Metric @ Commodore, 10/30/05 photoby simon.y

Is Jennifer Maley about to let the cat out of the bag with some big Flight Centre news?
Could she really be introducing us to one of the oldest, most successful, and biggest music festivals in the world? Never mind right here in our very own Canada.
Is there a new summer vacation destination on our holiday wish list?
Find out by reading today’s Kickin’ It Fridays – Venues that Rock with Festival d’été de Québec.

I like oh so many Canadians, am shamefully guilty of spending more time exploring other countries than my own. The reason being, of course, is the sheer size and expense of our monolithic piece of map. If you’re used to hopping over to Europe with Air Transat, than you can often do so for less money than flying between Vancouver and Toronto or Montreal. But enough is enough! After a little pre-June snooping, I’ve discovered that Flight Centre has put Canada on sale next month. I fully intend to take advantage and check out some of the tantalizing events on and off the Trans-Canada highway this summer. The first might very well be Quebec City’s Summer Festival July 9th to 19th.

Photo by by Zingaro. I am a gipsy too.

Out of all the music festivals I’ve researched lately, Quebec City’s Summer Festival is definitely the longest running with the most sustained success. It was started in 1968 with a partnership between seven local artists and a group of businessman with the mandate of promoting local popular music. That core mandate has been tweaked and built upon since then and now the Quebec City’s Summer Festival is the largest outdoor artistic event in Canada. Employing both indoor and outdoor venues throughout the centre of Quebec City, the festival squeezes more than 300 shows into just 11 days and crosses into nearly every genre of popular music possible. Another charm to this festival is the awesome value. Passes run about $45 ($35 if you buy in advance) and get you access into every outdoor show and nearly all the indoor ones as well.

The Proclaimers photo by Bryan Ledgard

Also taking the opportunity to explore one of Canada’s most historic cities will be Sting, Kiss, The Proclaimers, Shout Out Out Out Out, Metric, K-os, Plants and Animals, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and a whole lot of local acts that I have yet to discover and fall in love with!

So there begins a new take on our Friday series. If you know of any attendance-worthy events, festivals (fringe, music, etc) or other in your area, let me know!

Quebec City, Quebec is highlighted on the Flight Centre travel map.

Jennifer Maley is an International Travel Consultant with Flight Centre based in Victoria, British Columbia and can be reached at 1 866 604 6340.

Categories: Off The Beaten Path

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