The Mardis en Musique will return to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield this summer under a slightly different format. Previous seasons have featured nine concerts; however, the 2026 lineup will be reduced to six musical events. The change is due to a particularly charged summer schedule.
“Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Canada Day fall on two consecutive Wednesdays, while the Valleyfield Régates take up several dates in July. This significantly tightened the schedule,” explained Éliane Galipeau, the director of the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Beauharnois Valleyfield Haut-Saint-Laurent (CCIBVHSL).
Despite the shorter program, organizers are banking on an enhanced lineup. “We have chosen artists with more stage experience, notably France D’Amour,” said Galipeau.
For now, it is impossible to assess the economic impact of the concert series, but people are encouraged to come for happy hour to enjoy the downtown area. Mitsubishi Valleyfield will return as the event’s main sponsor. According to Galipeau, the company is delighted to see rejuvenation both in terms of the programming and in the audience attending the concerts. The business has already confirmed it will continue to support the series in 2027.
The Mardis en Musique typically attract between 1,000 and 2,000 attendees per concert, but this year’s France D’Amour show could break attendance records. “If the weather cooperates, we expect to welcome between 3,000 and 5,000 people to Delpha-Sauvé Park,” said Galipeau. “Tribute shows, particularly the one dedicated to Elton John, should also draw large crowds,” she added.
The “Chope Solidaire” initiative with the Microbrasserie du Vieux-Canal will also return this summer. Last year, the project raised $2,500 from the sale of beer mugs, which was donated to Moisson Sud-Ouest. The process will be donated this year to the Club Joie de Vivre, which was recently named the Organization of the Year by the CCIBVHSL.
“Our goal is to connect regional organizations with tourism development,” said Galipeau.
But why organize a concert series as a chamber of commerce? For Galipeau, the answer is simple: culture is now an essential driver of economic development. “The event was launched 28 years ago by Laurent Murray, the founder of La Petite Grange. Since then, the Chamber of Commerce has been responsible for its organization and development,” she explained.
The concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Rotonde in Delpha-Sauvé Park. The schedule includes a CCR tribute on July 14, followed by France D’Amour on July 21, a tribute to Elton John on July 28, the Baby Boomers Band on August 4, and Lipstick Rodeo on August 11. The series will conclude with a tribute to Elvis Presley on August 18.