- Chợ Đêm MTL returns to Peel Basin from July 16 to 19 for an edition bigger than ever.
- Culture will be at the heart of the event with a diverse artistic program.
- Chợ Đêm MTL will also serve as a space for dialogue on identity and community.
The Vietnamese festival Chợ Đêm MTL is back at Bassin Peel from July 16 to 19 with an edition that promises to be more ambitious than ever. While the event maintains its affordable $5 admission fee and price caps to ensure everyone can enjoy the street food, its program demonstrates that the festival has far surpassed the simple concept of a food market.
This year, organizers are expecting more than 25,000 visitors, who will be able to discover a unique blend of Vietnamese cuisine, contemporary Asian culture, live performances, and discussions about identity and community.
Over 50 dishes and Vietnamese culinary discoveries
Food remains at the heart of Chợ Đêm MTL, with an impressive selection of over 50 savory dishes as well as 32 specialty drinks and desserts.
In addition to beloved classics like Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, visitors can sample rarer specialties that are hard to find in Montreal. Among the must-try items are Bourgot (ốc xào), the popular Rau câu jelly platter, and Bánh Chuối Nếp Nướng—a grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice.
The event offers a true immersion in Vietnamese flavors, blending culinary traditions with new gastronomic trends.
A music scene that blends tradition and youth culture
This year’s edition will also feature a rich artistic lineup with more than 50 live performances spread across the festival’s various stages.
The main stage will feature Andy Khun, the David Chicode Jazz Band, and the dancers from East2West, finalists on the TV show Quel Talent!.
The festival will also celebrate a significant milestone with the 20th anniversary of OMA (Open Mic Asiatique), an event recognized for giving a prominent platform to emerging Asian artists.
Discussions on Identity and Community
Beyond entertainment, the festival also aims to create a space for reflection through several community panels addressing important issues such as mental health in Asian communities, the hybrid Quebec-Vietnamese identity, and the challenges faced by generations of immigrants.
Guests include writer Kim Thúy, actor Frédéric Nguyen Khan, entrepreneur Michel Lim, and Linda Nguon of Banh Mi Media, who will co-host the discussion “The Third Space – Hybrid Identity.”
A four-day program
Wednesday, July 16: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The opening night will feature Pray’N’Slay, a performance that will kick off the festivities.
On the program:
- Fusion Đàn Tranh x DJ Kilean x Phuong Anh: 5:00 p.m. to 5:10 p.m., North Quay Main Stage
- Bánh trôi nước cooking demonstration: 5:10 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., Main Stage, North Quay
- Opening Ceremony: 6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Main Stage, North Quay
- Official opening ceremony: 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bến Thành stage, South Quay
Thursday, July 17: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
This day will feature a special appearance by Kim Thúy.
On the program:
- BAM Drop-in Class: 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Main Stage, North Quay
- Karaoke: 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM, Bến Thành South Quay Stage
- Special evening program: 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
A day packed with performances, including:
- Lion Dance, Montreal: 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Main Stage, North Pier
- Phuong Ca Montreal Band: 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
- La Belle Tonkinoise: 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- Tremblix & Hypes ft. Paola Fren Quartet: 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, July 19: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
To close out the festival:
- The Clan War – Super Boat People: 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Bến Thành South Quay Stage
- Nu.Skin: 5:30 PM to 5:45 PM, Main Stage, North Quay
- Closing Remarks: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Main Stage, North Quay
Good news for visitors: the festival will go on even if it rains. The event will only be interrupted in the event of a major weather alert. Visitors are encouraged to check Chợ Đêm MTL’s official social media channels for the latest updates.
With its blend of food, music, culture, and socializing, Chợ Đêm MTL has established itself as one of the must-attend summer events for discovering the richness of Vietnamese culture in Montreal.