Across the province of Québec, summer is a vibrant season full of festivals and events. The maritime regions of Québec are no exception, offering visitors cultural and sporting events of all kinds, all the way into the fall. Here are six to add to your itinerary in Eastern Québec in 2026!

Événements Gaspésia

When: June 19 to 21, September 18 to 20, October 24, 2026

Where: Several locations in the eastern part of Gaspésie

Do you enjoy having adventures and taking on new challenges? Événements Gaspésia organizes a variety of sporting and outdoor events that are designed to showcase the landscapes of Eastern Quebec. If you’d like to participate in endurance trail-running races, head to Percé for the Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 in June or to the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula for the Ultra Trail Forillon in September. If you prefer road running, you’ll want to participate in the Marathon Gaspesia in Percé in October, during which you can admire Percé Rock as you run! Événements Gaspésia also offers winter events if you’re visiting the region at that time of year.

International Garden Festival

When: June 20 to October 4, 2026

Where: Grand-Métis, in Gaspésie

The International Garden Festival takes place every year on the enchanting site of the Reford Gardens. During the 2026 edition, you can explore works of art created by various landscape architects and designers inspired by the theme “Mapping Sensitivity.” In addition to granting you admission to these contemporary gardens, your ticket will allow you to explore the entire site, including the historic gardens with their superb floral displays as well as the various exhibitions, such as those found in Estevan Lodge.

Petite-Vallée Song Festival

When: June 25 to July 4, 2026

Where: Petite-Vallée, in Gaspésie

Every summer, the community of Petite-Vallée, which has a population of fewer than 150 people, welcomes nearly 20,000 festival-goers in an enchanting seaside location to celebrate musical creativity. This event has evolved over the years to become one of the largest song festivals in Québec and an important springboard for up-and-coming artists. If you enjoy musical discoveries and want to see emerging talent live, this song festival is sure to charm you!

Concerts aux Îles du Bic

When: August 2 to 8, 2026

Where: Rimouski, in Bas-Saint-Laurent

The only chamber music event in Eastern Québec, this festival provides a stage for musicians to perform both well-known and new compositions, often while playing together for the first time. Enjoy this series of unique concerts held both indoors and outdoors in a variety of heritage and iconic venues in Le Bic and the surrounding area.

Festival Musique du Bout du Monde

When: August 6 to 9, 2026

Where: Gaspé, in Gaspésie

Festival Musique du Bout du Monde (FMBM) offers a harmonious combination of culture and nature in Gaspésie, with a program that showcases both local and world music. During this festival, performances take place at various locations in the town of Gaspé: Rue de la Reine, in the centre of town, becomes a pedestrian-only street that bustles with activity. Don’t miss the sunrise show at Cap-Bon-Ami as well as the happy-hour concert held in the natural amphitheatre at the top of Mt. Béchervaise!

Festival La Virée Trad

When: October 9 to 10, 2026

Where: Carleton-sur-Mer, in Gaspésie

If you’d like to immerse yourself in traditional Gaspesian, Acadian and Quebecois culture in a fall setting between sea and mountains, the La Virée Trad Festival is the place to be! Your stay in the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector will include traditional music, singing and dancing as well as talks, workshops and the opportunity to meet numerous local food producers and artisans at the largest market in Gaspésie!

As you can see, a trip to the maritime regions of Québec in 2026 promises to be rich in cultural discoveries and sports adventures. These festivals and events will allow you to enjoy authentic experiences during your stay while sharing special moments with both locals and other travellers!