- Where: Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port of Montreal
- When: January 14–February 6, 2027 (provisional dates)
- Website: Igloofest
Igloofest: Embracing the Arctic Vibes in the Heart of Montreal
Montreal does not slow down when winter arrives. Igloofest turns Jacques-Cartier Pier into a large outdoor dance floor, bringing electronic music, bold stage design and thousands of warmly dressed festivalgoers to the Old Port.
Held beside the Saint Lawrence River, the festival has been part of Montreal’s winter calendar since 2007. Guests gather outdoors in freezing temperatures, dressed in heavy coats, ski suits and plenty of winter layers.
Electronic music sits at the centre of Igloofest. Local and international DJs perform across two stages, with lineups covering house, techno, bass, hip-hop and other electronic styles. Each evening has its own artists, allowing visitors to choose a date that matches their taste in music.
The Sapporo and Videotron stages combine large screens, lighting and architectural stage design with the Old Port’s steel structures and icy winter decor. The result is a striking outdoor setting that still feels closely tied to Montreal.
Away from the main stages, the Igloovillage includes the Sapporo Iglooslide and a changing selection of games and site activities. Bars and food trucks also operate across the grounds, giving guests places to pick up food and drinks between performances.
Winter clothing is both part of the fun and a practical necessity. The Iglooswag contest celebrates the loudest and most unusual snowsuits worn during the festival. Guests are free to get creative, but warm boots, insulated layers, gloves and head coverings remain important during a long night outside.
The main evening events are for guests aged 18 and over. They take place from Thursday to Saturday across four winter weekends, with exact opening times and performers listed for each ticketed evening.
Recent editions have also included Igloofête, a series of free Saturday-afternoon events for families. These daytime sessions have featured DJs, games, food trucks and hot drinks at the same Old Port site.
Igloofest has grown into one of Montreal’s best-known winter events by treating the cold as part of the night rather than something to avoid. It brings electronic music, playful winter clothing and open-air dancing together in a setting few other festivals can match.
Choose your preferred evening from the official programme, dress for several hours outdoors and arrive ready to dance in the Montreal cold.