Frugal families on vacation | The Press

In order to reduce the cost of family vacations, The Press has spotted free activities for you all over Quebec to try this summer. Discover our suggestions every two weeks.

Mauricie: Christmas in July

Even though Christmas is only 158 days away, New Year’s Eve has already begun in Saint-Élie-de-Caxton. Until Sunday, the municipality is decorated as in December for the third edition of Christmas in the Caxton. Among the artists who will take the stage, there is a distinguished guest: Nicolas Noël. The friendly character will be performing in the heart of the village this Saturday at 2 p.m. Alaclair Ensemble, Mike Clay and Edith Butler will also perform this weekend. Entrance to the festival is free, but you must obtain a passport online. In addition, until September, tourists passing through the municipality will be able to solve the quest for the red-nosed flamingo, a fun puzzle game that will introduce them to the legends of Saint-Élie-de-Caxton.

Christmas in the Caxton, July 20-23

In the heart of the village of Saint-Élie-de-Caxton and at Camping Bivouak, 3970, route des Lacs, in Saint-Élie-de-Caxton

Lanaudière: when water puts on a show

The city of Terrebonne is celebrating its 350th anniversary. Art and history buffs are invited to attend Ava – Terrebonne along the water until August 26. In this multimedia water show created by Laser Quantum, a huge screen of water serves as a backdrop to tell the story of the city. Images, sounds and lights are used to give the public an immersive experience, from Wednesday to Saturday, at nightfall. Performances take place in the heart of Vieux-Terrebonne, in Parc Masson, where the Place du 350 was recently inaugurated.^e. With the addition of giant swings, tables and colorful street furniture, the place is perfect for a family picnic.

Ava – Terrebonne along the waterfrom Wednesday to Sunday, until August 26

Parc Masson, 283, boulevard des Braves, in Terrebonne

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean: picnic with puppets

Crossing fantastic beasts and amazing characters while picnicking in a park? It’s possible at PikNik Marionnettik, one of the events organized as part of the International Festival of Puppetry Arts, which takes place in Saguenay from July 25 to 30. In addition to these special lunches scheduled for July 26 and 27, children and adults are invited to a host of free performances. Attend a new version of the tale Puss in Boots, following the ambulatory spectacle of three strange oversized characters or even influencing the musical choices of Elvis the puppet are some of the options available to festival-goers. Various exhibitions are also part of the program.

The International Festival of Puppetry Arts in Saguenay, July 25 to 30

The shows take place in about twenty places in the city.

Bas-Saint-Laurent: encouragement by the ton

Passing through the Rimouski region? Why not take the opportunity to encourage the 3,500 or so young athletes who will perform in nearly twenty disciplines at the Finale des Jeux du Québec until July 29? Among the sports to see during this 57^e edition, there are swimming, soccer, volleyball, basketball and athletics. Perhaps you will come across the Mouski mascot in the stands? From noon to 9 p.m., meet at the Place des Jeux where many free activities for the whole family are offered in a fairground atmosphere: inflatable games, musical performances, introduction to para-cycling… An autograph session with the four Games ambassadors, including gold medalist in weightlifting Maude Charron, is also planned there next Monday.

Final of the Quebec Games in Rimouski, from July 21 to 29

Place des Jeux is located at Place des Anciens-Combattants, rue Saint-Germain Ouest, in Rimouski.