Les Lumières de Saint-Michel
3 Days of Festivities!
-
Regular rates starting from
Free
-
Duration
3 days
-
Audience
For All
-
Location
Different Locations
We're hiring for this unifying event — more details below!
Join us on August 8, 9, and 10 for the third edition of Les Lumières de Saint-Michel !
Celebrate the magic of summer during the third edition of Les Lumières de Saint-Michel, happening August 8, 9, and 10! Three days of festivities await to light up the neighborhood and bring together young and old with free, creative, and festive activities.
On the program:
- Friday: Kick off the weekend in style with La Foulée illuminée, a fun and inclusive run organized in partnership with Park Run. Whether you're an experienced runner or just in it for the fun, come enjoy this glowing experience with family and friends!
- Saturday: Join the grand lantern parade! Gather your neighbors, put on your best costume, and take part in this magical procession that will turn the streets into a dazzling display of light and color.
- All weekend long: Enjoy a vibrant lineup at TOHU! Circus shows, theatre, concerts, and hands-on workshops for the whole family.
What’s new in 2025 !
This year, we're thrilled to welcome the Mixbus, which will serve as the main stage and feature immersive projection mapping shows each night, brought to life by its team of visual artists.
Fun for all ages !
Old-school fair-style games and face painting stations will be available throughout the event for the delight of children and families.
Everything is free ! Don’t miss this must-attend summer celebration in Saint-Michel. Come create unforgettable memories and get swept away by the magic of Les Lumières !
Daily Schedule
Friday, August 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m :
- 5:30 p.m. : Event opens with a variety of fun activities to explore on the TOHU site and at Le BAHUT, our outdoor bistro and also the welcoming of the runners for the Foulée illuminée
- 6 p.m. : Lantern-making workshop, face painting station, and fair-style games
- 6 p.m. : Cabinez de Jasette of Madame Peps with her sidekicks Denise and Luce Sansaveur
- 6:30 p.m. : Live concert by Likouri on the mixbus
- 8 p.m. : Start of the 2 km run/walk of the Foulée illuminée
- 8:30 p.m. : Start of the 5 km run/walk of the Foulée illuminée
- 9:45 p.m. : Live concert by Excavation et poésie on the mixbus
The Foulée Illuminée
Join the Foulée illuminée for free : a festive and fun run organized by TOHU in collaboration with ParkRun. Untimed and open to all, the Foulée illuminée offers a unique visual and sensory experience, perfect for those looking to try running with family or friends while exploring Frédéric-Back Park at dusk.
Bring your lights and wear your brightest clothes and accessories!
Two routes are available, either for running or walking: 2 km or 5 km.
Friday Performances
Excavation et poésie
It’s around their shared acts of resistance that Excavation & Poésie will have you dancing in your seat all night long. With their wildly festive traditional music inspired by the challenges of our time, you’ll find yourself jigging and dancing the bastringue before the first song even ends. With over 100 performances across so-called Quebec, the quartet invites you to rise up together during Communes résistances, a show that lays the groundwork for their upcoming album.
Photo credit: Les anti stress de monsieur Menard
Discover their music
Likouri
LiKouri is a Montreal-based singer-songwriter of Indian, Lebanese, and Québécois descent, passionate about artistic creation and multidisciplinary projects since childhood. After growing up in Montreal, she moved to the Côte-Nord, where she taught herself to play the accordion and began composing her first songs. Her musical project came to life in 2021, leading to the release of two albums: AZA (2022) and a second one set for August 2024. Surrounded by five musicians, LiKouri offers an acoustic universe infused with traditional and nomadic influences. Her music seeks to create unity through the diversity of her roots and travels, while remaining both accessible and bold in its artistic approach.
Learn more about Likouri
The Cabinez de Jasette
Mrs. Peps, also known as Jasette, accompanied by her sidekicks Denise and Luce Sansaveur, spreads joy and good vibes during offbeat gatherings. Denise, the warm receptionist, collects visitors’ confidences with humor, while Luce, the shy intern, entertains the waiting room with the help of the audience. Jasette, a great listener and humanist, offers tailored advice and jokes, providing everyone with a moment of relaxation and smiles in this appointment-free palace.
Learn MoreSaturday, August 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m :
- 5 p.m. : Event opens with a variety of fun activities to explore on the TOHU site and at Le BAHUT, our outdoor bistro
- 5:30 p.m. : Lantern-making workshop, face painting station, and fair-style games
- 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. : Alix et le loup performance by Théâtre Tortue Berlue in their bus
- 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. : Los Mariachis de la muerte animation by Nacho con Salso on the outdoor TOHU site
- 6:30 p.m. : Labess concert on the mixbus
- 9 p.m. : Start of the lantern parade on the outdoor TOHU site
- 10 p.m. : Arrival of the lantern parade on the outdoor TOHU site
- 10 p.m. : Urban Science Brass Band concert on the mixbus
Lantern parade through the neighborhood
Saturday evening, August 9
Join the grand nighttime parade at TOHU, featuring music, circus performances, workshops, and surprises for the whole family.
Under the direction of Élisabeth Bosquet, admire the unique lanterns created by local residents—symbols of co-creation and sharing. This year, the theme of the gaze inspires luminous works that will transform the streets and Frédéric-Back Park into a living canvas, accompanied by the rhythms of Stonda and Kumpania percussion.
Meet us at TOHU at dusk for a colorful evening celebrating connection and local creativity.
Parade Registration
No tickets required. You can help TOHU keep this event free by making a donation via the link below.
Meet the parade artists !
- Stonda : Stonda is a percussion ensemble that creatively fuses rhythms from around the world, adapting them to Brazilian instruments. The group blends dynamic choreography and contagious energy with original compositions to deliver explosive performances every time!
- Kumpania : Whether in the streets, on stage, or among the crowd, get ready for a true human firework! To the sound of original compositions inspired by Brazilian, Cuban, and African rhythms, the troupe comes alive like a disjointed drum set, enhanced with humorous choreography and flamboyant costumes.
- Les Technicolores by Création Vivante : Five giant, multicolored, and glowing puppets invite you to a grand celebration where everyone is welcome! Parading brightly through the city, the Technicolores sweep the crowd into a whirlwind of music and light. Set to the electrifying rhythm of electroswing, these giant puppets dance wildly, each movement lighting up the space, each color reflecting the joy of the moment. No matter where you're from or who you are, join the parade and dance with us under a sky bursting with color and light.
Saturday Performances
Labess
Carried by the soulful and unrestrained voice of Nedjim Bouizzoul, Labess celebrates twenty years of borderless music with an exceptional concert at the Olympia on November 14, 2024. Born on the road of exile, the band draws from its Algerian roots and the cosmopolitan journey of its frontman to deliver a vibrant fusion of chaâbi, gypsy rumba, flamenco, and African rhythms—sung in Arabic, French, and Spanish. Every Labess concert is an invitation to travel, a musical journey full of energy and emotion, where exile, love, and freedom intertwine in captivating melodies. Come experience a unique and festive moment, celebrating diversity and unity, with the release of their new album Dima Libre—a powerful anthem to ever-renewed freedom.
Learn more about Labess
Urban Science Brass Band
URBAN SCIENCE BRASS BAND reinvents hip-hop classics with intense energy. Whether parading through the streets or delivering electrifying stage performances, the energy level is always sky-high during these unique and interactive shows.
Picture a New Orleans–style brass band—trumpets, saxophones, trombones, sousaphones, tubas—playing a repertoire that ranges from Dr. Dre to Kendrick Lamar, all brought to life with multilingual MCs and mobile drummers!
Featuring some of Montreal’s most renowned musicians, the band’s members have performed or recorded with artists such as Talib Kweli, Nelly, KRS-One, Illa J, Snarky Puppy, Erik Truffaz, Bran Van 3000, and Imhotep (IAM).
In 2016, the band earned the global title at "End of the Weak" and has won the "King of the Dot" title six times. They’ve also had the opportunity to perform on The Tonight Show and have collaborated with Soultone Cymbals and Dream Cymbals.
Photo credit: Manikmati Photography
To discover Urban Science Brass Band
Los Mariachis de la muerte by Nacho con Salsa
Los mariachis de la muerte is an explosive comic duo of acrobatic unicycling jugglers. Armed with sombreros, impeccable mustaches, and an unshakable sense of rhythm (and absurdity), these out-of-the-ordinary mariachis bring a deadly dose of humor to any event.
Perched 5 to 7 feet high on giraffe unicycles, they can be seen from afar and promise a spectacular, mobile, and unforgettable roaming performance.
With a mix of reimagined Mexican music, captivating glow-in-the-dark juggling at nightfall, and wild clownish energy, Los mariachis de la muerte will thrill audiences of all ages… right up to the final note.
Discover Los mariachis de la muerte
Alix et le loup by Théâtre Tortue Berlue
The play is intended for children aged 4 to 8. We won’t be able to admit children younger than 4, as the doors are closed and the room is dark for 50 minutes. Each child must be accompanied by an adult; one adult may accompany multiple children.
Do you know the fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf? Of course you do. A young shepherd who lied by shouting “Wolf!” is punished by being eaten by a real wolf. A classic! It’s been the same story for 3,000 years…
But don’t be fooled by the charming mountain village, the flower-filled meadows, the catchy songs, and the funny puppets! This isn’t your typical fairy tale. Alix and the Wolf is a whimsical and immersive show, where young audience members are invited to reflect on the nature of lying, our relationship to made-up stories, and the value of friendship and empathy.
To see the trailer of the showSunday, August 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. :
- 11 a.m. : Event opens with a variety of fun activities to explore on the TOHU site and at Le BAHUT, our outdoor bistro. Enjoy circus workshops, fair-style games, and a face painting station!
- 11 a.m. : Maringouin, a circus show by Le Gros Orteil, on TOHU’s outdoor site
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. : Puppet-making workshops by Théâtre Tortue Berlue
- 11:45 a.m. & 1 p.m. : Paulette en bicyclette, a circus show by Le Gros Orteil, on TOHU’s outdoor site
- 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. : Clown performance La Conférence du rire by Madame Zazou, on TOHU’s outdoor site
- 3 p.m. : Theatre and dance performance Pitti Ayiti by Toxique Trottoir, on TOHU’s outdoor site
Puppet-making workshop by Théâtre Tortue Berlue
Have you ever witnessed the birth of a puppet? It all starts with the eyes, then comes the head, the hair, a mouth… and finally, a voice! But watch out: as soon as they discover speech, our Hurlus-Berlue will have an irresistible urge to sing!
Watch (and rewatch!) our Hurlus-Berlue perform in the video clip below, presented by Grandma Berlue!
Grandma Berlue presents: The Hurlus-Berlue!
Pitti Ayiti by Toxique Trottoir
Pitit Ayiti (the children of Haiti) is a celebration of the cultural heritage of Montreal’s Haitian community.
Premiering in 2024 at the Festival St-Ambroise Fringe de Montréal, this new production by Toxique Trottoir offers an immersive dive into Haitian history, music, and traditional dances, as well as a reflection on the dual identity of our young artists.
The creation allowed a group of emerging Haitian-origin artists to explore their roots and engage deeply with their connection to Haiti. Naturally, Quebec society is also questioned through this journey. Does it properly recognize the children of Haiti?
Photo credit: Patrice Mathurin
Learn more about Pitti Ayiti
Maringouin by the Gros Orteil
Our duo goes on a wild camping trip. Zoé is experienced and motivated—a real little “scout.” From survival skills to setting up camp, she knows all the basics for a forest stay. Gus, on the other hand, has never camped before. He’s afraid of the dark and the sounds of the forest.
To make matters worse, a pesky character shows up: the mosquito. You can hear it, it’s there, buzzing around with only one desire—to land on Gus! He’s terribly scared of it. Zoé becomes the great protector of her friend Gus against this tiny creature.
A friendly adventure that will transport you into the heart of the forest and make you laugh! Expect clowning, partner acrobatics, juggling, and more!
More information about
Conférence du rire by Madame Zazou
Dolorèze Léonard, a legendary Québécoise artist, has been making her mark on the world stage for 43 years. She was involved in the early creation of Cirque du Soleil and brought to life several dinner shows in Europe and the United States. For 13 years, she worked at Cirque du Soleil as an event organizer and resident clown, delighting staff in her always memorable role as Madame Zazou.
Throughout her full career, she has always made time to teach the art of the jester, clowning, and character creation, generously sharing these disciplines she holds dear.
A great traveler, she has toured the world to enrich herself with human experiences and creative inspiration.
The Facebook page of Dolorèze Léonard
Paulette en byciclette by the Gros Orteil
Paulette is a funny, exuberant woman who never goes unnoticed. She struggles a lot with her bicycle. Despite all her clumsiness, she will surprise her audience with her impressive skills and amazing acrobatics!
Learn more about PauletteAdditional Information
Free entry for everyone.
Beverages and food available on the outdoor square of the TOHU.
Nearest metro: Iberville station.
Bus 94 and 193.
The TOHU public square and the parade route are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Photo and video highlights from the 2024 edition
Discover in video, the second edition of the Lumières de Saint-Michel 2024
If you’re looking for an experience with an organization that allows you to contribute to the development of a project with social, environmental, and artistic values, TOHU is the place for you !
The Lumières de Saint-Michel is made possible thanks to the contribution of the Government of Canada, the City of Montreal, and the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough. TOHU would also like to thank the Saint-Michel arena, the Lasallian Center, and the Saint-Michel Library, where the lantern-making workshops take place.
In collaboration with :
You might also like
See the complete program
Come and see us,
7 days a week!
2345, rue Jarry Est,
Montréal (Québec) H1Z 4P3