About
Our Story & Spirit
How a dedicated volunteer committee builds Montreal's most authentic Japanese summer festival.
Our festival is built by the hands of those who cook, perform, teach, and gather.
A journey of over 20 years bringing traditional Japanese culture, street food, and community warmth to Montreal.
Over 20 years ago, Festival Matsuri began at the Old Port of Montreal. It was grand and expansive, but over the years, the organizing committee sought a shift. The festival relocated to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal (JCCCM) in Rosemont to build an intimate, community-focused gathering. The goal is not commercial growth, but raw authenticity—bringing traditional street food, warm summer vibes, and genuine Japanese culture directly to Montreal.
Every merchant, vendor, and partner is carefully selected to prioritize cultural value over profit. Food stalls offer rare, handmade yatai classics like takoyaki. The stage showcases local and visiting artists, from the thundering beat of traditional taiko and sanshin music to singers and martial arts demonstrations (Karate, Judo, Kendo, Aikido). Interactive workshops in sake tasting, instrument playing, Otakuthon-partnered family game zones, and kids' Gundam model-building bring families together.