Everything you need to know about Montréal’s Formula 1 2026 Grand Prix
Leisure activities Gastronomy Sports Parc Jean-Drapeau Bars and nightclubs 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 a sprint-format weekend: Friday features the first practice session and the Sprint Qualifying session, Saturday brings the F1 Sprint Race followed by full Qualifying, and Sunday is race day.
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.
What should I bring to the Formula 1?
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.
Official on-site activities at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
CGV Experience at Jean-Doré Beach : the ultimate fusion of racing and live music
New for 2026, the CGV Experience is an immersive, festival-style event that brings Formula 1 action and Canadian music talent together at Jean-Doré Beach, Parc Jean-Drapeau, right in the heart of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
Your CGV Experience ticket gives you full access to both the general admission areas of the Grand Prix and an exclusive floating platform on the beach. By day, watch the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix live on giant screens from a relaxed, waterside setting. By night, see top Canadian artists perform on stage as the venue transforms into an open-air music festival. Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The evening lineup features some of Canada’s biggest names for three nights of all-Canadian concerts:
- Friday, May 22: Simple Plan with Matt Lang
- Saturday, May 23: Bryan Adams with Dean Brody
- Sunday, May 24: Alessia Cara with The Beaches
Your CGV Experience ticket includes:
- Daytime access to the race site and exclusive floating platform
- Giant screens streaming live F1 sessions
- Concerts every evening of Grand Prix weekend
- Shaded lounges, food and drink concessions, limited seating, and premium restrooms
Tickets are available now at gpcanada.ca
- Friday: CA $250
- Saturday & Sunday: CA $350 each (plus taxes)
Rain or shine, the entertainment continues.
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.
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
Located behind Grandstand 15 in the Orange Zone, the F1 ACADEMY paddocks offer a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the rising stars of open‑wheel racing. Watch the teams at work as they prepare their cars, fine‑tune setups in the garages, and get ready for on‑track battles, while drivers and support crews move through their daily routines—sometimes with scheduled autograph sessions for fans. New for 2026, F1 ACADEMY™ introduces a three‑race weekend format in Montréal, adding an opening race to the reverse‑grid race and the feature race for even more action throughout the Grand Prix weekend. The opening race grid will be determined by each driver’s second‑best qualifying time, adding a strategic element to the single qualifying session, with full championship points awarded for both drivers and teams.
Grid Show
Before the lights go out on Sunday, May 24, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve's starting grid transforms into a full-scale performance stage. This year's pre-race show is directed by Québec polymath Gregory Charles, with a lineup that leans heavily Canadian: country rising star Matt Lang, vocal powerhouse Kim Richardson, impressionist extraordinaire Véronic DiCaire, and Montréal hip-hop artist Boogat. It's the kind of send-off that reminds you the Grand Prix is as much a cultural event as a sporting one.
Grand Prix parties and nightlife across Montréal
Montreal Race Week at Grand Quai du Port de Montréal
This Is House, the Montreal-based non-profit behind some of the city's best electronic music events, takes over the Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal for a four-night outdoor festival running May 21 to 24. The lineup moves through the gears nightly: BLOND:ISH opens things Thursday, followed by Matroda on Friday, UK house heavyweight MK on Saturday, and a Devault & Fallon b2b takeover with Croissound closing out Sunday. Each night also features a supporting cast of local and international acts. Tickets start around $17 for Sunday and go up to $58 depending on the night, with a four-day pass available for those who want to commit to the full run.
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.
Mascarade at the Marriott Château Champlain
The Marriott Château Champlain runs Grand Prix programming across its entire footprint from May 21 to 23, with a racing simulator, official F1 boutique, and lobster-forward menus at Terrasse Belvu and restaurant Lloyd setting the tone for the weekend. The main event comes Saturday night, when the hotel's legendary Caf'Conc' hosts Mascarade in collaboration with TRIADE Spectacles: a masked ball, immersive lighting and décor by Celsius, oyster stations, a Kaviari caviar bar, Ayala champagne, and DJ Champion headlining a 90-minute set that carries the room well past midnight. Guests are asked to arrive in a demi-masque. Doors and red carpet at 19:30. General admission from $400; private loges for up to 10 available.
Circuit FLY1 at Flyjin
From May 20 to 24, Flyjin in Old Montréal becomes Circuit FLY1, delivering an exclusive dinner-to-late-night party experience. 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 Montreal
The Centre Eaton de Montréal invites you to shift gears—literally, from May 20 to May 24. 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.
The Egyptian Oasis at Bar George
Grand Prix meets gladiator-level glamour: Le Mount Stephen Hotel’s Bar George trades its French Riviera aesthetic for something even more decadent: The Egyptian Oasis. Set inside the historic Mount Stephen Hotel, this celebration channels ancient opulence with modern flair. The soundtrack? A stacked lineup featuring JPFEIFFER, The Neighbors, Ange Palmer, Mona Soul, Pat Boogie,, 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 massive nights of race-fuelled revelry, starting with Nico de Andrea b2b Maxi Meraki, Kaytranada (dj set) and Pauza on Friday. Saturday brings a high-octane lineup with MAESIC, James Hype and Dansyn, while Sunday’s official post-race afterparty goes full throttle with Timmy Trumpet & Twinsick.
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. This year, fans can look forward to an electrifying face-off between Jean Pascal and Francis Lafrenière on Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m. It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
Peel Street
During Grand Prix weekend, Peel Street turns 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.
Spice Circuit at India Rosa
From May 21 to 24, all three India Rosa locations (Plateau, Griffintown, and DIX30) are running the Spice Circuit, a premium sharing experience built for two at $180 per person. The spread includes a bottle of Pol Roger champagne on arrival, a half-dozen Indian-spiced oysters, and a surf-and-turf premium board featuring Quebec lamb, octopus, lobster, and shrimp, rounded out with naan, rice, and a choice of cardamom crème brûlée or chai tiramisu. The regular menu stays available all weekend for those not committing to the full experience. Griffintown gets the most animated treatment, with DJ programming running Thursday through Sunday and valet service Thursday to Saturday.
Palma Race Week
Griffintown's Palma pulls double duty during Grand Prix weekend—refined New American and Japanese-influenced dining by day, high-octane nightlife destination by night. The restaurant kicks things off early on Wednesday, May 20 with an intimate IHANA Wine Experience featuring Cadillac F1 driver Valtteri Bottas: a ticketed tasting of his personal wine project, with only 5,000 bottles produced worldwide, paired with canapés and a Q&A session.
The party programming runs Thursday through Sunday, with DJ Tifi (brother of former F1 driver Nicholas Latifi) on Thursday night, then DJ Purple from Miami (DJ at Bad Bunny's Miami restaurant, Gekko) on Friday. Sunday wraps with a brunch affair from 4 p.m.—race broadcast live on six screens, DJs from three cities, and a film screening to close out the weekend.
Things to do during Formula 1 weekend beyond the race
Concours Royalmount
Royalmount's second annual car showcase runs May 14 to 24, with a curated display of 20 supercars and hypercars on the floor throughout the week. Visitors can vote for their favourite via the Royalmount app for a chance at daily prizes. Supporting activations include a Tudor F1 simulator parked outside the Tudor boutique (May 14–18), a live mural by artist Jean-René Douville Tessier inspired by automotive design (May 16–18, noon to 5 p.m.), a junior circuit for kids 8 and under with miniature electric cars on scaled-down F1-inspired tracks (May 16–18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and a Cars + Coffee gathering on May 23 from 9 a.m. to noon bringing together collectors, photographers, and enthusiasts around classics and performance cars. Everything except the simulator and app prizes is free.
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.
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.
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.