Anticipated Activities for the Upcoming Weekend
Montreal and Laval are buzzing with excitement as the summer entertainment season kicks off. From music festivals to film screenings and theatre performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Laval, the Musical Zones event is proving to be a hit, with notable acts such as Valence, Tyler Watson, Barnev, Marie Denise Pelletier, Cindy Béдard, and Marie-Mai gracing the stage. The event, which runs until August 23 at Place Bell, will feature over 350 artists, both seasoned and up-and-coming, offering free concerts. Food trucks and animation zones are also provided nearby, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, the Cinema Under the Stars lineup is focusing on documentaries, featuring 31 feature films and 24 short films. Two scheduled showings this summer include Ricardo Trogi's Quebecois classic, *1995*, on July 8, and Gints Zilbalodi's wordless animated adventure, *Flow*, on August 12. Tickets are reasonably priced, with floatation devices provided on-site and a snack bar available.
The highlight of the summer, however, is undoubtedly the Fantasia International Film Festival, running from July 16 to August 23. This genre festival offers over 125 films, including horror, thrillers, and more. Notable films include Ari Aster's *Eddington* and *Together*. The festival venues include Concordia University Hall Building, J.A. de Sève cinemas, Cinéma du Musée, and BBAM! Gallery.
One of the most anticipated films at Fantasia is La Mort n'existe pas by Félix Dufour-Laperrière. Featuring the voices of Zeneb Blanchet, Karelle Tremblay, and Mattis Savard-Verhoeven, this animated feature film will have its Canadian premiere at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival on July 17.
In addition to these events, theatre lovers can catch the play The 39 Steps, an adaptation of the universe of filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. This spectacle, which blends mystery, action, satire, and humor, demands a dual comedic talent and very physical acting. The play, which has been praised for its satire and numerous characters, features the talents of Benoit Brière, Martin Drainville, Luc Guérin, and Évelyne Rompré.
For more information on The 39 Steps, be sure to read our article "Hitchcock in a tour de force". The play has additional tour dates until June 2026, with performances taking place in Quebec.
Whether you're a music lover, a film buff, or a theatre enthusiast, Montreal and Laval have something exciting for you this summer. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to enjoy the best of entertainment!
Arts enthusiasts in Montreal can immerse themselves in the play 'The 39 Steps', an engrossing adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's universe, blending mystery, action, satire, and humor. Meanwhile, Laval's entertainment scene is thriving with the Musical Zones event, featuring an array of artists from Valence to Marie-Mai, in addition to movies-and-tv screenings, and music festivals. This summer, Montreal and Laval offer a vibrant entertainment landscape for everyone, spanning from music to movies, theatre, and the arts.
