Montreal unveils its program for the 50th anniversary of the Olympic Games: Here’s what’s happening

The Olympic flame burns brightly above the track as competitors vie for first place at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. (PHOTO PC/archives)

The City of Montreal and its partners announced on Monday the details of the commemorations for the 50th anniversary of the Montreal Olympic Games, which include several activities, as well as a song composed especially for the occasion.

Activities will take place throughout the year to commemorate this international event, which was held in the Quebec metropolis from July 17 to Aug. 1, 1976.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Games’ closing ceremony, on Aug. 1, a major show will be presented at the Esplanade of the Olympic Park. Rapper Loud will take the stage to perform his song “D’où je viens,” which he produced with Ruffsound specifically for the occasion.

Montreal will also welcome Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who made her mark on those Games by earning a perfect score on the uneven bars. Organizers are planning a “gathering of the Nadias,” where people named Nadia—inspired by the gymnast’s success—will have the chance to meet her in person.

The Espace 50e is also set to open on May 16 in the Rotunda of the Olympic Stadium, where visitors can learn more about Montreal’s bid to host the Olympics. Guided tours will also be offered at Olympic Park.

More news is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, organizers say.

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 4, 2026.