The summer season is upon us! It's the time of year when the Côte-Nord is more alive than ever. Whether you live on the North Shore or are just passing through the region, here are the events not to be missed this summer.

Tadoussac Arts Happening - June 11th to 12th

A creation event that welcomes artists from various disciplines set up in shops, galleries, or under outdoor tents and on private lands. The general public is invited to meet them.

For all details:https://www.happarts.com/ 

© Tadoussac Arts Happening

Tadoussac Song Festival - June 16th to 19th

"The Festival shines the spotlight on Francophone song in the unique natural setting of the Côte-Nord! For 4 days, Tadoussac lives to the rhythm and colors of the event. The Tadoussac Song Festival is revealed by strolling through the streets and trails of the village, kayaking or Zodiac cruising the Saguenay Fjord, randomly encountering artistic performances, all in an intimate and friendly atmosphere!"

For all details:  https://chansontadoussac.com/

© Photo of Pascale Picard in 2015 by Bernard Lemeunier

34th edition of the Baie-Comeau Painting Symposium - June 22nd to 26th

"The Baie-Comeau Painting Symposium, the first of its kind in Quebec, is a grand celebration of creation and color. It was established in 1987."

For all details:  https://www.sympobaiecomeau.ca/

© Baie-Comeau Painting Symposium

Baie-Comeau Water and Outdoor Festival - July 7th to 9th

The Festival offers a diverse program including musical performances by renowned artists, local artists and artisans, and activities for the whole family. The themes of water and the great outdoors, specific to the North Shore, are explored and color the activities of the Festival.

For all details:  https://eaugrandair.com/

© Carl Rodrigue

Baie-Comeau, Adventure and Culture - July 15th to 30th

"Through different musical blocks, you will be able to contemplate the evolution of Baie-Comeau from the 1930s to today through archives, testimonials, and breathtaking musical performances."

For all details:  https://bcaventureetculture.com/

© Baie-Comeau : D'aventure et de culture

Vieux-Quai en Fête Alouette in Sept-Îles - July 14th to 17th

"Located on the enchanting site of the Vieux-Quai Park, with the magnificent bay of Sept-Îles as a backdrop, this event offers: street entertainers, street performances, professional and emerging artists, children's rides, troubadour musicians, peripheral activities, fireworks. A highly diversified program also includes a country corner, folk musicians, and information booths on site. Vieux-Quai en Fête emphasizes networking with local organizations to enhance their programming."

For all details:  https://www.vieuxquaienfete.com/

© Vieux-Quai en Fête

Havre-Saint-Pierre Family Festival - July 21st to 24th

"The Family Festival is the ultimate summer event on the North Shore. In the heart of Minganie, in Havre-Saint-Pierre, the Festival offers activities for all tastes and all ages. Come meet the Cayennes and Cayens, who welcome you with open arms and take pride in presenting their corner of the country."

For all details:  https://festivaldelafamille.com/

© Festival de la Famille de Havre-Saint-Pierre

Côte-Nord Beer Festival in Baie-Comeau - August 4th to 6th

"The Côte-Nord Beer Festival, a festive and unifying event for beer and good music enthusiasts!"

For all details:  https://www.festivalbierecotenord.com/

© Festival de la bière de la Côte-Nord

Innu Nikamu Festival in Mani-Utenam - August 3rd to 7th

"Innu Nikamu is one of the largest festivals of music and Indigenous arts in the eastern part of the continent. It is synonymous with celebration, sharing, and cultural exchanges. For 38 years, it has also been the gathering place for artisans, families, and tourists visiting the region."

For all details:  https://www.innunikamu.ca/

© Festival Innu 

Côte-Nord Grill Festival in Sept-Îles - August 11th to 14th

This year, there will be approximately twenty booths present, including microbreweries, distilleries, restaurants, and barbecue equipment suppliers, all accompanied by music performances.

For all details:  http://www.festigrilescotenord.com/

© Festi-Grilles

Innucadie Tale and Legend Festival in Natashquan - August 11th to 14th

"A special edition of the Innucadie Tale and Legend Festival is being prepared this year in Natashquan, on the Côte-Nord, to welcome Innu and North Coast Acadian artists. This will also be the occasion to inaugurate the Innucadie Trail, a poetic walking path with reading corners presenting the poetry of Joséphine Bacon and Gilles Vigneault, both natives of the region. The elders of the Innu communities are also expected for a cultural mediation activity orchestrated by Bolivian painter Javier Escamilla, while a special evening will pay tribute to the great storyteller Simon Gauthier, who passed away this year." La Presse

For all details: https://www.facebook.com/innucadie

© Innucadie Tale and Legend Festival

Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival - September 22nd to 25th

"Ornithology enthusiasts are invited to a plethora of activities in Tadoussac to admire the migration spectacle, with the presence of the event spokesperson, Pierre Verville." Le Manic

For all details:  http://www.explosnature.ca/oot/festival-des-oiseaux-migrateurs-de-la-cote-nord/

© Comedian and host Pierre Verville, spokesperson for the Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival for the 12th edition. Photo by Yan Turcotte