Weekend Plans | Tons of Activities

Royal Pub back at Place des Arts

The Cowboys Fringants musical, Royal Publaunched in Quebec City just a week after the death of singer Karl Tremblay in November 2023, then presented in Montreal during the holidays, is being revived this month. The production of La Tribu et des 7 Doigts, which brings together dancers and circus artists on stage, is led by seven singers and actors, including Richard Charest, Martin Giroux, Alexia Gourd and Kevin Houle. A show that celebrates the group’s music through a fictional story that is not lacking in humor.

At the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts from August 7 to 17

Jean Siag The Press

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Patrick Watson in Joliette

The natural setting of the Fernand-Lindsay Amphitheatre in Joliette, Lanaudière, is an ideal place to host the delicate songs of Patrick Watson. The Montreal singer-songwriter will be there for two nights, August 9 and 10, for a special concert entitled Under the stars during the Perseids. Her airy voice and piano flights should harmonize perfectly with the magic of the place – we know, we had a truly enchanting moment, in the same place last year, with Alexandra Stréliski. With a few shooting stars as a bonus, it can only be perfect.

Josée Lapointe, The Press

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The Perseids in Mont-Tremblant

Astronomy enthusiasts are invited to the Mont-Tremblant Perseid Festival, far from light pollution, to observe this stunning spectacle of shooting stars that lights up our sky every summer in August. The event gives enthusiasts the chance to use two of the three largest telescopes accessible to the Quebec public as well as nearly 15 telescopes provided by members of the Mont-Tremblant Astronomy Club. There is also an exhibition on the solar system, guided hikes on the theme of planets and even the observation of a rocket launcher. NASA aerospace engineer Farah Alibay will give the scientific presentation of the Perseids in a video projected on a giant screen.

At Domaine Saint-Bernard on August 9 from 7 p.m.

Pierre-Marc Durivage, The Press

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Cinematic Celebration in Knowlton

For the fourth time, cinema will be celebrated for nine days in Knowlton, in the Eastern Townships. Several screenings, numerous activities and the presence of various artisans from the industry are planned. The festival will open with the presentation of Rickerlby the Austrian Adrian Goiginger, then by Humanist vampire seeks consenting suicideby Quebecer Ariane Louis-Seize, who will then lead a discussion. A selection of films from here and elsewhere will delight everyone, including Dune – Part Two, Hunting day, Adam is slowly changing And Abroad. Some thirty feature films will be in competition this year in the Lac-Brome Theatre, in addition to the second edition of the short film competition. Daily guests include Marcel Sabourin, Mylème Mackay and Guillaume Cyr, among others.

From August 9 to 17, in Knowlton

Pascal LeBlanc, The Press

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Up on the Hill

As Suzanne Colpron told us in an inspiring report published last July, Lac-Mégantic is the first French-speaking city in America to have obtained Cittaslow certification, a portmanteau word designating communities that, thanks to various measures and initiatives, pledge allegiance to slowness. But slowness and boredom are not synonyms. This will never be more true than at the Colline, “the largest of the small festivals,” as its organizers like to describe it, a claim that, in light of its high-quality programming, is easily defended. Patrick Watson will inaugurate this fourth edition on Thursday, while Ariane Moffatt will present one of her rare shows of the summer on Friday. Then, on Saturday, the father of modern Quebec songwriting, Robert Charlebois, will also present one of his rare outdoor shows of the season. The young octogenarian shares the bill with six of his most brilliant grandchildren: Jeanne Côté, Lumière, Valence as well as Ariane Roy, Thierry Larose and Lou-Adriane Cassidy, reunited once again for one of the last dates of their happening The King, the Rose and the Lou[p].

Dominic Tardif, The Press

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The Orientalys Festival at the Quai de l’Horloge

The 14th^e Orientalys festival will put on a show this weekend with its many shows and workshops offered by artists from around fifteen countries (Algeria, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Morocco, Mongolia, Thailand, etc.). Dances, songs, exhibitions and even traditional dishes will make for an immersive cultural experience. Don’t miss the popular Moroccan singer Zouhair Bahaoui, who will perform for the first time in Montreal, and the return of the Algerian-Quebec group Labess.

Florence Dancause, The Press

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The International Black Women’s Show

The event that celebrates diversity, inclusion and the power of black and mixed-race women opens its doors to the public this weekend at the Grand Quai of the Port of Montreal. Interactive workshops and a commercial space, which will host local diversity entrepreneurs, will be on the agenda. It is also an opportunity to be inspired by Quebec personalities, who will give conferences, including Martine St-Victor, Isabelle Racicot and Noémie Mercier. The festival aims to be a platform for discussion, sharing and connection for the community and the general public.

August 10 and 11 at the Grand Quai of the Port of Montreal

Florence Dancause, The Press

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Meet us on Sainte-Catherine Street East

On Saturday and Sunday, Sainte-Catherine Street East will be completely pedestrianized between Desjardins and Aird avenues in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve to host the seventh edition of the Grande Fabrique. More than 150 local creators will be on site, including photographer Pascal Normand with his urban works, representing emblematic places in Montreal, as well as artisans such as Oli+Mimi, la fabrique Vyruss, Crocodile Agile and Keratto. Activities for children, workshops and musical entertainment are also on the program.

Laila Maalouf, The Press

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Big names in New York rap in Montreal

Two of New York State’s most respected rappers will be in Montreal in the space of a few days. First up, Buffalo’s Conway the Machine will perform at the Fairmount Theatre on August 13. The prolific MC from Griselda just released Slant Face Killahwhich also inspired this tour. The solid album includes contributions from Larry June, Method Man and Joey Bada$$, among others. Jae Skeese will accompany Conway for the occasion. Then, on August 15, The Belmont will welcome Nems, the loudest mouth of Coney Island. The hilarious rapper will be supported by Scram Jones as DJ. The two launched the powerful Rise of the Silverback last year. Montreal’s RVLR Magz will warm up the crowd early in the evening.

Pascal LeBlancThe Press

Visit the Fairmount Theatre website

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