Every September, the Rendez-vous Gourmands transform the Jardins des Floralies at parc Jean-Drapeau into a grand culinary playground. For four weekends, from September 4 to 27, 2026, chefs, restaurateurs, and breweries set up outdoors on Île Notre-Dame, with the city of Montreal as a backdrop. Barbecue, Asian street food, Bavarian beers: each weekend has its own theme. If you're looking for a rendez vous gourmand in Montreal to end the summer with flavor, there's still the last weekend of the Oktoberfest de Montréal, from September 25 to 27, 2026.
Rendez-vous Gourmands 2026: Four Weekends in September at parc Jean-Drapeau
The 2026 edition spans the entire month of September. Here's the program, weekend by weekend:
- September 4 to 7, 2026: Le Grand Grill, presented by parc Jean-Drapeau;
- September 11 to 13, 2026: Huit-Huit Fest (88), presented by Asiasie;
- September 18 to 20, 2026: Oktoberfest de Montréal, presented by Conviv;
- September 25 to 27, 2026: Oktoberfest de Montréal, second and final weekend.
The concept is simple: access to the site is free, and everyone creates their own tasting itinerary à la carte. It's a celebration of Montreal's culinary diversity in a green setting by the water, where you can stop for a bite or spend the afternoon with friends or family until sunset.
Le Grand Grill: Seven Chefs Around the Fire
The first weekend, Le Grand Grill, set the tone from September 4 to 7. Under the artistic direction of Les Survenants, it showcased BBQ inspired by the traditions of the communities that make up Montreal. On the menu: signature creations from renowned chefs, cooked over the fire, as well as demonstrations and workshops.
The chefs of Le Grand Grill 2026:
- Jonathan Legris (Pavillon 67, Casino de Montréal);
- Martin Juneau;
- Gilles Tolen, for African cuisine;
- Martin Pechuan, with the Patagonia BBQ team and its Argentine influences;
- Paul Toussaint (3 Pierres 1 Feu);
- Jermaine Wallace (Boom J's), with his Jamaican flavors;
- Michel Childe (Burgundy Lion).
For this weekend, the Gourmet Passport ($85, taxes and service included) provided access to a selection of exclusive creations by the chefs. On Sunday, a corn peeling competition and a braiding workshop added a country fair touch to the event.
Les Découvertes Loto-Québec Stage: Workshops and Meetings
On the Les Découvertes Loto-Québec stage, hosted by Jean-Philippe Tastet, the public could attend workshops and demonstrations with guests like Simon Lachapelle, Anna Maria Vinci, Charlotte Maurin, Michel Lim and Michel Nguyen, Karine Beauchamp, Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair, Chef Oli, and Lori Chiaradia. The idea: to highlight the expertise of local artisans and restaurateurs, and to give visitors some recipes and ideas to take home.
Huit-Huit Fest: Asian Street Food and Lantern Release
From September 11 to 13, the Huit-Huit Fest took over, in collaboration with the Asian Night Market and Asiasie. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Jardins des Floralies filled with street food stalls, carnival games, and a lantern release at nightfall. A festive atmosphere reminiscent of Asian night markets, just steps from downtown.
Oktoberfest de Montréal: The Last Weekend, September 25 to 27, 2026
To close the season, the Oktoberfest de Montréal occupies the last two weekends of September. The site takes on the air of a Bavarian beer garden, with an immersive tent, brass bands, and groups on stage. According to the official event site, you can find:
- over 100 beers imported and local, offered by more than 20 breweries (lagers, IPAs, seasonal beers, and special brews);
- about ten restaurateurs inspired by Bavarian classics: schnitzels, currywursts, flammekueches, pretzels, and sauerkraut;
- over 30 shows and activities, including Bavarian music concerts and festive competitions.
The hours announced by parc Jean-Drapeau: Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry is free; food and drinks are paid à la carte, and an experience passport is also offered. Check the official Oktoberfest de Montréal website for details and access conditions.
Practical Information
- Location: Jardins des Floralies, Île Notre-Dame, parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal.
- 2026 Dates: September 4 to 7, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, and 25 to 27.
- Entry: Free; dishes and drinks à la carte.
- Payment: Credit and debit cards only, no cash.
- Note: No outside food or drinks allowed, no glass bottles; only service dogs are admitted.
- Getting There: By metro (Jean-Drapeau station), by bike, on foot, or by river shuttle. By car, parking lots P1, P2, P5, and P10 are nearby.
- Information: 514 872-6120 and the official Rendez-vous Gourmands page.
Our advice: arrive in the late afternoon to avoid the evening crowd, and save room for several tastings rather than one big meal. That's the whole pleasure of the format.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rendez-vous Gourmands
When are the Rendez-vous Gourmands in 2026?
The Rendez-vous Gourmands 2026 take place over four weekends in September 2026: September 4 to 7, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, and 25 to 27, at the Jardins des Floralies in parc Jean-Drapeau.
Is entry free?
Yes. Access to the site is free. You only pay for what you eat and drink, à la carte, or a tasting passport when offered.
What is the next gourmet festival in Montreal?
At the end of September 2026, the next event is the Oktoberfest de Montréal, from September 25 to 27, which closes the Rendez-vous Gourmands. The dates for the 2027 edition have not yet been announced: keep an eye on the parc Jean-Drapeau website.
Can you go with children?
The Jardins des Floralies site is an outdoor space with free access, pleasant for a family outing. For Oktoberfest, check the access conditions on the official site before heading out.
Also to Discover in Montreal
Want to extend the discovery? Check out our page on the Rendez-vous Gourmands and the Jardins des Floralies. For other gourmet outings, read our articles on the Asian Night Market and La Grande Dégustation de Montréal.
