Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy: a 29th edition rich in new experiences and emotions

The 29th edition of Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy came to a close Saturday night in an explosion of light and emotion, bringing together 39,786 festivalgoers on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History. From July 29th to August 15th, visitors from near and far experienced unforgettable evenings to the rhythm of exceptional pyromusical shows, new gastronomic experiences and unique cultural performances. 

A high-calibre international lineup

Once again this year, Les Grands Feux invited festivalgoers on a journey around the world with an international lineup featuring renowned pyrotechnic firms. From Canada to China, through France and Brazil, each firm developed a unique artistic concept around its theme, creating an immersive experience where music, light and creativity came together.

The public awarded the 2026 People's Choice Award to firm Dancing Fireworks, representing China under the theme The Four Seasons. Carried by a musical score recorded by a Chinese symphony orchestra and inspired by Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece, the firm delivered a breathtaking tribute where each season came to life in the Outaouais sky.

For the Grand Finale, Royal Pyrotechnie presented an adaptation of the show that earned them the prestigious Golden Jupiter at L'International des Feux Loto-Québec, the highest distinction in the pyrotechnics industry. A season finale worthy of the event.

New experience zones on site

Les Grands Feux made the international dimension of the event the guiding thread of the entire on-site experience. According to a survey conducted among festivalgoers, nearly 70% say the event's international dimension directly influences their interest in attending. The organization aimed to showcase world cultures not only in the sky, but throughout the entire festival site.

Taste the Sky, the all-new immersive gastronomic experience, allowed festivalgoers to discover signature menus crafted by renowned local chefs, inspired by the featured country of each evening. A meeting of local gastronomy and pyromusical art that was greatly appreciated by participants.

For the first time, local dance and music troupes came to life every evening along the cycling path, at the heart of Plaza Promutuel, offering a vibrant and festive cultural immersion before the show. In addition, hosts from L'As des jeux offered nightly thematic quiz sessions to test festivalgoers' knowledge of the featured country.

The 2026 edition also introduced several new experience zones. The Nordik Spa Village terrace with its Adirondack chairs, the reserved seats on the NCC Recreational Dock on the shores of the Ottawa River, as well as the brand new Terrasse de la Colline, offering an elevated vantage point and a breathtaking panoramic view of the pyromusical show.

Finally, an accessible shuttle presented by TSMO was implemented for the first time for Accessibility Zone ticket holders, facilitating movement for all on site.

A recognized sustainable commitment 

The 2026 edition confirmed Les Grands Feux's commitment to pursuing their eco-responsible transition. Recognized in the fall of 2025 by the Prix Vertuose d'Environnement écoresponsable, the festival continued to integrate sustainable practices across all of its activities.

This year, each pyromusical show integrated a minimum of 35% green pyrotechnic pieces with low environmental impact, continuing a steady progression that began in 2023. In collaboration with Enviro Éduc-Action, the organization also continued to formalize its structured sustainable development plan, aimed at consolidating existing initiatives and guiding future actions.

On site, the Les Grands Feux green team oversaw eco-responsible practices, guiding festivalgoers in waste management and raising public awareness of environmental issues.

Despite unpredictable weather throughout the three weeks of the event, the public showed up night after night, demonstrating an unwavering attachment to Les Grands Feux. A beautiful reminder that the magic of the event transcends the whims of the weather.

An experience accessible to all

With a constant commitment to inclusion, Les Grands Feux enhanced their offering for people with particular needs. This year, the zone formerly designated as "reduced mobility" was renamed the Accessibility Zone, reflecting a broader and more inclusive vision of accessibility.

The Accessibility Zone, equipped with an adapted washroom, welcomed festivalgoers with physical, sensory or other needs, with free access for one companion. For the first time this year, an accessible shuttle presented by TSMO connected the main entrance to the Accessibility Zone, facilitating movement for all.

As part of this inclusive approach, Les Grands Feux collaborated with Trait d'Union Outaouais, who accompanied autistic individuals in experiencing the zone. A valuable collaboration that will help continue improving the experience for everyone in future editions.

In collaboration with Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy and Loto-Québec, Les Grands Feux also enabled approximately twenty families per evening, accompanied by SITO, to experience Les Grands Feux from the Hôtel-Casino Lac-Leamy suite.

Boulev'Art de la Vallée: the 2026 Chouchou Cause 

This year, Les Grands Feux shone a light on Boulev'Art de la Vallée as their Chouchou Cause. This Outaouais organization uses art as a tool for rehabilitation and social integration for adults living with mental health challenges.

Throughout the festival, various initiatives allowed festivalgoers to contribute concretely to their mission: a donation option when purchasing tickets online, donations with the purchase of a drink or meal on site, sale of the children's book with a portion of proceeds going to the organization, and the presence of a Boulev'Art de la Vallée booth on site. Thanks to the generosity of festivalgoers and partners, donations were collected throughout the festival, directly contributing to the continuation of the organization's mission. The total amount raised will be announced this fall.

This year marked the publication of the 3rd edition of the Les Grands Feux children's book, read every evening in French and English in the Enchanted Haven, to the delight of children and their families. A 4th edition is already planned and will be published later this year, continuing this beloved literary tradition that has become a part of Les Grands Feux.

29 years of collective magic

A non-profit organization deeply rooted in its community, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy owe their success to the passion of their volunteers, the loyalty of their festivalgoers and the trust of their valued partners: Loto-Québec, the City of Gatineau, the Government of Québec, Promutuel Assurance Vallée de l'Outaouais, Mercedes-Benz Gatineau, proud member of the Mark Motors Group, Nordik Spa Village, Matelas Lapensée, Déménagement Hull, Hydro-Québec, Tourisme Outaouais, 94,9 Rouge and Énergie 104,1, Canada Dry, Horticulture Outaouais, Laiterie de l'Outaouais, TSMO, Prosign, Odessa and DLS Construction.

A heartfelt thank you to the 400 volunteers whose dedication and passion allow the event to shine year after year. Their contribution is invaluable.

Quotes 

"We are proud of what we have accomplished this year and grateful to everyone who is part of this great family. Our volunteers, our partners and our festivalgoers are the heart of Les Grands Feux, it is thanks to them that the event continues to grow and shine. We are already looking ahead to 2027: our 30th edition is in the works and we fully intend to celebrate this milestone as it deserves." — Julie Moffatt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy.