The International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs will convene its annual gathering in Montreal from July 1 to July 5, 2026, marking the first occasion the five‑day event is staged in the Quebec city.
The convention, now in its 43rd year, travels to a new host city each summer, offering dancers, instructors and enthusiasts a week of workshops, competitions and social dancing. This year’s schedule will span five consecutive days, following the format that has defined the association’s calendar since its inception.
Local organizers Jean‑Marc Robichaud and Joel Smith are listed among the officials coordinating the Montreal program. Both are credited with handling logistics and liaising with the association’s international leadership to ensure the event meets the standards set by previous host cities.
Montreal’s selection as a venue reflects the association’s aim to broaden its geographic reach and introduce its vibrant community to new audiences. While the convention has toured numerous North American and European locations over four decades, this debut in Montreal adds the city to a roster that includes long‑standing hosts such as New York, London and Sydney.
Attendees can expect the customary mix of instructional sessions, themed dance nights and competitive showcases that have become hallmarks of the annual meet‑up. The five‑day itinerary will provide ample opportunity for participants to exchange techniques, celebrate the culture of gay square dancing and strengthen the international network that the association has cultivated since its first convention.
As the 2026 gathering unfolds, organizers anticipate that the event will leave a lasting impression on Montreal’s local dance scene and contribute to the broader visibility of LGBTQ‑focused recreational activities across Canada.