ItalfestMTL: three can’t-miss activities at the festival to discover Italian culture
Published on July 1, 2026 • Featured Events
From August 7 to 16, 2026, don’t miss the must-see ItalfestMTL, an event featuring a variety of free activities that celebrates Montreal’s rich Italian heritage through music, dance, food, film, and the arts. In a festive and inclusive atmosphere, you can enjoy activities for the whole family and let yourself be swept away by an incredibly lively lineup. Here are three musical suggestions to help you make the most of this unique summer event in Montreal!
ItalfestMTL
A big comeback for Montreal rocker Frank Marino
If you’re eager to rock out to the electrifying sounds of this legendary guitarist, don’t miss his free outdoor concert on August 7, as part of the festival’s opening night. Back on stage after a hiatus for several years, Frank Marino rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of the band Mahogany Rush. Considered one of Quebec’s greatest guitarists, he has been praised worldwide as a virtuoso and is often compared to Jimi Hendrix. Get ready: it’s going to be rocking in the heart of Little Italy on this electric evening!
Exciting DJ sets and the Clock Tower Beach
The big new feature of this year’s ItalfestMTL… a true Italian Ferragosto! Enjoy a unique summer atmosphere in the heart of Montreal’s Old Port during a DJ set at the Clock Tower Beach on Saturday, August 15. Performances by Anthony V (noon to 5 p.m.) and Vito V from 95.9 Virgin Radio Montreal CJFM-FM (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) will have you dancing in a perfect party setting and having fun with friends. In the evening, the lit-up Jacques-Cartier Bridge will make things even more magical, and instagrammable! In collaboration with the Old Port of Montréal Corporation and Virgin Radio 95.9 and presented by Airbnb.
A captivating cabaret to close out the event
On Sunday, August 16, La Strada Dei Sogni (The Road of Dreams) at the Leonardo Da Vinci Centre will bring the festival to a spectacular close by transporting you to Italy in the 1960s and 1970s. Through popular Italian songs, dance and touching stories, you’ll follow the journey of a young dreamer who travels through Naples, Rome, and Milan in search of his deepest aspirations and the encounters that will shape his path. Designed to appeal to all ages, this memorable production celebrates the beauty of Italy and the power of the dreams that accompany us throughout our lives.
💚🤍❤️Make sure to check out the ItalfestMTL 2026 program so you don't miss a thing!
Find out more
You may also like
Regions
Sign up