The Hottest Cultural Events in Québec City This Fall
Québec City has an incredible lineup of activities and events this fall. From grandiose shows to captivating exhibitions and exclusive events, the city’s cultural offerings are on point. Read on to find out about the hottest fall happenings of 2024!
Here’s what you need to see and do:
Our Fave Cultural Events in September
There are still plenty of sunny days left in September, and outdoor events are the perfect way to keep surfing that summer vibe.
One of our top picks is St-Roch XP, a street festival happening from September 5 to 7. Go for the shows by up-and-coming bands and stay for a tasty bite from one of the many restaurants. We love the mix of emerging artists in unusual venues, and of course, the free shows!
Hot tip: To catch unforgettable performances, watch for the flashing beacons on Rue St-Joseph right before and during each show. St-Roch XP is the brain child of the Québec City Summer Festival team, which is also behind FONO, a brand new event happening on the campus of Université Laval on September 13 and 14.
Another unique, high-profile event is La Nuit des Galeries, which takes place on September 7 this year. Explore Old Québec’s art galleries at night for a heady blend of fine art and fine wine, glowing glass in hand. What’s more, guests get to meet the artists and catch live musical performances, all in a magical setting.
I love events that combine food and culture, like St-Roch XP and La Nuit des Galeries. They’re so unique. I end up falling in love with my city all over again.
More Hot September Events
Québec City Film Festival: A selection of local and foreign films, September 11–15
Envol et Macadam: Three days of alternative music, September 12–14
Québec Magic Festival: Uncanny performances, September 19–22
Celtic Festival: Music, talks, workshops and competitions, for total Celtic immersion, September 6–8
Les Journées de la culture: Three days of free cultural activities open to everyone, September 27-29
Last chance to see Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Musée de la Civilisation, on until September 22
Last chance to see Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon, an immersive experience at the Grand Théâtre, on until September 15
Our Fave Cultural Events in October
By October, fall is in full swing in Québec City. The weather is cooler and the fall colours are at their most spectacular.
Get into a spooky mood by strolling through Joan of Arc Garden on the Plains of Abraham to see pop artworks and the legends that inspired them. This free activity runs from September 28 to November 3.
October is also last call to see Philippe Katerine’s inflatable “Monsieur Rose” sculptures in Old Québec, which are on display until October 6.
Our Fave Cultural Events in November
When it comes to culture in Québec City, November is anything but slow! One event that we always look forward to is the German Christmas Market, which fills the city centre with the spirit of Christmas starting on November 21. Stay tuned for the full program of market events and performances!
More Hot November Events
Duel Reality – All’s Fair in Love and War: A modern circus show from Les 7 doigts de la main at Le Diamant Theatre, November 21–23
Professional wrestling match at Le Diamant Theatre, November 16
Diana Krall: The great jazz singer will be at Le Grand Théâtre de Québec, November 25 and 26
Sarah McLachlan: Live at the Videotron Centre as part of her 30th anniversary tour, November 7
Cultural Experiences for All Seasons
- BLEUFEU
Along with all the events happening in Québec City, there are also plenty of great places to fill up on art. Here are a few recommendations of places to visit:
Québec City’s museums, including Musée de la civilisation, where visitors are sure to love the temporary exhibition on the history of pro wrestling in Québec until April 2025, along with a grandiose new permanent exhibition entitled “In Other Words, Québec.” There are also many gorgeous permanent exhibitions at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, along with a temporary exhibition of Helen McNicoll’s work that runs until January 2025. For great cultural programming in smaller, more intimate settings, check out Maison de la littérature and the Morrin Centre.
We also love catching up-and-coming talent from Québec and beyond at Grizzly Fuzz and Pantoum. We’re also big fans of the Impérial Bell, which brings in a wide range of artists and has a funky resto-bar next door, District Saint-Joseph. We usually grab a bite there early before the show and then use the back passageway to beat the crowds into the Impérial.