Under Pressure Festival

Founded in 1996 by graffiti writers Seaz and Flow, Under Pressure is North America’s largest and longest-running urban culture festival. Located in Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles and the Latin Quarter, the festival celebrates street art while fostering community development, artist empowerment, and positive youth engagement through shared creative spaces.

Each year, over a hundred local, national, and international artists transform more than ten walls with murals, while additional activities include street dance competitions, live music performances, children’s programs, guided tours, and interactive urban art projects. These experiences encourage dialogue between artists and the public, while highlighting the cultural richness of Montreal’s urban landscape.

Sustained for more than 30 years by a dedicated network of volunteers, Under Pressure continues to champion the diversity of urban culture, providing a platform where artists, youth, and communities come together to create, collaborate, and celebrate the power of street art.