Photo courtesy of Montreal International Jazz Festival

Montreal, Quebec - After one event at 2004 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal drew a crowd of 250,000, Guinness World Records designated this “The World’s Largest Jazz Festival”. Held annually in early July in this city that truly knows how to celebrate summer, the 11-day Montreal International Jazz Festival features more than 600 to 800 shows, presenting some of the world’s top artists, at venues throughout town. But, what’s really cool about this family-friendly festival is hundreds of these shows are free outdoor performances. Several city blocks are closed to traffic. The entertainment starts and noon and runs until midnight each day at 10 outdoor stages and in 10 concert halls. The whole event features about 3000 artists from 30 countries, who entertain a total of two-and-one-half million people. Where: Place des Festivals.