One of the largest outdoor music festivals in North America, held for eleven days in early July. The Festival d'été de Québec uses the Plains of Abraham, the Vieux-Port, and several other outdoor stages across the city. The headliner stages draw major international acts — the festival has hosted Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and hundreds of others since its founding in 1968.
The festival pass covers most concerts; specific shows sometimes require separate tickets. The main stage on the Plains of Abraham holds tens of thousands of people. The city essentially hosts a rolling party for its duration: the outdoor terrasses on the Grande Allée fill by afternoon, and the festival atmosphere extends well beyond the official venues. Book accommodation months in advance if you intend to visit during the festival.