The weekend is right around the corner and if you've been looking for things to do in Montreal, we've totally got you covered.
Not only can you enjoy several activities in Montreal this weekend, but you can do so without breaking the bank. Whether you're interested in wandering through pop-up exhibits, flea markets and Montreal parks or getting in the zone with a free yoga course and meditation session, there's a little bit of something for everyone.
Here are nine free things to do in Montreal this weekend:
Attend a pop up exhibit
A poster for an upcoming pop up exhibit in Montreal.
Courtesy of Afromusée
When: May 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 533, rue Ontario Est
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can attend the Afro-Montreal Nightlife Pop-Up — a highlight of the 2024 Montreal History Festival, where CIDIHCA, Afromusée, and ARCMTL unite to explore a vibrant part of Montreal's past. Guests can explore Afro-Montreal's cultural and nightlife scene through a diverse exhibit of historical documentation, all for free. You will be able to meet researchers and experts, groove to Afro-Canadian and Haitian beats spun by DJs, and be among the first to explore new online collections celebrating Afro-Montreal's heritage.
Zen out at a yoga for success session
A poster for an upcoming free yoga session in Montreal.
Courtesy of Isha Foundation
When: May 11 at 1 p.m.
Where: ITHQ — 401, rue de Rigaud (room La Relève on the 2nd floor)
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can take a journey of self-discovery with a transformative yoga session focusing on the mind and body connection. Participants will be able to dive into simple yoga postures designed to cultivate stability and balance, regardless of prior experience. You can explore quick neck practices, engage in Yoga Namaskar and even try meditation for success, a powerful tool to materialize your aspirations. The event is free and open to all. However, participants aged 12 to 17 require parental/guardian accompaniment.
Enjoy a night of laughs
A poster for an upcoming free comedy show in Montreal.
Courtesy of Loïc Dubois
When: May 12 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: MR250 Bar Salon — 250, ave. du Mont-Royal Est
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers will be able to experience the city's most rock 'n roll open mic night. Guests can laugh out loud among friends and enjoy the good vibes just a three-minute walk from Mont-Royal Metro. The event will showcase the talents of Loic Dubois, Vincent Rivalry and seven other invited comics.
Volunteer as a birdwatcher
A bird with a fruit in its mouth.
Courtesy of Les Amis de la Montagne
When: May 11 at 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Maison Smith — 1260, ch. Remembrance
Why You Need To Go: Les Amis de la Montagne is hosting a birdwatching day in Montreal thanks to Global Big Day, an event organized by eBird and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that brings bird enthusiasts across the globe together to document their findings in wildlife spaces. You'll be able to volunteer with a group of birders, collecting data and submitting it to eBird to further bird research worldwide.
Stroll through a flea market
A poster for an upcoming flea market event in Montreal.
Courtesy of Shermine Sawalha
When: May 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Eva B — 2015, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: Guests are invited to attend a flea market this weekend brimming with vintage gems, unique treasures, and handmade delights. From fashion to home decor, you can browse through diverse offerings and snag fantastic deals while supporting local vendors.
Learn all about essential oils
A graphic for an upcoming essential oil event in Montreal.
Courtesy of Pure Essentielle
When: May 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 10732, boul. Pie-IX
Why You Need To Go: Guests can take a workshop covering different essential oils, their functions and their primary use, as well as enter a contest to walk away with a goodie bag featuring an array of oils for you to use art home.
Witness the spring bloom
Where: Various parks across Montreal
When: April to May
Why You Need To Go: This time of year in Montreal is not to be missed. With so many trees in bloom, including magnolias, crabapples and cherry trees, you can spot the blossoming process in person at several parks across the city including Parc Angrignon, Parc Ahunstic, Westmount Park and Montreal's Botanical Garden, to name a few.
Try out some improv
A improv group standing in a circle holding hands.
Courtesy of Le Milieu
When: May 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Le Mileu — 1051, rue Robin
Why You Need To Go: Participants will be able to step into an improv world of creativity and liberation. You can join in on an immersive experience hosted by Olga Kosmina where the group breaks down barriers and embraces openness. You don't need any acting experience to get involved — just a willingness to grow and explore.
Attend a dog parade
When: May 11 at 2 p.m. (in case of rain, the event will take place on May 12 instead)
Where: Parc Sir Wilfred-Laurier — 5200, rue Brebeuf
Why You Need To Go: As part of Japan Week 2024, Montrealers can attend a free Shibas and Akitas dog parade. The pup parade, which is back for its fifth edition, will take place at Parc Sir Wilfred-Laurier where you can soak up all the doggo goodness.
Shop for new threads at the city's main plus-size market
When: May 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and May 12 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 5425, rue Bordeau, Suite 316 (third floor)
Why You Need To Go: You can attend this free-entry plus-size market this weekend with so many vendors selling clothing, graphic art, jewelry, and so much more. You can also enjoy tarot readings, get a new tattoo and get personal styling tips during your visit.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
