Summer kicks off with the Les Francos de Montréal: don’t miss this exciting 37th edition!
Music Outdoor Summer Festivals and events
Feel that buzz in the air? Summer is just around the corner, and so is one of Montréal’s most anticipated events: the Francos de Montréal. From June 12 to 20, 2026, the city comes alive for the festival’s 37th edition, transforming the Quartier des spectacles into a sprawling open-air stage celebrating the best of Francophone music. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, expect an unforgettable atmosphere filled with live performances, discoveries, and summer vibes. Best of all? Nearly two-thirds of the shows are free, so there’s every reason to join in on the fun.
An electrifying and nostalgic kick-off
The celebration starts with a bang on June 11 with a special, pre-opening show at the Bell Centre, where French rapper OrelSan will hit the stage and fire up the crown.
Feeling nostalgic? Mark June 14 at 9 p.m. on your calendar. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic album Le Dôme by Jean Leloup, the Rogers Stage will host the free concert, Pour la suite du Dôme. A stellar lineup, including Lou-Adriane Cassidy, Klô Pelgag, Safia Nolin, Les Louanges and more will revisit this legendary album.
And that’s jus the beginning. Other icons light up the festival stage, including:
Les Grands Rendez-vous: where history is made
Some performances stay with you long after the final encore. This year, the Rogers Stage will host unforgettable performances from Ariane Roy at the top of her game, the mesmerizing world of Klô Pelgag, and the unmistakable voice of Disiz, a major force in the French music scene.
The lineup keeps delivering:
- Julien Clerc takes over Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts for a special evening
- The Loto-Québec Stage will come alive with Dead Obies, Ariane Moffatt and a high-energy celebration of 40 years of Groovy Aardvark.
Rapkeb fever returns
On June 18, the energy hits another level with Rapkeb, 10 Years Later. Koriass and Loud will pay tribute on the Rogers Stage to the legendary 2016 show. It’s also the perfect chance to discover rising rap artists like Parazar, Rymz and Guessmi.
Montréal moves to the beat of what’s next
Francos de Montréal is also all about discovering the sound of today. From Gab Bouchard to breakout artist Alphonse Bisaillon (performing at Pub Brasseur de Montréal), plus the genre-blending sounds of Luiza and the dancehall vibes of Bamby, there’s a musical surprise waiting for you on every corner of the Quartier des spectacles.
Festival tips before you go
- When: June 11–20, 2026
- Where: Mainly in Montréal’s Quartier des spectacles
- Good to know: Most outdoor shows are free
And don’t stop when the concerts end:
- Keep the party going at the Francos after-party until 3 a.m.
- Don’t miss the closing event on June 20 at Studio TD featuring Grünt
- Check out the Hors scène photo exhibition at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal construction site to relive the history of local rap.
Check out the complete program on the Francos website.
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.