Hey, Montreal — the weekend is rolling around shortly and you know what that means? A new list of free things to do in Montreal this weekend.
While you might enjoy every bit of the summertime in Montreal with non-stop festivals, and so many new restaurants and terrases, you might be interested in giving your wallet a break. Luckily, we've compiled a list of free activities across the city.
From foodie festivals, cultural events and market activities, all the way to free yoga and a comedy show in Montreal, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are 11 free things to do in Montreal this weekend (July 12 to 14):
Festival RU
When: July 11 to 21
Where: Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent (at Mont-Royal and Cartier)
Why You Need To Go: RU Festival will return to Mont-Royal Avenue in its pre-pandemic format. The event will occur from Thursday to Sunday over two weekends at Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent (Mont-Royal and Cartier). It aims to offer a diverse and high-quality music, visual arts, theatre, slam poetry, and dance program, featuring established and emerging artists. The festival will also provide participatory creative activities for the public, with over 35 performances scheduled this year.
Festival L'Ouest de la Dame
When: July 12 to 14
Where: 17 rues commerciales dans Griffintown, la Petite-Bourgogne et Saint-Henri
Why You Need To Go: The Petite-Bourgogne neighbourhood will host the new summer event À l’Ouest de la Dame. Organized by the Quartiers du Canal Business Development Society, this accessible and free event will take place on Notre Dame Street West, between Atwater Avenue and Vinet Street. It will feature a wide range of activities, from jazz and food to sports and art, making it enjoyable for everyone. This experiential pedestrianization in the heart of the commercial area invites everyone to celebrate summer in style and enjoy the festive atmosphere rooted in the history of the Quartiers du Canal and particularly Petite-Bourgogne.
More about the Festival À l'Ouest de la Dame
Enjoy a free gardening workshop
When: Saturday, July 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Where: Located between Fabre and Garnier streets (800 linear feet)
Why You Need To Go: Pressing Flowers by Fleurs en ville: A flower is ephemeral, but it can be preserved for years thanks to different techniques, including pressing. Participants will be introduced to the necessary materials, harvesting and pressing methods and how to showcase the harvested flowers through the creation of a small botanical creation. Fleurs en ville is an urban flower farm which cultivates, using the bio-intensive method, around fifty flowers intended for the composition of fresh and dried bouquets.
Taste of the Caribbean Festival
When: July 11 to 14
Where: Old Port of Montreal
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers will be able to experience four days' worth of flavours, sights, and sounds that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the warm, enigmatic, and inviting embrace of the Caribbean nations. You will be able to enjoy live musical performances from homegrown talent, including Grammy and Juno Award-winning artists, along with cooking and mixology demos from local Caribbean restaurants and guest chefs.
Catch the L'International des Jeux Loto-Quebec fireworks
When: June 27 to August 1
Where: Recommended lookout points include the Old Port, Mount Royal Park, Clock Tower Beach, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge and Village au Pied-du-Courant
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.
Watch free circus performance across Montreal
Price: Free and paid programming
When: July 4 to 14
Where: Various venues in Montreal
Why You Need To Go: "Circus doesn't know impossible" is the tagline for this 15th edition of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE — and you can expect the festival to prove its theme true through 11 days of stunning circus arts. Indoors and outdoors, digital and in-person, at venues, on the streets, in parks, on sidewalks and on stages, the circus will take over the city with "high-flying performances from here and around the world."
Festival International Nuits d'Afrique
When: July 9 to 21
Where: Various venues in Montreal
Why You Need To Go: More than 700 artists from 30 countries are expected to come together this year to bring Montreal its cherished African nights, spent grooving to the rhythms of African, Caribbean and Latin American music. The unforgettable cultural festival, now in its 38th year, won't unveil its schedule until May 28. But last year, it included six days of free outdoor programming and this year's event should be similar.
Zen out with a free yoga session
A group of people in yoga poses.
Courtesy of Isha Foundation
When: Saturday, July 13 at 1 p.m.
Where: Hôtel de L'ITHQ — 401, rue de Rigaud (room Saint Louis on the sixth floor)
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to explore these seven simple practices: directional movement of the arms, neck practices, yoga namaskar, nadi shuddhi, nada yoga, shambhavimMudra, and the namaskar process — are designed to help you move through life with ease. They offer benefits such as prevention and management of chronic ailments (asthma, diabetes, hypertension, obesity), improved sleep quality, increased alertness, and enhanced productivity, concentration, and memory. Suitable for ages seven and up (accompanied by a parent/guardian).
Laugh it up at Comedy on Crescent
When: Friday, July 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: La Poubelle Magnifique — 1221, rue Crescent
Why You Need To Go: Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, I've brought together some of the city's best comedians for an unforgettable night of Comedy. Gorgeous venue, with great drinks, and fantastic jokes. Comedy on Crescent is about fun for everyone. No Bigots. No Phobes. Just Jokes, the event description reads.
Enjoy a free walking tour of Quartier des Spectacles
When: Saturday, July 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Place des Festivals (rue Sainte-Catherine and rue Balmoral)
Why You Need To Go: This guided tour takes participants on a journey through time, exploring picturesque streets, historic buildings, and cultural and academic Francophone institutions. From the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) to Espace St-Denis, and from Le Bordel Comédie Club to the Jeanne-Mance Habitations, guests will uncover the well-kept secrets and fascinating stories of the Latin Quarter. From its origins as an intellectual hub of French America to its evolution into a vibrant student and artistic district, Justin Bur leads this exploration for the Quartier des Spectacles partnership.
Participate in free activities at Jean-Talon Market
When: June 6 until October 20
Where: Marché Jean-Talon — 7070, av. Henri Julien
Why You Need To Go: Place-du-Marché-Nord transforms into a pedestrian haven every Thursday through Sunday, including holidays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy free educational activities for all ages, with new street furniture creating cozy spaces for relaxation. The event zone, northwest of the market, hosts thrilling programs every Saturday and Sunday, featuring roving performances, cooking workshops, and gardening sessions.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.