PRESS RELEASE
6 Million Spectators This Summer in the Quartier des Spectacles
Montreal, October 9, 2025 — The Quartier des Spectacles vibrated to the rhythm of an exceptional summer season, attracting 6,001,663* people who took part in festivals and shows between May 1 and September 30. This success was driven by its festivals, major signature events, and lively public places, confirming once again the essential role of culture as a driver of economic, social, and tourist vitality in downtown Montreal.
Theatres, pedestrianized areas, and various public places—from Place Émilie-Gamelin to Place des Festivals and Esplanade Tranquille—hosted events that brought people together and thrilled crowds across the city. Place aux jeux, a project in collaboration with Ariane Moffatt, was a big success with the public and helped improve the experience of residents, workers, visitors, and tourists with its playful installations. The constant activity on the pedestrianized Sainte-Catherine Street helped maintain the neighborhood's appeal between major events, in addition to offering green spaces.
The Undeniable Success of Free Outdoor Festivals
The major events that have made Montreal world-famous were highly popular. The Festival International de jazz de Montréal attracted a record crowd to its outdoor site on the evening of July 4, while Festival M.A.D. enjoyed one of its best editions ever. The Festival TransAmériques – FTA achieved a 98% attendance rate, a record since 2018. The Village numérique by MUTEK and Xn Québec established itself as a new major attraction in August. The Festival international Nuits d’Afrique stood out, attracting an increasingly large audience each year. Finally, the new version of the Just for Laughs Montreal Festival marks a strong comeback for this flagship event in the Quartier des Spectacles. These results demonstrate the undeniable appeal of the Quartier as a favorite destination for culture and entertainment in Montreal during the summer.
Busy and Safe Public Places All Summer Long
The pedestrianized Sainte-Catherine Street West was busier than ever: between May 15 and September 28, it recorded an average of 33,000 visitors per day, a marked increase from 25,000 in 2024.
A survey conducted this summer by L’Observateur for the Partnership to measure the experience and satisfaction related to pedestrian-only areas found an 89% approval rating for the developments on Sainte-Catherine Street West and south of Place Émilie-Gamelin, as well as an 85% sense of safety among users of these two areas.
The Quartier Latin Alone Attracts 1.5 Million People
Large crowds visited the pedestrianized Saint-Denis Street and the Quartier Latin thanks to the rich program of events presented in the area: AVÉ L’ÉTÉ! by the Société de développement commercial Quartier Latin, the unmissable MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE festival, the Arborescences installations by UQAM and its partners, the shows at Espace St-Denis—including the hit Chicago—and the Jardins Gamelin. From May 29 to September 14, the 11th season of the Jardins Gamelin alone attracted 294,000 people the Quartier des Spectacles’ Quartier Latin hub.
A Rich and Diverse Event Ecosystem
A total of 22 festivals and major events spanning all cultural disciplines brought Montreal's cultural heart to life throughout the summer.
