8 free things to do in Montreal this week
Give your wallet a break!
A group of people breakdancing in Montreal. Right: A family inside a pedal boat in Montreal's Old Port.
Montreal, while those Monday blues may be kicking in full force right now, a new week means a new slew of free things to do in Montreal.
With so much going on this summer, from non-stop festivals, new restaurants and endless rooftop terrasses to visit, you might just be interested in giving your wallet a break.
Luckily, we've compiled a list of free things to do in Montreal this week and it won't cost you a single penny. From film festivals, foodie spots and cultural exchanges, all the way to beach days and the Montreal fireworks, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are eight free things to do in Montreal this week (July 29 to August 2):
Catch the final fireworks show in Montreal
When: June 27 to August 1
Where: The Old Port, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, which is closed to vehicular traffic on firework evenings, the Concorde Bridge, and the Mont-Royal Park lookout are some of the top spots to get a full view of the fireworks festival, without spending a penny.
Why You Need To Go: While access to the world's most prestigious fireworks competition isn't technically free — in fact, it costs upwards of $65 to get a seat at La Ronde, where the festival is based — no one can charge us for looking up at the sky. And if we just so happen to witness magical-looking explosions of colourful light, as international pyrotechnic firms battle it out to see which country puts on the most dazzling show, whose fault is that? Certainly not ours.
Enjoy a flick at the Fantasia Film Festival
When: July 18 to August 4
Where: Multiple Montreal cinemas
Why You Need To Go: Back for its 28th edition, North America's largest
'genre' film festival bridges the gap between the cutting edge and the mainstream, providing audience members — from industry pros to emerging artists to local fans — with the opportunity to see some of the best productions Canadian cinema has to offer. While many 300+ films require tickets, Fantasia offers free programming yearly. In 2023, all family-friendly "My First Fantasia" screenings were free, as were a couple of artist talks, a special screening of Jour de Merde and more.
Feel the love at Montreal Pride
When: August 1 to 11
Where: Various venues in Montreal
Why You Need To Go: While the full 2024 program has yet to be announced, Montreal's annual Pride festival always delivers a plethora of vibrant activities in celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Many events are typically free, including the huge parade where the city's streets overflow with music, floats, colour and love, creating an experience far more meaningful — and memorable — than money could ever buy.
Get cultural at ItalfestMTL
When: August 2 to 15
Where: Little Italy (boulevard Saint-Laurent) and Esplanade Tranquille
(Quartier des Spectacles)
Why You Need To Go: Italian-Quebec culture is on full display at this lively annual event, which typically sees 500,000 festival-goers. Between the concerts, fashion shows, opera, film festivals, art competitions and mouthwatering food galore, there's something for everyone at ItalfestMTL — whether you're of Italian heritage or simply an Italian food and culture enthusiast.
Soak up the sun at the Verdun Beach
When: June 15 to September 2 — daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 4110, boul. LaSalle
Why You Need To Go: Located behind the Verdun Auditorium, the beach has excellent public transit access, with the De l’Église metro station nearby as well as two bus lines (routes 37 and 12). It is also accessible by bike along the waterfront bicycle path. The beach access is free of charge.
Spend the afternoon at the Clock Tower Beach
When: From June 14 to September 2 the Clock Tower Beach will be open Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Old Port
Why You Need To Go: The Clock Tower Beach features heaps of soft, silky sand, lounge chairs, colourful parasols and a wooden boardwalk. While swimming isn’t allowed, refreshing mist stations set up along the beach take the edge off of the summer heat. Located at the base of the Clock Tower, the beach affords a spectacular vantage of the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Île Sainte-Hélène and Old Montréal.
Break it down at a break dancing show in Montreal
When: Wednesday, July 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jardins Gamelin — 1500, rue Berri
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to enjoy a break dancing show in the heart of Montreal's Jardins Gamelin where dancers will freestyle on only 16 counts. The night will feature a live drum from Seyjii Schultz and a DJ set by Benny Laval.
Get pumped with a Montreal running club
When: Wednesday, July 31 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Lululemon — Montreal Eaton Centre
Why You Need To Go: Lace up your running shoes and join us for a fun-filled five-km run in Downtown Montreal. This event is perfect for all levels, whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a casual jog. Connect with fellow running enthusiasts for an evening of fitness, community, and socializing. Don't miss this opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and get your heart pumping.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.