Every summer, les Jardins Gamelin transform place Émilie-Gamelin, in the heart of downtown Montreal, into an oasis of greenery and culture. Terrace, urban agriculture gardens, games, karaoke, dance, and free shows: it's one of the most lively summer events in the Quartier des spectacles. The 12th season just ended on September 13, 2026.

Les Jardins Gamelin: place Émilie-Gamelin reinvented

Located on place Émilie-Gamelin, right next to the Berri-UQAM metro station, between the Quartier Latin and the Village, les Jardins Gamelin is an initiative by the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles, realized with the support of the Ville-Marie borough and many partners. Since 2015, the project has revitalized place Émilie-Gamelin with free programming and a welcoming layout.

Workers, students, families, and tourists mingle there all summer. Les Jardins Gamelin is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful days, have a picnic, or take a break without leaving the city. The Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ is nearby.

Jardins Gamelin 2026: dates and opening hours

In 2026, les Jardins Gamelin were open from May 28 to September 13. The place welcomed the public every day starting at noon, until:

  • 8 PM on Sundays;
  • 10 PM from Monday to Wednesday;
  • 11 PM from Thursday to Saturday.

Next edition: the 2027 season of les Jardins Gamelin has not yet been announced. Official dates will be published on the Jardins Gamelin and Quartier des spectacles websites.

Free programming all summer at les Jardins Gamelin

The programming at les Jardins Gamelin is free, multidisciplinary, and highlights emerging talent. In 2026, each day of the week had its own theme:

  • Monday: karaoke nights to start the week with music;
  • Tuesday: the new series "Jardins en cabaret," featuring comedy, circus, improvisation, contemporary dance, and street dance;
  • Wednesday: line dancing with SPURS, from 7 PM to 10 PM;
  • Thursday: showcases of electronic music;
  • Saturday: free workshops by Exeko in the afternoon (pottery, crafts, plant dyeing), from 2 PM to 5 PM;
  • Sunday: acoustic performances.

Festivals like Fierté Montréal, Accès Asie, Haïti en folie, and les Francouvertes also join in. For those wondering where to find outdoor shows in Montreal, les Jardins Gamelin is a sure bet, open-air and ticket-free.

Urban agriculture: the gardens of place Émilie-Gamelin

The name les Jardins Gamelin is not just a metaphor: the place features four green spaces. There is a pollinator garden for insects, a food forest with small fruits and herbs, a sensory garden, and an urban greenhouse showcasing urban farming in the heart of downtown. This setup makes the place a living space for pollinating insects and a great way to discover urban agriculture with the family.

Bar, snack bar, and games

In terms of food, the bar and snack bar at les Jardins Gamelin were run in 2026 by Les Survenants, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and children's options. Service opened at 5 PM on weekdays and 2 PM on weekends. On the square, giant games (chess, table tennis) were also available to the public every day, from noon to 8 PM.

Practical information

  • Location: place Émilie-Gamelin, at the corner of Sainte-Catherine Est and Berri streets, Montreal.
  • Metro: Berri-UQAM station, green, orange, and yellow lines.
  • Price: free access and programming.
  • Detailed programming: jardinsgamelin.com.

Frequently asked questions about les Jardins Gamelin

When are les Jardins Gamelin open?

In 2026, from May 28 to September 13, every day from noon. The 2027 dates are yet to be confirmed.

Are les Jardins Gamelin free?

Yes: access and programming are free. Only food and drinks are charged.

Also to discover in Montreal

👉 See the les Jardins Gamelin page on Évasion Québec. Also read our articles on the Festival Quartiers Danses and the Maison Théâtre, both downtown.