Montréal’s MURAL Festival awes this June

Spot Montréal artists and artists from across Canada, the US, and the world as they create storeys-high street art on building facades on pedestrian-only Saint-Laurent Boulevard and among the blocks to the east and west of The Main, from Sherbrooke Street to Mont-Royal Avenue.

Whether you’re familiar with mural artistry or new to the international art form, MURAL Festival will upend your expectations with its incredible artists, each with their own style, from colourful and celebratory to monochrome and momentous. This year, the festival presents both mural artists and installation artists, creating an even more tactile and immersive art experience.

Among the artists who’ll be making live magic this year there’s the Ukraine’s Aec Interesni Kazki, maker of incredibly detailed murals inspired by science, religion and mythology; Montréal’s own Bryan Beyung, whose Chinese-Cambodian heritage inspires photorealistic masterpieces; and other local Kezna Dalz, whose raw, gestural lines and colours explore themes of feminism, anti-racism, pop culture and sexuality. From Buenos Aires, Milu Correch has an incredible ability to bring the surreal to life on a mega-scale, while Goa’s Osheen Siva uses art to envision worlds that transcend prevailing oppressive structures. And that’s not all! The list of artists goes on.

Live music returns to MURAL Festival with dozens of outdoor performances in the heart of the art action. While on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, catch two packed weekends full of concerts on the Peel Bassin Stage, where you’ll be treated to some of the world’s best musical talent. Hang out on the terrace, grab a bite to eat, check out events, and more!

On the first weekend, June 7 to 9, you can dance to Caribbean pop at the Kompa On The Beach night, or celebrate the 10^th anniversary (already!) of the festival’s popular Moonshine Block Party, so hot it’s spread over two nights. On the second weekend, from June 14 to 16, it’s DJ Channel Tres that rules the night on Friday with special guests Major League Djz and more, followed by Miami rap legend Rick Ross on Saturday, and finally House Day to close out the festival on Sunday: a house party in the street that starts at 4 pm and lasts until… late. 

Hear more about the murals and their artists on a street art tour with the experts at Spade & Palacio. Take yourself on your own tour with TourBird - audio walking tours' audio guide “Explore the Plateau’s Maze of Murals.” And whether you’re in Montréal or not, see the locations and artist details of this year’s and past years’ murals on MURAL Festival’s dynamic map, where you can take a virtual tour and learn more about street art and the art of mural-making.

For updates on the location and progress of new murals, along with interviews and information on all festival events and activities, follow MURAL on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.