Hey, Montreal — it's the start of the week, and there's a plethora of events lined up throughout the city that won't cost you a dime.
While the city is booming with non-stop festivals, new restaurant openings and tons of shows to catch, you might be interested in giving your wallet a break for a bit. I mean, who doesn't love a free activity?
Fortunately, we've curated a list of free things to do in Montreal this week. From an invigorating free spin class, and hilarious stand-up comedy shows to captivating film screenings, and a brain-teasing trivia night, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are seven free activities happening in Montreal this week:
Test your knowledge at a free trivia night
A poster for an upcoming quiz trivia night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Quiz Master Brian
When: Tuesday,
Where: Church St. Pub — 555, rue de l'Église
Why You Need To Go: This weekly trivia night is hosted by Quiz Master Brian, offering participants an evening of fun and challenging trivia questions. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere, making it an ideal social event for friends and trivia enthusiasts to test their knowledge across various topics. Please note that the night is open to teams of two to six and only people who get their tickets together will be seated together — no single participants or single reservations are allowed.
Sing your heart out at an open mic night
A poster for an upcoming open mic night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Plateau Bistro
When: Tuesday, May 28 at 8 p.m.
Where: Plateau Bistro — 901, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: Guests can step into the spotlight at Plateau Bistro's Open Mic Wednesdays — celebrating diverse talents such as spoken word, music, and comedy, with each week's theme announced on their social media platforms every Monday at 5 p.m.. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., providing time to settle in before the show begins. Admission is free; participants can secure their spot by sending a direct message to the resto online.
Laugh it up at a free comedy show
A poster for an upcoming stand up comedy show in Montreal.
Courtesy of Vrai Open Mic
When: Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m.
Where: Bar Au P'tit Buck — 2480, rue Jean-Talon E.
Why You Need To Go: You can prepare for the Vrai Open Mic de Saint-Michel, hosted by William Bindia and Mounir Guedira. This comedy night, open to everyone, features both seasoned Quebec stand-up stars and newbies performing for the first time. It's held at P'tit Buck, a newly renovated neighbourhood tavern across from the Iberville metro station on the blue line, with nearby street parking available. Admission is free, with doors opening at 7 p.m., sign-ups at 7:30 p.m., and the show will start at 8 p.m. Please note that even if online tickets are marked as "sold out", spots will still be available on the night of.
Bop the night away to a musical jazz trio
Three musicians posing for a photo.
Courtesy of Café Bohemia
When: Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m.
Where: La Brassée — 2522, rue Beaubien E.
Why You Need To Go: Guests are welcome to end the week with a musical night featuring the contemporary jazz trio Cafe Bohemia at La Brassée Café Concerts Bounaderia in Montreal's Parc-Molson neighbourhood.
Attend a youth film screening
Courtesy of Centre Social D'Aide Aux Immigrants
When: Thursday, May 30 at 5 p.m.
Where: 5685, rue Laurendeau
Why You Need To Go: Montreal youth can join in on an engaging journey into the imaginative world of acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, exclusively for those aged 14 to 25. "Le Voyage de Chihiro" (Spirited Away) isn't just a film; it's a cinematic milestone that seamlessly blends reality and imagination, the event description says. The event will also provide pizza and popcorn for you to enjoy.
More about the free film screening in Montreal
Enjoy a free spinning class
A spin room with multiple vacant spin bikes.
Courtesy of Institut de cardiologie de Montréal
When: Monday, May 27 at 12 p.m. ( first session) and 4:15 p.m. (second session)
Where: Centre ÉPIC de l'Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal — 5055, rue Saint-Zotique E.
Why You Need To Go: As part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the Montreal Heart Institute, the Centre ÉPIC invites any and all employees and volunteers to a free spinning class. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the spin instructors will guide you through a stimulating spinning session to improve your physical fitness and cardiovascular health.
Wander through a vernissage near Montreal
A poster for an upcoming vernissage in Montreal's South Shore.
Courtesy of Les Impatients
When: Thursday, May 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: L'Échoppe des Fromages — 205, av. Saint Denis, Saint-Lambert, QC
Why You Need To Go: You can join in on the fun at the 4th edition of the Parle-moi d'amour Rive-Sud exhibition and auction. This event will feature over 100 artworks from participants in Les Impatients workshops, local artists, and collectors. Artists including Karine Demers, Chloé Beaulac, André Dubois, and others will donate pieces that attendees can acquire through a silent auction starting May 30 on the Macause website, culminating in a live auction on June 6 hosted by event spokesperson Brigitte Lafleur. Funds raised will support Les Impatients' workshops in the Montérégie region, with the event organized in close collaboration with the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est and the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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