Haïti en Folie is the major festival celebrating Haitian culture in Montreal. Every summer, at Parc La Fontaine and in Plateau-Mont-Royal, it brings the city to life with the music, dance, gastronomy, and cinema of Haiti. The 20th edition took place from July 23 to 27, 2026. The dates for the next edition are yet to be confirmed: here’s everything you need to know to enjoy it, with a look back at the anniversary edition.
Haïti en Folie: A Unique Festival
The Haïti en Folie Festival is the largest multidisciplinary festival entirely dedicated to Haitian culture outside of Haiti. It is organized by the Fondation Fabienne Colas, named after its founder, who created the event to showcase the richness and diversity of Haitian culture to the public in Quebec and Canada.
Over the years, the festival has become a gathering place for the Haitian community and all curious Montrealers. People come with family, friends, or alone, for the joy of discovery and sharing. It’s also a great opportunity to meet artists, artisans, and chefs in a festive atmosphere.
Dates for the Next Edition
The dates for the 2027 edition have not yet been announced. Traditionally, the festival takes place in July; in 2026, it ran from Thursday, July 23 to Monday, July 27. To find out the official dates as soon as they are announced, check the official festival website and its social media.
A Look Back at the 20th Edition (2026)
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Haïti en Folie brought together over 200 artists in several locations: Parc La Fontaine, Quartier des spectacles, Jardins Gamelin, and Parc des Compagnons. The format was hybrid, with both in-person and online activities.
Highlights of the anniversary edition included:
- Boukman Eksperyans, the legendary Haitian roots music group, with a free concert on Saturday;
- BélO, singer-songwriter and guitarist, on Sunday;
- Rebecca Jean, Modeline Raymond, Wesli, Jessie Simmons, and other voices from the Haitian and Quebec scenes;
- DJs, including DJ Cliff and DJ Nalee.
The festival also paid tribute to the Grenadiers, Haiti’s national soccer team, qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Programming: Music, Arts, Cinema, and Literature
Haïti en Folie’s programming is divided into several sections:
- Music: outdoor concerts, Haitian music in all its forms, from percussion to DJ sets;
- Visual Arts: Haitian painting, sculpture, and crafts;
- Cinema: film screenings and premieres;
- Performing Arts: theater, dance, and performances;
- Literature and Meetings: workshops, conferences, and panels on culture and the diaspora.
In short, whether you love music, films, or discussions, there’s plenty to discover during five days of entertainment.
The Rara Parade, a Highlight
The Rara Parade is one of the festival’s highlights. Inspired by the Haitian rara tradition, a procession music played with percussion and wind instruments, it winds through the streets of Plateau-Mont-Royal. In 2026, for its 10th edition, the parade took place on Saturday, July 25 with groups like Rara Jazz, Rara Pa Nou, and Ayiti Makaya. A colorful spectacle to see at least once.
The Gastronomic Fair: The Flavors of Haiti
Another star is the cuisine. The SAQ Haïti en Folie Culinary Fair sets up Haitian food stalls at Parc La Fontaine over the weekend, accompanied by an artisan market. It’s an opportunity to taste the country’s flavors, known for their spices and generosity. Menus vary from year to year; plan to bring some money to eat on-site.
Practical Information
- Dates: 2027 edition to be confirmed (2026: July 23 to 27).
- Main Location: Parc La Fontaine, in Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal, as well as other sites like Jardins Gamelin.
- Price: outdoor shows and many activities are free; food is paid.
- Programming and Schedule: on the official website.
- Getting There: public transport and biking are the easiest options, as parking is limited around the park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Haïti en Folie
When will the Haïti en Folie Festival take place?
The 2026 edition was held from July 23 to 27, 2026. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced; keep an eye on the official website.
Is Haïti en Folie free?
Yes, largely. Outdoor shows at Parc La Fontaine and many activities are free. Meals at the culinary fair are paid.
Where does the festival take place?
Mainly at Parc La Fontaine, in Plateau-Mont-Royal. Some activities also take place at Jardins Gamelin and in Quartier des spectacles.
Who organizes Haïti en Folie?
The Fondation Fabienne Colas, which also organizes other cultural festivals. The 2026 edition was presented by Groupe Banque TD.
Is it a family-friendly event?
Yes. The festival emphasizes family participation, and the outdoor shows, parade, and fair are suitable for children.
Also Discover in Montreal
Check out the Haïti en Folie page and the Journée du livre haïtien page. Love summer festivals? Read our article on the Festival Quartiers Danses.
