illustration by Maylee Keo

From May 23 to 25, 2025, at the Place des Arts, Montreal transforms into a vibrant hub of Cambodian culture with the launch of the Saison du Cambodge Festival, organized by Connexion Champa.

The festival aims to celebrate Cambodia's rich heritage through culture, art, music, history, culinary delights and dance. The highlight of the event is Bangsokol: a requiem for Cambodia, a moving performance combining a live orchestra and choir. The performance is a requiem for Cambodia - a country with a tragic past - intended to honor the resilience of its people.

As part of the festival, there will be a retro soirée honoring the golden age of Cambodian music and dance. In addition, culinary experiences will allow Montrealers to discover the rich and vibrant flavours of Cambodian cuisine.

Take advantage of special hotel rates for Festival Champa guests!
Book now to enjoy exclusive discounts near the event.
 DoubleTree By Hilton Montreal
1255 Jeanne-Mance St, Montreal, QC H5B 1E5
SAVE 14%
To make reservations, contact reservationsmontreal@hilton.com

Mention your company number to benefit from your discount:
3493506
Hampton Inn By Hilton Montreal Downtown
985 Saint-Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2Z 1J4
SAVE 15%
Booking Link

Name of company:
NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS
Main Event

Saturday, May 24th
Salon urbain
10AM TO 4PM

Schedule

  • 9:30am: Doors open and guests are welcomed to Salon Urbain situated in the Place des Arts
  • 10-11am: Discussion 1975: The Year of the Falls | Historical perspective with Christopher E. Goscha and Rémy Chhem
  • 11:30am-12:30pm: Round table 50 years later “Where is the Southeast Asian community since its arrival in Canada?” In collaboration with Tito Kang of F3CM and LinDa Saphan
  • 2-3pm: Youth roundtable with Bryan Beyung and MU
  • 3-4pm: Opening of FONki and guests

VIP EVENT

  • 4pm-5pm: VIP cocktail (signature bites by Chanthy Yen and Virak catering stations), live band Andy Khun and the DBz; hosted by Mettaya and Danika

Saturday, May 24th
Foyer du Théâtre Maisonneuve & Théâtre Maisonneuve
5PM TO 9PM

Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia

Immerse yourself in the emotions of Bangsokol, a moving performance combining an orchestra and choir, created by Rithy Panh and Him Sophy to honor the memory of the millions lost in the Cambodian genocide fifty years ago.  

Before the performance, there will be royal classical ballet and musical performances, a display of traditional costumes, a Buddhist ceremony and a series of speeches to enrich this moment of remembrance and solidarity.

Schedule

  • 5pm: Doors open and guests are welcomed at the Théatre Maisonneuve situated in the Place des Arts
  • 5:30pm: Opening speech by Mettaya & Danika
  • 6pm: Khmer classical dance with La danse des souhaits : Robam Chhoun Por
  • 6:20pm: Traditional orchestra by Tep Nimet and showcase of traditional Cambodian clothing and costumes
  • 7:30pm-9pm: Bangsokol show

activities during happy hour

1st floor

  • Asian Wellness Session: tattoo artist Mary Linn Chev
  • 360° glam photo session
  • Exhibition of paintings in the foyer of Théâtre Maisonneuve
  • Signature bites by Chanthy Yen

2nd floor
vip bracelet only

  • Signature bites by Chanthy Yen
  • Cocktail reception by Virak catering
  • Private photo backdrop

3rd floor

  • 5 Buddhist monks present to offer blessings

vip event — salon urbain

  • 9pm-2am: Throwback Party 80s-90s-2000s with live band Andy Khun and the DBz, DJ Randy Thong, hosted by Gino Deca

on site activities — salon urbain

  • Exhibition of paintings by artists FONki, Bryan Beyung, Ravy Puth and their guests
  • Nay Theam's literary course (Collège de Maisonneuve)
  • Kiosks La Plantation, sale of FONki items, Ravy Puth
  • Asian Wellness Session: massage therapist Sorya Nguon, chair massage
  • Asian Wellness Session: massage therapist Équipe Clinique Mouvement Plus Inc. table massage
  • Asian wellness session: tattoo artist Mary Linn Chev
  • Red carpet and photo backdrop
  • Eat & Drink: snack bar by Ana Tsin and Festival Champa signature cocktail, Asian spirits and soft drinks
Other Events

Friday, May 23rd
SALON URBAIN
6PM TO 11PM
VIP NIGHT

The Golden Age of Cambodia

Get out your best retro outfits or traditional Khmer clothing and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this legendary era! The opening night celebrates the glamour and excitement of Cambodia in the 50s and 60s, a period marked by a thriving music scene and iconic style.  

Enjoy refined Khmer bites by Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen and signature cocktails in a festive setting reminiscent of Phnom Penh's lively nights at its peak.

Schedule

  • 6pm: Doors open and guests are welcomed to Salon Urbain situated in the Place des Arts
  • 6:30pm-7:30pm: Opening ceremony hosted by Kanica and Gino Deca, and unveiling of signature bites by Chef Chanthy Yen
  • 7pm-11pm: Asian retro party from with music from the 50s and 60s with DJ iWonder, hosted by Gino Deca

on site activities

  • Exhibition of paintings by artists FONki, Bryan Beyung, Ravy Puth and their guests
  • Nay Theam's literary course (Collège de Maisonneuve)
  • Kiosks La Plantation, sale of FONki items, Ravy Puth
  • Asian Wellness Session: massage therapist Sorya Nguon, chair massage
  • Asian Wellness Session: massage therapist Équipe Clinique Mouvement Plus Inc. table massage
  • Eat & Drink: Snack bar by Ana Tsin and Festival Champa signature cocktail, Asian spirits and soft drinks
  • VIP Area: appetizers provided by Virak catering

Sunday, May 25th
SALON URBAIN
1PM TO 11PM

50 Years On: The Future of the Diaspora

In the afternoon, a workshop on professional development for artists and a youth round table moderated by sexologist Kanica Saphan will take place. This will be followed by a closing session.  

In the evening, a DJSoria.wav set will follow to showcase the diverse talents of the Cambodian community. Food will be available on site. The festival is sure to come to a spectacular end, celebrating the strength of a nation that honors the past while looking to the future!

Schedule

  • 1pm: Doors open and guests are welcomed to Salon Urbain situated in the Place des Arts
  • 1:30pm-2:30pm: Round table "Art and culture. How are they represented?" on Asian figures in the media by Nay Theam
  • 3:00pm-4:00pm: Professionalization Workshop: exchanges with art industry professionals (Festival Accès Asie)
  • 4:30pm-5:30pm: Youth roundtable with Kanica (sexology expert)
  • 6pm-11pm: Closing ceremony presented by National Bank, hosted by Kanica and Gino Deca
  • 6:30pm-8:30pm: Asian Showcase & Open Mic: special Festival Champa 2025 edition with Claudia CHAN TAK, Rich LY and Nay Theam
  • 8:30pm: Breaking Dali Sak, DJ Soria: new album launch

on site activities

  • Exhibition of paintings by artists FONki, Bryan Beyung, Ravy Puth and their guests
  • Nay Theam's literary course (Collège de Maisonneuve)
  • Kiosks La Plantation, sale of FONki items, Ravy Puth
  • Asian Wellness Session: massage therapist Sorya Nguon, chair massage
  • Asian Wellness Session: massage therapist Équipe Clinique Mouvement Plus Inc. table massage
  • Red carpet and photo backdrop
  • Eat & Drink: snack bar by Ana Tsin and Festival Champa signature cocktail, Asian spirits and soft drinks
Tickets
REGULAR TICKET
  • Between $68.69 and $93.98 (taxes and fees included)
    Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at 7:30pm
    Place des Arts: Théâtre Maisonneuve
    This includes:
    • Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm with live entertainment featuring exclusive performances
    • Access to the show Bangsokol : A Requiem for Cambodia
SOLD OUT
VIP TICKET - GOLD BRACELET
$200
Three-day access
*Limited quantity*
Bites, cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available daily
The ticket allows access to the following :
  • • Guaranteed access to the 50s-60s retro party on Friday evening
  • • Guaranteed access to the VIP cocktail party on Saturday
  • • A seat in the reserved section for the Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia show on Saturday
    • Guaranteed access to the 80s-90s-2000s Throwback Party on Saturday evening
    • Discounts with our partners (including the Champa Culinary Circuit, i.e. various Asian restaurants in Greater Montreal and surrounding areas, partner bars, etc.) *details to come*
    • Hotel discount near Place des Arts
    • Thank-you gifts and surprises throughout the festival
    • Acknowledgement on our website as the first supporter of Connexion Champa
SOLD OUT
*Non-refundable and non-exchangeable, final sale.

Place des Arts

Directly accessible from Place-des-Arts metro station

175 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montreal, QC H2X 3X5

Follow the Festival on Our Socials