Results of the 1st edition
On Sunday , René-Lévesque Park in Lachine hosted the very first Swap Festival. More than 300 of you came to swap, give and share in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere — and your enthusiasm was our finest reward.
The question we heard most often? “When are we doing this again?” — and honestly, we're asking ourselves the same thing.
The Troken, our local swapping currency
We officially launched it on site, to make exchanges between neighbours easier. A small revolution in reuse!
The 2026 edition poster — click to view it full size.
The 2026 edition at a glance
398 Chemin du Canal, Lachine (Montréal), QC H8S 4G2
What is the Swap Festival?
A free, family-friendly neighbourhood gathering where we swap and give away the items we were about to throw out. A blanket on the grass, two items to trade — and reuse becomes a celebration. No money, no selling: everything circulates freely between neighbours, like one big picnic.
It's the very first festival organized by Jetroque, Quebec's swap-and-give app, together with neighbourhood partners committed to the circular economy.
How the Swap Festival works
Here is how the day of August 30 unfolded — and how the next edition will run.
I bring 2 items
Each participant brings at least 2 working items to swap or give away. Clothing, books, toys, dishware… anything that can still be useful.
I lay out my blanket
Spread a blanket on the grass, set out your items and sit down — like a picnic with your neighbours.
I swap or I give
Trade freely with your neighbours, no money involved. Everything is free, everything circulates. During the last 2 hours, all items will be free to take.
Jetroque picks up
Unclaimed items go home with you or into the Jetroque truck, which gives them to accredited nonprofits. Never resold, never landfilled.
The atmosphere
10 item categories
The space is organized into zones by category, so it's easy to find your way around:
Jetroque's role
From promotion to redistribution, Jetroque handles the reuse logistics so nothing goes to waste:
A neighbourhood co-organized event
The Swap Festival is led by Jetroque with committed local partners. Thank you to all of them: none of this would have been possible without their support.
Thanks as well to Radio-Canada for the invitation: it was a pleasure to talk about the festival and share the experience with your listeners.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free?
Yes, completely. Admission is open, no registration is required, and no money changes hands: you swap or you give, that's it.
What can I bring?
At least 2 working items in good condition: clothing, electronics, books, kids' items, furniture, kitchenware, non-perishable food, pet supplies, sports and leisure, or miscellaneous. If an item can no longer be used, it doesn't belong at the festival.
What if nobody takes my items?
Two options: take them back home, or hand them to the Jetroque recovery truck on site. They'll be given free of charge to accredited nonprofits — never resold, never landfilled.
What are the "last 2 hours"?
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the festival switches to giving mode: every item still on the blankets will be free to take. The perfect time to leave with your hands full — and the guarantee that everything gets a second life.
Can I come with my family?
Absolutely — that's the whole idea: a family event with music and neighbourhood vibes, no alcohol or cannabis sales. An entire zone is dedicated to kids' items.
How do I get there?
The festival takes place at René-Lévesque Park in Lachine, 398 Chemin du Canal, Lachine (Montréal), QC H8S 4G2 — a beautiful peninsula along the canal. Get directions on Google Maps.
Will there be a second edition?
Yes, a next edition is already being prepared — it was the question we heard most often at the park! The date has not been announced yet: write to us at info@jetroque.com to be notified.
Could my neighbourhood host its own Swap Festival?
Yes! Cities, boroughs, éco-quartiers and organizations can become co-organizing partners with Jetroque. Write to us at info@jetroque.com.
2026 edition wrapped · Thank you all! 💚
Ready to give your items a second life?
The festival is over, but swapping goes on all year: download Jetroque to swap and give items near you — and to hear about the next edition first.