Festival Orientalys 2026 opens in Montréal with free music, food and workshops

Festival Orientalys opens today in Montréal’s Old Port, bringing four free days of music, dance, workshops, food and family activities to the Clock Tower Quay from August 13 to 16, 2026.

The waterfront festival presents cultures stretching from North Africa and the Middle East to Asia. For Arab and Middle Eastern visitors, the 2026 program includes Lebanese dabké, Persian music, Egyptian-inspired dance, Arabic calligraphy, Algerian sounds and artists whose work connects Montréal with traditions from across the region.

Middle Eastern highlights

• Persian Nuances: Farzad Milani explores Persian micro-intervals while connecting oral traditions with Western harmonies — August 13, 6:00–6:45 p.m.
• Lebanese Dabké Workshop: Pierre Moussa and his dancers invite the public to learn the basic steps of Lebanon’s communal dance — August 13, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
• DJ Mina: An Egypt-and-Québec connection on the festival stage — August 13, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Between Two Shores: A Montréal-Algeria performance blending Andalusian rumba, Algerian chaabi, cumbia and Spanish and Arabic vocals — August 13, 8:45–10:00 p.m.
• La Perse Ensemble: Classical Persian poetry meets Western harmonies — August 14, 7:15–8:00 p.m.
• Arabic Calligraphy Workshop: Khaled Elsheikh introduces the art of Arabic lettering — August 15, 12:15–1:15 p.m., and August 16, 2:15–3:15 p.m.
• Baladi in Full Swing: Egyptian baladi meets fitness and urban dance, followed by a short public workshop — August 15, 6:15–7:15 p.m.
• Kabyle White Night: An extended Algerian celebration — August 15, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Food, artisans and family activities

Orientalys is designed as more than a concert series. Visitors can explore a lively medina-style setting with craftspeople, cultural exhibitions, tastings and food services, while workshops and children’s programming make it accessible to families. Food vendors may change, and the festival does not provide a blanket halal certification for every item, so halal diners should confirm ingredients and preparation directly with each vendor.

Plan your visit

Schedules can change, so check the official program before travelling. The festival takes place outdoors at the Clock Tower Quay in the Old Port of Montréal.

Confirmation status: Confirmed through the official Festival Orientalys program, the Old Port of Montréal and Québec’s official tourism listings. Program details were checked August 13, 2026.