© Breton Photo
Le Tremplin: Music and comedy in Témiscouata
Le Tremplin, a lively music and comedy festival in Dégelis, runs from May 11 to 17. Now in its 26th year, the only event of its kind in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region brings musicians and standup comedians together on the same stage, showcasing a new cohort of emerging artists who parade their talent before a jury and the audience.
Five competitive shows make up the main program, alongside performances by seasoned professionals. Throughout the week, free popup shows are also presented throughout the region, promoting the festival and encounters with the public.
A real springboard for emerging artistic talent, Le Tremplin has established itself as an unmissable spring event in eastern Québec and a unique opportunity to preview tomorrow’s stars.
© Photo Repensée
Shows, races, and family fun at Gib Fest
From July 9 to 18, downtown Sorel-Tracy hosts Gib Fest, a major summer event in the Montérégie region. For 10 days, top musical acts and other entertainers take over the streets and outdoor stages with performances by Kaïn, Éric Lapointe, Jerry Tremblay, Guylaine Tanguay, along with an ABBA tribute.
The festival also breathes fresh life into downtown with a family area, food trucks, and an art market. For a faster pace, there are foot races (1 km walk, 5 km run) and a closed-circuit cycling race that draws fans from all over Québec.
Gib Fest is a perennial favourite for its diverse lineup with great headliners and a friendly vibe right in the downtown core.
© Francois O. Valenti
Vacances en spectacles: Free outdoor festival
Vacances en spectacles is back for a 16th year at Parc Lions in Pont-Rouge from July 20 to 25. This totally free event (with a suggested voluntary contribution) includes two outdoor shows per night, twelve in total, and attracts close to 12,000 people every summer for exciting musical entertainment.
Located in a family-friendly neighborhood, the site lends itself to active transportation, with many folks walking or biking to the event. Food trucks and Portneuf microbreweries provide great eats and drinks in a friendly atmosphere.
The festival honours its deep roots in the community by donating a portion of the proceeds to local volunteer organizations, reinforcing its role as a community-building summer event for the Portneuf region.
© Alex Garneau Photographe
Agricultural exhibition and Strongman festival in Victoriaville
From July 21 to 26, the Société d’agriculture des Bois-Francs will combine the Victoriaville agricultural exhibition and the Victoriaville Strongman festival, a North American competition for professional strongwomen and strongmen, in a bonanza of healthy competition, entertainment, great food, and opportunities to get acquainted with the world of farming.
The agricultural exhibition features animal prizes, sections on textile arts and horticulture, and an area dedicated to agricultural machinery. Families can enjoy the Beauce Carnaval rides, inflatable games, and wagon rides, along with two marquee performances under the big top.
The festival is also taking major measures to reduce its environmental footprint by curbing the use of plastics and promoting local agri-food products.