6 Festival in the Gaspé peninsula – Ile de la Madeleine

Can festivals go ahead this summer in the Gaspésie & Îles-de-la-Madeleine region?

Aah Gaspésie! The wind-kissed beaches. The scenic hills. The natural beauty. But something is missing… Something very important!

Oh yes, Celebrations of course. Making the beautiful scenery even more attractive are the multiple summer festivals, which make this place much more awesome. Hoards of crowds join in to take part in music, dance, art, and other festivals, that liven up this part of Quebec.

And if you were wondering ‘What festivals are coming up?’, ‘Which festivals are celebrated in the summer season?’ or ‘Will festivals happen in 2022?’, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk about 6 magical festivals that will be taking place in the month of July, in the Gaspésie & Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.

As the whole country gets back on its feet from the pandemic, the crowds are eager to witness these amazing performances, and you can be a part of them too. ‘But will festivals require vaccines?’ you might ask. Just remember that it’s always a good idea to keep your vaccination certificate with you, along with your mask.

So, now that we have established the answer to the question: ‘Will festivals happen in 2022?’, which is a definitive YES, let’s dive deeper into the list!

1. Festival Éole en Musique de Matane

A must-visit for music lovers, Festival Éole en Musique de Matane is one of the most popular music festivals in the region, hosting big names and talented newcomers. They also offer comedic shows, if you want to laugh a little (or a lot).

The 13th edition of this huge festival is set to take place from 15th to 17th July 2022 at Parc des Îles in Matane. The sheer variety of performances here is sure to offer a multitude of emotions and moods to the audience. They also have a day of family-friendly activities, which are offered free of charge to the festival-goers.

2. Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée

Want to experience the best of French-speaking artists and upcoming singer-songwriters in a picturesque village filled with warm-hearted people? Well, your dream has just come true! Visit the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée for an enigmatic musical experience in a heavenly atmosphere.

For 10 continuous days, you can be a part of the crowd of 20,000 music lovers, who turn this tiny location into a hot spot of culture and musical exchange. What makes this experience even better is the warm-hearted welcome of Petite-Vallée residents, who just love singer-songwriters and anyone who is passionate about musical artistry.

In a small rocky outcrop jutting into the St. Lawrence river, you will experience bliss. The 39th edition of the festival will be taking place from 30th June to 9th July 2022, although the dates have to be kept flexible, on account of the pandemic.

This is why festivals are important. They unify people in celebrations of harmony and cultural exchange.

3. Festi-Plage de Cap-d’Espoir

Entertaining shows. Games with inflatable goodies. Water sports. Volleyball. The crowd at the Cap-d’Espoir Beach lives it up at the Festi-Plage de Cap-d’Espoir, with friends and family having a gala time. The evenings witness magnificent fireworks, intimate bonfires, and marvelous concerts.

This event is a great example of how festivals unite us. Being one of the most important cultural attractions in Eastern Québec, the Festi-Plage de Cap-d’Espoir attracts visitors from all over the province, to partake in merry-making. The four evenings host renowned and upcoming Québec artists, who present their soul-stirring songs on the beach. Dates? 27th to 30th July.

Summer just got hotter.

4. Racines-Roots Gaspésie

Experience the best of blues, folk, Cajun & Acadian, bluegrass, gospel, and country music at the Racines-Roots Gaspésie. Here you will witness the amalgamation of the various local cultures, presented beautifully through musical performances. To top it off, you get to enjoy all this, surrounded by mountains and the sea.

You can expect to enjoy local Gaspesian musicians as well as special guests. With multiple days of shows and various activities, you will have lots to see, hear and enjoy. The festival is held in New Richmond, and this year, it will be held from 30th June to 3rd July 2022.

5. Rencontres internationales de la photographie en Gaspésie

Do you have a weakness for photography? Do you want to witness the works of celebrated photographers from around the world? If yes, then we have a treat for you.

Be amazed by indoor and open air photographic exhibitions and installations, at the Rencontres internationales de la photographie en Gaspésie. The festival attracts approximately 145,000 visitors and more than 250 national and international photographers.

They also conduct creative residencies for many projects, so if you were looking for an opportunity to learn from the greats, this is it. The 2022 edition is set to take place from 15th July to 30th September. Mark your calendars.

6. Festival de Cirque des Îles

Acrobats. Wild animals. Dancers. Magicians. Trapeze acts.

Circuses never cease to amaze us. And taking this amazement to the next level is The Festival de Cirque des Îles – a presentation of shows by internationally renowned circus troupes. The rich and varied shows will delight audiences of all age groups and make their days and evenings magical.

The world-class acts presented by these troupes will leave you wanting more. And if you are looking for a family-friendly festival, that’ll keep everyone entertained, this is one of the best options in the summertime. This year, the festival is going to take place from 21st to 26th July.

Whether it’s breath-taking musical performances, fun family gatherings, or astounding theatrical productions, the Gaspésie & Îles-de-la-Madeleine region has a lot to offer, during the summer months. You also get to experience the natural beauty of the region, which shall make your experience even more memorable.

And if you want to discover more such festivals in Quebec and Canada, be sure to follow SpotEv’s blog, where we update you about the latest cultural events in the country. Stay tuned for more.

Au Revoir!