Quebec National Day 2026
David Chelly, January 15, 2026
Date and public holiday in Quebec
Quebec National Day, still often called Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is celebrated every year on June 24. The date is set by law, and June 24 is a statutory public holiday in Quebec. In 2026, June 24 falls on a Wednesday, so there is no day off carried over on the calendar.
Origins and evolution of Saint-Jean
Originally, the celebration is associated with Saint John the Baptist and with traditions from New France. Over time, the day became a strong symbol of Quebec identity. Since 1984, the Quebec government has entrusted the coordination of the festivities to the Mouvement national des Québécoises et Québécois, which relies on a network of regional organizers to run activities throughout Quebec.
Traditions and highlights
The celebration takes place on several levels, with local events in neighborhoods and municipalities, and major gatherings in the main cities. Concerts, public gatherings, speeches, family activities, and bonfires are among the most visible features. The spirit is one of an accessible, community-focused celebration, with programming that varies by region.
Official program and practical information
To plan an outing, the most reliable approach is to check the official online program, which lets you filter by region, city, and date. The main stages in Montreal and Quebec City draw large crowds, but local neighborhood activities are often the easiest to fit into a day, especially when traveling with children or when you want to avoid long trips.
Planning your day well
Once you've chosen a city, the most efficient approach is to first identify the main evening event, then build the rest of the day around that time slot. Large gatherings can create transportation and access constraints, so it's best to check ahead of time on schedules, pedestrian zones, and local guidelines, especially for outdoor shows.