Quebec City successfully pulled off an extensive milestone birthday bash last year in time for their 400th anniversary. But good news — bonnes nouvelles: the celebration continues. Here are some Quebec City summer 2009 festivals and special events.
Robert Lepage’s Image Mill Returns while Bodies Exhibition Debuts
The Image Mill, created by the visionary Robert Lepage and the artistic team of his Ex Machina production company, is the breathtaking larger-than-life multimedia homage to Lepage’s Quebec hometown first presented for the city’s 400th anniversary bash in 2008. It returns for a new summer season outdoors at the Louise Marina. The work is projected onto the 600-foot-long concrete “screen” of the abandoned Bunge grain elevators. Don’t miss it. Just follow the crowd to the Old Port of Quebec and enjoy the show.
- The Image Mill views July 3 to Sept. 13 from Wednesday to Sunday.
- From July 19 to Aug. 2 the show is presented nightly.
- The projection lasts about 40 minutes.
- Admission is free.
- Time schedule: July at 10 p.m., August at 9:30 p.m., September at 9 p.m.
The Edwin Bélanger Bandstand Outdoor Summer Concerts presents three dozen free jazz, blues, world beat, and local Quebec vocalist concerts along historical Plains of Abraham all summer long.
- Held Thursday to Sunday June 20 to Aug. 16.
- Show time is 8 p.m.
- Call 418-648-4050.
- The bandstand is at Wolfe-Montcalm Avenue, opposite the Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec. Parking costs $6 (or take a 20-minute stroll west from the trendy Grande Allée restaurant district).
The worldwide phenomenon Bodies: The Exhibition makes its way to Quebec City at Espace 400e in the Old Port.
- Now through Sept. 30.
- Tickets cost $19.95 for adults weekdays; $23.95 weekends.
- Call Ticketpro Canada at 1-866-908-9090.
Kiss, Sting, Sean Paul, Brian Setzer, and Placido Domingo Headline the Summer Festival
The Quebec City Summer Festival — Festival d’été de Quebec — an annual bash since 1967, offers music, arts, and fun in the summertime. Kiss, Sting, Sean Paul, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, K-OS, Ice Cube, Bruno Pelletier, Styx, Patrick Watson, Placido Domingo, Buckwheat Zydaco and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs all make an appearance. How’s that for fantastic summer music fest?
The three main outdoors stages are at the Plains of Abraham, Parc de la Francophonie near Parliament, and Place d’Youville near the wall. Indoor venues include the Grand Theatre de Quebec, St. Roch’s Imperial Theatre, and area bars and clubs.
- The 42nd edition runs July 9 to 19.
- Call 418-523-4540 or 1-888-992-5200.
Cirque du Soleil’s new show Ovo, which pays circus tribute to the backyard world of bugs, insects, and creepy crawlies, continues its debut season after its initial Montreal blue and yellow big top run with dates in Quebec City. It’s Cirque du Soleil’s milestone 25th show in 25 years.
- Quebec City dates: July 30 to Aug. 23.
- Tickets range from $55 to $120.
New France Festival and Fireworks Festival Fun
The city celebrates colorful costumes, Old World customs, and pure Quebec camaraderie during the New France Festival — Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France — a five-day mid-summer bash held on the streets of Old Quebec and the Old Port. This New France fashion show attracts about 30,000 costumed participants every year. Activities include military parades and the Meeting of the Giants, a parade of giant effigies in the style of European street fairs.
- The New France Festival runs Aug. 5 to 9
Plein Art presents the wares of 100+ artists who sell their unique one-of-a kind jewelry, glass, ceramics, and wood crafts.
- Plein Art runs Aug. 5 to 16 .
- At a new venue this year, Espace 400e near the Old Port Market.
- Free admission.
- Call 418-694-0260.
The Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands — Festival International de Musiques Militaires de Quebec — colorfully celebrates and historically salutes the art and music of the military band. The festival hosts dozens of ensembles from Quebec, Canada, and around the world. The centerpiece free parade takes place Saturday Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. along Grande Allée near the Loews Concorde Hotel, past the St. Louis Gate, along St. Louis Street to Chateau Frontenac and then on to City Hall. The Quebec City Military Tattoo features more than 800 musicians at a ticketed event at the Pepsi Colisée.
- Aug. 25 to 30.
- Call 418-694-5757 or 1-888-693-5757.
Montmorency Falls becomes the dramatic backdrop for the International Fireworks Competition, which celebrates its 15th edition this year. Showtime is at 9:30 p.m. Arrive an hour early. General admission costs $12.
The 2009 Quebec City Fireworks Schedule:
- Saturday, July 25 — England
- Wednesday, July 29 — South Africa
- Saturday, Aug. 1 — Italy
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 — Spain
- Saturday, Aug. 8 — Canada
- Wednesday, Aug. 12— Loto-Quebec Grand Finale
Steven Howell - I have been a freelance writer for 14 years as a weekly contributor to the Plattsburgh Press-Republican. I have written more than 1,200 ...
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