Cultural Back to School | We’re going out as a family in September

Back to school doesn’t have to mean the end of recess. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun with your family in September. Here are six suggestions.

The public entertainers’ festival

The largest gathering of street performers in Canada, the CHAPÖ festival will liven up the streets of Old Mascouche from September 13 to 15. More than 100 performances by artists from here and elsewhere will dazzle the public during these three days of festivities. The show not to be missed according to festival director Louis-Philippe Lemay? The one by the Show Devant troupe, during which the artists will be suspended 100 feet in the air at the end of a fire truck ladder. Magic, yo-yo, juggling, hoop and German wheel acts are also part of the free program.

From September 13 to 15, in Old Mascouche, on Chemin Sainte-Marie between Rue Dupras and Montée Masson

Visit the festival website

Musical weekend

Singer-songwriter Fanny Bloom, rapper Waahli and the festive group Fanfare de l’île are some of the artists who will take to the stage as part of the 8^e edition of Les Grandes oreilles, which will be held on September 7 at Parc Beaubien and on September 8 at Place Kate-McGarrigle in Montreal. In addition to musical performances, this free event “designed 100% for the family” offers percussion and musical awareness workshops, giant games, craft activities and much more. The festivities will close with a “wandering DJ set” on Laurier Avenue West.

Saturday, September 7, from noon to 6 p.m., at Parc Beaubien, as well as Sunday, September 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Place Kate-McGarrigle and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Laurier Avenue West

Visit the festival website

Science on stage

Mixing science and poetry, the dramatized conference Survival of the living invites young people to take a new look at the natural phenomena that surround them. Accompanied by actor Jonathan Morier, biologist Julie Drouin talks about the interdependence of living beings by discussing, for example, the way in which trees communicate with each other. Intended for an audience of 12 years and older, the show is presented at the Théâtre Outremont in Montreal as part of the International Literature Festival, which is held from September 18 to 28.

Sunday, September 22, at 3 p.m., at the Théâtre Outremont, in Montreal

Check out the show page

Theatrical return

The arrival of autumn marks the beginning of the 2024-2025 season in theatres. Those dedicated to young audiences are no exception. In September, L’Arrière Scène, in Belœil, is banking on a new version of a play that has been performed more than 200 times around the world since its creation 10 years ago. Already, at the beginning… invites children aged 2 to 5 and their families to explore a range of splendid places: a vast forest, fascinating seabeds, the summit of a mountain… A show without words described as a “lullaby for the senses”. In Montreal, at the Maison Théâtre, the fall will also begin with a proposal for toddlers. Starting October 4, the play will be presented there SCOOOOOTCH!which features three rockers and… rolls of adhesive tape. On the Gros Becs side, in Quebec, Under the leafa dance and music show for ages 5 and under, will kick off the season on September 27.

Visit the Backstage website

Visit the Maison Théâtre website

Visit the Gros Becs website

Make way for magic

Wonder will be on the agenda in Old Quebec from September 19 to 22, thanks to the Quebec Magic Festival. Young and old alike will have the chance to see many magicians at work during this event, much of whose programming is free. Animations, film screenings and conferences, including one given by the spokesperson for this 13^e edition, Luc Langevin, are also planned.

From September 19 to 22, in various locations, including Place d’Youville, the Palais Montcalm and at the Théâtre Le Diamant

Visit the festival website

The Port of Montreal differently

Curious to discover what goes on behind the scenes at the Port of Montreal? Come to the first edition of the major Port Day, which will be held on Sunday, September 22. Visits to ships and a locomotive, nautical knot workshops, kiosks on port professions, inflatable games and face painting are among the activities on offer. The general public will also be able to board a bus for a guided tour of the port facilities. This will also be an opportunity to discover the interactive exhibition Safely arrived! at the Port Interpretation Centre. In addition, access to the Port of Montreal Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the river and downtown, will be free in the afternoon.

Sunday, September 22, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Grand Quai of the Port of Montreal, as well as at the premises of the Montreal Port Authority located at 3400 Notre-Dame Street East

Visit the Port of Montreal website