Fantasia International Film Festival

Festival international de films Fantasia

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Arts & CultureMontreal
Dates2 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
CrowdLargeAbout 100,000 people
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsFantasia's identity rests on programming
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: CAD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal

Fantasia started in 1996 as a modest genre film gathering and has grown into one of the largest festivals worldwide dedicated to horror, science fiction, fantasy and action cinema, running roughly three weeks each summer at Concordia University's Hall Building and nearby Montreal venues. The lineup leans heavily on Asian premieres alongside independent horror and action titles, with vocal midnight-screening crowds and frequent director Q&As.

Fantasia began in 1996 as a small gathering of genre film fans at Montreal's Imperial Theatre and has grown into one of the largest festivals in the world dedicated to horror, science fiction, fantasy, action and animated cinema, now drawing an estimated 100,000 attendees across roughly three weeks each July and August.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Fantasia's identity rests on programming Asian genre cinema, especially Japanese and South Korean films, often as their North American or world premiere, which draws international press and distributors to Montreal specifically for the discoveries

02

The mystery stays covered

Midnight and late-night screenings develop a reputation of their own, with audiences reacting loudly and communally in ways that shape how a film plays

03

The city starts moving

The festival's Camera Lucida sidebar makes room for more art-house work inside an otherwise populist lineup, and juried awards with real ticketholder input give the festival genuine influence over which genre films find wider distribution afterward

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

participatory crowd reactions during genre and horror screenings

Water and renewal

Living ritual

especially at midnight slots

The sacred route

Living ritual

are close to a house style at Fantasia

The local code

Living ritual

with cheering

Tradition 5

Living ritual

gasping and applause treated as part of the experience rather than a distraction

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Post-screening Q&As with visiting directors and cast are a regular fixture across the festival's main venues

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

2 August 2026

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Late July and early August in Montreal run warm outside, but cinema auditoriums are heavily air-conditioned, so bring a light layer even if dressing for summer heat outdoors; comfortable...

Safety

At Fantasia International Film Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Montreal you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

CAD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map45.50 N, 73.58 WOpen in Google Maps

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Nearest airportYUL — Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Montreal you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Montreal via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Montreal, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearLate July and early August in Montreal run warm outside, but cinema auditoriums are heavily air-conditioned, so bring a light layer even if dressing for summer heat outdoors; comfortable seated-all-day clothing matters more than anything formal.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Canada and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Fantasia International Film Festival?

Fantasia International Film Festival is listed for 2 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Fantasia International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Montreal, Canada. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

How big is it?

Large: 100000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLfantasiafestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates2 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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