Montreal, it's that time again — the weekend. For those who enjoyed Grand Prix a little bit too much, have been frequenting new Montreal restaurants or spending a bit more frivolously as of late, then giving your wallet a break is likely a welcome change.
Luckily, we've compiled a list of things to do in Montreal that won't cost you a dime. Whether you're in the mood to relax, get creative, or try something new in the city, then we've got you covered.
From musical performances, free festivals, and stand-up comedy to karaoke nights and local markets, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are 11 free things to do in Montreal this week (June 14 to 16):
Cool off with some free ice cream
When: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 starting at 1 p.m.
Where: 315, pl. d'Youville (Old Port), 6926, rue Sherbrooke O. (N.D.G.)
Why You Need To Go: OREO is showing its love for Quebecers by organizing a Pop-Up with a free local-flavoured surprise. To celebrate the arrival of its new Maple Creme permanent flavour available exclusively in Canada, OREO has decided to treat Montrealers to a pop-up event by offering free ice cream made in collaboration with Ca Lem for two days only this weekend.
Enjoy free musical concerts
When: Friday, June 14 at 12 p.m. and Saturday, June 15 at 12 p.m.
Where: Salle Bourgie — 1339, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Chamber Music Festival is officially on in Montreal and the event offers a handful of free performances. All free concerts are presented at noon in Salle Bourgie at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Admission is general, and free tickets are available 45 minutes before each performance's start. On June 14 you can catch the renowned Barbican Quartet, performing masterworks works by Haydn and Ravel. On June 15, guests will be able to watch and listen to the extraordinary talents of the Vatra Trio (Eva Lesage, violin, Bruno Tobon, cello, and Chloé Dumoulin, piano).
Festival sur le Canal
When: Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16
Where: Centennial Esplanade — on the corner of rue Saint-Patrick and rue Pitt
Why You Need To Go: The biggest cultural event in the Sud-Ouest is a prime opportunity to connect with the community while listening to live music, eating great food and sipping some spirits on the banks of the Lachine Canal. Bring your whole family to bask in the picturesque scenery, as you groove to free performances by Calamine, The Damn Truth, Dawn Tyler Watson and more.
MURAL Festival
When: June 6 to 16 (final weekend)
Where: Use the map to discover murals across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's annual urban art festival transforms the city into a colourful open-air gallery full of massive murals and installations. While you have to pay to attend the block parties, it won't cost you a dime to see world-renowned street artists create masterpieces before your eye and this weekend is your final chance to bask in the glory of Montreal's remarkable art scene.
Francos de Montréal
When: June 14 to 22
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Why You Need To Go: The biggest music festival in the French-speaking world is always one for the books, and this year should be no exception. 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 Montreal public 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.
Festival Bloomsday Montreal
A poster for an upcoming literary festival in Montreal featuring a graphic of a man in a moustache and vintage glasses.
Courtesy of Westmount Public Library
When: Sunday, June 16 at 11 a.m.
Where: Westmount Public Library — 4574, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: Festival Bloomsday Montreal celebrates James Joyce’s groundbreaking novel, Ulysses. The literary festival brings the book to life with dramatized readings by fan favourites Clive Brewer, Ellen Rubin, Ann Elbourne, and others. Molly Bloom’s lubricious nighttime musings, read by Kathleen Fee and accompanied by the Irish harmonies of Gráinne, bring the event to a close. Tea and coffee will be served during the free event.
Sing your heart out at free karaoke night
A poster for an upcoming karaoke night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Montreal Improv
When: Saturday, June 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 3716, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: Montreal Improv will be hosting a free karaoke night where you can sing your heart out to all of your favourite tunes. The karaoke night is open to everyone. However, Montreal Improv indicated that the venue is, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible, as you're required to descend a 12-step staircase.
Free walking tour of Quartier des Spectacles
A group of people walking through Quartier des Spectacles in Montreal.
Courtesy of Quartier des Spectacles
When: Saturday., June 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 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.
Free stand-up comedy in the park
A group of people attending a comedy show in a park in Montreal.
Courtesy of Comedy Gang
When: Saturday, June 15 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 N.D.G. 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 in the outfield of the baseball diamond at the corner of av. Girouard and chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Antoine.
Browse through a crafts market
A poster for an upcoming summer market in Montreal.
Courtesy of My Friend Frankie
When: Saturday, June 15 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Church of the Epiphany — 4322, rue Wellington
Why You Need To Go: You can explore over 20 vendors offering a variety of local and handmade products, including soap, crochet dolls, sweet treats, and much more.
This article's left-hand cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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