On Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, join us on the Chaussée des Écossais for two days of concerts and activities! In case of rain, the festival will take place indoors, in the Morrin Centre ballroom.
The Arts Alive Festival is back for its twelfth year in 2026! The whole family can join the celebration with concerts, contests, performances, and more. All outdoor activities are free and require no registration.
Friday, August 14
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Art exhibition
- 5 to 7 p.m.: Festival opening and performances on the Chaussée
- 7:30 to 9 p.m.: Concert in College Hall (ticketed)
Saturday, August 15
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Art Exhibition
- 10:30 a.m.: Storytime (ages 3 to 7, no registration required)
- Noon to 4 p.m.: Artisan fair, performances, family activities
- 7:30 to 9 p.m.: Concert in College Hall (ticketed)
Art Exhibition (April 12 to 19)
Join us for the official launch of the exhibition on Thursday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.!
Drifting in the Cities will be displayed in the Morrin Centre ballroom from August 12 to 19.
The exhibition will be accessible for free every day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with no registration necessary.
Come have a look!
With its theme of figures in eco-responsible mobility moving through cities fragmented into parks, squares, and promenades, the imagery of Drifting in the Cities suggests a new paradigm for cities. This solo exhibition by Quebec contemporary artist Tanya Morand reveals the contrasts between urban density and the openness of public spaces and parks. Highly personal, her paintings and silkscreen prints are inspired by collages of photographs taken during her rambles through various cities, including Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Lisbon, Madrid, Istanbul, and Salamanca.
Learn more about the artist and her art HERE or by visiting her website.
“Music for the Blind Woman Walking,” 2026, Tanya Morand.
Oil and acrylic paint on canvas, 122 x 92 cm.
Friday Concert
On the evening of Friday, August 14, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Meika and her band will present their show Tide of Love!
Meika grew up in Toronto with her colourful Jamaican family; that’s where her musical career began. Now living in Quebec City, the dynamic and passionate singer-songwriter and performing artist draws inspiration from Soul, Reggae, and Jazz to create a rich, uplifting musical world that brings people together. Meika’s warm voice and inviting stage presence makes each performance unforgettable.
Meika’s Band: Frank Cayer – Guitar | Giphy Baron – Bass | Jessy Ludovic – Drums
Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE.
Credit Cagdas Yoldas
Saturday Concert
On the evening of Saturday, August 15, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., discover a concert by Sarah Vanderzon!
With the arrival of Sarah Vanderzon’s new EP, Fortune Teller and her riveting first single “Are You With Me?,” the world is being introduced to a fresh, insightful and enjoyable new voice in the annals of Americana, folk and country.
Produced by Jordan Honsinger (Patrick James Clark, Morgan Griffiths) at his Nashville home studio and mixed by Jordan Oorebeek (Kalsey Kulyk, Sully Burrows), the Fortune Teller album by Sarah Vanderzon, native of rural Montreal and winner of the Emerging Artists Showcase at 2024’s Boots and Hearts Music Festival, weaves through six heartfelt narratives about love, attraction, loyalty and heartbreak: all delivered with potent melodies that underscore her universally relatable lyrics.
Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE.
Credit Dustin Haney
Arts Alive is a vibrant two-day celebration of creativity that brings people from different backgrounds together through visual art, live music, living traditions, and shared experiences. Designed as an open, welcoming event, the festival transforms the Morrin Centre and the heritage site’s street into a dynamic meeting point for artists, visitors, community members, and families alike.
This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Canada and Desjardins.
