5 Reasons to Visit Québec City During this Unique Festival
Content partner: Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France
Old Québec is visually spellbinding, with its walls lined with dormant cannons, cobblestone streets and 18th-century stone houses with sloped roofs and dormer windows. We can feel the city history as we walk around — a sensation that is heightened during Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France (New France Festival).
From August 6 to 9, 2026, the festival opens a portal to the past, when the Québec City landscapes were wild, the St. Lawrence River an mighty and Cap Diamant was crowned by Château Saint-Louis, the seat of government and a lookout for enemy ships. It's a celebration of Québec City’s origins, featuring costumed locals and visitors, family-friendly activities, delicious themed foods, music, and more.
Étienne Dionne, Destination Québec cité
1An Affordable European-Inspired Adventure
Set against the historic backdrop of Old Québec, Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France is an enchanting time to soak up the city’s European charms, without the expense of travelling overseas. Better still, the event’s main sites — including Les Jardins de l’Hôtel de Ville, Place d’Armes, and Parc Montmorency — are freely accessible, making it easy to wander from one lively setting to another at your own pace.
While exploring these appealing architectural settings, we catch sight of men in white linen shirts, wool breeches, and tricorn hats, as well as noble women in silk gowns with fitted bodices and flowing skirts, moving through the streets. It feels as though the past has never truly left, still lingering in every cobblestone and echoing through the streets of Old Québec.
Simon Clark- Audet photo
2A Living History Experience
The history of Québec comes to life through reenactments, games, Indigenous myths and legends, historical talks, and local music. The perfect time to connect with locals in the midst of all this excitement!
Learn about everyday life in New France, from blacksmiths to the importance of the Filles du Roy (King's Daughters). Catch glimpses of notable historical figures or fully immerse yourself by wearing a period-appropriate costume.
The King’s Dinner, held in the exclusive and enchanting setting of the Cercle de la Garnison, offers an opulent and tasty peek into colonial New France, while traditional performances highlight the importance of Québec’s Indigenous history.
Audet photo- Audet Photo
3An Unforgettable Cultural Experience
Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France bring history and Québec culture to life through art, music, food, and immersive activities — this is what makes this festival so engaging!
Families can fill their days with games and crafts. The hunt and seek game is a top activity, along with the immersive sound-and-light experience known as the Giants’ Gathering.
Enjoy musical performances and browse for souvenirs in the historic marketplace. For those looking for a more interactive experience, the Night Traitors game challenges participants to uncover traitors.
Simon Clark- Audet photo
4The Flavours of New France
Celebrating life is part of Québec’s culture, and les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France is no exception! Stop by one of the festive bars around for a fresh cold local beer, the perfect companion for the festival’s famous giant turkey drumsticks.
The heart of the party is next the City Hall, a free zone where musical performances and historical animations take place. More treats can be found in the marketplace, where local artisans display their wares, from handicrafts to flavourful treats.
Simon Clark
5The Perfect Summer Escape Plan
Québec City’s closeness to major cities like Ottawa, Toronto and the American border make it a perfect destination for a quick summer escape. The money spent on airfare overseas can easily be used for a boutique hotel stay in Québec City or splurging on dinner at one of our award-winning restaurants. Plus, there’s no jet lag to deal with upon arrival! Pack comfortable shoes and plenty of sunscreen for days spent exploring the city and enjoying Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France.
This unique historic festival is filled with food, fun, and flashbacks — the good kind! It’s a celebration to the settlers whose blood, sweat, and tears laid the foundations of the vibrant, modern city we see today. It’s also a perfect excuse to gnaw on turkey legs, drink cold beers, and dance the day (or night) away!
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Plan ahead: Visit the festival website to check the latest schedule and build your itinerary around what interests you most.
- Dress up (or not): Dressing up in 17th- and 18th-century attire is entirely optional — but if you feel like it, don’t hesitate to join in the fun!
- The Medallion Package: Although many sites are free to access, the Medallion Package ($20) unlocks a variety of perks.
What exactly is a content partner?
A content partner acts as a sponsor by paying for a post. Destination Québec cité retains editorial control over the content of such posts. Content partners can have a say in the approach or the subject of a post but are not involved in its creation.
