Hey, Montreal — it's that time again... the weekend! While Mother Nature has certainly unleashed her wrath this past week, temperatures are expected to hover around the 26-degree mark from Friday to Sunday, which will make going outside a lot easier and more enjoyable.
For those who have been taking advantage of festival after festival, new restaurants and tons of shows, then you may be interested in giving your wallet a break. Luckily, we've compiled a list of free things to do in Montreal this weekend, and it won't cost you a dime to partake in the fun.
From free yoga sessions, music festivals and performances all the way to comedy shows and cultural events, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are 11 free things to do in Montreal this weekend (June 21 to 23):
Francos de Montréal
When: June 14 to 22
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers have one weekend left to enjoy the Francos de Montréal festival, which is the biggest music festival in the French-speaking world. The 35th edition features indoor and outdoor concerts in every genre — from folk to hip hop, all in French — including performances by Quebec heavy hitters Galaxie and Karkwa. The best part? Of the 150 shows being presented, a third of them are completely free.
Visit a public market in Montreal
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.
Participate in a free garden workshop
When: Saturday, June 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Were: Jardin nourricier – avenue Mont-Royal, between rue Fabre and rue Garnier
Why You Need To Go: Cultiver Montréal is offering a new program of workshops starting June 22 that will run until August 17. This Saturday, you can discover the hidden world of pollinators by Polliflora. During this activity for young and old alike, you will discover 375 species of wild bees in Quebec through games, observations, and group discussions.
Cool off at a public pool
When: June to September
Where: The City of Montreal offers free public pools to residents. The following pools will be open as of this weekend:
Lachine:
- Piscine du parc LaSalle
Outremont:
- Piscine du parc John F.-Kennedy
Pierrefonds-Roxboro:
- Piscine municipale Versailles
- Piscine Valleycrest du parc Grier
Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles:
- Piscine du parc Saint-Georges
- Piscine du parc Hans-Selye
- Piscine du parc Richelieu
Saint-Léonard:
- Piscine Ladauversière
- Piscine Hébert
- Piscine Pie-XII
Verdun:
- Piscine du parc Arthur-Therrien
- Piscine du parc Dan-Hanganu - Elgar
- Piscine du parc de la Fontaine
- (Verdun beach is also open for swimming)
Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension:
- Piscine du parc Jarry
- Piscine du parc François-Perrault
Saint-Laurent:
- Piscine du parc Bourbonnière
- Piscine du parc Chamberland
- Piscine du parc Noël-Nord
- Piscine du parc Painter
- Piscine du parc Saint-Laurent
Anjou:
- Piscine du parc Chénier
- Piscine du parc Lucie-Bruneau
Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce:
- Piscine du parc de la Confédération
- Piscine du parc Martin-Luther-King
Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie:
- Piscine du parc du Pélican
Ahuntsic-Cartierville:
- Piscine du parc Gabriel-Lalemant
- Piscine du parc Marcelin-Wilson
Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve:
- Piscine Maisonneuve du parc Francine-Léger
- Piscine Paul-Émile Sauvageau du parc L.-O.-Taillon
- Parc Jean-Drapeau Aquatic Complex ($)
Get your groove on at a multicultural day party
A poster for an upcoming multicultural dance party in Montreal.
Courtesy of MTL Shake La Cabana
When: Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
Where: 5705, av. de Gaspé
Why You Need To Go: Montreal’s premiere Fam-Jam returns to POP Montreal Summer 2024, featuring Montreal families of all stripes rocking together. MTL Shake is a monthly, multigenerational Day Party (a rave for ages 0 to 99) hosted by parent DJs, artists, and dance facilitators. June’s event, featuring DJ Seriousblack (Selena Isles), promises a fun-filled day as adults and kids get down together. Co-hosts Racquel and Trinati (Mother in the Wild), with the MTL Shake hype crew, will inspire you to claim your space on the dancefloor. Enjoy a kid-led dance cypher, an adult-kid dance battle, food vendors, toilets, and water on site. Feel free to bring your picnic blanket.
More about the day party in Montreal
Enjoy a free meditation session
A person sitting on grass with their legs crossed in a yoga pose.
Courtesy of Heartfulness Montreal
When: Saturday, June 22 at 9 a.m.
Where: Café des Amis | Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors – 2000, ch. de Remembrance
Why You Need To Go: Join a free yoga session followed by guided relaxation and meditation to celebrate International Yoga Day. Nourish your mind, body, and soul in the beautiful nature of Mont-Royal Park. Guests can meet at Café des Amis — from there, you'll be guided to a nearby spot in the park. Please bring your yoga mat, any props you wish to use, and a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes. The yoga style will be slow and gentle, open to all levels.
Get a free guided tour of Quartier des Spectacles
When: Saturday, June 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: At rue Balmoral and rue Sainte-Catherine
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 in partnership with the Quartier des Spectacles.
Laugh it up at a comedy show in the park
A group of people sitting in a Montreal park watching a free comedy show.
Courtesy of Comedy Gang
When: Saturday, June 22 at 7:45 p.m.
Where: Girouard Park – 3500, av. Girouard
Why You Need To Go: For the past three years, this event has been a beloved summer tradition, offering top-notch comedy amidst the park's scenic beauty. Now in its fourth year, the Comedy Gang promises exciting surprises for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce residents and visitors. This free show, supported by donations, guarantees a fun-filled community gathering. Bring your blankets, drinks, and chairs for a cozy night of entertainment on the outfield of the baseball diamond at the corner of av. Girouard and ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Antoine.
Jam out at an open mic night
When: Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m.
Where: Plateau Bistro – 901, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: Guests can dive into those great Friday vibes at Plateau Bistro in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal where you can enjoy themed nights highlighting diverse talents. The fun also continues with Cheap Shots Fridays, where $4 shots are served all night long. While admission is totally free, reserving a spot on the event page is required. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.
Get your souvlaki on at the Greek festival
A poster for the upcoming Greek festival in Montreal with details of the event and souvlaki on a grill.
Courtesy of the Hellenic Community Centre
When: June 21 to 23 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Hellenic Community Centre – 5220, boul. Grande Allée, St-Hubert, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, South Shore Region, proudly presents its annual St. Jean Baptiste Greek Festival! Open to the public, both to Greeks and friends of Greeks, residents are invited to kick off summer 2024 with the Greek community at its four-day event, with free admission. There will be a fun zone for kids, tasty treats, dance troupes and lots of Greek food to enjoy.
Free yoga in the park
A photo of a group of people doing yoga at a Montreal park.
Courtesy of Yoga With Paulina
When: Friday, June 21 at 6 p.m.
Where: Parc La Fontaine
Why You Need To Go: For the occasion of International Yoga Day, Yoga with Paulina is extending an invitation to her free Yoga in the park class this weekend. It will be a 45-minute yoga practice, open to any and all levels, so even beginners will feel comfortable. Guests can meet on the bridge over the pond (behind the restaurant). The event is free of charge, but donations are welcome.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
