The MURAL Festival: Where Street Art, Style, and Summer Collide in Montreal

When the first warm winds of June hit Montreal, the city doesn’t just bloom — it transforms. The MURAL Festival is where that energy crystallizes. Spanning Saint-Laurent Boulevard, this open-air celebration of street art, music, and culture turns the city’s creative core into a living canvas.

But for those in the know, MURAL is just the start. The true insider move? Pair your mural-gazing with rooftop cocktails, chef-driven bites, or an afterparty in a hidden gem venue curated by Host.

Montreal’s Street Art Mecca

Since its launch in 2013, MURAL has become more than an art festival — it’s a movement. For ten days every June, the Main (Saint-Laurent) shuts down to traffic and opens up to expression. You’ll find massive new murals in progress, pop-up galleries, live painting battles, and a pulse that makes Montreal feel more Brooklyn than bilingual.

“It’s not just an event. It’s the heartbeat of the Plateau in summer,” says a local gallerist. “You get to watch art being made in real time, then grab a drink with the artists an hour later.”

For corporate travelers or teams visiting Montreal, MURAL offers a rare chance to see the city at its most electric — and most Instagrammable.

After the Spray Paint Dries: Where to Go Next

Once the sun sets and the mural lifts wrap for the day, the vibe doesn’t end — it just shifts indoors. Here’s how to continue your curated evening:

Hiatus

Start your post-festival wind-down above the skyline. Just a short Uber from the MURAL site, Hiatus delivers panoramic views, seasonal small plates, and cocktails that rival the street art for creativity. It’s the ideal place to recap your favorite murals over a crudo and signature cocktail.
• Experience Hiatus

Apt. 200

Tucked inside a second-story loft overlooking Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Apt. 200 brings a laid-back, residential party vibe to the heart of the Plateau. Think designer furniture, vintage arcade machines, and curated DJ sets. It’s the ultimate MURAL afterparty spot for creatives who want to dance but don’t need velvet ropes.
• Enter Apt. 200

Phillips

If you’re looking to host your own post-MURAL mixer or dinner — think creative agency meet-ups or curated client receptions — Phillips offers quiet sophistication just a few blocks from the action. Deco elegance, modern lighting, and total event flexibility.
• Plan your gathering at Phillips

Chez Josie

For a more intimate, design-forward nightcap, Chez Josie delivers charm, discretion, and a refined cocktail program. Nestled near the Old Port, it’s a venue that feels like a private artist’s salon — perfect for small-group strategy sessions or quiet conversations after a day of creative overload.
• Visit Chez Josie

Insider Tips for Navigating MURAL Like a Local

• Best Days to Visit: Weekdays if you want to watch murals come to life, weekends for the full street party energy.
• What to Wear: Fashion-forward with comfort — think sneakers and statement pieces.
• Photography Tip: Golden hour (around 7–8 PM) makes murals pop against the Plateau’s brick facades.
• Secret Move: Skip the lines by booking a private gallery tour or curated afterparty through Host’s Conciergerie.

Montreal’s Most Visceral Season Starts Here

Whether you’re walking the mural trail, networking at an art-infused happy hour, or dancing into the night with a backdrop of spray paint and skyline, MURAL is more than a festival — it’s a rite of passage for summer in Montreal.

Let Host handle the after — from rooftop reservations to private event planning — and you’ll experience the festival like a local, not just a visitor.

→ Explore Host’s full venue collection
→ Let our Conciergerie tailor your post-MURAL itinerary
→ Looking to throw your own creative gathering? Our Event Production team is here

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