Events in Trois-Rivières

Events & Festivals in Trois-Rivières

Your complete guide to what's happening throughout the year

Trois-Rivières packs its calendar with events that balance deep tradition with modern energy. Summer festivals anchor the schedule. Yet each season delivers its own flavor: winter carnivals, autumn food markets, spring gatherings. Most events cluster around the historic Old Town and waterfront, making for easy walking between venues. You will find international competitions alongside neighborhood celebrations. This mix delivers an honest window into local life, year-round.

Peak event periods
  • FestiVoix music festival in late June
  • Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières in mid-July
  • Fête nationale du Québec celebrations on June 24
  • Summer festival season, late June through August
  • Christmas market weekends in December
Public holidays in Trois-Rivières: 10 October 2026 to 9 October 2027
  • 12 October 2026 Thanksgiving
  • 11 November 2026 Armistice Day
  • 11 November 2026 Remembrance Day
  • 25 December 2026 Christmas Day
  • 26 December 2026 Boxing Day
  • 1 January 2027 New Year's Day
  • 15 February 2027 Family Day
  • 15 February 2027 Heritage Day
  • 15 February 2027 Islander Day
  • 15 February 2027 Louis Riel Day
  • 17 March 2027 Saint Patrick's Day
  • 26 March 2027 Good Friday
  • 29 March 2027 Easter Monday
  • 23 April 2027 Saint George's Day
  • 24 May 2027 National Patriots' Day
  • 24 May 2027 Victoria Day
  • 21 June 2027 National Aboriginal Day
  • 24 June 2027 Discovery Day
  • 24 June 2027 Fête nationale du Québec
  • 1 July 2027 Canada Day
  • 12 July 2027 Orangemen's Day
  • 2 August 2027 British Columbia Day
  • 2 August 2027 Civic Holiday
  • 2 August 2027 Heritage Day
  • 2 August 2027 Natal Day
  • 2 August 2027 New Brunswick Day
  • 2 August 2027 Saskatchewan Day
  • 16 August 2027 Discovery Day
  • 16 August 2027 Gold Cup Parade Day
  • 6 September 2027 Labour Day
  • 30 September 2027 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Banks, offices and some attractions may close, and transport and prices can change around these dates.

January

🎭Festival du Rire de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Various venues in downtown Trois-Rivières
Book Ahead cultural

This comedy festival pulls Quebecois and international stand-up acts into venues across the city. The mood stays warm and festive. It offers escape from winter cold. Adults seeking lively nights out will find their match here. Most performances run in French.

Tip: Popular shows sell fast. Grab a multi-show pass for value. Arrive early at general admission venues. Worth it.

February

🎉Fête des Neiges de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Parc Portuaire or similar central green space
Free festival

A central park hosts this family winter celebration. Visitors find snow sculpting workshops, ice slides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor games. Hot drinks and maple taffy keep everyone warm.

Tip: Layer up. Wear waterproof outerwear. Some activities charge small fees, so carry cash. Weekends draw crowds but run the full program.

⚽Tournoi de Pêche sur la Glace

Dates vary yearly Frozen river near the port
Book Ahead sports

Anglers drill holes in the frozen Saint Lawrence River. The largest catch wins. A heated tent offers refuge. Veterans compete. Curious newcomers watch. Both are welcome.

Tip: Rent equipment on-site. Gear up for extreme cold. Insulated boots are mandatory. No license needed here.

March

🎭Festival International de la Poésie

Dates vary yearly Libraries, cafes, and cultural centers citywide
Free cultural

Trois-Rivières becomes a poetry hub for this event, with readings, performances, workshops. Quebec and international poets take part. The tone stays thoughtful and engaging. Literature enthusiasts and students feel at home here.

Tip: Check schedules for bilingual events if French is limited. Smaller venues deliver intimacy. Skip the big halls.

April

🎭Salon du Livre de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Centre des congrès de l'Hôtel Delta
cultural

This major book fair spotlights Quebecois publishing with author signings, panel discussions, hundreds of exhibitors. It ranks as a key event for francophone literature. Families and serious readers browse together, discovering new works.

Tip: Buy tickets online to skip lines. Signing schedules post daily. Plan your booth route. Save time.

May

🎉Festival de la Bête Puante

Dates vary yearly Streets and parks in the city center
Free festival

Trois-Rivières embraces its unofficial mascot with this festival. The skunk gets its day. Costumed parades wind through streets. Quirky games and family activities follow. The city laughs at itself. Community spirit runs high.

Tip: The parade is unmissable. Children love it. Claim your spot on Rue des Ursulines early. Merchandise sells out.

🎭Festival de Théâtre Jeunesse

Dates vary yearly Théâtre du Cégep and other school auditoriums
Free cultural

School troupes from across Quebec perform short plays. Venues scatter through the city. The energy is supportive, creative, young. This is where tomorrow's artists emerge.

Tip: All performances are in French. Schedules are packed. Check venues by age group. Plan ahead.

June

🎵FestiVoix de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Plates-bandes riverfront site
Book Ahead music

One of Canada's largest French-language music festivals spreads across multiple outdoor stages along the Saint-Maurice river. Pop, rock, and indie artists perform. A huge, energetic crowd gathers for over a week of concerts.

Tip: Multi-day passes cut costs significantly. The site runs cashless. Bring a payment card for vendors. Essential.

⚽Coupe d'Or de Soccer

Dates vary yearly Complexe sportif de Trois-Rivières
Free sports

Hundreds of youth soccer teams from Quebec and Ontario converge on Trois-Rivières fields for this major tournament. The atmosphere mixes competition with community spirit. Games run simultaneously across multiple pitches.

Tip: Parking vanishes early. Pack sun protection, chairs, and a cooler. You will stay all day. Plan accordingly.

🎉Spectacle de la Fête nationale du Québec

Dates vary yearly Plates-bandes site or Parc Portuaire
Free festival

Quebec's national holiday brings free outdoor concerts. Popular Quebecois musicians take the stage. Fireworks end the night. The crowd is massive, proud, and loud.

Tip: This night is chaos. Plan accordingly. Public transit is your friend. Drivers must arrive very early. Bring a blanket for sitting.

July

⚽Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Street circuit in downtown Trois-Rivières
Book Ahead sports

Race cars tear through a temporary street circuit in the city core for this premier motorsport event. Engine roar dominates three days of qualifying and racing. Dedicated fans and curious onlookers both show up.

Tip: Grandstand tickets deliver the best views. General admission lets you roam sections. Bring ear protection.

🎭Festival International Danse Encore

Dates vary yearly Various outdoor stages and theaters
Book Ahead cultural

This dance festival spans classical ballet to contemporary and urban styles. Professional companies and emerging artists perform outdoors and in, energizing public spaces across the city.

Tip: Free outdoor shows in Parc Portuaire suit families well. Book indoor performances well ahead. Don't wait.

🛒Marché Public de Trois-Rivières Summer Season

Dates vary yearly Marché Public de Trois-Rivières grounds
Free market

The main public market runs outdoors weekly. Farmers, bakers, and artisans gather in expanded numbers. Residents treat this as ritual. They buy produce, flowers, cheeses, and baked goods straight from the source.

Tip: Arrive early. The best produce goes fast. Specialty items disappear by mid-morning. The food stalls serve excellent lunch.

August

🎵Festissimo

Dates vary yearly Historic religious venues in the Old Town
Book Ahead music

Historic churches and chapels around Trois-Rivières host this classical music festival. Chamber music, choirs, and soloists fill summer evenings with serene, acoustically rich performances.

Tip: Cool stone interiors offer relief from summer heat. Take the shuttle service between venues. Smart move.

🎵Festival de la Chanson de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Intimate venues in the city center
Book Ahead music

This celebration spotlights francophone songwriting and emerging artists. Concerts happen in clubs and small halls. The environment feels supportive and discovery-driven, good for new music hunters.

Tip: The festival pass unlocks multiple shows. Late-night slots often hold the most experimental acts. Stay up.

🎭Cinéma sous les Étoiles

Dates vary yearly Various parks including Parc Champlain
Free cultural

Outdoor film screenings in parks and public squares feature Quebecois cinema and family-friendly classics. Attendees spread blankets and chairs, creating casual community picnics after dark.

Tip: Arrive an hour before sunset for prime spots. Pack insect repellent. Bring a sweater. Nights cool down.

September

🍽️Foire Gastronomique de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Parc Portuaire
Free food

This food fair puts regional producers, cheesemakers, and culinary artisans center stage. Visitors sample and buy local products, watch cooking demonstrations, eat from food trucks. Locals who care about food mark this as a favorite.

Tip: Carry a reusable bag for purchases. Arrive hungry. Share dishes to sample more vendors. The event runs rain or shine.

🎭Nuit Blanche à Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Cultural institutions across downtown
Free cultural

Museums, galleries, and odd spaces open late. Special installations fill the night. Performances and interactive art draw crowds. The city center goes pedestrian-only. This is global concept, locally executed.

Tip: Grab a map at the start. Wear comfortable shoes. Pick a few key venues. Skip the rest. You cannot see everything.

October

🎭Expo Beaux Arts

Dates vary yearly Salle J.-A.-Thompson
Free cultural

Visual artists from the Mauricie region show and sell work at this exhibition. Painting, sculpture, and photography fill the space. The relaxed setting lets you view and acquire art straight from creators.

Tip: The opening vernissage brings you face to face with artists. Ask about payment plans if buying. Negotiate.

🎉Festival des Couleurs en Mauricie

Dates vary yearly Base activities at Parc de l'Île Saint-Quentin
Book Ahead festival

This festival chases autumn foliage around Trois-Rivières with guided hikes, photography workshops, scenic train excursions into surrounding hills. Outdoor enthusiasts and photographers find their match here.

Tip: Book train or shuttle tickets weeks out. They sell out. Foliage peaks shift. Check regional park reports first.

November

⚽Tournoi International de Hockey Midget

Dates vary yearly Colisée Vidéotron
Book Ahead sports

This tournament brings elite teenage hockey to the local coliseum. Scouts crowd the stands. The pace is relentless, the arena electric. Top-tier midget-level teams battle for attention in fast, competitive games.

Tip: Medal round tickets vanish quickly. Attend a round-robin game instead. You will see more teams play. This is how locals do it.

December

🛒Marché de Noël de Trois-Rivières

Dates vary yearly Place de l'Église in the Old Town
Free market

Wooden chalets fill the Old Town heart for this traditional Christmas market. Local crafts, holiday decorations, and seasonal foods like mulled wine and gingerbread line the stalls. Twinkling lights and carolers complete the mood.

Tip: Weekday evenings mean thinner crowds. Try the hot chocolate. Watch for Père Noël appearances. Memorable.

🎵Concert de l'Avent à la Cathédrale

Dates vary yearly Cathédrale de l'Assomption
Free music

Choirs and orchestras fill the cathedral each holiday season. Sacred and classical music echoes through stone. The atmosphere is solemn, beautiful, brief. A moment of calm amid December rush.

Tip: Seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive 30 minutes early minimum. The cathedral has no heat. Dress warmly.

Tips for Attending Events

Practical advice to help you get the most out of local events and festivals.

1

Summer in Trois-Rivières means crowds. FestiVoix and the Fête nationale concert are massive. Book rooms months ahead. Walk or use shuttles. Parking is a nightmare. Traffic stalls.

2

Winter demands respect. Temperatures plunge. Layer up. Your outer shell must stop wind. Boots need insulation and waterproofing. Cover your head and hands. Always.

3

French dominates most performances. Check programs online first. Some events are bilingual. Others rely on visual impact. Know before you go.

4

Buy paid tickets online. Discounts apply. Some festivals use cashless wristbands. Bring a payment card.

5

The center and Old Town are built for walking. Event venues cluster here. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Street closures are common during festivals. Follow the signs.

Event Categories

Browse events by type to find what interests you.

🎉
festival

Major festivals unite the community. Parades roll through streets. Outdoor activities fill the days. The atmosphere is festive, open, city-wide.

🎭
cultural

Cultural programming runs year-round. Exhibitions open. Performances sell out. Literary events draw readers. Visual arts fill galleries.

⚽
sports

Sports range from professional races to amateur tournaments. Competition is fierce at every level.

🛒
market

Markets follow the seasons. Night markets appear in summer. Local products dominate. Crafts and food draw steady crowds.

🙏
religious

Religious observances and festivals, reflecting local traditions.

🎵
music

Music spans classical, popular, and contemporary. Festivals book big names. Concerts fill venues of every size.

🍽️
food

Food festivals put local producers center stage. Regional cuisine is the star. Tasting is mandatory.

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