All the coolest people we know are returning from—or planning—a trip to Japan. And they talk about it all the time, maybe even too much. But Japan hasn’t just become trendy overnight; it’s a destination and a culture that has been adored in the global West for, frankly, as long as anyone can remember.
Japanese culture, cuisine, art, and lifestyleare celebrated every year in Montreal (home to scuffed tabi socks on the Plateau’s sidewalks and Japanese tea houses on every street corner) with Japan Week, the ASIEASIE festival, and, in July, the Matsuri Festival. It’s happening this weekend, July 11 and 12, 2026.
Market, Performances, and Japanese Culture at the Matsuri Festival
It’s Montreal’s most community-driven Japanese festival, bringing together the city’s Japanese cultural organizations—it’s “a very Montreal-style festival.”
The festival will open on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with a taiko (Japanese drum) performance, followed by speeches and the traditional opening of a sake barrel (Kagami Biraki). During the two days of the festival, there will also be a demonstration of the traditional Japanese sword, folk songs from the tropical islands of Okinawa, dance and music performances, and Bon Odori performances where festivalgoers will be invited to join in the dance.
The festival is also a huge market for Japanese food and crafts —featuring the famous takoyaki (Osaka-style wheat flour and octopus balls), sake, kimonos, and plenty of culture.
Practical Information
Where? At the Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre of Montreal, located at 8155 Rousselot Street in the Villeray neighborhood, near the Jarry metro station
When?
Saturday, July 11, 2026 / 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 / 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What? Tickets are $4 on the website / $3 in advance on the event’s website here
