Looking for Saint-Jean activities to celebrate the Fête nationale du Québec (Québec’s National Holiday)? Every year, on June 23 and 24, hundreds of celebrations come to life across Quebec: large free concerts, parades, neighborhood parties, bonfires, and fireworks. Here's an overview of the must-attend events for Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Montreal, Quebec City, and near you.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste 2027: Dates and Program
The National Holiday is set for June 24, a public holiday in Quebec. In 2027, it falls on a Thursday, and festivities will begin on the evening of Wednesday, June 23, 2027. The 2027 program (theme, artists, spokesperson) has not yet been announced: it is usually revealed in the spring on the official National Holiday website.
To give you an idea, here's how the 2026 edition unfolded, under the theme "Celebrate What Unites Us," with a tribute to Guy Lafleur on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
Montreal: Parade, Parc Maisonneuve, and Grand Concert
In Montreal, the celebration unfolds in four main events, all free:
- Neighborhood parties: nearly 80 family celebrations on June 23 and 24, all over the island, with shows, entertainment, inflatable games, and sometimes fireworks;
- The parade: on June 24 at 2 p.m., starting from Rachel Street East (corner of Molson), heading towards Parc Maisonneuve;
- Afternoon at Parc Maisonneuve: starting at noon, with food trucks, a children's area, a Quebec wine bistro, and a shaded relaxation zone;
- The Grand Concert: on the evening of June 24 at Parc Maisonneuve. In 2026, about thirty artists from all generations took the stage, including Diane Dufresne, Harmonium, Pierre Lapointe, and Bruno Pelletier, followed by a DJ until midnight.
Quebec City: The Grand Concert on the Plains of Abraham
In the capital, tradition dictates that the celebration begins on the evening of June 23 with the Grand Concert of the National Holiday on the Plains of Abraham. In 2026, the site opened at 6 p.m. and the concert started at 7:30 p.m., featuring Marie-Mai, Claude Dubois, Daniel Boucher, and Alaclair Ensemble. The event is broadcast throughout Quebec on television. Tip: arrive early, as the crowd is large and access to the site may be limited to a single entrance.
Neighborhood Parties and Saint-Jean Bonfires
Almost every municipality organizes its own celebration, thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers. On the agenda: music, family entertainment, patriotic speeches, flag tributes, and often the traditional bonfire at nightfall. To find activities near you, check the national festivities calendar on the National Holiday website.
A Bit of History: From Saint-Jean to the National Holiday
The June 24 celebration has its roots in the summer solstice celebrations, associated with John the Baptist. In Quebec, it took on an identity dimension in 1834, during the first banquet organized by Ludger Duvernay in Montreal. In 1977, the National Assembly made June 24 the National Holiday of Quebec, a public holiday. Today, it is celebrated in a unifying spirit, honoring the French language, Quebec culture, and collective pride.
Practical Information
- Dates: June 23 and 24, 2027 (program to be confirmed).
- Price: the grand concerts, parade, and most neighborhood parties are free.
- Transport: favor the metro, bus, or bike; streets are closed near the sites.
- Details and schedules: fetenationale.gouv.qc.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint-Jean Activities
What to do in Montreal on June 24?
The afternoon parade, Parc Maisonneuve, then the Grand Concert in the evening, not to mention the free neighborhood parties.
What to do for Saint-Jean in Quebec City?
The highlight is the Grand Concert on the evening of June 23 on the Plains of Abraham, followed by neighborhood parties on June 24.
What is the program for the National Holiday in 2027?
It has not yet been announced. The artists and theme are generally revealed in the spring on the official website.
Are Saint-Jean activities free?
Yes, for the most part: the grand concerts in Montreal and Quebec City, the parade, and neighborhood parties are free.
Also Discover
Want to celebrate near you? Check out the National Holiday in Côte-des-Neiges or the National Holiday of Terrebonne. In Quebec City, take the opportunity to visit the Musée des plaines d'Abraham. And for other summer outings in Montreal, discover the Jardins Gamelin.
