Photo “Taste of the Caribbean” Via Old Port of Montreal 

Jacqueline Graif

Arts and Culture Correspondent  

Montréal is a wonderful city full of great food, music, theatre, and cultural events. This summer, the city has so much to offer at an affordable rate for students and city-goers alike. I’m providing you the insider scoop on events to attend this summer and before the end of the semester. Get out this summer and enjoy some local culture! 

Montréal’s Annual Jazz Fest 

June 26 to July 5, 2025 : Montreal hosts a Jazz fest with about 300 concerts every summer; and the line-up for 2025 is a great one. With free shows from notable artists such as Ayra Starr (July 1st at 9:30, TD Stage), Men I Trust (July 2nd at 9:30, TD Stage), and Esperanza Spalding (July 5th at 9:30, TD Stage). Free shows at the TD Stage, Rio Tinto Stage, and Rogers Stage will run all week with some great local, national, and international Jazz artists. Other notable artists playing are Samara Joy (June 28 at 7:00, Maison symphonique) and Jeff Goldblum (June 30 at 7:30, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier), but they require advanced tickets. More artists and information can be found at https://montrealjazzfest.com/en. 

Wilde-in-the-Park 

Usually, Repercussion Theatre’s Shakespeare-in-the-Park takes place in Montreal every summer. However, this year the theatre has decided to do “Wilde in the Park” and perform The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. The tour will take place from July 24th to August 17th in and around the Montreal area. This year, it is a co-production with Persephone Productions and is directed by Adam Capriolo and Rebecca Gibian. You can follow The Importance of Being Earnest show (to be announced on May 6th) on Repercussion’s Instagram @repercussiontheatre. 

Mainline Theatre’s Ars Moriendi 

Ars Moriendi is a play written by Dawson student Alejandra Belén Quintanilla-Ponce that is taking place May 11th and 12th at Mainline Theatre. Set in 1947, the 12 members of the Moriendi family are faced with a challenge upon receiving two different letters. The play follows the unwinding of this mystery, as it covers themes to do with philosophy, morality, and liberty. “It reflects humanity’s hypocrisy and its tragic pattern to repeat our mistakes” says playwright Quintanilla-Ponce. The price is pay-what-you-can for Dawson students, and $7 for other patrons. This is a great play for anyone who feels frustrated with the world and wants a creative outlet for said frustrations. 

Contact Theatre’s Cabaret

Contact Theatre is known for their modern “risqué” musicals, and this May they will be featuring one of the most risqué musicals of all: Cabaret. From May 16th to the 24th, students can see this incredible production for $38 at Studio Hydro-Québec at Monument National. The award-winning theatre, featuring award-winning actors of the Montreal BroadwayWorld award for Best Musical in 2024, will no doubt host a stellar production. More information at https://www.contacttheatre.ca/. 

Food and Culture Festivals 

Montreal’s iconic food festivals return this summer. Starting with “YATAI,” an exciting whirlwind of Japanese culture and food that is taking place from the 5th to the 8th of June. Events are happening at 1825 Hangar, Griffintown, @yataimtl for $4 entry tickets. 

“POCHA” is Montreal’s annual Korean-fest. This year’s event will showcase K-pop performances by Montreal-based groups, along with its first-ever K-pop dance competition. With food vendors, and small local shops, you can immerse yourself into Korean culture from July 24th to July 27th at Bassin Peel in Griffintown. Tickets can be bought at @pochamtl and entry is $4.  

“Taste of the Caribbean” is hosting a Reggae Fest this July 10th to July 13th with completely free entry. With Caribbean rum masterclasses, mouth watering food, and live music, Montrealers can enjoy this humongous cultural fest at the Clock-Tower in the Old Port. You can find more info @ilovetotc on Instagram. 

Dawson Events This Month

Students can visit the “Dawson Mosaic” which is a multimedia exhibit featuring work from other students from all arts programs on campus. The exhibit showcases pieces ranging from painting, to sculpture, and film. The exhibition will take place from May 5th to May 9th in 3A.1, and in Oliver’s on May 12th.  Information can be found @dawson_mosaic on Instagram. 

The “Dawson Film Festival” is taking place on May 16th. Every semester, select cinema and communication students get to feature their films. Awards are handed out to certain student films, and refreshments are available. Entry is $5, and info can be followed @dawsonfilmfestival on Instagram. 

Dawson’s very-own “Multitudes Gala” will take place on May 12th in room 5B.16 from 4-7pm. It features work from graduating students in the Arts and Culture profile of the Arts, Literature, and Communications program. The gala presents a broad range of pieces including film screenings, visual art exhibits, written pieces, and audio works. Refreshments are available for gala-goers.