Circus festival to take over Quartier des Spectacles
Montreal’s arts and entertainment district will once again transform into a circus-themed extravaganza this summer.
From July 6-16, the 8th annual Complèment Cirque event will occupy the streets, sidewalks and parks of the Latin Quarter in Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles.
To celebrate Canada’s 375th anniversary, this year’s festival will introduce new digital and interactive elements to its lineup, as well as provide circus-themed entertainment every day for the entire month of July.
Along with scheduled shows at the TOHU Cité des Arts du Cirque theatre, circus acts from around the world will take over St. Denis St. to offer free performances for the whole family to enjoy.
The event will kick off on Place Pasteur with a parade. Decked in red uniforms that show off their Canadian pride, acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers, and the like, will walk the parade (some on their hands), which will also feature live music.
Later, you and the family can join in on the free participatory activities taking place at various locations throughout the Quartier. Children and adults can test their acrobatic skills during daily competitions hosted by Radio-Canada, or for those who just want to learn, acrobats will be stationed throughout the space and will be available to answer questions about their craft.
If you’re hungry, the Jardins Gamelin, an outdoor plaza off of Berri St., will serve dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. which will be accompanied by performances that encourage all ages to participate.
The festival is introducing a new smart phone app that will allow you to track and control performers (you can ask them to do special tricks on the spot). You can also use it to join the parade as a performer. The app is called Quand la foule devient cirque and will be available to download as of June 26.
Bordered by Berri St. and Ste. Catherine St., the Latin Quartier is located within the Quartier des Spectacles in downtown Montreal. It is an outdoor space dedicated to hosting artistic events and concerts year-round.
Complèment Cirque is an annual festival that brings the top circus acts from around the world to Montreal for performances, shows and various entertainment throughout the month of July.
Tickets for scheduled shows are now available. For more information, visit montrealcompletementcirque.com.
