Montréal Pride (Fierté Montréal) 2024 in Montreal

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© Duane Schermerhorn

Montréal Pride takes place over approximately ten days in mid-August each year. Community organizations, sports and socio-cultural clubs, associations, unions, businesses, and political organizations come together to celebrate and highlight the realities of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in a festive and colorful atmosphere.

Program

The Festival offers an exciting program featuring over 100 events, including free shows, dance events, and festivities throughout the Gay Village. Highlights include the unforgettable T-Dance and Community Day. The Festival kicks off at the Urban Hub, specifically at Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles, on August 1. Queer parties will be hosted at Club Soda and the SAT, while the NFB will present a cinema program. Cinquième Salle at Place des Arts will showcase "Ciseaux," a festive documentary cabaret revisiting lesbian history. This is only a small part of the whole program.

The Pride Parade

The climax of the Pride celebrations occurs on the final day of the Festival, when all participants come together for the Pride Parade. The march typically lasts two to three hours. The parade route varies each year; in 2024, it will be along Boulevard René-Lévesque in downtown Montréal, starting at 1 pm. Following the Pride Parade, attendees can continue the festivities at the Olympic Park's Esplanade with the Mega T-Dance.

Tickets

All shows at Esplanade Tranquille and the main site, the Olympic Park's Esplanade, are free. However, there are a few ticketed events happening at other locations during the festival.

History

The Parade is an old tradition, running since 1979 when about 200 people decided to commemorate New York City's 1969 Stonewall Riots with "Gairilla." This became the start of Montreal Pride. The modern Parade Fierté Montréal, or Montreal Pride, was held for the first time in 2007. It has become the largest LGBTQ event in the francophone world. It displays the community's solidarity, strength, and respect for basic human rights. Canadian and international politicians and civil rights activists often attend the Parade.

Location

The Montreal Gay Village is one of the most impressive in North America. It is located in downtown Montreal, not far from Ste. Catherine Street, and has a huge nightlife center with many restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.