Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Danse Danse Blog
As summer settles in, festivals spring to life all across Quebec, turning streets, parks, and public squares into open-air stages. It’s the perfect time to get outside, feel the pulse of the performing arts, and celebrate creativity in all its forms. In this article, we highlight some of the top festivals where dance plays a starring role—sure to bring plenty of movement to your summer!
First essential stop on the festival trail: Montreal! So grab your calendar—we’ve lined up a few of the city’s must-see dance events for the season!
International folk dances
Until August 28, 2025
All summer long, join in for open-air international folk dance evenings at Lac-aux-Castors—festive, inclusive, and free events open to everyone.
Mondays, from 7 to 9 PM, are perfect for newcomers eager to try their hand (and feet!) at international folk dance.
Thursdays, from 7 to 10 PM, cater to more experienced dancers looking to connect and move to a vibrant mix of music and rhythms from around the world.
JOAT Festival international de street dance
August 26 to September 1, 2025
Coproduced by Danse Danse
The JOAT Festival international de street dance returns from August 26 to September 1, bringing over 250 artists to energize the Quartier des spectacles. For one full week, enjoy a dynamic lineup of performances and activities for all ages. Now a not-to-be-missed annual event in Montreal, the festival welcomes audiences from all walks of life to experience street dance culture in all its richness—through movement, music, visual arts, and much more.
And because dance can follow you anywhere—even on vacation—why not make it part of your summer getaways across Quebec? Here are a few regional festivals that will keep your summer pulsing with rhythm and movement!
Domaine Forget International Festival
DIRT by Tentacle Tribe – July 9, 2025, 7:30 PM
With DIRT, Tentacle Tribe fuses break, popping, and contemporary puppetry in a bold exploration of our conquering relationship with the planet. The five dancers channel a tight-knit tribe, a street crew, or a micro-society of climate resisters. Together, they dive into a breathtaking interplay of entrances and exits, symbolic shadow play, and acrobatic feats drawn from street dance traditions.
Festival des Arts Saint-Sauveur
July 23 to August 3, 2025
Under the iconic big tent of the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur (FASS)—and spilling into the streets—catch intimate performances and enjoy free outdoor shows. For over 30 years, FASS has brought together internationally acclaimed artists to deliver unforgettable moments for dance and music lovers alike. A summer must-see set against the stunning backdrop of the Laurentians!
FURIES
July 24 to 27, 2025
FURIES is a human-scale contemporary dance festival that brings powerful choreographic forms into the everyday landscape of Haute-Gaspésie. With its PRO Day, international programming, and initiatives aimed at young and emerging artists, FURIES stands out as a true hub for today’s dance. Don’t miss the vibrant 6th edition, from July 24 to 27!
Osez! at Magdalen Islands
August 1 to 5, 2025
Osez! at Magdalen Islands features three dance performances of about ten minutes each, designed for one or two audience members at a time. These brief works offer a genuine break from the everyday, and can be experienced as part of a single journey or on separate evenings. This year, Place des Gens de mer in Cap-aux-Meules will be transformed into an intimate stage, unveiling the magic of the moment. A delicate and exclusive experience not to be missed!
Festival Tournant
August 14 to 17, 2025
Festival Tournant returns this summer in the inspiring landscapes of Val-Morin. Get ready for four exhilarating days of dance, connection, and wonder. On the program: indoor performances, in situ creations, a dance improv match, open workshops, a cultural picnic... and so much more!
Festival de danse contemporaine de Sherbrooke
August 21, 22, and 23, 2025
The Festival de danse contemporaine de Sherbrooke (FDCS) is an annual event that celebrates the creativity and excellence of contemporary dance at Parc Jacques-Cartier in Sherbrooke! Its diverse programming includes performances by emerging choreographers, artist talks, dance classes, and many more surprises.
Enjoy the 2025 Summer Festivals
