This fall, culture takes centre stage in Old Quebec! Find out what the season has in store, including music, cinema and literature and in the museums and theatres.
FESTIVALS
On the schedule for September: music, cinema and magic!
Start by taking a stroll in St-Roch and let the St-Roch XP festival from September 5 to 7 rock your world. Located in one of the city’s most happening neighbourhoods, this event combines emerging music and street food. You’ll have the chance to catch free shows in unusual venues!
If you are a beer-and-kilt type, you’re in luck! Le Festival celtique de Québec takes place from September 6 to 8 at the Domaine Maizerets, a short drive away from Le Capitole Hôtel.
On September 7 and 8, travel back to the 18th century by watching battlefield re-enactments on the Plains of Abraham.
From September 11 to 15, set your inner cinephile free and watch the complimentary screenings of both local and foreign films organized by the Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec at the Place D’Youville, the Diamant and the Palais Montcalm, all close to Le Capitole. On the programming schedule: Léolo, chosen and presented by the Quebec City mayor, the trilogy 1981, 1987 and 1991 that retraces director Ricardo Trogi’s life, and many others!
It’s at date for Envol et Macadam on September 12, 13 and 14 to rock to alternative music. Whether it’s with the Dropkick Murphys, The Hives or many others, the Agora du Vieux-Port will be the place to be!
Thanks to the new FONO festival, from September 13 and 14 on the Université Laval campus, you’ll have the chance to spend the last weekend of summer in good company with the likes of Milky Chance, The Kid LAROI, Shaboozey and many other artists representing many musical styles.
And last but not least, from September 19 to 22, Quebec City becomes enchanted by the Festival de magie de Québec. For the occasion, the Carré des spectacles transforms into a mysterious, wonderous space to welcome magical performances at the Diamant, the Palais Montcalm, and the Place d’Youville. You will be able to enjoy unforgettable performances by Alexandra Duvivier, Luc Langevin and other well-known artists.
Credit : Festival de cinéma de la Ville de Québec
SPORTS EVENTS
Quebec City’s residents live for sports. You can see just how much when sports events energize the city!
If you’re a hockey fan, head to the Centre Vidéotron on October 3 and 5 for the Los Angeles Kings preseason games when they will take on the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers. It’s going to be sensational!
If you prefer running events, the Marathon de Québec will take over Quebec City on October 5 and 6. The course runs through the streets of Old Quebec and promises lots of excitement. Come and support the runners!
Finally, the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec, which takes place September 13. You’ll be able to encourage the cyclists in front of Le Capitole Hôtel since the course passes right in front on rue Saint-Jean.
Credit : James Startt
SHOWS SCHEDULE
Here’s a peak of what’s in store at the Théâtre Capitole. Choir ! Choir ! Choir ! is an interactive show that will have you laughing, singing and dancing. The Australian Bee Gees, Guylaine Tanguay and Philippe Lelouche are also coming to the fabled theatre.
As for the Diamant, catch the mythic professional wrestling gala September 28, (re)see Vernon Subutex 1 or see the sequels with Vernon Subutex 1+2+3 on October 3, 4 and 5. You also have the chance to (re)discover Courville, staged by Robert Lepage.
Finally, the Palais Montcalm presents Vivaldi et Les Violons : quatre saisons on September 19, as well as The Beatles — Hommage symphonique on September 20 and 22.
You can also check out the performance schedules of the city’s other venues. Go to Paul à la maison, a play that allows you to rediscover this pillar of Quebec culture in a different light at the Grand Théâtre de Québec from September 25 to October 19 or L’Assemblée, a play based on the verbatim of a conversation between Quebec City residents with radically different opinions at the Théâtre de la Bordée from September 17 to October 12.
Credit : Caroline Fournier
EXHIBITIONS & ART
On top of events, Quebec City is home to many cultural venues that are sure to satisfy your artistic side. Below are a few suggestions.
The most eagerly awaited event by Quebec City’s art galleries is definitely La Nuit des Galeries, on September 7. With a glowing glass of something delicious, visitors stroll through Old Quebec’s art galleries to drink in art and fine wine. It’s also an opportunity to meet artists and enjoy musical performances in a magical setting.
As for what’s on at the museums, the Musée de la civilisation presents the exhibition Wresting: Quebec in the Ring until April 2025 as well as the new permanent exhibition In Other Words Quebec. It’s also the last chance to enjoy the exhibition Gladiators: Heros of the Colosseum, presented until September 22.
Le Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec also offers a variety of exhibitions, including Helen McNicoll until January 2025.
And why not take a look at the schedules at the Maison de la littérature and the Morrin Centre. You’re sure to find something inspiring.
Then end your day with dinner at the Ristorante Il Teatro or at Bō Cuisine d’Asie, so you can go to bed with a head full of memories and a tummy full of delicious food!
Credit : Les Festifs