After the success of the 2025 edition, JOAT International Street Dance Festival will return from September 1 to 7, 2026, in co-production with Danse Danse. On the program: Breaking, Hip Hop and Popping battles, music composer battles, introductory workshops, master classes, conferences, art markets and much more to discover the world of street dance. As always, the program takes place in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, is intended for all ages, and includes a large number of free outdoor activities. Through this diverse offering, the festival’s artistic director, Handy Yacinthe, highlights the street dance community, both local and international.
Battles at Club Soda and prestigious guests
Breaking, Hip Hop and PoppingIn a one-on-one format, the artists will take turns improvising to music chosen live by the DJ, all hosted by an MC. International judges will then choose the winners of each category. Among the judges and distinguished guests, Mr Wiggles, emblematic figure of breaking from the Bronx and member of one of the oldest breaking collectives, MASS, three-time champion of the Red Bull BC One Canadian national finals and double winner of the JOAT breaking final, as well as Acky, world champion and one of the most influential figures in popping. DJ FLEG is back, who we saw as a breaking DJ during the 2024 Olympic Games as well. More than 250 dancers are expected at the Preselections which will take place during the day on the Esplanade at Place des Arts. After a solo improvisation, the 16 best dancers will be chosen for the final battle which will take place at Club Soda. All participants will receive a monetary prize, an unusual initiative in the world of battles.
The JOAT KidzBattle returns to Club Soda! Since its beginnings, the Festival has opened its doors to all generations with the JOAT KidzBattle, an All Styles dance battle for children and pre-teens initiated by Urban-Element Zone. For a second year, the KidzBattles offer the same formula as the adults: the final will take place at Club Soda in the presence of international judges. In order to offer everyone the chance to participate, young people will not be chosen in advance and will have to go through the selection process at the Espace Culturel Georges-Émile-Lapalme at Place des Arts. This year, the media partner of the JOAT Festival, Stance, welcomes the global phenomenon and street dance prodigy MIYU as a special battle guest. Originally from Indonesia and only 12 years old, with over a million fans on Instagram, she has quickly established herself on the international scene, captivating audiences with her exceptional mastery of movement and magnetic energy.
The unmissable The JOAT Festival will begin on September 1 with CHÔRA, a show by the artist PAX, presented in collaboration with the Society of Technological Arts (SAT), a first for the festival. A choreographer and performer with a background in street dance, PAX develops a multidisciplinary practice that connects improvisation, visual arts, video, cinema and emerging technologies. As always, the public is invited to gather and take part in all the activities offered free of charge on the Esplanade at Place des Arts. Young and old will also be able to take part in introductory street dance workshops open to all skill levels. The Festival will highlight two couple dances with distinct influences and rhythms. The public will be able to discover konpa, a dance from Haiti presented for the very first time at JOAT, and learn about hustle during a friendly and festive workshop.
At the same time, master classes will be given by battle judges and international guests, offering a unique opportunity for dance enthusiasts and novices alike. The festival will also offer the SPOT Session, a free practice space for all street dance fans, hosted by the organization 100Lux. This edition will also see the return of krump performance battles with the MKA Sessions, or even clashes between music composers with What the DAWs are, presented in collaboration with the Center des Mémoires Montréalaises (MEM).
Finally, the Festival will present a conference by Désirée Rochat, community educator and transdisciplinary researcher. Guided by an integrative approach linking historical research, community archives preservation, and education, his work aims to document, theorize, and transmit the history—and stories—of activism in Black communities.
MORE INFORMATION JOAT INTERNATIONAL STREET DANCE FESTIVAL From September 1 to 7, 2026At the Quartier des spectaclesPlace des Arts, Club Soda
4 BATTLES | BREAKING – HIP HOP – POPPING – KIDZSeptember 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026Club Soda, 1225 Boul. Saint-Laurent.
FREE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIESAt the Quartier des spectaclesPlace des Arts, MEMIntroductory activities | Hip Hop, popping, hustle, krump, beatmaking, freestyle rapJOAT Kidz Battle | Dance battle of all styles for children/tweensPrelims | preselection battle for JOAT Battle at Club SodaConcerts | Hip Hop/R&B music artists on the Esplanade of the Quartier des SpectaclesWhat are DAWs | clash of music composers Hip HopSpot Session | Dance circle for street dance artistsMKA Session | Battles-Performances by Krump and other stylesBeatmaking | Beatmaking station available to the publicJOAT Parties | Dance parties and DJ sets to celebrate street dance styleConference | Désirée RochatAnd also | Art market, Barber shop, DJ, Beach area, refreshments, food and more!