Formerly known as Festival Mode & Design, the Festival M.A.D. (Fashion, Arts, and Entertainment) is Montreal's major outdoor fashion event. Every year in August, the Place des Festivals, at the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, transforms into a massive showcase for local designers, creators, and artists. Fashion shows, music, dance, and pop-up shops: the event celebrates self-expression, diversity, and creativity, and is free for all festival-goers.
Festival M.A.D.: Dates for the Next Edition
The 26th edition took place from August 20 to 23, 2026 at the Place des Festivals, downtown Montreal. The dates for the 2027 edition have not yet been announced; as the festival returns annually in August, keep an eye on the official Festival M.A.D. website for details.
In 2025, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary. Created by the M.A.D. Collectif and chaired by its founder Jean-François Daviau, it has become a major event, among the largest outdoor fashion festivals in Canada, with a vision to make fashion, this shared passion, accessible to all through free entry.
Fashion Shows, Designers, and Collections
The core of the programming is the fashion shows. The 2026 edition announced a record number of shows and over 110 designers, from emerging talents to renowned houses like Maison Marie Saint-Pierre. Graduates from the École de mode at Cégep Marie-Victorin also present their collections.
The Défile ton Montréal project offers a route that connects fashion, independent shops, and craftsmanship in several neighborhoods of the city, such as Plaza St-Hubert, Verdun, or Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Arts, Music, and Entertainment
The festival is not limited to fashion. Its programming blends visual arts, urban art, music, dance, and performances: an art zone hosts artists in residence, another is dedicated to body art, and shows enliven the stage until the evening. In 2026, notable performances included Jamaz, Lou Phelps, and Naomi, as well as the dance collective Tsumi x Legendz Crew.
Shops, Pop-up Market, and Conferences
The M.A.D. pop-up market brings together local shops and retailers (around 70 in 2026) as well as a vintage zone: an opportunity to discover Canadian creators and leave with a unique piece. For professionals and the curious, the Rencontres series and M.A.D. Pro days offer conferences with personalities and icons from the fashion world. In 2026, the Rencontres took place on August 17 and 18 at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
Practical Information
- Location: Place des Festivals, Quartier des spectacles, downtown Montreal.
- Metro: Place-des-Arts station (green line).
- Price: Free access to the outdoor site; M.A.D. Pro days and some evenings require tickets.
- Programming, schedules, and tickets: on the festival website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Festival M.A.D.
What are the dates for Festival M.A.D.?
The last edition took place from August 20 to 23, 2026. The 2027 dates are yet to be confirmed, but the festival is held every year in August.
Is Festival M.A.D. free?
Yes, access to the outdoor programming is free. Only certain activities, like M.A.D. Pro, require a ticket.
Is Festival M.A.D. Montreal's Fashion Week?
It is the former Festival Mode & Design, a public outdoor festival. It brings together fashion shows, arts, and entertainment for a few days, in a festive atmosphere open to all visitors.
Also Discover in Montreal
Check out the Festival M.A.D. page, then explore other events in the Quartier des spectacles and beyond: the MURAL Festival, the Festival Quartiers Danses, or the Montreal Streetfood Festival.
