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4 days of soul, groove, and celebration in the heart of Montreal at SoulFest MTL 2026

Gwen Bobee
4 days of soul, groove, and celebration in the heart of Montreal at SoulFest MTL 2026
Crédit:
  • A free outdoor festival dedicated to soul, R&B, gospel, funk, and disco.
  • A lineup featuring established artists, up-and-coming local talent, and memorable tribute performances.
  • Special indoor evenings at the Balcon Cabaret Chic to extend the experience.
  • A festive, inclusive, and cultural atmosphere that transforms downtown into a vibrant stage.

SOULFEST MTL returns to the heart of Montreal for its third edition, transforming the plaza in front of St. James Church into an open-air stage from July 9 to 12, 2026. This free festival dedicated to soul, Motown, R&B, funk, disco, and gospel has established itself as an unmissable summer event for music lovers and fans of outdoor experiences. For four days, downtown will come alive with performances featuring established and emerging artists, including Dawn Tyler Watson and Kim Richardson.

The event is part of an effort to revitalize the urban landscape and highlight the neighborhood’s architectural heritage. The venue, featuring a terrace and outdoor bar, fosters interaction between the audience and artists in a setting accessible to all. SOULFEST MTL stands out for its cultural mission to support emerging talent and serve as a professional showcase. Audiences can enjoy a rich, free outdoor program. The event promises a festive atmosphere that extends into the evening with shows at the Balcon Cabaret Chic. This celebration reaffirms Montreal’s status as a vibrant capital of soul and African-American music and invites the public to enjoy an inclusive, festive, and memorable summer experience in the heart of downtown, in a warm and unifying atmosphere for everyone.

Courtesy of SOULFEST MTL

An Eclectic Lineup at Balcon Cabaret Chic

Alongside the outdoor concerts, Le Balcon Cabaret Chic hosts a series of indoor shows that extend the SOULFEST MTL experience in a more intimate setting. Dawn Tyler Watson kicks off the festivities with a vibrant tribute to Motown and soul sounds, while Freddie James energetically revisits the genre’s greatest legends. On Saturday, Disco Chic and several guest artists will transform the stage into a dance floor, before Kim Richardson closes out the festival with a highly anticipated performance. These evenings complement the free outdoor lineup by offering a culinary and musical experience inspired by soul food, available to festivalgoers looking to extend their night out. It’s the perfect way to experience Montreal in soul mode from morning to night.

Courtesy of SOULFEST MTL

A Musical Celebration in the Heart of Montreal

SOULFEST MTL has established itself as a major cultural event of the Montreal summer, bringing together music, heritage, and creativity at an iconic downtown venue. Its lineup highlights the richness of the soul, R&B, and gospel scenes, while actively supporting emerging artists and local artistic collaborations. The festival attracts a diverse audience thanks to its free admission, welcoming spaces, and festive atmosphere that brings the neighborhood’s streets to life. Beyond the performances, the event serves as a meeting place for different generations and cultures, reinforcing the downtown area’s role as a vibrant and inclusive space. An invitation to celebrate music and summer in the heart of Montreal with SOULFEST MTL, in a warm, free, and memorable atmosphere for everyone.

Courtesy of SOULFEST MTL

Program Overview

Thu., July 9

  • Thu., July 9
  • 6:30 p.m. (90 min) — DTW & The Jamm
  • 8:30 PM (90 min) — Jules
  • 9:00 p.m. (60 min) — Chanda Holmes
  • 6:30 p.m. (90 min) — Tribute to Etta JamesThu., July 9
  • Fri., July 10
  • 5:30 p.m. (60 min) — Papi Jay
  • 7:30 p.m. (60 min) — Freddie James Project
  • 8:30 p.m. (90 min) — Naïka Champaïgne
  • 9:30 p.m. (60 min) — Mely Walide
  • Sat., July 11
  • 3:30 p.m. (60 min) — Annabel Oreste
  • 5:30 p.m. (60 min) — Sympa César
  • 7:30 p.m. (60 min) — Disco Chic
  • 8:30 p.m. (90 min) — Nino & Electric Soul
  • 9:30 p.m. (90 min) — Sajaa
  • Sun., July 12
  • 4:30 p.m. (60 min) — Mighty Real Gospel X
  • 6:30 p.m. (60 min) — Rémi Cormier & Jennifer-Lee
  • 8:30 p.m. (90 min) — Kim Richardson

SOULFEST MTL promises four days of music, connections, and energy in the heart of Montreal. From July 9 to 12, downtown Montreal will pulse to the beat of soul, gospel, and R&B in a festive atmosphere open to everyone. SOULFEST MTL is much more than a series of concerts: it’s a time for connection, sharing, and collective energy, where music brings together generations, cultures, and music lovers around a shared vibe. Whether you come to dance, discover new artists, or simply enjoy the outdoor atmosphere, every evening promises its own share of emotions and memories. Montreal invites you to join us in the heart of summer to celebrate music at its most vibrant and human. Will you be there to be part of the movement?

Courtesy of SOULFEST MTL