From July 7-30, the streets and public spaces of Montreal’s downtown area will be transformed into a performing arts extravaganza during the MTL375 We’re Acting Out event.

Fifty-one theatre companies from around the world will invade the city with 800 free street performances. Quebec comedy group The Horsemen will be stationed on St. Denis St. from July 6-12, while the Trip of Swiga & Samba, which features life-sized replicas of wild animals made in Spain, will be at the corner of Ontario St. from July 20-24.

Les Oiseaux is an interactive experience taking place on St. Denis St. July 6-8 and 15-17. The performance will feature giant marionettes manipulated by performers on stilts with colourful birds soaring above the crowds.

One of the event’s main shows is a dance party called The Colour of Time on July 22-23 at 4:30 p.m. It will kick off at Beaudry metro station and unravel into a choreographed parade that will conclude on Ste. Catherine St., where participants will be showered with colourful powders. (The show is not recommended for people with asthma or children under the age of 3).

Families can show off their dance moves with the Intergalactic Creature Crew from July 17-20, which will feature life-sized extraterrestrial puppets dancing to funk music on St. Denis St.

Kids will likely enjoy interactive performances at Aquaphonie; three clowns go on a journey through lakes and puddles. No one will be left dry, so be sure to bring an umbrella. Aquaphonie will be taking place on St. Denis St. from July 17-26.

From July 19-24, on St. Denis St, kids can watch Slinkie Love, a 10-minute show that features two giant-sized versions of the beloved children’s toy. Or they can put on shows of their own with Les animaux roulent, a station where they’ll be able to electronically control an assortment of plush animals from July 6-11.

Two food trucks on site will transform into mini-theatres to keep visitors entertained as they wait in line. Caisse 606 will be stationed on Emery St. from July 6-10, while Mange ta rue will occupy St. Denis St. from July 18-25.

There are many more kid-friendly performances so for more information, visit 375mtl.com/en/programming/a-nous-la-rue-24.