Montreal’s Big Italian Food and Culture Festival Begins This Week—Here’s What’s Going On

Bravissimo! — the 29th edition of ItalfestMTL, formerly known as Montreal’s Italian Week, will take place from August 5 to 20.

The the event is back in full swing with virtual and in-person activities all over the island, including Kirkland, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, LaSalle, Saint-Léonard, Little Italy and, for the first time, the Quartier des Spectacles.

This year, the organizers have chosen to showcase the culture and traditions of the beautiful region of Abruzzo, with a photographic exhibition as well as a conference on its history.

During the 16 days of the festival, a long list of artists, from opera to pop, will share their love for the boot-shaped country with Montrealers. According to programyou can expect dozens of concerts, online cooking and storytelling workshops, circus shows, a baking contest, magic shows, art exhibits and much more.

Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Little Italy will become an exhibition space with activities and kiosks showcasing crafts and gastronomy from different Italian regions.

A showcase of colorful mopeds during ItalfestMTL.Marcia Loor | Courtesy of ItalfestMTL

Movie buffs can stop by outdoor cinemas in Kirkland and Dante Park to watch classics like The good life under the stars.

Attendees can also watch a fashion show of works by Italian-Canadian designers and take part in historical tours.

Note that you can buy a $5 ticket to enter the lottery and with a bit of luck you could win one of the prizes, including a Hamilton designer watch or a trip for two to Italy.