Ah, Montreal — the weekend is nearly here and if you've been looking for some fun activities in Montreal that won't break the bank, then we've totally got you covered.
These free things to do in Montreal this weekend will let you enjoy your days off without completely blowing through your budget. And who doesn't love a fun and free event?
From sugar shack festivals, meditative workshops and a free paint night, to Montreal's iconic Saint-Patrick's Day Parade, your weekend just got a whole lot more exciting.
Check out these nine free things to do in Montreal this weekend.
Attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 12 p.m.
Where: Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Irish festivities return to Montreal. This weekend will mark the 199th St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal where over 100 groups, 20 floats and 60 merchants will take over downtown Montreal. It will take place on Boul. de Maisonneuve starting at the corner of Fort and will end at Jeanne-Mance. The event, which is the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the world after NYC, is free to watch and is perfect for the entire family.
Stroll through a spice market
When: March 15 to 20, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Westmount Square, 4051, rue Saint-Catherine O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Nowrouz Festival is officially starting this weekend in Montreal where guests can enjoy live music, spice markets, hand-crafted items and dive into delectable Persian meals and pastries, too. The event is free entry.
Learn how to give a Swedish massage
When: Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Where: 1564, ch. Herron, Dorval, QC (Unit #208)
Why You Need To Go: This free one-day workshop delves into the basics of Swedish massage where you can learn essential strokes, body leverage techniques, and professional draping skills. By the end, you'll be equipped to offer a one-hour relaxation massage for family and friends.
Take part in a free paint night
The poster for a free Montreal pain night.
Three Kings Loot Inc.
When: Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1118, rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can dive into a pool of creativity every Saturday at the Three Kings Loot Inc. paint night. Guests are encouraged to bring their figurines and paints or purchase a learn-to-paint kit with tutorials at the shop. You can join the team and paint terrain for Warhammer and RPGs or work on your very own art projects.
Get zen with a free meditation class
When: Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meta 1111, 5440, chem. Queen Mary, Montreal, QC (Unit #103)
Why You Need To Go: This free meditative workshop aims to teach Montrealers the power of mindfulness and meditation with a heartfulness group meditation session, video, and reading to better understand the practice and integrate it into your day-to-day life.
Learn about Montreal's public libraries
When: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Where: Westmount Public Library — 4574 rue Sherbrooke O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to learn about Montreal's public libraries from Karina Cahill, librarian at the Westmount Public Library. Cahill will discuss the history and origins of public libraries, the library Renaissance and the American Public Library movement. So, if you're a history buff or simply want to learn more about Montreal's library scene, then reserve a spot now.
Attend a free literature panel
The poster for the 4th edition of the Sip & Read literature panel.
Équipe Sip & Read
When: Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: La Livrerie | Librairie Café, 1376, rue Ontario E., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This free event in Montreal will explore and celebrate the richness, diversity and significance of female voices that have and are shaping the world of literature across epochs and cultures. Guests will be able to enjoy a panel of writers followed by an open discussion and a networking session.
Enjoy a sugar shack tasting at Montreal's markets
The poster for the Atwater Market sugar shack event.
Marchés Publics de Montreal
When:
- Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Atwater Market)
- Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Maisonneuve Market)
Where:
- Atwater Market, 138, ave. Atwater, Montreal, QC
- Maisonneuve Market, 4445, rue Ontario E., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Société des Marchés publics de Montréal is hosting a sugar shack extravaganza at three of Montreal's biggest public markets where you can enjoy loads of maple treats, and participate in the many activities offered including inflatable giant games, axe-throwing and a dance break as on-site DJ plays today's hits. The first 300 visitors at each market can enjoy a free sweet tasting.
More on the free sugar shack markets here
Attend the MTL Women's Expo
The poster for the upcoming MTL Women's Expo event on March 17.
MTL Women's Expo 2024
When: Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Ganesh Party Palace, 300, boul. Marcel-Laurin, Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This in-person event is all about celebrating women and their achievements. Guests can connect with like-minded individuals, discover new products and services, and attend informative workshops and panels.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
