The Hottest Cultural Events in Québec City This Fall
Québec City has an exciting lineup of activities and events this fall. From grand shows to captivating exhibitions and exclusive events, the city’s cultural offerings are on point. This fall, Québec City will notably be marked by a historic moment with the opening of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec’s Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain, a major new international destination. Read on to discover the hottest happenings during this season!
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.
As night falls, head to Saint-Roch to discover Lueurs de mémoire, a video mural projected onto the façade of the Gabrielle-Roy Library. Until October 25, four short films by local artists bring Québec City’s history, heritage and literary culture to life through archival images accompanied by texts from Québec City authors. Presented free of charge every evening until 11 p.m., the work is particularly enjoyable from Place Jacques-Cartier.
Starting September 4, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec presents Hidden Treasure. A Century of Mystery, a world-exclusive exhibition that immerses visitors in the fascinating history of the Habsburgs, one of Europe’s great imperial families. Fifteen prestigious jewels are on display, including the legendary 137-carat Florentine Diamond, along with the remarkable story of their journey to Québec.
One of our top picks in September is FONO Festival, a new event happening on the campus of Université Laval, September 10–12.
Another unique, high-profile event is La Nuit des Galeries, which takes place on September 5 this year as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. 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 La Nuit des Galeries. They’re so unique. I end up falling in love with my city all over again.
- Marilyn, resident of Québec City
More Hot September Events
- Fierté de Québec (Québec Pride): A festival celebrating sexual diversity and gender diversity between Place D’Youville and Saint-Jean Street, September 4–6.
- Unity Electro Fest: A festival featuring Tiësto, one of the world’s leading electronic music artists at Marché Jean-Talon, September 4–6.
- Le Grand PoutineFest: A festive foodie event taking place at Galeries de la Capitale, September 4–6.
- Québec City Film Festival: A selection of local and foreign films, September 9–13.
- Envol et Macadam: Three days of alternative music, September 10–12.
- Les Journées de la culture: Three days of free cultural activities open to everyone, September 25–27.
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.
On October 22, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec opens the doors to Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain, a new internationally significant pavilion dedicated to one of Québec’s greatest artists, Jean Paul Riopelle. To mark the opening, the museum will present a special program from October 22 to 25 featuring talks, performances, and artistic experiences. A unique opportunity to celebrate art amid the colours of autumn!
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.
Don’t miss Réverbère, a new event celebrating street arts with free performances of dance, music, circus and theatre in Old Québec, October 9–12.
More Hot October Events
- Québec en toutes lettres: A festival where visitors can meet leading literary figures and enjoy one-of-a-kind performances, October 15–25.
- Les Rendez-vous ès TRAD: A program featuring traditional music, participatory dance events, workshops for all ages and happy hour gatherings, October 8–12.
Our Fave Cultural Event 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 19. Stay tuned for the full program of market events and performances!
More Hot November Events
- Québec Table Gourmande: Enjoy creative prix fixe menus at great prices in dozens of restaurants across the region, October 30–November 15
Orchestre symphonique de Québec: Three centuries of music come together in the Brahms – A German Requiem, November 11.
Cultural Experiences for All Seasons
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In addition to its events, Québec City is full of places to soak up culture:
Among them are museums, including the Musée de la civilisation, which is hosting the exhibition Pleasures, while the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is showcasing its rich permanent collections as well as Hyperrealism: This Is Not a Body. 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 Impérial Bell.
