Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Relax and enjoy

Place Émilie-Gamelin is a great place to catch some rays while reading a book or chilling with friends. The ambiance on the huge terrasse is always great. The simply curious and dedicated library fans alike can dig into the BAnQ’s collections at a presentation. Atelier découverte des collections de BAnQ, Tuesdays, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Eat and drink

Les Jardins Gamelin’ bar and snack bar are back with delicious food and drink at friendly prices. Offerings include vegetarian and health-conscious items, fast-food classics and a kids’ menu. Restaurant open 7 days a week, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.