Your summer guide to Montréal’s Olympic Park

The Esplanade Financière Sun-Life at Montréal’s Olympic Park is gearing up for its best summer yet. There will be lots happening on site, which happens to be accessible by metro, so you can leave the car at home or at your hotel. Here’s a shortlist of suggestions for folks looking for food, sports and entertainment options.

Poutine topped with foie gras, giant donuts, lobster tacos—get your fill of the good stuff from the biggest gathering of food trucks in North America! Taste the season’s finest and freshest flavours. To mentally prepare, check out our food truck guide. As the name suggests, this event happens on the first Friday of every month, May through October, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. It’s a fun-filled environment that’s perfect for the whole family.

Une publication partagée par Montreal RibFest (@mtlribfest17) le 27 Avril 2017 à 9h31 PDT

It’s time to stock up on paper plates! From June 9 to 11, rib lovers are in for a tender and juicy treat at Montréal Ribfest! Treat yourself to BBQ chicken, pulled pork and—of course—tons of different ribs prepared by North America’s top Pit Masters. This event isn’t just an opportunity to pig out, it’s also a chance to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island.

Une publication partagée par Fraises et framboises Québec (@lesfraichesduquebec) le 11 Sept. 2016 à 12h09 PDT

When was the last time you said hello to Old MacDonald? Stop at the Québec Farms Open House to chat with modern farmers and learn about the secrets of the land. On September 10, you’ll get the chance to see barnyard animals, sample local products, check out agricultural equipment and get a better appreciation for the work that goes into producing our food. And the experience wouldn’t be complete without some steaming hot corn on the cob!

Une publication partagée par Parc olympique (@parcolympique) le 21 Juil. 2016 à 8h37 PDT

Discover one of the only places in Quebec where kids can try out child-size tennis courts. Admission is free for everyone, and aspiring tennis stars can show of their skills in singles or doubles at SMASH – Mini-Tennis Centre. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, coaches from Tennis Québec come in to share tips to beginners and advanced players.

Une publication partagée par JACKALOPE (@jackalopefest) le 12 Mai 2017 à 11h50 PDT

Much like the imaginary animal it’s named after, Jackalope is an awesome combination of two ideas. In this case, it’s equal parts action sport performance and creativity. From August 18 to 20, talented athletes will show off their feats in a bid to get you moving. Visitors can watch the competition in a supercharged ambiance and break a sweat in introductory clinics to all seven demo sports.

Une publication partagée par Guillaume Rousset (@fvck1977) le 27 Oct. 2016 à 13h46 PDT

What’s that sound? It’s skateboards hitting the pavement in a specially designed skatepark. Pro and amateur skateboarders alike can come out and practice their favourite sport on concrete modules, ramps and benches. Not only that, but the World Cup of Skateboarding will be held here from July 14 to 16.

Une publication partagée par Parc olympique (@parcolympique) le 21 Juil. 2016 à 8h43 PDT

Hey kids, grab your rackets and join the Mini Rogers Cupt! It’s all happening on the Esplanade on July 22 and 23. Players aged 12 and under are invited to experience what it’s like to hit the ball right before the pros gear up for the Roger’s Cup presented by National Bank. With fun and sportsmanship in the air, everyone wins!

See Montréal’s fastest bike messengers go head-to-head in this exciting competition. On August 12 and 13, the 2017 Cycle Messenger World Championships will be celebrating the singular talents of the world’s best messengers. Watch them race to deliver their packages on a closed circuit or in simulated work environments. Seize the opportunity to pedal your ride to the Esplanade via Montréal’s extensive bike paths and lanes.

Une publication partagée par MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE (@mtlccirque) le 10 Juil. 2016 à 11h47 PDT

Get the whole family into the circus spirit at Montréal Cirque Festival and have fun doing something completely different. Try the Russian swing, greasy pole or the hula hoop contest, then take in the international show Entre nous, in which five artists from various origins and backgrounds come together and reconnect around three Chinese poles. But the real star of the show is YOU, so make sure you’re there on July 8 and 9.

The Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal outdoor concert has become a summer classic, attracting music lovers with exceptional music and gorgeous sunsets. This year, the magic is happening on August 10. Grab a bite nearby and then find a spot on the Esplanade to get comfortable and enjoy the incredible talents of conductor Kent Nagano and the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal.

Up next:International artists on display at open-air museum