Haïti en Folie festival returns to Montreal this week for 20th edition celebrating Haitian culture
Four-day festival starting Thursday, July 23 features music, film, and culinary events across the city. Haiti's soccer team and 222 years of independence are celebrated.
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Montrealers are invited to celebrate Haiti's culture this week as the annual Haïti en Folie festival returns for its 20th edition starting Thursday, July 23.
The four-day festival celebrates Haitian music, cinema, and literature with events across the city. This year's programming commemorates 222 years of Haiti's independence and celebrates the national soccer team's return to the FIFA World Cup stage after 52 years.
"Despite the challenges, Haiti continues to inspire through its creativity, resilience and remarkable ability to reinvent itself," said Fabienne Colas, president and founder of the festival.
The festival's lineup includes music performances by leading artists, screenings of documentaries by filmmakers of Haitian origin, and panel discussions on Haitian artists and cuisine. Most film screenings happen at Cinéma du Musée, with many events at Place des Festivals.
July 26 features a culinary fair at Parc Lafontaine with traditional dishes, exotic beverages, and culinary workshops. The traditional Rara Haïti en Folie Parade starts at 3 p.m. from Parc des Compagnons in Plateau Mont-Royal, winding through the neighbourhood's streets. This year's parade is dedicated to Haiti's soccer team.
The festival's main Saturday event is Haitian band Boukman Eksperyans performing at Parc Lafontaine at 9 p.m. On July 27, BélO and other leading artists will close out the festival starting at 7 p.m. at Parc Lafontaine.
A detailed schedule of all events is available on the festival website.
Before you go
When does Haïti en Folie run?
Haïti en Folie runs for four days starting Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Montreal.
What's happening on July 26?
July 26 features a culinary fair at Parc Lafontaine with traditional dishes, exotic beverages, and culinary workshops, plus the Rara Haïti en Folie Parade starting at 3 p.m. from Parc des Compagnons in Plateau Mont-Royal.
Which artists are performing?
Boukman Eksperyans performs at Parc Lafontaine at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and BélO and other leading artists close out the festival at 7 p.m. on July 27 at Parc Lafontaine.
Where are most events held?
Most film screenings happen at Cinéma du Musée, with many events at Place des Festivals and Parc Lafontaine.
