Laval’s Centre de la Nature will host the city’s official Fête nationale celebrations on June 23, with a wide-ranging lineup that bridges generations and genres. The event, part of Quebec’s annual June 24 holiday marking Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is expected to draw thousands of residents for what’s become one of the city’s most anticipated public gatherings.
The main concert begins at 8:30 p.m., featuring performances by Cœur de Pirate, Bruno Pelletier, FouKi, Sara Dufour, Muzion, Vulgaires Machins, Zaho, Rau_ze, and Kat Pereira. The Urban Science Brass Band will close the night. DJ Montana will warm up the stage starting at 7 p.m., and the evening will also include a live reading of an original patriotic text by Florence Longpré, Elkahna Talbi, and Ines Talbi.
Now in its 191st year, the national holiday has long served as a moment for Québécois communities to reflect on identity, language, and culture. “It’s a precious opportunity to celebrate our history,” said Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer in a statement. “Through their words and melodies, our artists bring to life what we are and what we share.”
Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the event’s long-standing tradition. “For almost two centuries, we have been celebrating Quebec on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day,” he said. “Let’s stay strong, let’s stay proud, let’s stay festive.”
Organizers have emphasized accessibility and community involvement. The venue opens at 6 p.m., with food trucks on site and a free shuttle service running between Montmorency metro station and the park from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with return trips available until the end of the night.
Festivities will continue the next day with a family-focused daytime event on June 24, also at Centre de la Nature, featuring local artists, inflatable games, and live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event is made possible through support from Hydro-Québec, the Government of Quebec, SAQ, and several local partners. Full details are available at laval.ca/fetenationale.
Photo credit: Vincent Girard
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