Mark your calendars
Every year since the 1970s, ringers from around the world have gathered in Québec City at the end of May to find how how much they can ring over three days. Our goal is to have fun, challenge ourselves, help others, and eat. 2027 is May 21-24?
About the Quebec City May Ringing Weekend
Because the weekend was originally the ringers of Boston and Rochester helping the ringers of Québec, the weekend is that of the USA holiday – not Queen Victoria’s birthday, but the weekend after, usually the 4th weekend. In 2027, the weekend is May 21-24?.
The weekend
Ringing together
We start at 15h on Friday and ring until noon on Monday. So that is roughly 15h-17h30 on Friday, 9h30h-18h Saturday, 10h-18h Sunday, and 9h30-12h Monday.
Service Ringing
The service ring at the cathedral is 10h – 11h. An after-service quarter peal is normally attempted at about noon (we traditionally try for Stedman triples). Often there is also an Evensong service ring 16h to 17h.
Eating
Saturday evening is our day to feast. Lunches are in the plethora of restaurants, either in the old town or the St. Jean Baptist area around St. Matthew’s bell tower. Sunday we usually gather at a local’s house for leftovers. Monday, the ringers still here have a lunch together at a nearby restaurant.
Quarter Peal Attempts
It is not a quarter peal weekend, but we do like to have a go. Usually there are a few scheduled for each day, to make sure that everyone who likes quarters gets in one a day, and in both towers.
Visit the only walled city in North America, with full fortifications intact (north of Mexico).
Go up to see the Cathedal bells and the best view in town. Don’t forget to wander around the old town of Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might accidentally get lost going between towers. If so, a walk along the wall, or along Dufferin Terrace, is suggested. Come early and leave late, to have time to see the Montmorency Falls, which are taller than Niagara Falls. We also can get you a 20% discount at the Citadel.
Buy a ringing shirt.
Get a ringing shirt to remember your trip to Québec. When you register you will be asked to pre-order, so that we have your size in stock. The price is CDN$40 for an embroidered polo and $30 for a printed tshirt.
The third weekend of May
The US long weekend, not Queen Victoria’s birthday.
Registration Online
$25 for the ringing and snacks
- $35 for the feast on Saturday.
- If you have attended before, you should get an invitation in your email box in April.
- The registration form is simple, just fill it in and email it back. If you register ahead of time, it helps a lot with the organization of quarter peals and food, especially the Saturday dinner.
- You will then be contacted about your ringing goals for the weekend. First come first served for quarter peal requests.
- We will have Quebec City ringing shirts available for sale at the 2026 May weekend, so will be checking ahead to make sure we have all the sizes that people want.
The weekend
Just show up and ring
- Pay when you get here, no need to pre-pay.
- Book your hotel in advance, it is a popular tourist weekend.
- Very limited rooms are available in the Cathedral Close, and lodging with local ringers. You need to register ahead to get in on this.
- Early career ringers, don’t be shy, the weekend is about all ringers. There will be time for you.
- Experienced ringers, don’t feel that you need to teach, ringing stably is often all the help that is needed.
- If you register in advance, you will get a place in quarter peal attempts.