Grain de ciel

The largest kite celebration in Montréal!

Regular rates starting from

Free
Duration

3 days
Audience

All ages
Location

At Frédéric‑Back Park, entrance on D’Iberville Street at the corner of Émile‑Journault Avenue (Entrance 18)

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 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!

Guest of Honour: Claudio Capelli

Internationally renowned artist and kite maker Claudio Capelli is the guest of honour of Grain de ciel 2026.

Known for his striking kites painted with expressive faces that seem to gaze down at audiences from the sky, Capelli has spent decades blending visual art and aerial art into unique creations. Since 1981, he has been the founder and director of ARTEVENTO, the International Kite Festival of Cervia, Italy, helping elevate kite flying as a powerful form of artistic expression around the world.

The creator of several iconic works, including Cherub and, more recently, Gorilla, Claudio Capelli is celebrated for innovations that combine flight performance, technical mastery and a distinctive artistic signature.

As part of Grain de ciel, discover the exhibition Grain de ciel, presented at TOHU from August 14 to October 18, 2026, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of this exceptional artist.

Learn More About the Grain de ciel Exhibition

Get Ready for Grain de ciel with Les Ficelles du ciel

Before the big Grain de ciel festival, join us for Les Ficelles du ciel, a series of free gatherings dedicated to the world of kite flying at Frédéric-Back Park.

Whether you want to admire spectacular kites or fly your own, beginners and kite enthusiasts alike are welcome. Enjoy demonstrations, practical tips, opportunities to connect with experienced kite flyers, and free kite loans.

Bring your own kite or take advantage of the free loan offered by the park’s Ludothèque.

Saturdays, July 4 and 18, and August 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Learn More

Daily Schedule

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 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 | 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The sky fills with colour! A festive day 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 6:00 p.m. – Grain de ciel Exhibition by Claudio Capelli
At TOHU, immerse yourself in the artistic world of the festival’s guest of honour.
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Children’s Kite-Making Workshop
A creative activity where young participants can design and build their own kite. Available while supplies last.
4:30 p.m. – Last shuttle departure to TOHU
5:00 p.m. – Site closes

Ongoing Activities

11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Aerobatic Kite Flying Demonstrations
Marvel at the technical skill and artistry of invited kite flyers.
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Public Free-Fly Zone
Bring your own kite or borrow one on site and take to the skies.
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Showcases by Guest Kite Flyers
Meet passionate kite flyers from Italy, Colombia, the United States, Canada and Quebec.
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Free Kite Loan

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

A family-friendly finale filled with wind, colour and wonder! Enjoy one last day of Grain de ciel activities and experience a spectacular giant bubble performance in the heart of Frédéric-Back Park.

11:00 a.m. – Site opens
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Grain de ciel Exhibition by Claudio Capelli
At TOHU, immerse yourself in the artistic world of the festival’s guest of honour.
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Children’s Kite-Making Workshop
Available while supplies last.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Nébula and Her Giant Bubbles — Family Entertainment
A playful and poetic performance that will delight children and adults alike.
4:30 p.m. – Last shuttle departure to TOHU
5:00 p.m. – Site closes

Ongoing Activities

11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Aerobatic Kite Flying Demonstrations
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Public Free-Fly Zone
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Showcases by Guest Kite Flyers
Featuring kite flyers from Italy, Colombia, the United States, Canada and Quebec.
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Free Kite Loan Program

Practical Information

How to Get There

Main Event Site

Plains Sector, Frédéric-Back Park
Entrance 18, D'Iberville Street, at the corner of Émile-Journault Avenue

To find Entrance 18 on Google Maps, click here.

Public Transit

Main Festival Site — Plains Sector, Frédéric-Back Park (Entrance 18, D'Iberville Street / Émile-Journault Avenue): Accessible via Bus 41 and Bus 67.

TOHU: Accessible via D'Iberville Metro Station, Bus 20, Bus 94 and Bus 193.

Site Map

A detailed site map will be available soon to help you locate the festival’s main activity areas, visitor services, rest areas and key points of interest.

Getting Between TOHU and the festival

Walking

The walk between TOHU and the Plains Sector of Frédéric-Back Park takes approximately 20 minutes.

Free Shuttle Service

On Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, a free shuttle service will operate between TOHU and the festival site, with departures every 30 minutes from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

Bike and Scooter Loans

Free bicycles and scooters are available on loan at TOHU’s public square to help visitors travel between the various activity areas.

For more information, click here.

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.