June 16th, 2025 - Prepare to be surprised

Quebec City, June 16, 2025 – Sound your trumpets, dust off your tricorn hats, and put on your finest attire, because the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France are back from August 7 to 10, 2025! And this year, prepare to be surprised!

As a major novelty, our two new main sites, the Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, will be accessible free of charge. But that's not all! The Giants’ Gathering: the show, a 30-minute audiovisual show with headphones where our giants will tell you their respective stories and the bonds that unite them. And the Scan your History Exhibition, where you can discover symbolic objects from the life of yesteryear by using an augmented reality application, because at the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, we love exploring History through modern means of expression.

"The Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France are a journey through time... with a touch of modernity! We revisit the history of Quebec through modern art and a good dose of fun – because our history deserves to be celebrated," said Marie-Eve Jacob, General Manager of the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France. 

Ready to be surprised? Here are our key activities!

• The Public Market Le Frigo Viandex (free – Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville): Here, fun is guaranteed! Animations, demonstration booths, games, Econofitness physical activities, access to the giants, Scan your History Exhibition, artisans, musical performances, bars and food offerings... Everything to enjoy a great time with family or friends.
• The Ancestors’ Place - Place hatiyöndahskehen' (free – Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville): Immerse yourself in the culture and stories of the Natives people, while letting yourself be inspired by their traditions, dances, songs and legends.
• The Giants’ Gathering: the show ($ - Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville) - New!: From 8:30 PM every evening, eleven giants will tell you their stories, their secrets and the bonds that unite them, with the audiovisual show "I remember New France".
• The Scan your History Exhibition (free or optional with your Medallion for an enhanced experience - Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec) - New!: Set off to discover symbolic objects and scenes from the past, thanks to this temporary exhibition. Get your Medallion Case to have access to the augmented reality application and exclusive content.
• The King’s Dinner ($ - Quebec Garrison Club): Be one of the lucky few to participate in the most incredible period-themed dinner in town, held in the exclusive place of the Quebec Garrison Club! A gourmet menu will be specially crafted by the Quebec Garrison Club’s chef, with a few surprises along the way, including a welcome glass of sparkling wine offered by the Vignoble Isle de Bacchus.
• The Escape Backpack activity ($ - Îlot des Palais): Equipped with the backpack of an archaeologist who has spent her entire career in search of the treasure of the last intendant, this escape game will have you solve riddles while exploring Old Quebec, uncovering some of its best-hidden historical and archaeological gems. Up to six people can play at once.
• Night of the Traitors ($ - Quebec Garrison Club): Come play as impostors or unmask the traitors in this version, inspired by the popular game "Werewolves", but with a New France twist!

“The Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France are an unmissable event in my riding. These festivities showcase the richness of our history and continue to delight all those who cherish our heritage,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec-Centre

Wait, you're not done yet being surprised with our activities!

• Self-guided tours of the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica (with Medallion - Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica) - New!: This majestic place opens its doors to you... and unveils its secrets! Meet on site for a unique experience where heritage and emotion meet. The Scan your History Exhibition will also be on-site to discover more exclusive content.
• Historical Talks presented by the Gouvernement du Québec (with Medallion – Quebec Garrison Club and free - Assemblée nationale du Québec): Step into the heart of our past, discover the best-kept secrets of the time and cross out a few myths.
• Méga Parc’s Hunt and Seek (free - Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville): Five quests will be offered on our main sites, each designed to different age groups from 2 to 13 years old. We bet they will be proud to go on an adventure while being able to learn more about the fascinating era that is New France.
• Haircut at the KRWN kiosk (with Medallion - Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville): Take advantage of your visit to refresh your haircut (short hair only).

"Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France invite visitors to celebrate an important era in Quebec’s history. It’s an opportunity to learn about our past and origins, as well as to bring our history to life. Through fun activities, this event pays tribute to those who came before us and allows us to celebrate the richness of our heritage," highlighted Mathieu Lacombe, ministre de la Culture et des Communications, ministre responsable de la Jeunesse et ministre responsable de la région de l’Outaouais.

Wait, even more?

Yes! Even though our main sites are free, the Medallion Case is there for those who want to celebrate without restraint and get a lot of benefits. Among these benefits, note access to the augmented reality application of the Scan your History Exhibition, free access to the Giants’ Gathering: the show, access to the Historical Talks presented by the Gouvernement du Québec, a free drink, a free haircut at the KRWN booth, a $20 discount on the Escape Backpack, 30% discount on the event souvenirs and access to the Historic Pass – giving discounts on admission to various cultural and historical sites in the region. All this for the modest sum of $17.40 + taxes (a total value over a $100!). As our ancestors said, "it doesn't cost an arm and a leg!"

"The Ville de Québec is proud to support such an emblematic event, which contributes significantly to the cultural vitality of our territory. It is an exceptional opportunity to highlight our heritage, to encourage citizen participation and to offer an unparalleled experience to both residents and visitors," said Catherine Vallières-Roland, Deputy Mayor of the Ville de Québec

And because we have to be serious for a second... Here is a summary!

• Dates: From August 7 to 10, 2025
• Locations: Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Quebec Garrison Club, Assemblée nationale du Québec, Îlot des Palais and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica.
• Tickets: Although access to our two main sites is free, some activities require the purchase of tickets, because even in the 17th century, not everything was free! Interested festival-goers can obtain all the necessary information here.
• To come to our sites: On foot (because after all, people walked a lot by then!), by public transit  with the Réseau de transport de la Capitale and the Société des traversiers du Québec, by bike (we offer free bike parking thanks to Le Vélo Vert), by carpooling with Amigo Express or by booking your parking space with Clicnpark (we suggest you use the Place d'Youville parking lot).
   

Because without them, History would not be so much fun to tell. Thanks to our partners! 

Groupe Banque TD, Viandex, Le Frigo, KRWN, Coaticook, Église catholique de Québec, Bouchard + Avocats inc., Napoléon, Vignoble Isle Bacchus, Musée Huron-Wendat, Îlot des Palais, Société du patrimoine urbain de Québec, Méga Parc, Éconofitness, Tourisme Wendake, Jean Castor Expérience & Boutique, Assemblée nationale du Québec, Cercle de la Garnison, Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, Alex Coulombe ltée, Audet Photo, Bistro St-Malo, Floralies Jouvence, Société des traversiers du Québec et Le Vélo Vert. We would also like to warmly thank our public partners, Ville de Québec, Destination Québec cité, le gouvernement du Québec and the Government of Canada, as well as our media partners, TVA, Le Journal de Québec, FM93, Rythme 102.9 et WKND 91,9. Finally, thank you to our accommodation partners, Le Concorde Québec et Les résidences de l’Université Laval.

-30-

Interview requests:                                                                                                                 Source :                                                                                                                     

Julie Moffet                                                                                                                     Amélie Paquet                                                                                                                       

Press officer                                                                                                                   Communications manager

Cell : 418 580-8421                                                                                                        Cell : 581 748-8260

julie@juliemoffetcommunication.com                                                                          amelie.paquet@carnaval.qc.ca