Montreal’s beloved celebration of Haitian culture is gearing up for a landmark milestone this summer, as the Fabienne Colas Foundation prepares to launch the 20th edition of the Haiti en Folie Festival, presented by TD Bank Group. Running from July 23 to 27, 2026, this year’s hybrid programming blends in-person outdoor experiences across four iconic Montreal public spaces with accessible online content, inviting both local attendees and global audiences to engage with the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Haiti. More than 200 artists from across North America and the Caribbean are set to take part in the five-day event, which will unfold at Parc Lafontaine, Quartier des Spectacles, Jardins Gamelin, and Parc des Compagnons.
The 2026 festival lineup is packed with diverse offerings for visitors of all interests, centered around a core schedule of TD-sponsored music performances, industry conferences, literary showcases, the popular SAQ Food and Craft Fair, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, the annual Rara parade, and dozens of family-friendly interactive activities. To mark the 20th anniversary of the event, headlining musical performances will come from a stacked roster of acclaimed talent, including Grammy-nominated Haitian roots group Boukman Eksperyans, award-winning international artist BélO, multidisciplinary creator Rebecca Jean, rising R&B performer Papi Jay, and vocalists Ericka Julie, Jessie Simmons, and Modeline Raymond, alongside emerging acts Cinthia Michel, Sara Rénélik (performing as Luna Taina), Barnev, and the Montreal Community Choir.
A fan-favorite staple of the festival, the annual Rara Parade will mark its own 10th consecutive year as part of the 2026 event. The decade-old parade was created to honor Haiti’s national soccer team, the Grenadiers, who made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2010, ending a 52-year drought for the nation. This year’s parade will feature energetic live sets from Rara Jazz, Rara Pa Nou, and Ayiti Makaya, carrying forward the tradition of celebration that has defined the event for a decade.
Additional standout programming includes the late-afternoon “Haiti Madness 5 to 7” showcase, which will feature DJ sets from DJ Cliff and DJ Nalee, alongside live performances from Ensemble Afrovibes and Kayos KF. Visitors can also explore curated literary events, join thoughtful panel discussions on Haitian arts, culture, and diaspora life featuring creator Sara Renélik, Grammy-winning musician Wesli, multidisciplinary artist Rebecca Jean, poet Sylphir, and many other leading voices from the Haitian community. The SAQ Haiti en Folie Food Fair, a perennially popular attraction, will return to offer attendees a chance to sample authentic Haitian cuisine and handcrafted goods from local vendors. All online programming, including pre-recorded panel discussions and film screenings, will be accessible to remote attendees around the world, expanding the festival’s reach beyond Montreal’s city limits.
Full information on the festival schedule, venue locations, ticket access, and online viewing options is available now on the official Haiti en Folie website at www.HaitiEnFolie.com.