Montreal Jazz Festival
Two weeks of outdoor music (late-June–early-July)
Rated one of the world's best jazz festivals, the 11-day Montreal Jazz Festival attracts over two million people and many big-name performers to five hundred shows.
It particularly sets itself apart with its carefree and sociable vibe; most concerts are outdoors and free, so the city's nightlife goes up another notch.
Many other musical genres also tag along for the ride: blues and world (esp Latino) always play a big part.
The festival is centred around the Place des Arts.