The summer programming at the Plains of Abraham is taking an exciting new turn this year with the addition of a variety of cultural events at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Starting June 15, family events, cinema, opera, and stories will all be presented for free, in addition to the musical performances the public knows and loves.
In addition to these events, the Plains is also offering activities to help visitors explore the park and its history, like escape games, treasure hunts, exhibitions, and guided bus tours. This exciting season has something for visitors of all ages in this historic park in the heart of Quebec City!
New this year, children can be entertained the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand with Arthur L'aventurier, Brindille and Charlotte, Marimba, and Kid Kouna. Colourful characters will also perform for families in street performances by the Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs. Grown-ups will have the opportunity to experience the tumultuous lives of Québec settlers in the 19th century, with storytellers Francis Désilets, Marc-André Fortin, and Jean-Philippe Marcotte. They can also discover the history of the Plains through archival footage from the National Battlefield Commission, presented by the historical commentator Denis Angers. Thanks to partnerships with the Festival d'opéra de Québec and the Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec, the Plains will host a station of the Circuit Opera as well as the Brigade Opéra and Brigade Opérette, and will also screen films outdoors. This enhanced cultural programming will conclude on September 30 with the Musée ambulant, which will be showcasing a creation from the artist duo Andrée Levesque Sioui and Jeffrey Poirier and will lead a textile creation workshop to highlight National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In keeping with tradition, the outstanding outdoor stage of the Bandstand will hum to musical styles as varied as they are lively. Throughout the season, the Plains will have the pleasure of hosting Annie Villeneuve, Pascale Picard, the musical review Folklore, il y a longtemps que je t'aime, La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment, Bal Musette, LBA Band, Brigitte Boisjoli, Étienne Drapeau, Yordan Martinez, Le Band à Boivin, Martin Deschamps, Joël & The Outsiders, Scott-Pien Picard, the Coco Country Band, and Daniel Boucher. In partnership with Radio-Canada, 2023 Révélations Joseph Sarenhes and Whaali will also take to the stage in a double bill.
History and heritage
At the Plains of Abraham Museum, the Aeria exhibition, available until January 7, 2024, highlights eight characters linked to the Plains through life-size sculptures by the artist Jérôme Trudelle. Visitors can take a leap into history with the Battles 1759-1760 and Identities exhibitions, as well as through three outdoor escape games, a family-friendly treasure hunt, an escape game at Martello Tower 4, and a guided bus tour.
The temporary installation about the 20th century civilian occupation of the events site will also return this year, as well as Angela Marsh's urban fields project[FG1] , in collaboration with the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
Nature, sports, and recreation
A vast park at the heart of Quebec City, the Plains are a unique space to enjoy nature in the city during the summer. The Joan of Arc Garden lights up as dusk falls and is renowned for the beauty of its floral gardens. Vast green spaces are perfect for picnics, and the Plains of Abraham Museum rents out games to help visitors make the most of the outdoors. Walking trails, flower beds and plant sculptures also make the park a wonderful place to relax and take a break.
