June 2026 — Danse Danse Blog
Summer is a time for gathering, discovery, and cultural energy. Across Québec, festivals take over public spaces, inviting people to experience the arts in new ways—through streets, parks, public squares, and neighbourhoods that come alive throughout the season.
Music, circus arts, theatre, visual arts—and of course dance—offer countless opportunities to be moved and inspired. Whether you enjoy outdoor performances or are simply looking for activities to make the most of the warmer months, many festivals feature programming where movement takes centre stage.
From Montréal’s lively folk dance evenings to the breathtaking landscapes of Haute-Gaspésie, with stops in the Laurentians and Charlevoix along the way, here are the summer events not to be missed if you want to move to the rhythm of dance.
Soirées de danses folkloriques internationales
June 1 to August 31, 2026
Throughout the summer, outdoor international folk dance evenings bring the Lac-aux-Castors area to life in the heart of Mount Royal.
On Mondays, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginners and enthusiasts are invited to discover dances from around the world in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.On Thursdays, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., more experienced dancers gather for lively evenings featuring a wide variety of dance styles and rhythms.
Free admission. Open to all.
Théâtre de Verdure
All summer 2026
The Théâtre de Verdure, nestled in the heart of Parc Lafontaine, offers a free outdoor program all summer long featuring dance, music and circus.
Among this summer's highlights: Sans quoi nous crèverons by Compagnie Virginie Brunelle, on July 16. One of the standout works of our 2025/2026 season — not to be missed by those who haven't seen it yet.
Festival international du Domaine Forget
June 27 to August 22, 2026
Every summer, the Domaine Forget transforms Charlevoix into an open-air stage. Over 100 events on the program: classical music, jazz, dance performances, public masterclasses and student concerts, in an exceptional setting.
Two works from our 2025/2026 season make a stop there this summer.
July 2 at 7:30 pm: Sans quoi nous crèverons by Virginie Brunelle.
July 30 at 7:30 pm: Tout ce qu'il reste by Compagnie Vías (Diana León, Paco Ziel), co-produced by Danse Danse, Salle Bourgie, the National Arts Centre and the Domaine Forget de Charlevoix; a sensitive journey through Schubert's lieder where dance, voice and piano meet in an intimate and immersive form.
Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur (FASS)
July 22 to August 2, 2026
For over 30 years, the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur has brought together internationally renowned artists under its big top and in its outdoor spaces for two weeks of dance, music and discovery in the heart of the Laurentians. Under the artistic direction of Guillaume Côté — whom Danse Danse audiences saw twice this season with Burn Baby Burn and Hamlet — the FASS 2026 offers a bold program combining contemporary dance, ballet, music, circus and outdoor performances.
FURIES
July 23 to 26, 2026
With its 7th edition, FURIES has established itself as an unmissable hub for contemporary dance in Haute-Gaspésie. Under the artistic direction of Priscilla Guy, Sébastien Provencher and Karla Etienne, the festival presents striking choreographic works across some ten venues in the region.
About 20 events over four days, with an accessible program rooted in the real world. International programming, initiatives for emerging artists and inclusive pricing: a human-scale festival, in every sense of the term.
Festival International Présence Autochtone
August 4 to 14, 2026
For its 36th edition, the Festival international Présence autochtone takes over the Place des Festivals for ten days of encounters, sharing and discovery. Concerts, dance, poetry, cinema and varied performances: a multidisciplinary program celebrating the vitality of Indigenous cultures of the Americas in all their diversity.
The 2026 program will be announced soon — keep an eye on their website!
Festival de danse contemporaine de Sherbrooke (FDCS)
August 20–22, 2026
The Sherbrooke Festival of Contemporary Dance celebrates the creativity and excellence of contemporary dance each year at Théâtre Grand-Espace.
No two evenings are ever the same. Each performance brings together four choreographers who share the stage, presenting works that reflect distinct artistic worlds and perspectives. It is a unique opportunity to experience a rich diversity of choreographic voices, creative approaches, and ways of inhabiting the moving body.
JOAT Festival international de street dance
September 1 to 7, 2026
Co-produced by Danse Danse, the JOAT Festival returns for its 5th edition on the Esplanade at Place des Arts. For one week, artists from all backgrounds come together to celebrate street dance and related arts. Live music, high-level battles, cyphers, workshops, exhibitions, talks and performances: total immersion in a world of exceptional artists, open to all.
Celebrate Summer 2026 to the beat of festival season
