Festival Le Grand Dégel
3rd edition - June 5 & 6 2026 - Métis-sur-Mer QC
Ticket reservation below
Le Grand Dégel? The Great Thaw? What's that?
Inspired by pagan celebrations welcoming the return of summer light, Le Grand Dégel was created by a bunch of friends from Metis and around. Their goal was to highlight the beauty of this place, the commitment and humanity of its entrepreneurs and craftspeople, and the creativity of its artists. This is a festival rooted in human and solar warmth, and nourished by a sense of belonging.
PROGRAMME
Friday June 5, 2025
17h00 to 19h00 - 5 à 7 launch event
Everyone is invited to this festive 5 à 7 that opens the celebrations. Opening remarks, food from Atelier culinaire Pierre-Olivier Ferry, musical ambiance with DJ Doro, and bar service. An excellent prelude to the 8:00 PM parade!
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église). Free admission. Food and bar ($).
18h00 to 19h30 Costume Workshop
Want to take part in the parade but feeling a bit last-minute? No problem! The parade committee invites you to a creative workshop held in the basement of the community hall. During this workshop, all materials will be provided to create a walking stick, a wind spinner, or a mask. No artistic experience required.
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église). Free and open to all.
20h00 The Great Solar Parade
All residents of Métis-sur-Mer and surrounding towns are invited to take part in our Great Solar Parade. Create a costume, an illuminated puppet, a lantern, or a wheeled float and join us for this motor-free, colorful event! Accompanied by the Kalafuba percussion group, we will take over the streets of Métis-sur-Mer. Festive atmosphere guaranteed! Celebrations continue after the parade with DJ Doro.
Participants are welcomed from 19h30. Departure will take place at the rink and multisport area of the Community Centre (10 rue de l'Église). Free and open to all.
Saturday June 7th, 2025
7h30 to 8h30 Nordic bathing at sunrise
To welcome the first light of spring, we invite you to a cold-water swim in the early hours of the morning. Before you take the plunge, Stéphanie Pelletier will give a presentation on cold water swimming and its basic principles. A bonfire will be lit on the beach and participants will be served a hot drink.
Activity is held on the beach, at the municipal rest area (in front of the church located at 140, Principale), rain or shine! It is free but reservations are required.
8h30 to 9h30 Morning Concert with Marilie Bilodeau
Marilie Bilodeau seems straight out of the era of Québec boîtes à chansons. Armed with strong, sensitive, and intelligent lyrics, unmatched wit, undeniable charm, and bold exuberance, she leaves no one indifferent. Her voice, often gentle but powerful when needed, carries meaning deep within, leaving you full-hearted and uplifted.
At the municipal rest area (in front of the church located at 140 Principale). In case of rain, the event will take place inside the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église)
Free and open to all. Coffee and pastries ($).
8h00 to 12h00 Le Dégel Breakfast
Have you ever stopped by Café Buvette – Petit Métis? If not, come meet the friendly team that brings this bright village restaurant to life year-round! For the occasion, they offer a special Dégel breakfast plate. Three seatings: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00.
Café-Buvette Petit Métis (508 Beach)
$13 per person. Reservation by phone/text: 418-317-4582.
10h00 to 12h00 Textile Printing Workshop
Dive into a textile creation workshop infused with local plants!
A 2-hour workshop to create your own bandana in summer colors by exploring different techniques: brushes, printing blocks, and stencils. All inks are made from plants grown and harvested by Silva Herbo. A creative moment to discover local plants and their colors in a new way!
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église). Free, but reservations are required. Maximum 20 participants.
10h00 to 12h00 Breakdance Introduction
Dive into the dynamic world of breakdance with EBJM Dance School! Led by Marie-Ève Tremblay, a passionate teacher specializing in Hip Hop for youth aged 10 to 18. In an energetic and inclusive atmosphere, participants will discover the basics of this urban dance. A unique opportunity to combine movement, exercise, and creativity!
At the Metis Beach School gymnasium (468 Beach). Free. For ages 10 to 18. Reservations required (maximum 25 participants)
11h30 to 13h00 Hot-dog lunch
The sun is at its zenith and you’re running on empty? A good hot-dog (or 2) will keep your day going!
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de L’Église). Low prices; per item.
12h00 to 13h00 La Force de l’Est : Raising the bar in Métis-sur-Mer!
La Force de l’Est lands at the Grand Dégel with a demonstration that will raise eyebrows… and a lot of weight. Expect spectacular feats of strength, massive objects, and performances that will have you scream “no way!”
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église). Free and open to all.
12h30 to 14h30 Object Theatre Family Workshop
Do you feel like your shoes have a soul or your backpack has personality? Then you’ll love object theatre! Learn to bring everyday objects to life like puppets—defining their gaze, movement, and voice. A guided, playful workshop for imagination and expression.
At Metis Beach School Library(468 Beach). Free. For kids 7-12 and their parent. Registration in groups of 2 (one child one parent). Max. 16 participants. Reservations required.
13h00 to 16h00 Young Entrepreneurs Market
Discover the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local youth as they showcase and sell their creations. Come meet them and support the next generation!
At the Multisport rink (10 rue de l’Église). Free and open to all.
13h00 to 15h00 “Weaving the Community” Workshop
Take part in a community weaving workshop by bringing your fabric scraps (old sheets, forgotten clothes, etc.) or by using those available on site. No experience needed — just a desire to create, connect, and have fun!As a bonus or alongside the main activity, come weave your own friendship bracelet with Kamila and leave with a colorful keepsake to keep or give as a gift!
Workshop open to everyone, from ages 0 to 99 and beyond!
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église). Free and open to all.
14h30 to 16h15 Conference “Pays-Paysage-Paysan” by Hugo Latulippe (in French)
Author, filmmaker and producer, Hugo Latulippe has been active in the documentary film world for 30 years. Librairie L’Hibou Coup is partnering with Le Grand Dégel as the official presenter of this talk, which is sure to both warm the heart and thaw the mind.
“What place do beauty, the living world, meaning, and the Sacred hold in the contemporary societal project of Quebecers?”
At the Town Hall (370 Beach). Free, open to everyone. Reservations recommended.
16h30 to 19h00 Lobster Dinner & Show "Du fleuve au ventre"
Did you notice the lobster fishers off the coast of Métis last summer? Chef Pierre-Olivier Ferry and The Grand Dégel felt we couldn’t pass up such abundance! So we’re inviting you to a delicious lobster meal (3 services!), during which the collective “Les femmes poissons” will present their literary and musical performance “Du fleuve au ventre,” exploring the food and culinary resources of the St. Lawrence River.
At the Métis-sur-Mer Community Centre (10 rue de l’Église). $60 per person for dinner and show. Bar ($). Reservations required.
19h30 to 23h30 The Great Solar Party
To close the festival and celebrate the return of warmer days, we invite you to wear your finest outfits, costumes, and luminous accessories (sequined or rhinestone shirts, string lights, disco ball earrings—be bold and imaginative). With a performance by Kourage followed by DJ Spacey Koala, an epic, festive, dance-filled evening awaits you! Bar service available on site.
At Metis Beach School (468 Beach). Free parking. Bar ($).
Evening tickets: Adults: $20 / 12 years old or less: $10. Reservations strongly recommended.
