Montreal's fireworks festival returns with 40th-anniversary shows all summer

L'International des Feux Loto-Québec returns to La Ronde on Thursday, July 2, marking the festival's 40th anniversary with eight nights of music-synced fireworks running through August 6, 2026.

The competition draws pyrotechnic teams from Hungary, Italy, China, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Organizers are marking the milestone by bringing back teams that won past editions to collaborate on a special 40th anniversary opening show. Each night also features live music on the Loto-Québec stage, with different Quebec artists performing starting at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.

For the third consecutive year, the displays will incorporate five minutes of laser effects from Laser-Quantum. All shows start at 10 p.m.

You don't need a La Ronde ticket to watch. Free viewing spots are available along the Old Port, across the water in Longueuil at the waterfront, at Parc Jean-Drapeau, and on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge — which closes to vehicles at 8 p.m. on show nights (pedestrians and cyclists can cross). If you want to watch from inside La Ronde, you'll need a General Admission or Gold Section ticket plus a valid daily pass or season pass for fireworks nights. Silver Passport holders must pay extra at the gate.

Organizers note that smoke from the shows can affect people with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, and wind can carry dust and residue into viewing areas. If that's a concern, watching from farther away is advisable.

Full schedule: July 2 (40th anniversary, Sofia Duhaime), July 9 (Hungary, Corinne Caza), July 12 (Italy, La Bronze), July 16 (China, Bourbon), July 23 (Canada, Virginie B.), July 26 (United States, Léonie Gray), July 30 (Australia, Velours Velours), August 6 (Tribute to the Legends).