Montreal’s Crescent street revved up for Grand Prix

One of the first major signs that summer is around the corner is here, this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix – and it all starts today!

Montreal Formula 1 fans will be flocking to the Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival, for decades one of the premier destination during GP weekend.

“No one comes out like people in Montreal,” said Rob Segal, one of the many behind the Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival. “We’re just absolutely thrilled to put on this festival again.”

Ever since 1999, the festival transforms the street into a free venue for race aficionados, tourists and local fans to celebrate the biggest race in Canada.

The 2024 event is also taking place on de Maisonneuve Boulevard, between Bishop Street and de la Montagne Street.

“I feel very proud,” said Segal. “I work with the best people in the business.”

“They’re absolutely wonderful.”

“They work through the night, last few days,” he added. “We’ll go the next four days straight, non-stop, 11 to 11.”

“I’m so excited because I was raised as an F1 fan,” said festival-goer, Mohamed Fadli. “This is my opportunity, I had to take it.”

When asked about who he hopes will cross the finish line first on Sunday, Fadli did not hesitate.

“I hope either Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc,” he said. “Because they have to stop Verstappen for a little while.”

“He has to take a break!”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the chequered flag at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2023.

The two-time reigning world champion held off the competition over 70 laps.

Several were thrilled to see Verstappen lead from start to finish to claim his sixth victory of that season – the 100th Formula One win for Red Bull.

“It’s my first time here looking for the Grand Prix,” said fellow festival-goer, Maleine Niang.

“I don’t watch personally F1 a lot,” he added. “But like, I’ve been really amazed.”

“I just wanted to give it a try, and since we’re close friends, it’s like, you know, spend more time together as friends.”

There’s something for everyone on Crescent street from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. this June 6 to 9.

“We want people to come downtown to party,” said Segal. “To go to the restaurants and bars, all the stores.” 

“It’s a lot of work,” he added. “But it’s a labor of love.”