The MEM in beatmaking and street dance mode With JOAT International Street Dance Festival

From September 1 to 7, 2026, dive into the world of street dance as part of the 2026 JOAT Festival at the MEM. Now’s your chance to experience hip-hop culture in a new way through performances, musical creation and participatory activities.

Dynamic, immersive programming

The MEM is once again welcoming the JOAT Festival with a series of activities around street dance and its culture. Performances, workshops and a looped documentary screening offer a unique and dynamic experience. It’s part of a collaboration that showcases street-inspired artistic practices and their evolution in Montréal.

“C’est quoi les DAWs” - Wednesday, September 2

Attend this electrifying event where beatmakers present their original creations in an intense, energetic and rhythmic live performance.

Again this year, the artists will create beats in real time for an even more dynamic and unique experience.

As they showcase their talents in mesmerizing battles, each will try to win the loudest applause.

Introduction to beatmaking - Sunday, Septembre 6

Spectators get to be creators! This introductory workshop invites you to try your hand at beatmaking and explore the basics of rhythm and composition. Guided by artists, you can create your own sound and experiment freely.

This activity will be offered in French.

Loop Sessions X JOAT - Sunday, September 6

eatmakers will take part in a research and creation exercise by composing a beat based on a music sample. This non-competitive session is open to composers of all styles and levels. The activity will conclude with a presentation of the final beats to the audience and a discussion about the creative process.

Come watch the artists at work and be inspired by their skill!

Talk: “Dialogue avec l’histoire” - Wednesday, September 2

This talk invites you to discover archival material documenting street dance in Montréal in the 1980s and 1990s. Through images, videos, stories and traces of the past, the discussion will highlight the places, events, collectives and figures that shaped the evolution of this cultural scene.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving, documenting and transmitting memories of street dance in Montréal, and to recognize the legacy of the communities that are keeping this culture alive.

The talk will be presented in French.

Screening of the documentary Decypher, directed by Léo Caron (Bboy Fléau) - Looped screening

After a stellar collaboration in 2025, JOAT and the MEM are back this year with a new must-see documentary: Decypher. Jump into the world of street dance and learn about the history and culture of this movement.

“Breakdancing is now an Olympic sport, but Decypher reminds us of the era when street dance was an art governed by its own rules, as wildly musical as it was unpredictable.” Jean Bourbeau, Urbania

The documentary will be shown in French.

Activities for all audiences

Whether you’re passionate about urban culture or simply curious, there’s plenty to choose from in our free programming, open to all. Check the schedule for each activity.

Presented by Loop Sessions and Artbeat Montreal

Learn more about JOAT