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Quebec City runs one of North America’s densest festival calendars, anchored by the winter Carnaval and the summer music festival. Most events take place in Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, or Place D’Youville. Dates below are for the 2026 season.
Quebec City Events and Festivals: Winter
Carnaval de Quebec
Running from late January to mid February (about January 23 to February 8 in 2026), the Carnaval is the world’s largest winter festival. An Effigy pass costs about CA$25 and gets you into most sites; the Bonhomme snowman mascot, the ice palace, night parades, and canoe races on the half-frozen river are the signature events. Book a hotel for the first weekend, when the biggest parades run. See the best time to visit guide for how to time it.
Marche de Noel allemand de Quebec
The German Christmas market fills Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville from late November through December 23. Entry is free; stalls sell mulled wine, sausages, and handmade ornaments, open Thursday to Sunday plus the final full week. See the Quebec City weather by month guide for more detail.
Quebec City Events and Festivals: Summer
Festival d’ete de Quebec (FEQ)
For 11 days in early July, the FEQ turns the Plains of Abraham and several downtown stages into one of Canada’s biggest music festivals. Most shows are free with a CA$30-40 general pass; headliners play the Bell Stage. Lineups drop in April, and passes sell out within days. See the Quebec City neighborhoods guide for more detail.
Fetes de la Nouvelle-France
Early August (around August 5 to 9 in 2026) revives New France of the 1600s and 1700s in Old Quebec, with period costumes, a street market, and the Grande Mascarade parade. Most activities are free once you buy the CA$15-20 medallion pass. See the where to stay in Quebec City guide for more detail.
Quebec City Events and Festivals: Spring and Fall
Festival de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste
June 23 and 24 mark Quebec’s national holiday with concerts on the Plains of Abraham on the 23rd and a parade on Grande Allee on the 24th. Fireworks close the night, and most of the city is off work on June 24. See the travel tips and FAQ guide for more detail.
Festival des bieres et saveurs
Each August, the Festival of Beers and Flavors sets up at the Espace 400e in the Old Port, with dozens of Quebec microbreweries and food trucks. A tasting passport costs roughly CA$20 and includes several samples. Between events, work through the things to do in Quebec City list.
