At the Bootlegger Festival, history becomes a grand celebration

Writing

Marc Larouche, he shares with us his tourist discoveries of his adopted region with passion!

Article published on June 9, 2026

In Rivière-Bleue, in Témiscouata, the Bootlegger Festival has a distinct character. From July 24 to 26, the event immerses visitors in a fascinating era of local history, while offering three days of entertainment, shows, great food and family activities.

The festival draws its inspiration from a figure who left a mark on the region’s collective imagination: Alfred Lévesque. During the 1920s, at the height of prohibition, this bold entrepreneur became known for trading alcohol between the United States, New Brunswick and Quebec. He became one of the most famous “bootleggers” of his time.

It is this legacy that the Bootlegger Festival has been celebrating for the past 17 years. Each summer, thousands of people gather in the heart of the village to enjoy a program that blends history, music and summer pleasures.

Many activities

The festivities will begin on Thursday, July 23, with the 10^th anniversary of the Chapelle au Pied-du-Lac. The evening will feature Marc Bossé and Valérie Magnan in a show dedicated to great Quebec and Francophone hits.

On Friday, July 24, the festival site on rue des Pins will come alive starting at 4 p.m. Keven Côté will take the stage at 5 p.m. before the traditional on-site supper. The evening will continue with Pat Dubé and Hugo Lavoie starting at 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 25 promises to be particularly lively. Starting at 9 a.m., the popular Bootlegger softball tournament will kick off the day. From 1 p.m., the site will welcome families and visitors with face painters, a washer tournament, exhibitors and artisans.

Performances by Gaétan Racine and Benoit Murray will lead up to the BBQ half-chicken supper at 6 p.m. Billy Soucy will then take over under the tent before the spectacular fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The evening will culminate with a show by David Pineau.

A family program

Families will also find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend thanks to the water games, the giant trampoline and the children’s park, all available free of charge on site.

Sunday, July 26 will offer a more contemplative atmosphere. After the festival mass and brunch, visitors can take part in a hike on the Sentier des Trois Frontières, an area known for its landscapes and its unique character at the eastern end of Témiscouata.

Beyond the programming, a visit to Rivière-Bleue offers the chance to discover a municipality where nature is ever-present. Nestled at the meeting point of Quebec, New Brunswick and Maine, the region captivates with its forests, lakes and panoramic views that invite escape. The Bootlegger Festival thus becomes an excellent opportunity to combine discovery, local history and summer enjoyment.

Festival du Bootlegger

From July 24 to 26, 2026

Place du Festival,
Rivière-Bleue,
Québec G0L 2B0

T. 4188935559

Website

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