Everything you need to know about Montréal’s Formula 1 2026 Grand Prix
Parc Jean-Drapeau Summer Festivals and events
The 2026 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada returns to Montréal from May 22 to 24, transforming the city into the centre of the racing world for three days. While the world's best drivers take on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Parc Jean-Drapeau, the energy spills far beyond the track—parties, events, and celebrations that turn the entire city into one extended weekend.
What is the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montréal?
The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix is Montréal’s largest annual sporting event, hosted at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Parc Jean-Drapeau. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the race transforms the city into a three-day celebration of motorsport, nightlife, and festival culture.
The Montréal Formula 1 Grand Prix 2026 returns with on-track action, off-track parties, and city-wide programming that stretches well beyond race day.
When is the 2026 Montréal Grand Prix?
The 2026 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix runs from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, with practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the main race on Sunday.
Where is the race held?
The race takes place at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, a 4,361-metre semi-permanent track located on Île Notre-Dame in Parc Jean-Drapeau. First used for Formula 1 in 1978, the circuit is known for its long straights, heavy braking zones, and the infamous Wall of Champions.
Access is primarily via metro (Jean-Drapeau station), cycling paths, and pedestrian bridges.
Official on-site activities at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
The racing festivities begin on Friday, May 22 when the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve’s track covering 4,361 metres opens at 8:00 a.m. for all kinds of practice sessions and various races throughout the day and end by or before 6 p.m.—usually with the biggest race of the day, be it qualifying races or the final Grand Prix.
First-timers take note: Bring snacks, sunscreen and water if you’re watching the races from the track—coolers and backpacks are permitted as well if they meet size restrictions—and a folding chair can come in handy in the general admission area. Don’t forget that the cars can be very loud, so consider bringing earplugs as well, especially for the kids.
Where to watch the race
On-site viewing options
- Grandstands around the circuit
- General admission zones with open sightlines
- Hospitality suites with food, drinks, and premium views
Off-track viewing and fan zones
Fanzone F1
Nothing gets racings fans closer to the action than the official experiences offered by the Grand Prix. Smack in the middle of the island behind Grandstand 34 in the Yellow Zone, the Fanzone F1 is where cutting-edge tech meets pure racing hype. Presented by F1 and its partners, this sprawling area is packed with interactive experiences—from racing simulators and a pit-stop challenge to a 4D cinematic thrill ride. Snap a virtual selfie with a driver, step into a virtual pit tour, or scope out the F1 Net Zero 2030 car. There’s a DJ podium, the official FIA Championship Trophy, and even a giant augmented reality helmet if you’re looking for that perfect Instagram moment.
F1 ACADEMY Paddocks
Found behind Grandstand 15 in the Orange Zone, the F1 ACADEMY paddocks offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the rising stars of Formula racing. Watch the teams in action as they prep their cars, fine-tune setups in the garages, and get ready for their on-track showdowns. You’ll also catch glimpses of drivers and support crews moving through their routines—and if you’re lucky, maybe even snag an autograph during scheduled signing sessions.
Heineken Terrace
Set behind the Casino in the Red Zone, the Heineken Terrace is a waterfront oasis in the middle of the Grand Prix madness. By day, it’s a shaded chill-out zone with bistro and lounge seating—perfect for grabbing a drink, catching your breath, and following the race on a giant screen without missing a beat. As the sun goes down, the energy flips: The terrace transforms into a party spot with live performances on the Heineken Stage and end-of-day entertainment that keeps the vibes going long after the engines cool.
Family Zone
Just behind Grandstand 33 in the Red Zone, the Family Zone is where race-day energy meets kid-friendly fun. Designed to keep all ages entertained between on-track moments, this area features games and activities for both kids and grown-ups, plus food concessions with something for every palate (yes, even picky eaters). This is the more relaxed, all-ages Grand Prix experience for those chasing shade, snacks, or a spot to let the little ones burn off some steam.
from May 22 to 24, the F1 Championship transforms the city into the centre of the racing world for three days
Park Zone
Located in the Yellow Zone and accessible via the Parc footbridge, the Park is the Grand Prix’s playground of adrenaline and innovation. Presented by Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix partners, this high-energy area offers everything from VR laps on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit to reflex-testing challenges like the “Fast Hands” machine and simulated race starts. Feel the G-force on an F1 steering wheel, browse official F1 and CGV boutiques for merch, or refuel with a wide selection of food options.
Beach Zone
Behind the Senna Stand in the Pink Zone, right at the edge of the pool, the Beach Zone brings full summer vibes to race weekend. With sand underfoot, shaded lounge areas, and a giant screen streaming the action, it’s the ideal spot to take a breather without missing a lap. Grab a bite from the varied food vendors as you browse official CGV stores and maybe catch a DJ set as the day winds down.
Porsche Carrera Paddocks
Found behind Grandstand 15 in the Orange Zone, the Porsche Carrera Paddocks offer fans an all-access pass to the inner workings of one of the Grand Prix’s most exciting support series. Open to all spectators, this area lets you walk right up to the garages to see the teams in action—tuning engines, prepping cars, and coordinating with drivers and pit crews. It’s a rare chance to witness the precision and pressure of race-day prep up close, and to catch a glimpse of the sleek Porsche Carrera machines before they hit the track.
CGV Experience at Jean-Doré Beach
New for 2026, the CGV Experience brings music and racing together in one ticket. Set up at Jean-Doré Beach in Parc Jean-Drapeau, this festival-style add-on runs all three days of Grand Prix weekend with a jumbo screen streaming live track action by day and full-scale concerts by night. The lineup is stacked with Canadian heavyweights: Simple Plan kicks things off Friday with Matt Lang opening, Bryan Adams takes Saturday with Dean Brody in support, and Sunday closes with Alessia Cara and The Beaches.
Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., the space includes shaded lounges, limited seating, food concessions, and premium washroom facilities—basically, a more relaxed way to follow the races without being glued to the grandstands. Entertainment fills the gaps between on-track sessions, and the whole setup leans into that festival vibe: engines by day, live music by night.
Tickets are on sale via gpcanada.ca. Prices are $250 for Friday, $350 for Saturday and Sunday (plus taxes). Rain or shine, the shows go on.
Grand Prix parties and nightlife across Montréal
Old Montréal, dressed to the nines
Old Montréal goes all in for Grand Prix weekend, transforming its cobblestone streets into a high-octane catwalk of race-themed décor, luxe cars, and packed patios. From boutiques to brasseries, nearly every corner of the neighbourhood gets swept up in the festivities. Best move? Stroll through during the day and follow the sound of the crowd—you’re bound to find something worth lingering for.
Official Grand Prix Parties at Le Richmond
Le Richmond staging a full-blown series of immersive experiences, each more decadent than the last. Things kick off with CARROUSEL, a theatrical night of fashion, music, and bold elegance where art and nightlife collide.
Friday brings Le Carnival Interdit, a one-night-only affair packed with circus-style performances, DJs, and high-voltage energy. Then the legendary Tapis Rouge returns with local star DJ Yo-C and the genre-spanning DJ Majess fuelling a night of celebrity sightings, champagne, and non-stop dancing.
Prime pitstops at Le Pois Penché
Few places downtown match the Grand Prix energy like the terrasse at Le Pois Penché. It’s a front-row seat to a nonstop parade of exotic cars and well-heeled pedestrians, paired with some of the best people-watching in the city. The menu? Classic French with a Montreal twist—think steak frites, seafood towers, tartare, and ribeye for two, all made for sharing over champagne or whisky. Reservations strongly advised.
Ritz Royale at the Ritz-Carlton
The The Ritz-Carlton Montréal once again plays host to one of Grand Prix weekend’s most elegant affairs: Ritz Royale. Set in the iconic Golden Square Mile hotel, this year’s soirée leans all the way into luxury—with Laurent-Perrier Champagne flowing, fashion moments curated by Holt Renfrew, and a guest list dressed to impress. The vibe? Grand, intimate, and electric. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation, which is working to transform mental health care across Canada. Capacity has been reduced this year to elevate the experience, so if you’re planning to attend, don’t wait.
Circuit FLY1 at Flyjin
Flyjin shifts into overdrive as it becomes the Canadian home of House of 10 for Circuit FLY1—a nightlife series that’s made stops in Dubai, Ibiza, and Mykonos before landing in Old Montréal. This immersive event blends global party energy with Flyjin’s signature underground vibe and walls adorned by local artists like Stikki Peaches and Kevin Ledo. Expect late nights, deep house, and high style in a venue that’s more experience than supper club.
Centre Eaton
The pit stop at Centre Eaton de Montréal
The Centre Eaton de Montréal invites you to shift gears—literally. Located on the Sainte-Catherine level in front of Sephora, this downtown pit stop offers a full-throttle lineup of free activities perfect for racing fans, families, and the Grand Prix curious. Test your reflexes on ultra-realistic F1 racing simulators, try your hand at the Pit Stop Challenge to see how fast you can swap tires, or take on the DIGI-SPORTS digital wall by Decathlon, where speed, memory, and coordination all come into play. Between rounds, grab a pic at the B2 photobooth or check out the Centre Playbox zone for interactive games and a claw machine packed with prizes.
Raceweek at Bord’Elle
If Gatsby threw an F1 party, it might look like this. Bord’Elle rolls out a three-night stretch of burlesque-fuelled raceweek revelry. Thursday kicks off with CRUSY behind the decks, followed by Miami’s DJ VICE heating things up Friday. Saturday closes with a back-to-back set from Marcel Wynn and Zack Cola. Expect aerial performances, champagne towers, and a crowd dressed to impress in this 1920s-inspired den of glamour and excess.
Rack Week at La Voûte
La Voûte transforms its historic bank vault into a four-night cabaret of high-octane nightlife. The lineup? Explosive sets from Joezi, DJ Aik, Nicolas Monier, Messina, and Jim Leblanc—all soundtracking a weekend of late-night dancing, bottle service, and underground glamour.
The Roman Empire at Bar George
Grand Prix meets gladiator-level glamour: Le Mount Stephen Hotel’s Bar George trades its French Riviera aesthetic from 2024 for something even more decadent: The Roman Empire. Set inside the historic Mount Stephen Hotel, this four-night celebration channels ancient opulence with modern flair—think lush feasts, flowing drinks, and commanding DJ sets in a bar fit for an emperor. The soundtrack? A stacked lineup featuring Aik (London), The Neighbors, Johan Pfeiffer (Miami), Jojo & Toddy Flores, Ange Palmer (Cannes), and more. Expect a different vibe each night, but always with the same lavish energy.
New City Gas
Race-Themed Events at New City Gas
For sheer scale and star power, New City Gas remains untouchable during Grand Prix weekend. The Griffintown mega-venue hosts four massive nights of race-fuelled revelry, starting with G-Eazy, Murda Beatz, and Toddy Flores on Friday. Saturday brings a high-octane lineup with Don Diablo, Surf Mesa, and Stef Agostino, while Sunday’s official post-race afterparty goes full throttle with Claptone, Walker & Royce, and Paskal Daze behind the decks.
Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival
Among all the streets to flock to during the Formula 1 weekend in Montréal, Crescent Street and its Grand Prix Festival is among the most popular destinations. Dating back to 1999, the event has been the site of driver appearances, autograph sessions, and DJs playing music as terrasses fill to the brim with excited racing fans.
Formule Peel
During Grand Prix weekend, Peel Street’s Formule Peel event turns its street into a bona fide weekend racing party offering its own unique blend of more than a dozen restaurants opening their terrasses up for drinks and bites all weekend. All kinds of activations and car demos join the party as well.
Sushi and Soundtracks at Ryu
At both its Peel and Griffintown locations, Ryu is serving sushi with style throughout Grand Prix weekend. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant blends refined Japanese cuisine with a festive terrace vibe. DJs spin from Thursday to Sunday, with cocktails and crowd-pleasers rolling out late.
Race Week at Dorsia and Bowie
The elevated dining room of Dorsia goes full throttle, transforming from elegant dining room to nocturnal lounge with DJs Thomas H, Hoomance, Megan Fernandez, and more. Expect meticulous cocktails, an elevated crowd, and high-energy programming that runs late. Get seated for dinner or get dancing past midnight at this Notre-Dame destination.
Downstairs from Dorsia, Bowie delivers four nights of race-fuelled nightlife in a sleek supper club setting. With a rotating lineup of DJs—MILØ, Ghostie, Kali, and Hilal—this is where the champagne flows and the dance floor stays full until 3 a.m. Offering valet service, it’s the perfect launchpad (or landing spot) for Grand Prix after-dark adventures.
The Grand Prix Experience at Mama C
Mama C invites diners to celebrate Grand Prix weekend with bold, modern Greek cuisine and a refined setting in the heart of Old Montréal: The prix fixe menu takes centre stage, while both à la carte and tasting options are available. A four-course tasting menu highlights the best of land, sea, and flame—think whole lobster or tomahawk steak, smoky grilled octopus, and taramasalata served with warm pita and crudités.
Grand Prix Week at Alexandre et fils
Alexandre et fils brings its signature Parisian café charm to Grand Prix festivities on Peel Street. A longstanding favourite for classic French fare and fine wine, the brasserie invites guests to celebrate the races with an elevated dining experience and a cellar stocked for the occasion. Toast with a Bordeaux or tuck into steak frites at this reliable spot for eating well and watching the energy unfold downtown.
La course aux épices at India Rosa
India Rosa’s La course aux épices offers a three-course tasting menu designed to spice up your Grand Prix weekend. Served evenings only at their Plateau, Griffintown, and DIX30 locations, the menu offers bold, shareable flavours—think grilled lamb chops, malai shrimp, and tandoori vegetables—on a festive platter built for two.
Available in a vegetarian version for $80 or with meat for $90, the regular menu remains available, but for something celebratory and local, this one’s hard to beat.
La Grille Marcus at the Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal’s in-house restaurant Marcus transforms into a luxury pit lane for Grand Prix week, with La Grille Marcus as the weekend’s starting line. Expect a full-throttle mix of gastronomy, glam, and high-energy programming across every floor—from a McLaren parked in the lobby to beauty rituals and champagne hours at the Guerlain Spa.
The action begins with Starting Line dinners at Marcus—seafood platters, live music, and an electric vibe—while the Pole Position Brunch serves up caviar, bagel towers, and Moët & Chandon. By night, the Marcus Lounge turns into a sleek paddock-style party with racing-inspired cocktails and DJ sets for a scene that goes well past the checkered flag.
Things to do during Formula 1 weekend beyond the race
Piknic Électronik at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Every Sunday, Piknic Électronik turns Parc Jean-Drapeau into an open-air dance floor with skyline views and electronic music that ranges from accessible to adventurous. It's a staple of Montreal summer—low-key, unpretentious, and full of people who just want to be outside with good sound. If you're sticking around for the Sunday after the Grand Prix, this is a natural landing spot: same island, different vibe. Bring a blanket, grab a drink, and let the weekend wind down properly. Cancelled if it rains. Free for kids 12 and under.
On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story at McCord Stewart Museum
If you need a break from the noise, the McCord Stewart Museum is running "On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story", a deep dive into how eating out has shaped the city's identity since the 1960s. The exhibition traces Montreal's restaurant evolution from delis to fine dining, exploring the social, cultural, and economic forces that turned certain spots into landmarks and others into footnotes.
CF Montréal at Stade Saputo
If you're on the island for Grand Prix weekend and want to catch another kind of speed, CF Montréal's MLS season runs through early October, with home games at Stade Saputo in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. The stadium's intimate, the energy's electric, and it's an easy metro ride from downtown on the Green Line to Viau. Die-hard soccer fans and those just looking for something to do on a warm afternoon should catch a match here; it’s a solid way to see another side of Montreal's sports culture.
Jardins Gamelin
Jardins Gamelin transforms Place Émilie-Gamelin into an urban oasis packed with free programming, outdoor performances, and a laid-back bar scene. Located right at Berri-UQAM, it's an easy stop whether you're grabbing lunch between races, killing time before a show, or just looking for a spot to drink outside without the Grand Prix hullabaloo. Expect live music, art installations, food vendors, and a crowd that skews local.
Les Tam-tams du mont Royal
Want to chill out on Sunday and break off from the Grand Prix celebrations during the early afternoon? The Tam-tams in Montréal has a vibrant, weekly summer gathering at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument and in Mount Royal Park's surrounding green spaces with drum circles, dancing, and informal markets. It's a popular event where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy music and community.
ASIASIE Market at Time Out Market
Overlapping with Grand Prix weekend, the ASIASIE Market takes over Time Out Market from May 21 to 24, celebrating Asian Heritage Month with over 30 vendors representing Cambodia, China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and beyond. Expect artisan goods, cultural programming, tea workshops, martial arts demos, and a costume parade—all under one roof at the Centre Eaton de Montréal. It's a solid detour if you're downtown, need air conditioning, and want to explore something beyond race weekend's usual offerings.
Quick FAQ: Montréal Formula 1 Grand Prix
When is the Montréal Formula 1 Grand Prix 2026?
The race takes place over three days, beginning on Friday, May 22 and ending on Sunday, May 24, 2026 with the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
How do you get to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve?
The easiest way is by metro to Jean-Drapeau station, followed by walking or shuttle access to the circuit.
What are the best neighbourhoods for Formula 1 parties?
Old Montréal, downtown (Peel and Crescent Streets), and Griffintown host the highest concentration of race-week events.
Is the Grand Prix family-friendly?
Yes. Designated Family Zones and daytime programming make the event accessible for all ages.
JP Karwacki
JP Karwacki is a Montréal-based writer and journalist whose work has appeared in Time Magazine, the Montreal Gazette, National Post, Time Out, NUVO Magazine, and more. Having called the city home for over a decade and a half, he regularly focuses on spreading the good word about the amazing things to eat, drink and do in Montréal. One half raconteur and the other flâneur (with just a dash of boulevardier), when he wasn’t working on the frontlines of the city's restaurants and bars, he spent his time thinking about, reading about and writing about restaurants and bars.