Street photographers—a term that’s half-cool and half-derogatory for some of the world’s best photographers—are holding their festival in Montreal this fall.
We use the terms “street” or “documentary” photography to describe the art of capturing society in real time and on the spot —without people posing, without fixing their hair, and without creating a poetic play of light.
Since it’s also WORLD PRESS PHOTO this fall—an exhibition that honors the world’s best photojournalists and the year’s most important photo stories—we’re hungry for real, candid photos. And we’d rather see the world through the eyes of street photographers than through those of lifestyle-travel influencers, who are frankly unnerving.
The MONTREAL STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL runs from September 4 to 13, 2026.
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OUR ITINERARY FOR THE MONTREAL STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL
Friday, September 4 / OPENING RECEPTION AT THE FOIL GALLERY at 7 p.m.
The MSPF will kick off with an opening reception at the super-cool Galerie FOIL—the exhibition will feature a selection of street photos by photographers from Montreal and around the world. The evening will be hosted by the musical collective Kinetic.
Admission is free, but you must RSVP for the opening here
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Saturday, September 5 / IMMERSIVE SLIDESHOW ROOM FEATURING THE WORKS OF KUBA NOWAK at 12:00 PM
Two series of photos by photographer Kuba Nowak are projected as an analog slideshow, with synchronized sound to enhance the experience.
1. WHITE GHOST HIRAETH
Analog slideshow projection, 20 minutes, with synchronized sound
“On my way back to my homeland, in order to reconnect with it once again, a newly discovered sense of nostalgia for what never existed emerged during my travels to Hong Kong and South Korea. Visiting old friends, wandering here and there, reminiscing about past lives, and letting the echoes of a new one resonate. And so, I find myself reflecting, bathed in the February sunshine.”
2. EH?
Analog slideshow, 20 minutes, synchronized sound
“The Real North”
Was it supposed to be temporary if I couldn’t see anything beyond it?
As my thoughts constantly shuttle back and forth between the two sides of the Atlantic, I’m gradually getting ready for winter.
Will I see this ice cream melt?
What was once an expression of utter exasperation now sparks a reaction.
“Do I have something to say?”
Free admission
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Sunday, September 6 / MEETING WITH GRIZZLY
The brand-new professional photo studio GRIZZLY, which aims to become a community hub for photographers and photography enthusiasts in Montreal, invites anyone interested to come and check it out.
Free admission
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Friday, September 11 / OPENING RECEPTION x EXTRA CHEESE x KINETIC
The WIP, transformed into the FUJIFILM HUB during the festival, is hosting the MSPF’s second exhibition and the launch of a Montreal street photography zine—EXTRA CHEESE.
Free admission
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Saturday, September 12 / PHOTO WALK WITH PHOTOWALK MONTREAL at 10 a.m.
To put the burst of creativity and curiosity that will come from the MSPF exhibitions into practice, we’re taking part in a lovely stroll—cameras in hand. It starts at the Mont-Royal metro station and continues along Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
You’ll also be able to borrow a FUJIFILM camera during the walk.
“All you need to bring:
— a valid ID
— a credit card for the security deposit
— your own SD card”
Free admission
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Sunday, September 13 / FUJIFILM HUB PRINT SWAP at 4 p.m.
Photographers (professional or otherwise) in Montreal can stop by PRINT SWAP and print a photo at the FUJIFILM printing station—in 5×7 format—to exchange it for a photo by another creator to discover and enjoy.
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OPENING RECEPTION from 5 to 7
The PRINT SWAP will be followed by a closing party for the festival, where we’ll enjoy a drink together.
