3 Best Performing Arts Venues in Quebec City, Quebec

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Art is everywhere in Québec City—from theater and chic galleries to accordion street performers and statue mimes in the parks. From September through May, a steady stream of concerts, plays, and performances is presented in theaters and halls. In summer, many indoor theaters close, and outdoor shows of all kinds abound, most of them free.

Carnaval de Québec

Fodor's choice

A flurry of activity, mainly on the Plains of Abraham but also on several of the city's main drags, surrounds Carnaval de Québec, which occurs over two weekends every February. Snow- and ice-sculpture contests, dog sled relays, and canoe races on the icy St. Lawrence River chase away winter doldrums. Visitors brave the cold to get a glimpse of Bonhomme, the friendly carnival master, and tour his Ice Palace, which is rebuilt each year. Caribou, a strong mixture of red wine, hard liquor, and maple syrup, is a popular libation during the festivities.

Festival d'Été de Québec

Fodor's choice

An annual highlight in the first half of July is the exuberant Summer Festival, with over seven days of rock, folk, hip-hop, and world music. The main concerts take place each evening on three outdoor stages in or near the Old City, including one holding up to 80,000 people on the Plains of Abraham. A pass ( C$115) grants admission to all events throughout the festival. Some concerts at indoor theaters cost extra, but free music and activities, such as family concerts and street performers during the day, are also plentiful. At night rue St-Jean near the city gate turns into a free street theater, with drummers, dancers, and skits. Book accommodation several months in advance if you plan to attend.

Orchestre Symphonique de Québec

St-Jean-Baptiste Fodor's choice

Canada's oldest symphony orchestra, directed by the dynamic German conductor Clemens Schuldt, performs mainly at Louis-Fréchette Hall in the Grand Théâtre de Québec. Expect some of the most acclaimed classical works, but also fun surprises like hip-hop renditions and movie scores.

269 boul. René-Lévesque Est, Québec City, G1R 2B3, Canada
418-643–8486
Performing Art Details
Rate Includes: From C$45

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