MONTREAL FESTIVALS MATCHED TO YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE

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With it’s unique position as the gateway between North America and Europe, Montréal is très unique in its dimensions of art, language, culture, politics and gastronomy. The city resonates a passion and sophistication that is unparalleled anywhere on the continent. This becomes evident in the diversified programming of festivals that the city continues to offer year after year.

Travelers choose Montréal for a myriad of reasons such as affordability, diverse cultural options and patented joie de vivre. And because there are so many flavors of experience to choose from, we’ve conveniently matched 11 personality types with a Montréal festival that might just tickle your fancy.

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[the music connoisseur] MONTRÉAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL – As the biggest Jazz festival in the world, this Montréal institution is typically attended by two million people annually. The word ‘jazz’ is used quite liberally, as funk, blues, country, R&B, world beat and other genres are always highlighted. Big names from Dave Brubeck to Ella Fitzgerald to homegrown favorite Leonard Cohen have all serenaded festival crowds. Held in a newly redesigned urban space called Quartier des Spectacles with plenty of free outdoor shows throughout the two-week festival.

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[the class clown] JUST FOR LAUGHS – A festival not only devoted to tickling the funny bone with big name comedians, but also enchanting the spectator with hundreds of street performers, acrobats, magicians and other urban acts; it’s a spectacular feast for the eyes. Among the comedian crowd, the festival is known as a premiere performance event, and has featured Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Rowan Atkinson and Whoopi Goldberg. You can’t go wrong with 23 days of laughter – the largest festival of its kind in the world.

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[the hipster] OSHEAGA or POP MONTREAL – Two festivals with stellar rock line-ups. Held on the historic site of Expo ‘6, the outdoor Osheaga festival typically happens over the last weekend in July, and has featured such names as Coldplay, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and hometown heroes Arcade Fire. With a more rebellious attitude, Pop Montréal is a multi-venue, weeklong smorgasbord of indie rock options where folks such as Liars, Timber Timbre and The XX represent diversified and awesome programming.

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[the film critic] THE WORLD FILM FESTIVAL – A true international event that exists to encourage cultural diversity and understanding among nations via the powerful medium of film. As one of Canada’s oldest international festivals, the focus is less on regurgitating Hollywood, and more on highlighting international innovation in filmmaking. Free films ‘Under the Stars’ downtown Montréal are a crowd favorite. Held annually from the last week in August into the first week of September.

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[the fab queer] DIVERS/CITÉ or PRIDE CÉLÉBRATIONS – Montréal is most definitely one of the most gay-friendly destinations in North America. Divers/Cité is late-July an internationally recognized event with a very loyal following; the festival celebrates diversity with music, art and dance. Pride Célébrations (mid-August) is the classic Pride festivities complete with an energetic parade, a community day and always some hot surprises! And if you are kickin’ around Montréal during the summer, be sure to check out the Gay Village where the main street is closed to traffic, creating a little slice of pedestrian heaven.

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[the pyrotechnic] INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL – Fireworks are good times. The top fireworks companies around the globe present 30-minute long shows on Saturday nights in the summertime to compete for the top prize. The fiery festivities attract the world’s leading designers, big-bang technicians and sparkly optic addicts. The fireworks are synchronized to music broadcast over radio. Each Saturday features the pyrotechnical brilliance of a different country!

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[the thespian] FRINGE FEST or FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUE– The Fringe Fest is a locally-raised June indie theatre/dance/performance festival that, after 20 years of fun and debauchery, still maintains its beloved place in the hearts of Montréalers. It truly embodies the spirit of the vagabond performer. Don’t miss the annual Drag Races where men dress as women, and then sacrifice their dignities in the name of entertainment. Festival TransAmérique showcases the international world of contemporary dance and theatre. The late-May festivities are renown for providing a stimulating and experimental platform for performers and choreographers, and drawing audiences of all walks of life.

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[the fashionista] FESTIVAL MODE & DESIGN – Montréal has been declared a UNESCO City of Design, and fashion continues to be a reason why the world looks to the city. This festival is an extravaganza of cutting edge fashion that spotlights the innovative, creative and diverse offerings of Canadian designers. Annually at the beginning of August.

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[the foodie] MONTRÉAL HIGHLIGHTS FESTIVAL – During the chilliest part of the year, Montréalers turn to food, drink and art to warm their stomachs and hearts. The February festival features gastronomy, cultural, visual and family-friendly outdoor celebrations. It climaxes with ‘Nuit Blanc,’ which is an all-night party with hundreds of activities, free transportation and stunning light installations.

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[the globe trotter] FRANCOFOLIES – As the world’s biggest francophone music festival, Francofolies is a celebration of the diverse offerings of music from around the globe. This is definitely the festival choice for anyone with ‘world beat’ tendencies. Featured artists range from internationally recognized afro-pop singer-songwriter Salif Keita from Mali to the beloved world famous Montréaler Ariane Moffat. With a recent date change from August to June, be sure to check with the website for scheduling in future years.

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[the carnie] COMPLÉTEMENT CIRQUE – Starting with Cirque du Soliel and strengthening their image with La TOHU and the National Circus School, Montréal is proudly taking its place as the world’s premiere place for circus arts. The newest edition to the Montréal festival roster, Complétement Cirque (The first international circus festival), is reflecting how the city values this form of performing arts. The festival is causing a buzz of excitement within the city and abroad.

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