Grain de ciel

Look Up! Grain de ciel Returns August 14–16, 2026

Come celebrate the art of kite flying at this major family-friendly event in Frédéric-Back Park. For three days, the sky will become a vast, colourful canvas filled with spectacular kite displays from here and abroad. From aerial demonstrations and hands-on activities to exhibitions and entertainment for all ages, share moments of wonder with family and friends in a unique setting in the heart of Montreal. A celebration of wind, creativity and the outdoors that you won’t want to miss.

Program Highlights

• Friday: Kick off the festival with the opening reception of the Grain de ciel - Les jeux du ciel exhibition by Claudio Capelli, a renowned Italian artist and kite flyer who is the guest of honour for the 2026 edition. In the evening, be amazed by the traditional Night Flight, a magical spectacle featuring illuminated kites.
• Saturday: Enjoy a full day at Frédéric-Back Park with aerobatic kite demonstrations, showcases by invited kite flyers from Italy, Colombia, the United States, Canada and Quebec, and a free-fly zone where you can fly your own kite or borrow one on site.
• Sunday: Wrap up the festival with one last day of family fun. In addition to colourful kite displays and children's kite-making workshops, enjoy a special performance by Nébula and her giant bubbles, a playful and poetic experience for all ages.
• All Weekend Long: Discover the Grain de ciel exhibition at TOHU, take part in kite-making workshops for children, meet kite enthusiasts from around the world, and enjoy free access to a wide variety of activities at Frédéric-Back Park.

See the detailed schedule below for the complete program of activities.

All activities are free!

Friday, August 14 | 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Celebrating the art of kite flying ! This opening evening invites you to discover the world of Grain de ciel through an exhibition, a special encounter with the festival’s guest of honour, and a spectacular night flight at Frédéric-Back Park.

• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Opening Reception of the Grain de ciel - Les jeux du ciel Exhibition by Claudio Capelli
  At TOHU, discover the works of Claudio Capelli, internationally acclaimed Italian artist and kite maker, and guest of honour of the festival.
• 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Night Flight*
  At the Plains sector of Frédéric-Back Park (Émile-Journault Street entrance), marvel at a magical display of illuminated kites soaring through the night sky.
• 10:00 p.m. – Site closes

* Activity postponed to Saturday in case of rain.

Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 | 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The sky fills with colour! Two festive days where families, kite enthusiasts and curious visitors come together to enjoy aerial demonstrations, creative workshops and hands-on activities.

• 11:00 a.m. – Site opens
• 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Children’s Kite-Making Workshop
  A creative activity where young participants can design and build their own kite. Available while supplies last.
• 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Grain de ciel - Les jeux du ciel Exhibition by Claudio Capelli
  At TOHU, immerse yourself in the artistic world of the festival’s guest of honour.
• 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Nebula and her Giant Bubbles — Family Entertainment
  A playful and poetic performance that will delight visitors of all ages. Sunday, August 16 only.
• 4:30 p.m. – Last shuttle departure to TOHU
• 5:00 p.m. – Site closes

Ongoing activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Flight of Giant Kites
• Acrobatic and Single-Line Kite Demonstrations
  Marvel at the technical skill and artistry of invited kite flyers.
• Public Free-Fly Zone
  Bring your own kite or borrow one on site and take to the skies.
• Kite Lending and Introduction to Kite Flying

Parking

The Cirque du Soleil parking lot is available for Grain de ciel visitors during the weekend. Access is permitted from Friday at 4:00 p.m. to Monday at 7:00 a.m.

Please note that parking fees must be paid using the designated mobile application.

Accessibility

A drop-off area for adapted transportation is located at the Émile-Journault entrance of Frédéric-Back Park (8900 D'Iberville Street).

All pathways are accessible, and most routes are surfaced with stone dust.

TOHU’s public square is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Admission

All activities are free of charge.

No reservation is required. Simply come to the event site and enjoy the activities on offer.

Food and Beverages

Le Bahut Restaurant and Bar, located on TOHU’s public square, welcomes visitors throughout the weekend with a selection of beverages, snacks and light meals.

At the Plains Sector of Frédéric-Back Park, a food kiosk and a picnic area, both located near the kite-making tent, will also be available during the festival.

Free activities are presented thanks to the financial support of the City of Montréal.