Sure, Québec City has history and charm in spades, but this Canadian locale is also a happening hotspot, with oodles of amazing events all season long. Just a quick 1.5 hour flight from New York City and a 6-hour car ride from Boston, you’ll be strolling the cobblestone streets and taking in the local sights before you can say “Bonjour!”
Want to head north but not sure where to start? Here are the three can’t-miss events in Québec City this summer, plus a few key phrases en français to practice during your trip!
IMAGE: RENAUD PHILLIPE
Dance to the beat at the Québec City Summer Festival
Festival d’été de Québec, which takes place from July 7-17, is Canada’s largest outdoor music event, drawing some 1,000 artists to the city to perform across 10 stages for 11 days. Now in its 49th year, the Summer Festival is an epic party that spills onto the streets, filling the city with amazing energy.
This year’s impressive lineup will feature megastars like Sting, Selena Gomez and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus a slew of others from an array of genres to fill out the bill. There is something here for everyone — from rock and pop to classical and jazz. The novel juxtaposition of a multi-stage concert set against the historic backdrop of Old Québec is not to be missed.
Key Phrase:
C’est ma chanson préférée! / This is my favorite song!
IMAGE: ALEXANDRE GALLIEZ
A night at the circus with Crépuscule
After the sun goes down, the Agora in the Old Port will light up with feats of strength, agility and coordination thanks to circus troupe Flip FabriQue. Watch as acrobats stand on the heads of their fellow performers, juggling six feet in the air, and as aerialists drift and float from suspended silks as if submerged in water.
Set to live music by French Canadian electro pop group Valaire, Crépuscule – Raviver les braises tells the story of the backstreets and alleyways that come alive when the light leaves the sky. (The show’s name translates to “Twilight — Rekindling the embers.”)
This outdoor circus show was a hit last summer and returns again for two full months of performances starting in July and lasting through Labor Day weekend. Even better? It’s completely free.
Key Phrase:
Les acrobaties sont à couper le souffle! / The acrobatics are incredible!