Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec 2025: A Festival of Light, Music, and Community

Each summer, Québec City and Lévis come alive with a tradition that has become much more than just fireworks in the night sky. Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec, now in its 29th edition, ran from July 31 to August 23, 2025, and once again captured the hearts of thousands. It’s a festival where artistry, culture, sustainability, and community all converge on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

A Tradition of Light and Celebration

Since its beginnings, Les Grands Feux has been about more than the brilliance of fireworks. It’s about gathering people together, families, neighbours, and visitors, to share a collective moment of awe. Over the years, the event has grown into a highlight of the Québec summer calendar, with people planning trips around the festival and entire communities turning out week after week to enjoy the spectacle.

The magic lies not just in the fireworks themselves but in how they are paired with music. Each performance is a pyromusical show, where timing, colour, and sound combine to tell a story. The result is an immersive experience that transforms fireworks into an art form.

Free and Accessible for All

One of the defining features of Les Grands Feux is its accessibility. Unlike many large-scale festivals, these shows are free to attend, ensuring that no one is excluded from the experience. Crowds gather along the riverbanks in both Québec City and Lévis, with some choosing prime reserved seating areas for a closer view. Others spread out on blankets or sit in lawn chairs, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

For those seeking something extra special, vantage points abound. The historic Château Frontenac, the Hilton Québec, the Musée de la civilisation, and even the Governor General’s residence offer spectacular views. AML Cruises on the river provide yet another unique way to experience the event, as fireworks reflect off the water in dazzling displays of colour and light.

The 2025 Program: A Journey Through Sound and Light

The 2025 edition offered audiences a rich variety of performances, each one designed to evoke a different feeling. Every week, a new show blends fireworks with a curated musical soundtrack broadcast live on BLVD 102.1 FM, providing a fantastic way for everyone in attendance to enjoy the entire show!

Crowds gathered early to enjoy the festival-like atmosphere before the shows. Live entertainment, food vendors, and the hum of excited conversation set the stage for what was to come. Then, as night fell and the clock ticked closer to showtime, anticipation filled the air.

Each performance told its own story: some bold and theatrical, others subtle and deeply emotional. The choreography of light and sound demonstrated the incredible talent of pyrotechnicians who carefully planned every moment. For audiences, it was not just a fireworks show; it was a journey.

A Sustainable Celebration

Les Grands Feux is also leading the way in sustainability. In 2023, it became the first pyrotechnic event in the world to earn Biosphere certification, and in 2025, the festival proudly upheld this standard. This certification recognizes its commitment to eco-friendly practices, from responsible waste management to sustainable event planning.

For many, this recognition matters as much as the fireworks themselves. It proves that large-scale public celebrations can be both spectacular and responsible, a balance that resonates strongly in today’s world.

Giving Back to the Community

Community spirit is woven into every part of Les Grands Feux. One of the best examples is the annual 50/50 raffle, which helps fund the event and keeps it free for everyone to attend. Attendees know that when they buy a ticket, they’re not only getting a chance to win but also helping preserve a cultural tradition.

The festival’s partnerships with local businesses and organizations also create ripple effects throughout the community. Restaurants, hotels, and shops benefit from the influx of visitors, while cultural institutions proudly contribute to an event that showcases the city on an international stage.

Fireworks Compilation on Solid Black Background

The Atmosphere: More Than Just Fireworks

To attend Les Grands Feux is to experience something that goes far beyond the visual spectacle. From the moment you arrive, there’s a buzz of excitement. Children laugh and point skyward, couples settle in hand-in-hand, and groups of friends gather with snacks and drinks. Street performers and musicians add to the energy, while the glow of the sunset over the river sets the perfect backdrop.

Then, as the first note of music plays and the night sky explodes in colour, the crowd collectively gasps. That moment, when thousands of voices fall silent in awe, is what makes the festival so special. It’s a reminder of the power of shared experiences and the joy of coming together.

More Than Fireworks

Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec is more than a highlight of summer. It’s an example of what fireworks mean to Canadian culture. They are not just entertainment, they are a form of artistic expression, a tool for building community, and a way of marking life’s celebrations with beauty and meaning.

In a time when public fireworks face increasing restrictions, festivals like this stand as a reminder of why they matter. They bring people together across backgrounds and generations, offering moments of connection and joy that few other experiences can match.

Continuing the Tradition

As Les Grands Feux heads toward its 30th anniversary in 2026, there’s no doubt the festival will continue to inspire and unite. Each edition brings new artistry, new innovations, and new opportunities to celebrate. For those who have yet to experience it, it’s worth planning a summer trip around. And for those who return year after year, it’s a tradition that only grows stronger.

At the Canadian National Fireworks Association, we believe in protecting the future of events like Les Grands Feux. These festivals highlight the artistry, responsibility, and community spirit that fireworks can bring. To ensure they continue for generations to come, we need advocates, supporters, and safe practices.

Take the next step by enrolling in our Fireworks Safety Courses today. Together, we can keep these celebrations safe, sustainable, and spectacular.