Crowds, Culture, and Community: Cabane Panache Lights Up Verdun’s 150th

As one of the celebrations for its 150th anniversary, the city of Verdun hosted the 13th edition of Cabane Panache. Nathan Trottier Lefebvre Reports.

Verdun is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and one event has drawn Montrealers in: Cabane Panache.

Wellington Street was overflowing with life during the weekend of March 21 as Verdun hosted the 13th edition of Cabane Panache, its now-iconic urban sugar shack festival. This year, the event was extra meaningful, falling within the borough’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

A musician performs on stage at Cabane Panache, captivating the crowd with traditional "Rigaudon" music

“There’s different people. Not just from Verdun, but all around the city really showed up,” said festivalgoer Thomas Le Brun. “The music was great... people were dancing. People were excited. It was really nice to see.”

The news story is about more than just another local festival — it’s about how neighborhoods like Verdun are blending cultural traditions with modern city life to build a strong sense of identity. The angle here focuses on the role of community-driven festivals in urban revitalization. Cabane Panache is not just a celebration of maple syrup season; it’s an example of how Montreal boroughs are reclaiming public space and re-investing in hyperlocal tourism. In the wake of the pandemic, there’s been a clear shift in how Montrealers engage with their neighborhoods. Events like this offer a chance to reconnect with others, rediscover small businesses, and celebrate local heritage in a tangible, participatory way.

Crowds line Wellington Street during Cabane Panache, as attendees navigate vendor stalls, live performances, and food kiosks set up along the closed-off street.

This year, more than 25 local businesses participated, with pop-up stands lining the street and unique, festival-exclusive products on offer. Chico, a local pet supply store, showcased handmade pet jackets and 100% Quebec-made treats at their outdoor kiosk. “We brought our stuff outside to show people and encourage them to come into the store,” said employee Finn Desaulniers. In doing so, local merchants gain visibility and foot traffic, while festivalgoers discover new spots they might otherwise overlook. The model blends commerce with culture: a win-win that’s becoming more common in neighborhood-scale events across the city.

Festivalgoers line up at food stands along Wellington Street, where vendors are offering special dishes created exclusively for the 13th edition of Cabane Panache.

Looking ahead, Verdun’s borough office has more events lined up throughout 2025 as part of its 150th anniversary programming. Verdun councillor Sterling Downey says he "I hope the momentum of Cabane Panache that we had this year will carry into the summer and beyond, continuing to support local business and... really foster a sense of belonging." If other boroughs want to strengthen their communities post-COVID, investing in cultural and community events may be one of the most effective, and joyful, ways to do it.

All pictures and videos on this blog are courtesy of Nathan Trottier Lefebvre.