The Canadian Stone Carving Festival returns to Montreal for a second year!

When: July 19 to 21, 2024

Where: Place Royale, Old Montreal (pedestrian zone)

Cost: Free

Open to all!

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which raised over $10,000 in donations for mental health and art therapy, the Canadian Stone Carving Festival will once again be held in Old Montreal on July 19-20-21, 2024, at Place Royale, in the pedestrian zone of Pointe-à-Callière, Archaeology City.

The festival will bring together 40 artists and stone carvers in front of an audience, an opportunity to celebrate together the rich history and heritage that inspires us to shape the world of tomorrow.

Unifying theme: Mother Earth

The festival's theme invites sculptors to draw inspiration from agriculture to create works that explore our roots and how Mother Earth has enabled the rise of civilizations around the world.

This theme is reminiscent of the magnificent exhibition Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico, presented this summer at Pointe-à-Callière, featuring gigantic stone sculptures dating back several millennia.

About the Festival

The first edition of the Canadian Stone Carving Fest was launched in 2010 in Winchester, Ontario. The intention was to bring together sculptors and stone carvers from the Ottawa region to enjoy a weekend of creative expression and camaraderie.

The festival was inspired by the European stone carving festival, but it has become an event in its own right. When demonstrating this art in a public setting, it quickly became apparent that people were unaware that stone carving still existed as a profession in Canada!

Public awareness and preservation of the art form then became important aspects of the event.

This three-day festival is a unique opportunity to interact with professional sculptors, artisans, and enthusiasts who transform blocks of limestone into unique works of art using traditional methods. See the tools. Ask questions about the techniques. Experience the art and craftsmanship that went into building the heritage buildings around you.

The 2024 edition

On July 19-21, 2024, 40 stone carvers from Canada and abroad will gather in Old Montreal, at Place Royale, to showcase their skills and creativity to the public.

Using only hand tools, participants will have 18 hours over three days to complete their works.

At the end of the festival, on Sunday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m., all pieces will be auctioned off on site, with proceeds going to the charity CAP.

Shared Heritage: The Art of Stone 2024

As part of the Festival, Les Ateliers de la pierre du Québec is offering a program of demonstrations and hands-on workshops open to all and free of charge, where visitors can try their hand at stone carving with a professional and watch demonstrations of tool forging, a special collaboration with Les Forges de Montréal.

This activity is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Montreal as part of the cultural development agreement with the Ministry of Culture and Communications.

Detailed program 

Thank you to our sponsors!