Montreal is a melting pot of cultures, languages and styles. Quebec, from the southern border with the United States to the North Shore, is a land of immigration. We all come together in Montreal, a place that has always been Tiohtià:ke (in the Aboriginal language, for the Mohawk nation), an island of meetings and conventions for the territory’s Aboriginal nations.
To celebrate this patchwork of cultures, both native and immigrant, we throw a lot of parties; in Montreal, we like to showcase the gastronomy, culture and art of all Montrealers.
The Festival Trad, in its 33rd year this summer, celebrates the Quebec culture that grew out of the colonization of the territory by French and English Europeans. We’re reminded of the songs of village festivals, with their boisterous fiddles, spoons and storytellers of yesteryear…
The Festival Trad
The Festival Trad’s mission is to transmit and promote the living heritage of Quebec tradition through its “artists, artisans, researchers and tradition bearers”.
Trad culture” is Quebec’s popular culture, spanning generations and communities. It includes music, oral tradition (storytelling), dance, song…
This year’s 33rd edition of the festival will be held from August 29 to 31, 2025 in Montreal.
The program
Over the 3 days of the festival, you’ll be able to listen to lots and lots of popular music – with free outdoor shows and ticketed indoor performances.
The free program in Parc Ahuntsic includes Trad’Orchestre, Gadji-Gadjo and Solamé Fleurent, l’Herbier, Triptik, Shauit and l’Ensemble Trad Jeunesse.
Paid programming includes Germaine, Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, Paruline, Naragonia… as well as dance initiations, jams, an accordion master class and professional encounters.
As part of the festival, there will be a wake inspired by a Saint-Jean Baptiste Day celebration circa 1885 at the MEM (Le Centre des Mémoires Montréalaises). Isabelle Simard-Lapointe will play the jig, and there will be dancing, archival footage and stories from the era.
Where? Centre des Mémoires Montréalaises, 1210 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When? Friday, August 22, 8 p.m.
How to reserve a ticket To reserve a ticket, click here! Tickets are $23/person
Practical info
Where to find us
Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic, 10300 rue Lajeunesse
Parc Ahuntsic, 10555 rue Lajeunesse
Center des Mémoires Montréalaises, 1210 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When? August 29, 30 and 31, 2025 (for the Trad Festival) and August 22 (for the evening at the MEM)
How? Outdoor concerts are free, and for the rest of the festival program… the festival ticket office is here! For the MEM evening, see above!
Festival Trad – unlimited passport $130 (student: $80)/ 1-day ticket $50 (student: $30), free for children 12 and under.
Enjoy the festival!