Created in 1998, the FIMMQ were hosted by the local Military Bands, i.e. Les Voltigeurs de Québec and the Royal 22e Régiment.

It welcomed, throughout the years, military and some civilian bands from Germany, Australia, Belgium, Chile, South Korea, the United States, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom, Russia, Singapore, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the Czech Republic.

The festival was created in 1998 by Jacques DuSault, who wanted to offer outdoors music shows to emphasize the Old Quebec City.

The Canadian Armed Forces were invited to contribute, with the implication of the retired Lieutenant Colonel Yvan Lachance, old ordering of the Voltigeurs de Québec, and Major Denis Bernier, who was then directing the Military Band of the Royal 22e Régiment.

Military bands presented a stunning gathering of massed pipes and drums which could count 1200 musicians.