Place des Festivals Montreal
Montreal's premier outdoor plaza, a dynamic hub for festivals, concerts, and a spectacular interactive fountain.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festivals and fountain shows
Place des Festivals Montreal
Best Time
Festivals and fountain shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Montreal's premier outdoor plaza, a dynamic hub for festivals, concerts, and a spectacular interactive fountain.
"Super hot spot for shows and good times here at the place des festivals. Lots of going on.. many food trucks too!"
🎯 Book Ahead for Shows
For ticketed events, especially during festivals, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Park Smartly
Consider parking at Place des Arts for convenience, but be mindful of traffic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Fountain
Center of the plaza
A dazzling display of 235 jets, perfect for cooling off on warm days or enjoying a light show at night.

Outdoor Concerts & Festivals
Main stage and surrounding areas
Experience the electric energy of free outdoor performances during major events like the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Festive Christmas Market
Throughout the plaza
During winter, the plaza transforms into a cozy Christmas market with food, gifts, and festive decorations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Festival Season Savvy
Parking & Transit Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Montréal l'été c'est vraiment cool dans le coins de la Place des Festivals
🎯 Book Ahead for Shows
For ticketed events, especially during festivals, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Park Smartly
Consider parking at Place des Arts for convenience, but be mindful of traffic.
Coming into to Montreal from Ontario for a concert near Place-des-arts.
Going to Montreal Jazz Festival
💧 Beat the Heat
The interactive fountain is a great way to cool down on hot summer days.
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Explore a variety of food trucks offering sweets and street food during festivals.
Traveling to Place des Arts
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Shows
For ticketed events, especially during festivals, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Park Smartly
Consider parking at Place des Arts for convenience, but be mindful of traffic.
💧 Beat the Heat
The interactive fountain is a great way to cool down on hot summer days.
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Explore a variety of food trucks offering sweets and street food during festivals.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Don't miss the nearby Place desjardins for indoor food courts and a break from the elements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Place des Festivals' vibrant atmosphere, especially during festivals and the Christmas market. The interactive fountain is a major draw, offering fun and refreshment. While parking can be a challenge during peak times, the abundance of free events and food trucks makes it a highly recommended destination for experiencing Montreal's cultural pulse.
"Place des Festivals is such a vibe especially during Christmas. The lights are super pretty, and the Christmas market has a cozy feel with great food and gifts. Perfect spot to hang out, grab a hot drink, and just soak in the festive mood."
Alexa Patel
"Place des Arts... this is our 2nd show at one of there's salon, both times during the Montreal Jazz festival, we saw Kool and the Gang a few years ago, and just this las weekend we saw Dianne Reeves, an American jazz singer that was not bad at all, but this is about the theater, not the show, so... the place it was really nice, all accordingly and we enjoyed a wonderful time, price was "Moderate" was a excellent experience, a recommended place for a one night show"
Osvaldo Henández
"Súper hot spot for shows and good times here at the place des festivals .lots of going on..many food trucks too"
Kiaana Kaat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place des Festivals is easily accessible by public transport. The closest metro stations are Place-des-Arts (Green Line) and Saint-Laurent (Green Line). Driving is an option, with parking available at Place des Arts, though traffic can be heavy during events.
Yes, there is indoor parking at Place des Arts, which is directly connected to the festival area. Other parking options are available in the surrounding downtown area.
Absolutely! The Place-des-Arts metro station is just steps away, making it a convenient way to reach the plaza, especially during busy festival times.
During major festivals, using the metro is highly recommended to avoid traffic congestion. Consider parking further out and taking the train into the city if coming from a distance.
The plaza is generally flat and accessible. Many events held here are designed to be inclusive, but it's always best to check specific event details for any unique accessibility considerations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many events, especially during the Montreal Jazz Festival, are free outdoor performances. However, some concerts and specific shows within the Place des Arts complex require tickets.
Tickets for ticketed events are typically sold through the Place des Arts box office, their official website, or authorized third-party vendors. Check the specific event's promotion for details.
The plaza itself is an open public space and is generally accessible at all times. However, specific event hours will vary. The interactive fountain usually operates during warmer months.
Entry to the Christmas market itself is usually free. However, if there are specific ticketed activities or performances within the market, advance booking might be recommended.
Keep an eye on the official Place des Festivals and Place des Arts websites, as well as social media channels, for announcements on upcoming events and festival schedules.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Place des Festivals hosts a wide array of events, including concerts, festivals (like the Jazz Festival), dance performances, outdoor movie screenings, and seasonal celebrations like the Christmas market.
The interactive fountain is a seasonal feature, typically operational during the warmer months. It's a popular spot for both kids and adults to cool off.
During festivals, numerous food trucks offer a variety of street food and sweets. Nearby Place desjardins also provides indoor food court options.
Generally, for public areas like the plaza, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages is acceptable. However, specific event rules might apply, so it's best to check if you're attending a ticketed performance.
The atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and energetic, with a palpable buzz from live music, crowds, and the general festive spirit of Montreal.
📸 📸 Photography
The interactive fountain, especially when lit up at night, is a prime photo spot. The bustling festival crowds, stage setups, and the surrounding architecture of Place des Arts also offer great shots.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed in the public plaza. However, professional photography or videography may require permits, and specific event venues might have their own restrictions.
For vibrant shots, daytime is great for capturing the fountain's activity and the plaza's energy. Golden hour and nighttime offer stunning opportunities with the fountain's lights and any event illuminations.
Try capturing the fountain from different heights, including from the surrounding elevated walkways or balconies of Place des Arts. Wide-angle shots can encompass the entire plaza and its events.
For night shots of the fountain, a tripod is highly recommended to achieve sharp images. Experiment with longer exposure times to capture the water's movement and the lights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the Christmas market, the festive decorations and the chance to enjoy seasonal treats create a magical experience for kids. While some events might be more adult-oriented, the plaza's open nature and the availability of food trucks make it easy to cater to younger tastes. Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience with children, and always keep an eye on them in crowded areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free shows, the availability of numerous food trucks provides a more economical dining option compared to sit-down restaurants. While ticketed events at Place des Arts will incur costs, simply enjoying the plaza's ambiance, the fountain, and the free performances can be a fulfilling and budget-friendly experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Montreal's Festival Hub
During the summer months, the plaza comes alive with free outdoor concerts, street performers, and a lively atmosphere. The interactive fountain, with its 235 jets, is a major attraction, providing a refreshing escape on hot days and a mesmerizing spectacle when illuminated at night. This makes it a popular spot for families and individuals alike to relax and enjoy the city's cultural offerings.
Beyond summer, Place des Festivals embraces the holiday spirit with its festive Christmas market. This enchanting event features cozy stalls selling artisanal gifts, delicious seasonal treats, and a warm, inviting ambiance, making it a must-visit during the winter months. The plaza's versatility ensures it remains a focal point for Montreal's cultural calendar year-round.
Navigating Events and Crowds
For those driving, the advice from locals is to be prepared for potential traffic delays entering and exiting the downtown core. Parking at the Place des Arts is a convenient option, but it can fill up quickly and may incur significant costs. Some travelers suggest parking further out and utilizing Montreal's efficient public transit system to avoid the downtown congestion.
When considering public transport, the Place-des-Arts metro station is the most direct route. It's well-connected and allows you to bypass road traffic entirely. For those coming from outside the city, parking at a suburban metro station and taking the train in is a viable strategy to ease your journey and enjoy the event stress-free.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit