Festival Mural

MURAL Festival is an annual, free-admission public art celebration held each June in Montreal since 2013. Organized by a nonprofit rooted in the democratization of urban art, the festival transforms Saint-Laurent Boulevard and nearby streets into a vibrant, outdoor gallery showcasing murals created live by local and international artists in full public view. The artworks immediately enter the public domain, aligning with the festival’s free culture ethos.

Beyond mural painting, the event features dynamic programming including music performances, block parties, exhibitions, artisan markets, guided tours, and digital installations. Some high-profile programming such as Bassin Peel stage concerts may require tickets, while most street-level activities remain free and accessible to all ages.

The festival is recognized as a key driver in Montreal’s cultural and urban landscape. It has earned awards including Montreal’s Grand Prix du tourisme (2014, 2016, 2019), Idea Prize (2021), Grand Prix du design (2022), and Sponsorship Marketing Award (2022). Its economic and social impacts include increased tourism, commercial activity, and permanent mural installations that endure across seasons.

With its spirit of inclusion, creativity, and public engagement, MURAL Festival plays a pivotal role in bringing street art to daily life, making contemporary urban culture visible and accessible.