Montreal, the weekend is fast approaching and with that comes a slew of activities offered across the city. With spring finally in action, now is the time to take advantage of the many things to do in Montreal.
While the city is booming with non-stop events, we've got you covered with a list of Montreal activities that won't break the bank. In fact, you can participate in so many events — from game nights to literary sessions to yoga classes and art festivals — all for free.
Here are 14 free things to do in Montreal this weekend.
Participate in a free game night
A poster for an upcoming free game night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Ecto Coworking Cooperatif
When: Friday, April 12, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 936, av. du Mont-Royal (2nd floor)
Why You Need To Go: Guests are invited to join an unforgettable board game night at the ECTO coworking space. Participants can show off their strategic skills around the gaming table, as they share moments of laughter and camaraderie with the gaming community. Whether you are a casual player or a board game pro, this evening is tailored just for you. Guests are encouraged to reserve a spot now and prepare for a unique and immersive gaming experience.
Help clean up Montreal's Lachine Canal
Several cigarette butts on the ground.
Courtesy of A Greener Future
When: Saturday, April 13, from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Where: Lachine Canal
Why You Need To Go: Guests can join the Butt Blitz event aimed at cleaning up cigarette litter from Canal Lachine's shoreline. You can help A Greener Future preserve Montreal's environment by removing harmful cigarette butts and raising awareness about the impact of smoking on ecosystems and health. Remember to bring an upcycled container for collecting butts and some gloves or a litter picker. Considering the nature of the event, only those 19 years of age and up can participate.
Enjoy a literary night and discussion
Several authors will be speaking at an upcoming literary night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Westmount Public Library
When: Saturday, April 13, at 7 p.m.
Where: Westmount Public Library — 4574, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to meet four acclaimed authors of speculative fiction for a literary soirée of readings and discussion featuring Michelle Franklin, Rich Larson, Su J. Sokol, and Philippe Yong.
Attend a free film screening
A poster for an upcoming film screening in Montreal.
Courtesy of Japan Foundation
When: Sunday, April 14, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1400, boul. de Maisonneuve O.
Why You Need To Go: Explore the enchanting world of Japanese fashion at "Mantles of Transience," a documentary screening directed by MIYAKE Nagaru. Guests will be able to discover the fusion of innovative designs and traditional Japanese beauty by Matohu, a clothing brand crafted by Japanese fashion designers. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles, this 95-minute documentary promises to unveil the hidden beauty in everyday life.
Get the family together for board game day
Pieces of a board game.
Courtesy of the Lachine Public Library
When: Saturday, April 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Saint-Pierre Library — 183, rue des Érables
Why You Need To Go: Get the whole family involved at this board game day hosted by the Saint-Pierre Library in Montreal's Lachine borough. Board game master Sylvain A. Trottier will be present to join teams, battle it out on the board and teach you skills to secure your next winning streak.
More about the family game day here
Heal your inner self
A poster for an upcoming trauma healing session in Montreal, Quebec.
Courtesy of TOSA
When: Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Why You Need To Go: This 1.5-hour live virtual session on Zoom sets out to provide the missing link between cognitive understanding and genuine freedom. Guests are encouraged to bring their vulnerability and a deep desire for transformation, as the experts guide them through a healing journey. It's important to secure a private space with a stable Wi-Fi connection and headphones. And don't forget your essentials: pen, notebook, and water bottle.
Zen out at a free yoga class
A person wearing Lululemon shorts doing a yoga pose.
Courtesy of Lululemon
When: Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: CF Carrefour Laval — 3003, boul. le Carrefour, Laval, QC
Why You Need To Go: A yoga class led by Lululemon's very own Guillermo Genovez in the gardens of Carrefour Laval! Guillermo is both an ambassador at Lululemon Carrefour Laval and the owner of Asha Yoga. Attendees are encouraged to push their limits while having fun with the group. Please remember to bring your own yoga mat, towel, and water bottle. The gathering spot is at the gardens of Carrefour Laval, across from the Zara store.
Get familiar with skincare
A person posing for a photo with numerous ring lights pointed at her.
Courtesy of Beauty Bar Pop Up Shop
When: Sunday, April 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can join in on an enlightening session filled with insights and guidance from industry experts, designed to assist you in choosing skincare and makeup essentials perfectly suited to your unique skin requirements. The virtual gathering will delve into various topics, including decoding product labels and identifying your specific skin type. While the event is free, registration is required to secure a spot.
Network, connect and hang out
A poster for an upcoming Afro chilling network event in Montreal.
Courtesy of Afromusée
When: Sunday, April 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 533, rue Ontario E.,
Why You Need To Go: The Afro Chilling night is a networking event that allows participants to discover the projects and entrepreneurs of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Canada in a friendly atmosphere during a 5 à 7-style evening. Although admission is free, registration is mandatory.
Celebrate the start of spring
A poster for an upcoming spring celebration day in Montreal.
Courtesy of FFCAQ
When: Sunday, April 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King Park — 3453, av. Kent
Why You Need To Go: The annual Spring Day event is back where guests can partake in loads of spring and Easter-inspired activities, such as cookie decorating, face painting, arts and crafts and live performances. No registration is required. Just show up and register on the day of the event.
Wander around an art festival
A poster for an upcoming art festival in Montreal.
Courtesy of Temple Shree Ramji Mandhata
When: Sunday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 8155, rue Durocher
Why You Need To Go: Temple Shree Ramji Mandhata will host an art festival this weekend at the Mandir for all artists and art enthusiasts alike. The event is free and open to people of all ages.
Hoop it up at a free fitness class
A number of hula hoops laying atop a hardwood floor.
Courtesy of Hoop Montreal
When: Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m.
Where: Station Clark Danse et Fitness — 4529, rue Clark (Suite 003)
Why You Need To Go: This hoops session is an informal workout for all ages to get together and enjoy the art of hula hoopin'. The event is being organized by Hoop Montreal and is free for everyone to join. Hoop Montreal will be providing all hoops and note that no advanced registration is required. Simply show up and get ready to hoop the day away.
Jam out to a free jazz night
Schedule for performances taking place at La Petite Marche in Montreal.
When: April 12, 13 and 14, starting at 11 a.m.
Where: 5035, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: You can jam out to free performances from Montreal-based bands and singers right in the heart of Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal. In addition to free admission, guests can also enjoy a pint of beer for only $5.75 all day.
Stroll through a Montreal park
A view of Beaver Lake at Montreal's Parc du Mont-Royal.
When: Sunday, April 14
Where: Various parks across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: Montreal weather isn't looking so great this week, but temps are set to change this upcoming Sunday, allowing Montrealers to take advantage of the outdoors and wander through one of Montreal's many stunning parks. Whether it's Parc La Fontaine, Parc Jarry, or the iconic Parc du Mont-Royal, your options are endless.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.