Quebec City is not just a place to admire old stone walls and eat poutine — it is a genuine live entertainment destination. From world-class theatre and opera to indie rock dives and arena-sized country concerts, the capital's stages are packed through the spring and summer of 2026. Here is your English-language guide to the shows worth planning your trip around.
April: The Stage Is Set
April is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months on Quebec City's entertainment calendar. At Le Diamant, Robert Lepage's acclaimed production of Macbeth runs until April 10 — reimagining Shakespeare's tragedy through the lens of Quebec's biker wars, with castles transformed into roadside motels. It is inventive, visceral Lepage at his best.
Over at the gorgeous Théâtre Capitole on Rue Saint-Jean, the month reads like a variety show: Les Géants de la chanson Française (April 10-12) celebrates the legends of French chanson; French comedian Jarry (April 23) brings his feel-good physical comedy; Canadian 80s rock favourites Glass Tiger (April 24) dust off the hits; a tribute to the iconic Dalida (April 25) fills the room with French and Italian classics; and Génération 60 (April 26) rolls back the clock to the Motown-and-Beatles era. The month closes with a bang when French pop superstar Julien Doré takes the Capitole stage on April 30 — a genuine marquee event.
For something completely different, Grammy-winning country band Old Dominion and Phil Vassar play Centre Vidéotron on April 25 — one of the few big-venue country shows in the city this year. And if you prefer your music loud and intimate, Two Feet and Chastity are both playing smaller rooms on April 7 at the Impérial Bell and L'Anti Bar respectively.
May: Opera, Punk, and Poetry
May is a month of contrasts. At the Grand Théâtre de Québec, the Opéra de Québec presents Puccini's La bohème on four dates (May 16, 19, 21, and 23) — sung in Italian with French and English supertitles, making it completely accessible to English-speaking visitors. It is one of the most beloved operas ever written, and hearing it in the Grand Théâtre's acoustically superb Salle Louis-Fréchette is a special experience.
At the other end of the spectrum, American punk legends Black Flag bring their raw, uncompromising sound to La Source de la Martinière on May 11, while Montreal blues-rock outfit THE DAMN TRUTH tears up L'Anti Bar & Spectacles on May 9. Meanwhile, Robert Lepage returns with Hamlet (May 7-9) at Le Diamant — a fusion of theatre and dance choreographed by Guillaume Côté.
For a quintessentially Québécois evening, beloved singer-songwriter Vincent Vallières performs songs from his new album at the Impérial Bell on May 29. And French jazz-pop sensation Zaz fills Centre Vidéotron on May 22 with her joyful, energetic sound.
June: Warming Up for Festival Season
June is when the city starts to buzz in anticipation of its legendary summer festivals. Comedy fans can catch Quebec favourite P-A Méthot testing new material on June 2, while France's sharp-witted Anne Roumanoff performs at the Théâtre Capitole on June 12. The Capitole also hosts crowd-pleasing tribute shows for Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR Reborn) and Céline Dion (Passion Céline) — perfect for a fun, singalong night out.
Summer Blockbusters: FEQ, Comedy & More
The main event arrives in July when the Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ) takes over the Plains of Abraham from July 9 to 19. The 2026 lineup is stacked: Muse, Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, The Lumineers, Kesha, Martin Garrix, Jelly Roll, Limp Bizkit, Cypress Hill, Sean Paul, and more than 200 other artists across 11 days. It is Canada's biggest music festival and the single best reason to visit Quebec City in summer.
Hard on the heels of FEQ comes Juste pour rire Québec (July 22 to August 2), the city's blockbuster comedy festival featuring stand-up, sketch, musical comedy, and more in venues all over town. And for indie folk lovers, Father John Misty headlines the beautiful Palais Montcalm in July — one of the summer's most anticipated shows.
Looking Ahead: Fall 2026
Already planning a return trip? Robert Lepage's deeply personal solo show 887 runs at Le Diamant from November 26 to December 5. It is a masterwork of theatrical storytelling exploring childhood memories and identity — and a wonderful excuse to visit Quebec City during the magical early-winter season.
Where to See Live Music Any Night of the Week
Beyond the ticketed headliners, Quebec City has a thriving scene of smaller venues where you can catch live music on almost any evening. L'Anti Bar & Spectacles on Rue Dorchester is the city's underground rock and punk hub. Le Cercle and Scanner Bistro in Saint-Roch host indie, electronic, and experimental acts. Impérial Bell in the Lower Town books everything from folk to hip-hop. And the bars along Rue Saint-Jean and Grande Allée regularly feature live bands on weekends. Ask your hotel concierge what is on, or check Sors-tu.ca for nightly listings.
And when the show lets out, why not cap the evening with a nighttime stroll along Dufferin Terrace — or plan a daytime AML sightseeing cruise along the St. Lawrence to see the city from the water? You can book cruises, brunch sails, and dinner cruises at voyagesaml.com.
Ready to explore everything Quebec City has to offer? Check out our full activities guide to start planning your trip.