As Montréal’s summer heats up, you can celebrate two of the city’s best-loved festival experiences: the Grand PoutineFest and the packed lineup of Just for Laughs. Delicious indulgence meets world-class comedy—here’s everything you need to know.
🍟 Grand PoutineFest
Dates: July 16 – August 3, 2025
Location: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port of Montréal
Hours:
- Mondays–Saturdays: 12 pm–9 pm
- Sundays: 12 pm–8 pm
- July 16: opening at 5 pm to 9 pm
Taste some creative poutine variations, including lobster, duck confit, Cordon Bleu, General Tao chicken, tofu bang bang, brisket, and more. Expect sweet treats like churros, candy popcorn, a kids’ inflatable zone, and booths pairing Quebec craft beer with your fries-covered dreams.
The site also hosts live music — free performances by local artists Freddie James and Sylvie Desgroseilliers, plus a ticketed dinner show featuring Marie-Mai on July 23 and Jonathan Roy on July 24.
😂 Just for Laughs Montréal
Dates: July 16 – 27, 2025
Venues: Quartier des Spectacles, Place des Arts (Théâtre Maisonneuve), Espace Saint‑Denis, L’Olympia, MTelus, Club Soda, Studio TD, Le Gesù, and more
Overview:
- Over 250 shows in more than 25 venues
- Around 1,700 artists from 19 countries, including both English- and French‑language events Place des Arts
- Free outdoor shows and OFF‑JFL fringe events across the city
🎤 Top Performers & Shows
- Headliners: Tom Segura, Russell Peters, Kumail Nanjiani, Mae Martin, Fortune Feimster, Michelle Buteau, Adam Ray, Mae Martin & Friends (Olympia, July 25), Russell Howard Live (July 24), and more.
- Iconic Galas:
- Michelle Buteau Gala: hosted by Michelle Buteau, with appearances by Rhys Darby, Ed Gamble, Gina Yashere, Cat Cohen, K. Trevor Wilson, DeAnne Smith, Felicity Ward. July 25 at 9:30 pm at Théâtre Maisonneuve.
- Fortune Feimster Gala: hosted by Fortune Feimster on July 26 at 10:30 pm at the same venue
- Free Outdoor Headliners:
- Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live: July 24 at Place des Festivals
- Tom Segura: Come Together: July 26 at the same outdoor stage.
- Roast Battle Canada: first live taping in Montréal—July 20–22, nightly shows (5 pm, 8 pm, 10:30 pm) at Espace Saint‑Denis. Judged by Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, K. Trevor Wilson; hosted by Ennis Esmer.
- Culture Show: Hosted by Asif Ali with emerging talent including Andrea Jin, showcasing diverse voices on stage. July 16–23 at Club Soda.
🎭 Fringe and Club Highlights
- New Faces of Comedy (July 23–26): premier showcase for emerging comedians
- The Nasty Show, Brit(ish) showcase, Midnight Surprise Show, improv sets and more across Club Soda and Studio TD (details including show names and dates).
🔖 Summary Table
| Festival | Dates | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoutineFest | July 16–Aug 3 | Clock Tower Quay, Old Port | 15+ poutine types, live music, family fun, dinner shows |
| Just for Laughs | July 16–27 | Downtown venues (Quartier des Spectacles, Place des Arts, etc.) | Galas, headliners (Peters, Nanjiani, etc.), free outdoor shows, Roast Battle, new talent showcases |
✅ Don’t Miss These Highlights
- Grab a lobster or General Tao poutine at PoutineFest and catch Marie Mai’s dinner show on July 23.
- Laugh along with Tom Segura or Adam Ray’s free outdoor sets, or book a ticket to one of the Galas at Théâtre Maisonneuve.
- Dive into new comics and boundary-pushing shows at OFF‑JFL through midnight showcases, improv nights, and culture-themed sets.
Whether you’re craving mouthwatering fries or an unforgettable comedy fix, Montréal delivers in spades. Let me know if you want more insider tips—happy to help plan your ultimate poutine‑and‑laughs adventure.
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