Old Quebec hosts L'Étrange Carnaval from 23 to 25 October

Old Quebec hosts L'Étrange Carnaval from 23 to 25 October 2026, when the historic district (Vieux-Québec) in Quebec becomes the setting for a public Halloween programme. The Société de développement commercial du Vieux-Québec is producing the fourth edition across the Jardins and place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville.

L'Étrange Carnaval brings three days of events

The programme runs from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October. The organiser describes a 1920s-style fairground with retro games, period magicians, a fire performance, children's workshops and a sweets collection at participating businesses. Activities extend from the two main squares to Saint-Jean, Sainte-Famille and De Buade streets.

On Saturday 24 October, the listed programme includes circus and mask workshops in the Jardins, a musical performance by Musique des Voltigeurs de Québec on rue Saint-Jean, roaming juggling and acrobatics, and La symphonie des flammes at the place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. The weekend ends with a costumed procession on Sunday 25 October. The official carnival programme lists 23 activities in 14 locations and identifies the SDC Vieux-Québec as producer.

Old Quebec setting joins Halloween with heritage

The event is concentrated in the Upper Town, where the Jardins and place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville connect with the surrounding historic streets. That arrangement makes the programme part of the district's existing urban fabric rather than a single enclosed venue. The combination of roaming acts, workshops and a procession also follows the area's network of squares and streets.

UNESCO describes the Historic District of Old Québec as a fortified colonial town divided between the Upper Town on Cap Diamant and the Lower Town around Place Royale and the harbour. Its ramparts, bastions, gates and defensive works remain visible, while churches, convents, the Citadel and Château Frontenac form part of the historic setting. UNESCO added the district to the World Heritage List in 1985 and records the property at 135 hectares. The UNESCO heritage record places the carnival within a protected historic area shaped by more than four centuries of urban development.

Street programme spreads through the Upper Town

The organisers' schedule gives the central sites different roles. The Jardins hold participatory games, circus activities, mask-making and children's colouring, while the place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville hosts several performances and the fire show. Shops displaying a light marker take part in the sweets collection, extending the event beyond the main squares.

Some listed activities take place in partner premises, including Carter Hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Musée des Ursulines. The main outdoor programme remains centred on the municipal gardens and square, with the Sunday procession starting on rue Saint-Jean. This layout gives visitors several points of entry into the festival while keeping the historic streets part of the experience.

Visiting Old Quebec: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• L'Étrange Carnaval takes place from 23 to 25 October 2026 in the Jardins and place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, with additional activities on nearby streets.
• The programme is an outdoor event, and the organiser says it is maintained in rainy weather where possible, although some outdoor performances may be cancelled.
• The event reaches Saint-Jean, Sainte-Famille and De Buade streets, while the district itself includes Upper Town, Lower Town and the harbour area.
• Visitors encounter ramparts, bastions, gates and defensive works, with the Upper Town positioned on Cap Diamant and the Lower Town around Place Royale.

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Frequently asked questions about Old Quebec

When does L'Étrange Carnaval take place at Old Quebec?

The fourth edition runs from 23 to 25 October 2026, with activities in the Upper Town and nearby streets.

What is L'Étrange Carnaval?

It is a public Halloween event produced by the Société de développement commercial du Vieux-Québec, featuring a 1920s-style fairground, performances and family activities.

Where is Old Quebec and how do you get there?

Old Quebec is in Quebec, Canada, around Cap Diamant, Place Royale and the harbour. The carnival programme is spread across the Jardins, place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and adjoining streets.