Les Jardins Gamelin: culture and music in the Quartier latin

PRESS RELEASE

Montreal, May 29, 2025 – Tonight, the 11^th season of Les Jardins Gamelin is officially underway! This uniquely diverse living space has energized and revitalized the Quartier Latin sector of the Quartier des Spectacles for more than a decade. From May 29 to September 14 this year, Montrealers and visitors are invited to get together in a greened Place Émilie-Gamelin featuring great amenities, where they’ll enjoy free cultural programming seven days a week. Produced by the Quartier des Spectacles, this summer rendezvous includes evenings of music and dancing, family activities, delicious snacks and soothing greenery on the large terrasse. 

“Les Jardins Gamelin are firmly established as an essential part of summer downtown. Combining nature, culture and diversity, they provide an inclusive and vibrant gathering place. Thanks to the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and the work of the borough of Ville-Marie, each year the Jardins become a not-to-be missed rendezvous. This is much more than an urban design project, it is a space that energizes the Quartier Latin and supports our local businesses. I invite everyone to come out and enjoy it to the fullest!” said Valérie Plante, mayor of Montreal and of the borough of Ville-Marie. 
 
“This urban design and animation project, initiated by the Partnership, has established itself over more than ten years as an essential living space that continues to have a positive social and cultural impact on downtown Montreal, particularly the Quartier Latin. I thank the borough of Ville-Marie and the Ville de Montréal for their support, as well as our programming and social partners who help Les Jardins Gamelin transform the area, making it a dynamic space for culture and sociability,” said Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

Free programming every day, featuring live music and cultural activities 

This season’s program includes 14 weekly activity series presented outdoors daily from noon to evening. The public has a wealth of options to choose from, including dancing, different genres of music with numerous DJs and concerts, craft workshops and movie nights. Like previous years, the stage in Les Jardins Gamelin is a springboard for emerging and local artists of all stripes. In addition, several festivals will have activities in the Jardins over the course of the summer, and the snack bar by Les Survenants is returning. It all adds up to a wealth of unforgettable summer moments with friends and family!  

Each day is chock-full of activities! Each Monday, don’t miss the ever-popular karaoke nights – every amateur singer’s chance to shine. New for the 11^th edition, every Tuesday at 9 p.m. Cinéma Public presents a selection of the best films from Quebec and France, outdoors on the big screen. On Wednesday, succumb to irresistible disco and funk grooves at lunchtime with Les Midis Groovy. Starting at 6 p.m., there’s line dancing for enthusiasts of all levels; in July, 100Lux presents evenings of streetdance. Every Thursday at noon, take a musical break with DJs chosen by Bonne Famille. In the evening, electronic music is still on the menu with series including Les Jardins d’Illusion, returning to Place Émilie-Gamelin in June and July. Starting the weekend on a high note, each Friday from noon to late there are live sets by multiple emerging artists. Saturday night is time to learn salsa dancing with Espace Yambae, starting at 7 p.m. Sunday afternoons in July and August are dedicated to families, with a series of fun activities. Lastly, the week ends with a happy hour series called Fréquence Collective, a unique shared listening session series hosted by DJ collectives and radio personalities. 

A well-established social mission 

Since 2015, Les Jardins Gamelin have been an inclusive place for everyone, stressing the importance of sharing and community. Established community organizations have been providing essential support and resources to help vulnerable persons. The social and community organizations active in Les Jardins are: Le sac à dos Brigade verte, the Société de développement social with the Équipe Mobile de Médiation et d’Intervention Sociale (ÉMMIS), Spectre de rue, Cactus, Groupe de recherche et d'intervention psychosocial (GRIP), CIUSS centre-sud and the Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal. 

About Les Jardins Gamelin  

Since 2015, Les Jardins Gamelin have put down deep roots in Place Émilie-Gamelin, located in the Quartier Latin sector of the Quartier des Spectacles. The gardens embody values of social inclusiveness, collaboration and cohabitation by offering human-scale urban amenities and green spaces to meet the community’s needs. From May to September, the Jardins present free cultural programming daily. The program reflects Montreal’s diversity and highlights emerging local talent. The Jardins Gamelin initiative and the revitalization of this greened and inclusive public space are a Quartier des Spectacles Partnership production made possible by the support of the borough of Ville-Marie and the collaboration of numerous partners, including Sentier Urbain, the Société de développement social and the SPVM. 

About the Quartier des Spectacles and the Partnership  

The Quartier des Spectacles is the cultural heart of Montreal, boasting North America’s largest and most diverse concentration of cultural amenities. The Quartier’s 1 km2 of urban space delights audiences year round thanks to nearly 80 performance venues and creative spaces and 50 annual festivals. The district also showcases innovative urban installations and cutting edge digital art and lighting design. The Quartier des Spectacles positions Montreal as an international leader in urban animation, making it a prime destination for culture and tourism.

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 85 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal.    

More informations : quartierdesspectacles.com 

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MEDIA CONTACT 

Mélanie Mingotaud 
Communications Mingotwo 
melanie@mingo2.ca  
(514) 582-5272 

SOURCE   

Quartier des Spectacles Partenership  
Laurie Coulombe 
laurie.coulombe@quartierdesspectacles.com    
(581) 998-6066