It's the city -- and celebration -- of the year!

Quebec City celebrates its 400th anniversary throughout 2008 -- Samuel de Champlain pulled into town July 3, 1608, and the city has never looked back. Four centuries later, Quebec City is renowned for its rich history, magnificent architecture, inventive cuisine, Old World charm and friendly residents. Bon voyage et bonne fete 400 Quebec City!

ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Dozens of special events, exhibitions and activities are planned for Quebec City's 400th birthday. Here are a few highlights (visit the official Web site at www.monquebec2008.com):

The big day takes place July 3. Official commemorations include a formal high Mass, the pageantry of the Freedom of the City Ceremony and a salute to Champlain, the man of the year, at Basilique de Quebec.

Festivities also include a military parade, the opening of the Quebec City Summer Festival on the Plains of Abraham and a torch-lit parade to the Louise Marina.

Located along Louise Marina in the Old Port, Espace 400e is anniversary central. The site features concerts, exhibitions and the Ephemeral Gardens, 11 artistically-styled, landscaped spaces. The cost is $7 or less, with the site open June 3 through Oct. 19.

An Espace 400e highlight is "The Image Mill," by artist Robert Lapage and Ex Machina. It's a free 40-minute multimedia presentation that tells the history of the city in a big way -- it's projected onto the nearby Bunge grain elevators June 20 through July 29.

Art with your party? Musee National des Beaux Arts du Quebec presents "The Louvre in Quebec City," an exhibition of the collections of the famed Louvre Museum June 5 through Oct. 26.

Celine Dion and other invited musicians will perform a free concert on the Plains of Abraham Aug. 22. Expect a festive crowd for this one.

Cirque du Soleil winds down the celebrations with a new show Oct. 19 at the Pepsi Colisee.

FESTIVALS

Quebec City offers its share of festival fun, including the musically-inspired Quebec City Summer Festival July 3 through 13; colorful fireworks at nearby Montmorency Falls July 19 through Aug. 6; and period costumes and Old World charm at the New France Festival Aug. 5 through 10.

MUSEUMS

A museum card offers access to 20 museums and attractions for a three-day period for $50. Visit Quebec City Museum Card at www.museocapitale.qc.ca for more information. Cardholders can visit Musee de l'Amerique Francaise, which explores the arrival of the French language in New France; Musee de la Civilisation, a fun space of the human race; the Capitol Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the entire city; and a ferry ride across the St. Lawrence River to Levis and back.