Montreal, the weekend is fast approaching and if you're looking for ways to enjoy your time off without breaking the bank, then we've got you covered with a dozen activities taking place in Montreal this weekend.
Considering there's never a dull moment in Montreal, you can opt to take part in countless activities across the city. Whether it be karaoke, an open mic night, a seminar, or a dance class — there's a little bit of everything for everyone. And the best part? It's all free.
With that being said, check out these free things to do in Montreal this weekend:
Catch the total solar eclipse in Montreal
A view of the Montreal skyline taken from the Mont-Royal chalet lookout during sunrise
When: Monday, April 8, 2024
Where: Various locations across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: The rare total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8 and Montreal is in the path of totality, meaning for nearly three minutes, the city of Montreal will be dark as the Sun and the Moon align. There are several free events around Montreal where you can spot the solar eclipse, including Parc Jean-Drapeau, where you can also score a free pair of solar eclipse glasses.
More about where to watch the solar eclipse in Montreal here
Stroll through an art exhibition
Courtesy of Concordia's
When: Friday, April 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1372, rue Notre-Dame O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Interstice: Art Exhibition is set to be an evening of creativity and inspiration as Concordiart showcases the works of talented local artists depicting the faces and places of Montreal. Guests can choose between the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. slot or the 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. slot. You will also be able to enjoy music from a live DJ and some snacks and drinks (for purchase).
Get up to speed on financial literacy
Courtesy of Peak Society Studio
When: Saturday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Place Ville Marie, Quad Space (Main Floor), Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to discover valuable insights into the Canadian banking and credit system tailored for Canadian newcomers seeking financial growth. In partnership with RBC Royal Bank, the Financial Literacy event is aimed at empowering individuals with knowledge and networking opportunities. Admission is completely free, but seats are limited, so it is recommended that you secure your spot by reserving.
Laugh it up at an improv show in Montreal
Courtesy of Montreal Improv
When: Sunday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Improv Montreal — 3716, rue Notre-Dame O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy an improv show from grad students in Montreal where you're bound to get your funny bone tickled a time or two. As always, the show is completely free to attend but pre-reserving a ticket is a must. The event is solely for those 18 years and up as alcohol will be served at the show.
Sing your heart out at free karaoke
Courtesy of Ali Rootsman
When: Sunday, April 7 at 10 p.m.
Where: 5043, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to sing their hearts out to countless iconic tracks and tunes of their choice. The event, hosted by Ali Roostman, is set to be filled with all genres of music and courageous performers from across the city. As if the free entry wasn't good enough, you can also score a pint of beer at the show for only $5.75.
Apply for jobs at a virtual career fair
Courtesy of CareerClub.net
When: Friday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Virtual (an email will be sent out 24 hours in advance confirming you are assigned to a room)
Why You Need To Go: This event caters to professionals seeking opportunities, recruiters scouting for talent, and service providers aiding career success. With a wide array of reputable companies like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and many more in attendance, this platform is trusted by over 8,000 businesses for their recruiting needs. Hosted by Career Club, the event is completely free. However, you must register in advance to gain access to the virtual room.
More about the virtual job fair in Montreal here
Enjoy originals from Montreal songwriting students
Courtesy of Concordia University Department of Music
When: Friday, April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: J.W. McConnel Building — 1400, boul. de Maisonneuve O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to enjoy the creativity of undergraduate Concordia students as they perform their original compositions from the Songwriting I course, led by instructors Ariane Moffatt and Alexandra Levy (Ada Lea). The concert promises an evening of unique musical talent. Whether you join in person or online, you can register for the Zoom Meeting or tune in live on YouTube to listen to these student artists showcase their semester-long creations.
Zen out with a free meditation course
Courtesy of Heartfulness Montreal
When: Sunday, April 7 from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meta 1111 yoga studio, 5440, Queen-Mary #103
Why You Need To Go: Join a free workshop to explore the simplicity and effectiveness of heartfulness in managing stress and mental agitation. You will be able to discover how to integrate this practice into your daily life and experience the benefits of connecting with your heart's depth through meditation. The event is free to attend but you must register to save your spot.
The workshop schedule includes arrival and meditation preparation from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by a group meditation session from 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m., and concluding with a Heartfulness video or reading until 10:15 a.m.
Chill out at a free comedy show
Courtesy of It Was A Bonne Suit
When: Sunday, April 7 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: M Hotel Bar — 1245, rue Saint-Andre, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The "It was a Bonne Nuit" podcast presents: the Good Night Comedy Show, an event hosted by Amer Rez and Gabriel Omassi. Guests can join in on a night of laughter featuring the best English comedians from Montreal and beyond (and some of the worst). This event operates on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Get moving with a free dance class
Courtesy of Abi Dutroiscentrois
When: Saturday, April 6 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Studio 303 — 399, rue Saint-Edward, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests can join Studio 303 for a free class day featuring open-level dance and movement classes. You will also be able to meet the Studio 303 teachers and test the programming during this special event. The free dance class includes a variety of mediums such as acting, dance meditation, movement/voice/creativity, krump, GAGA/people, and break.
Wander around free museums in Montreal
The exterior of Montreal's Museum of Fine Arts during the summertime.
When: Sunday, April 7
Where: Various museums across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: For residents, the city of Montreal offers free visits to loads of museums, whether a spot always comps entry or it's the first Sunday of the month, Montrealers can take advantage of free visits all year round. To access the free museums, especially those that offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, guests must have a valid Quebec ID as proof of residency. Consult the link below for the full list of participating Montreal museums.
Take in the musical stylings of the 18th century
Courtesy of David Menzies
When: Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Victoria Hall Community Centre — 4626, rue Sherbrooke O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: La Compagnie baroque Mont-Royal presents "The Italian Invasion: 18th Century London." Guests can delve into the musical scene of 18th-century London, where Italian composers like B. Marcello, F. Geminiani, G. Bononcini, and G. F. Handel made their mark. Experience their expressive and virtuosic music performed by David Menzies, James Williamson, Sari Tsuji, and Madeleine Owen. The event will last for 60 minutes without intermission.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.