Montréal en Lumière 2026 is set to transform downtown Montréal into a winter celebration of food, music, and art.
From February 27 to March 7, the Montréal en Lumière festival lights up the Quartier des Spectacles with outdoor installations, live performances, late-night activities, and some of the season’s top culinary events. It’s the kind of winter festival where you can enjoy a gourmet meal, catch a DJ set or concert, and wander under glowing city lights, all in one night.
If you’re planning to attend, a little prep makes the experience even better. In this guide, we’ll cover must-see events and activities, artist lineup, gastronomy highlights, and where to park so you can make the most of your visit.
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Montréal en Lumière Events You Shouldn’t Miss
One of the best things about Montréal en Lumière is that there’s always something happening at the outdoor site and across downtown. You can skate, listen to live DJs, explore light installations, or step into immersive art experiences, all in the same evening.
Here are some of the highlights to add to your list.
Loto-Québec Skating Loop
Place des Festivals | February 27 – March 7 | Free event
The Loto-Québec Skating Loop is a festival favourite. It’s a lit-up skating path right in the heart of the outdoor site, surrounded by music and lights. Whether you bring your own skates or rent a pair, it’s an easy and fun way to be part of the action.
The Timbits Symphony
Place des Festivals | February 27 – March 7 | Free event
The Timbits Symphony is an interactive experience that turns the festival site into a playful hunt. Visitors move from station to station collecting five different Timbit flavours by engaging with activities set up across the outdoor site. Once you’ve gathered them all, you head to the main activation point to trigger The Timbits Symphony, which brings everything together in a fun, immersive finale. It’s lighthearted, creative, and a great activity if you’re exploring the festival with friends or family.
The Intuit TurboTax Ferris Wheel
Place des Festivals | February 27 – March 7 | Free event
The Intuit TurboTax Ferris Wheel towers above the outdoor site and offers panoramic views of downtown Montréal in winter. From the top, you can see Place des Festivals glowing below and the surrounding city lights stretching out in every direction. It’s a short ride, but it gives you a completely different perspective of the festival. If you’re looking for a quick highlight that feels memorable, this is it.
La Station DJ Rogers
Place des Festivals | February 27 – March 7 | Free event
La Station DJ Rogers keeps the outdoor site buzzing with live DJ sets throughout the festival. The stage brings in local and guest DJs who mix upbeat tracks that make it hard to stand still, even in the cold. Some of the DJ performances to expect are: Austin Millz, Chris Luno, Taylah Elaine, Perceval and many more. See the full list here.
No 10 Contest
Place des Festivals | February 28 – March 1 | Free event
The No 10 Contest shines a spotlight on Montréal’s emerging DJs and gives them a real shot at the big stage. This first edition invites up-and-coming talent to show off their mixing skills for a chance to land an opening set at the Rogers DJ Booth in front of more than 5,000 people on February 28. The public plays a key role by voting for their favourite DJ to help send them to the finals, and the entire journey is shared on social media and YouTube. In the end, a professional jury chooses who earns the stage. It’s competitive, community-driven, and a great way to discover new local talent.
Lumino
Quartier des Spectacles| February 27 – March 7 | Free event
Lumino is one of the most visually striking parts of Montréal en Lumière. Large-scale light art installations are placed throughout the Quartier des Spectacles, transforming public spaces into glowing, immersive environments. Some installations are interactive, inviting you to step inside or trigger light and sound effects. It’s perfect for evening strolls and photography, and it adds an artistic layer to the festival beyond the performances and food.
The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Story
Les 7 doigts de la main| February 27 – March 7 | Paid event
This immersive experience brings the beloved story to life through projection, sound design, and atmospheric visuals. Visitors move through a space designed to fully surround them with the narrative, creating a calm and reflective contrast to the busy outdoor site. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a cultural moment that feels thoughtful and different within the larger festival program.
How to Find and Book Your Parking for Montréal en Lumière
Montréal en Lumière draws big crowds to the heart of downtown, especially around Quartier des Spectacles and Place des Festivals. If you’ve ever tried finding parking there on a busy night, you know it can take longer than expected.
That’s why we created a dedicated Montréal en Lumière parking page that brings all nearby lots together in one place. You can see available parking near Quartier des Spectacles, Place des Festivals, and downtown Montréal, then book your spot in just a few clicks.
Prefer to plan ahead? Choose your parking lot a few days before. If you’re more of a last-minute planner, you can pull up the page on your phone before you leave home and get a spot in seconds.
It’s simple, seamless, and it helps you spend less time looking for parking and more time enjoying the festival.
Montréal en Lumière Artist Line Up
Beyond the outdoor sites and activities, Montréal en Lumière is also about big nights inside some of the city’s best venues. The 2026 lineup blends dance, indie rock, hip hop, funk, and iconic Canadian bands. Whether you’re into high-energy concerts or something more artistic, there’s a show worth booking tickets for.
(LA)Horde – Ballet national de Marseille
Théâtre Maisonneuve de la Place des Arts| February 27 | Paid event
(LA)Horde leads the Ballet national de Marseille and is known for bold, modern dance productions that mix choreography with strong visual storytelling. Their performances often blend classical technique with electronic music and contemporary themes. Expect something intense, creative, and visually striking rather than a traditional ballet night.
Loud
MTELUS| February 27 | Paid event
Loud is one of Quebec’s biggest hip hop artists. Known for sharp lyrics and confident stage presence, he blends rap with catchy hooks that get crowds involved fast. His live shows are high-energy, direct, and built for big reactions. If you want a loud and lively night, this is it.
Feu! Chatterton
MTELUS| March 4 | Paid event
Feu! Chatterton brings poetic French lyrics together with rock and art pop influences. Their sound is dramatic in the best way, mixing emotion with strong instrumentation. On stage, they create an atmosphere that pulls you in. Expect depth, intensity, and a performance that feels carefully crafted.
The Barr Brothers
MTELUS| February 28 | Paid event
Montréal’s own The Barr Brothers blend folk, rock, and blues into a rich, layered sound. Their live shows feel warm and immersive, with strong musicianship and a relaxed but focused presence. It’s a great pick if you want something thoughtful and musical without losing energy.
The Brooks
Le Balcon| February 26 | Paid event
The Brooks deliver pure funk. Tight rhythms, powerful vocals, and grooves that make it hard to stay seated. Their concerts feel like a dance party, driven by brass, bass, and serious stage chemistry. If you want to move, this is the show to see.
Sloan
Le Studio TD| March 6 | Paid event
Sloan are Canadian rock veterans with decades of hits and a loyal fan base. Their music blends power pop and classic rock influences, and their live shows feel polished but still fun. Expect sing-along moments and a strong set list that covers both old favourites and newer tracks.
Gastronomy Events
If there’s one thing that sets Montréal en Lumière apart, it’s the food. The festival’s gastronomy program brings together top chefs, special menus, and one-time-only dining experiences across the city. It’s not just about grabbing a bite between shows. It’s about sitting down, trying something new, and making the meal part of your night out.
Here are a few standout events to check out.
Chez Canton
Chez Canton – Maison du Festival (2nd floor)| February 27 | Paid event
Chez Canton highlights delicious fondues and comforting soups. During Montréal en Lumière, the restaurant showcases special dishes that blend traditional techniques with contemporary presentation. Expect bold flavours, carefully plated courses, and a menu designed to feel both authentic and elevated.
Cochon Dingue – Brunch en Lumière
Cochon Dingue| March 1 | Paid event
Cochon Dingue’s Brunch en Lumière puts a festive spin on one of Montréal’s favourite meals. Think generous plates, comforting classics with a creative twist, and a relaxed daytime atmosphere. It’s a great way to slow down during the festival and enjoy a cosy brunch before heading back out to the outdoor site.
Maison Boulud – Soirée Signatures Haut Vol presented by Air France
Maison Boulud| February 19-20 | Paid event
Hosted at Maison Boulud inside the Ritz-Carlton, this high-end evening is all about culinary excellence. Soirée Signatures Haut Vol brings together acclaimed chefs for a multi-course tasting experience paired with carefully selected wines. It’s elegant, polished, and perfect if you want to turn your night into something truly memorable.
Frèloca – Duel Gourmand
Village Gourmand| February 27-March 7 | Free event
Frèloca’s Duel Gourmand adds a competitive edge to fine dining. Chefs face off with creative dishes designed to impress both judges and guests. Expect bold ideas, surprising flavour combinations, and a lively atmosphere where food becomes the main event.
Restaurant H3 – Restaurant h3 x Fabien Pairon
Restaurant H3| February 27-March 7 | Paid event
This collaboration brings together Restaurant h3 and renowned chef Fabien Pairon for a special tasting menu. The focus is on refined technique, seasonal ingredients, and dishes that balance creativity with precision. It’s a great pick if you appreciate thoughtful, chef-driven cuisine and want a more intimate dining experience during the festival.
Tips for Attending Montréal en Lumière 2026
- Dress smart for the weather. Wear insulated boots, layer up, and bring gloves you can use with your phone.
- Book popular events early. Some shows and food events sell out quickly, so review the schedule early and book ahead if needed.
- Sort out parking before you go. Using our parking page lets you book in advance or quickly find a spot on the day you go, which saves time and keeps things stress-free.
Conclusion
Montréal en Lumière is one of those festivals that turns an ordinary winter night into something memorable.
Between the outdoor site at Place des Festivals, the live shows, the light installations, and the incredible gastronomy events, there’s always something happening downtown.
Plan your must-see activities, book that dinner you’ve been eyeing, grab tickets to a show, and make a full night of it. And before you head out, book your parking near Quartier des Spectacles and downtown Montréal. With parking sorted, you can focus on the lights, the music, and the food.
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