At the beginning of July, the streets of Montreal became the background for the most recognizable circus troupe, the Cirque du Soleil. The city invites everyone to share the best circus experience during the Quebec summer festival. World-known theater troupes like Les Minutes Complètement Cirque, FRACAS, Cirque Le Roux, and Cirque Aïtal all perform their latest projects for the public in indoor and free outdoor shows at the Quartier des Spectacles.
Events & Activities
During the 11 days of the festival, public spaces, streets, squares, and even pavements turn into stages. Jugglers, zip lines, acrobats, and tightrope walkers all provide entertainment for both kids and adults. The shows are loaded with tricks, magic, and surprises to bring joy and excitement to people of all ages.
Show Program
The Montreal Cirque Festival promises a dazzling array of performances to captivate audiences from July 3rd to July 14th. Starting with "Smashed2" by Gandini Juggling from the UK, attendees can witness contemporary juggling at its finest, blending juggling, dance, and fruits in an innovative showcase. Circa from Australia brings "Duck Pond," a reimagining of the world's most romantic ballet as a circus spectacle, from July 9th to July 13th. "Play Dead" by People Watching offers a unique exploration of human behavior in a domestic universe from July 10th to July 14th.
Additionally, "Sophie's Surprise 29th" unfolds the excitement of Sophie's journey with performances from July 3rd to July 14th. These shows are just a taste of the diverse lineup, which includes SUNSET CIRCUS, Brotipo, BARBU, Dirty Laundry, Le Bibliothécaire, Le Gros Orteil, Le Cabaret du Jugement Dernier, and L'Autre Cirque.
The GIANT (July 7-30, 2024)
For the second year running, Le GÉANT will grace the Esplanade PVM at Place Ville-Marie as part of the Montreal Complètement Cirque festival. This impressive 50-foot-high metal structure will serve as the stage for Cirque Éloize, a renowned Quebec company, from July 7 to 30. Directed by Benoit Landry, the show can be enjoyed every evening except Mondays, with performances at 6 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.
Twelve acrobats will showcase their skills during the show as they climb, hang, and perform daring feats on the structure. Trampolines, pulleys with counterweights, vertical dance, high falls, and aerial acrobatics will be the highlights of their performance. For an enhanced experience, VIP front-row seats are available at $70 for adults and $15 for children, offering a prime view of this thrilling spectacle.
Locations
The main venue is Monreal's Cité des Arts du Cirque TOHU, the North American center for creativity, performance, and convergence of the community, culture, and environment. Other main locations include Espace St-Denis and Le Monastère. Free outdoor locations to see the festival's performances include the Jardins Gamelins, where flying acrobats usually perform, Complexe Desjardins, and Saint-Denis Street, between Maisonneuve and Ontario.
Tickets
At the Montreal Cirque Festival, ticket prices vary based on categories such as Regular, Student -25, Seniors +65, and Child. The average starting price for Regular tickets ranges around $41, with the highest price hitting $52. For students under 25, the average starting price is approximately $35, reaching a peak of $45. Seniors aged 65 and above can expect an average starting price of about $36, with the highest ticket at $47. On the other hand, children's tickets typically start at an average of $19, with the highest price being $22.
History of the Festival
Established in 2010, it emerged from a shared vision that unites TOHU as the leading force, supported by Cirque Éloize, Les7 doigts de la main, Cirque du Soleil, the National Circus School, and En Piste. Collaboratively, they leveraged their expertise, resources, and determination to establish the inaugural North American international festival celebrating circus arts.
