February arrives with its Valentine’s Day, swaying temperatures above the snowflakes and a thinning wallet after the holiday season and a surge in inflation. Why not take the opportunity to reconnect with winter? From Quebec to Montreal, here are 8 budget-friendly cultural activities to try in February.
Montreal Boreal: The Northern Jam
Photo provided by Montreal Boreal
From February 3rd to 5th, visit Square Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier in the Saint-Henri district for the first edition of Montréal Boréal: Le Jam du Nord. On the program: musical performances by emerging Montreal artists on two outdoor stages including Choses Sauvages, Lysandre, Naomi, Guillaume Michaud and Émile Bourgeault, a dance atmosphere, light projections, hot drinks, mascots and a pop-up store.
From February 3rd to 5th
For free
https://lesquartiersducanal.com/montreal-boreal/
Montreal in lights
Photo courtesy of Agnès Gaudet
The 24th edition of Montréal en lumière promises once again to delight the Quartier des Spectacles and its 500,000 annual festival-goers. Arts, gastronomy, family outdoor activities and light installations, as well as shows such as Riopelle Symphonique, Bedouin Soundclash, 1969 Live and Passe-Partout. Not to mention the famous Nuit Blanche (February 25), which offers original outdoor and indoor discoveries (museums, restaurants, entertainment) from dusk to dawn.
From February 16th to March 5th
Free and some paid concerts
https://www.montrealenlumiere.com/
Domesicle evenings in the SAT
Photo courtesy of the SAT (Sébastien Roy)
Nothing beats the immersive evenings under the dome of the Society for Art and Technology (SAT). Domesicle parties are back with performances by DJs enhanced by projections that slide 360 degrees across the dome.
February 4th and 18th
$18, 18 and up
https://sat.qc.ca/
The Montreal International Children’s Film Festival (FIFEM)
We go to the Beaubien cinema as a family to attend the 26th edition of FIFEM and see one or more of the 75 films from more than 20 countries that will be screened. Too cold outside? A fine international selection of films for the whole family that are part of the festival can also be found online. The film Coco Ferme – the 25th film in the Les Contes pour Tous collection – will premiere on Sunday 19 February.
From February 25th to March 5th
Prices are yet to come
https://fifem.com/
Igloo Festival Montreal
Until February 11th, let’s wrap up warm and dance on Quai Jacques-Cartier in Montreal’s Old Port to the electronic music of the big local and international DJs invited to the 15th edition of Igloofest Montreal (including the acclaimed Dj Tiesto on February ). 10). The atmosphere is always exciting and the festival-goers are just crazy about the music. Make way to the Igloofête for free family music on Saturday afternoon from 1pm.
$44-$54 and free activities
After-ski indoor shows at lower prices
https://billetterie.igloofest.ca/
The Quebec Carnival
Do we still have to present this famous winter festival in the Old Capital? Carnaval de Québec celebrates its 69th anniversary this year and there are many activities to mark the occasion. Visit to the famous Bonhomme Palace, night parades, Franco, New Country, Hip-Hop and Electro-Frette nights, sculptures and great shows with Ariane Moffat, Koriass and Matt Lang.
From February 3rd to 12th
Carnival effigy for ages 13+: $25
https://carnaval.qc.ca/
The Multi Month
Photo provided by David Mendonza-Helaine
Monsters, martyrs and heaven: these are the themes of the 24th edition of Mois Multi (international festival of multidisciplinary and electronic arts), which returns in its regular format. On the menu: shows, performances, installations, digital creations, digital playground and, for the first time, the urban journey of works in augmented reality, the floating space. Nice rubric for a young audience.
From 1ah until February 26th
For free
https://moismulti.org/programming/
The Nordik Village in Quebec Harbour
Who said ice fishing couldn’t be done in the middle of the city in an urban way? Here you can tease fish under the ice while enjoying the musical atmosphere, shows under a marquee and family area activities. In the Louise basin.
From February 10th to March 12th
Various packages between $13 and $50 for the family
https://www.villagenordik.com/
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