Long summer evenings are back, and with them one of Quebec City's most appreciated free cultural events. From tomorrow to August 14, 2026, on Wednesdays and Fridays, the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand will be inviting the public to a series of free shows starring artists from here and elsewhere. Music, fresh faces, and shared moments will be provided by a diverse lineup of performances against the magical backdrop of the Plains of Abraham.
This Friday, at 7 p.m., Raph Delaé will open the 2026 edition of the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand with an evening that promises a fascinating journey. The author-composer-performer will deftly weave together French-language songs, folk music, and sounds from around the world. Through his warm voice and catchy melodies, he will carry the spectators away into a musical universe inspired by his many travels and set the tone for a season of discovery and shared enjoyment.
Upcoming weeks: Webster and Mélissa Ouimet
The fun will continue starting Friday, June 26 with Webster, a must-see of Quebec hip-hop. His energetic and captivating performance will deliver words and music in their full power as forces for reflection and dialogue.
On Friday, July 3, make way for Mélissa Ouimet! Renowned for her powerful voice, charisma, and infectious energy, this Franco-Ontarian author-composer-performer promises an electrifying evening. Her songs, influenced by pop and rock, will resonate with spectators of all ages in a festive ambiance.
After the first three events, the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand will take a break for the Festival d'été de Québec, July 9 to 19. Free performances will start up again on July 22 with regimental band music by La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment.
A varied, fun-filled program for the entire summer
Accessible, diverse, and completely free, the 2026 program will highlight artists of varying backgrounds while offering a summer-long sound overlay for sunsets on the Plains. The season will notably continue with a series of free events featuring Eadsé, Albert Asselin, Ben Racine Band, Christopher Hall, PetiTom, and The Lost Fingers.
Families won't be left out! There will be performances for kids on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m., namely Alexandra Côté et ses chiens on July 25 and Atchoum on August 8. Science lovers can also attend a talk at the Plains of Abraham Museum on July 24, "Natura & Historia," to learn all about the natural history of the Plains.
More than a series of shows, the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand is a place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy culture for free in the heart of the city.
A tasty experience on the Plains
Smith Café can be found in the Central Pavilion. Again this year, the spectator experience at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand will be enriched by a savory selection of food and beverages. A coffee or apéritif on the terrace or a picnic on the Plains-everything is available for a delightful summer evening. On show nights, the café will extend its business hours.
About the National Battlefields Commission
The Battlefields Park is Canada's leading national historic park and notably includes the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park. The National Battlefields Commission, an agency of the Canadian government, has striven since 1908 to preserve and develop this site that brings so many people together. All year long, it offers a variety of activities for those who wish to explore the park and its history.
