Photos: Tens of thousands filled downtown for the free Half Moon Run, The Franklin Electric, Coeur de pirate blowout

A virtual sea of people crammed into the downtown core on Wednesday night to catch the free Montreal Jazz Fest kick-off show, as part of the Sessions 375 project, presenting free shows by local artists in celebration of Montreal’s 375th anniversary.

The giant show featured Half Moon Run, The Franklin Electric, Coeur de pirate, Plants and Animals and Milk & Bone, with a late-night after-party headlined by Black Tiger Sex Machine. Below you can check out photos from the party by Eva Blue, including the fireworks that capped off Half Moon Run’s set.

Montreal Jazz Fest is in full swing now — you can check out our picks of the best indoors shows here. For tickets and the full schedule visit montrealjazzfest.com.

Plants and Animals

Coeur de pirate

Milk & Bone

The Franklin Electric

Half Moon Run