The weekend is fast approaching and for those looking for things to do in Montreal that won't break the bank, we've got you covered and then some.
Montreal is known for its non-stop festivals, launching new restaurants, and an eagerly awaited terrasse season. But those activities can be pricey. Fortunately, if you're looking to save there are plenty of free activities and events taking place across the 514.
From karaoke night, free yoga sessions and dancing lessons all the way to trivia nights and photo expositions, here are 14 free things to do in Montreal this weekend:
Let loose with creative dance
A poster for an upcoming free creative dancing session.
Courtesy of Centre Social D'Aide Aux Immigrants.
When: Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m.
Where: 1600, rue Saint-Urbain
Why You Need To Go: The Creative Dance project, part of Place des Arts' Adapted Art program, is designed for adults with functional limitations or social exclusion. Led by a professional artist, participants explore choreography creation and movement together.
More about the creative dancing event
Wander through a vernissage
A poster for an upcoming photography vernissage in Montreal.
Courtesy of Artistine
When: Sunday, May 5 at 6 p.m.
Where: 5031, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: This photographic vernissage showcases the richness of Francophone territories across three continents. From Parisian architecture to the medina of Rabat and Old Montreal, Francophonie's traces are intertwined in our daily lives and you can get an up-close look at some of the historical landscapes captured by Artistine.
Sing your heart out at free karaoke
A poster for an upcoming free karaoke night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Montreal Improv
When: Saturday, May 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 3716, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: Gather your friends and warm up your vocal cords for a night of non-stop tunes. Montreal Improv is hosting a free karaoke night this weekend where you can showcase your talent to some of your favourite tracks. Please note, that the venue has 12 stairs with a handrail and is not wheelchair accessible.
Marvel over free comic back day
Courtesy of Librairie Omnibus Bookstore.
When: Saturday, May 4 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Librarie Omnibus — 625, rue Sainte-Catherine O.
Why You Need To Go: A slew of Montreal artists, comic collectors, and vendors will gather at Librarie Omnibus for a free comic book day. Guests can get their hands on free comics, enjoy sales on fan fave memorabilia and meet local artists.
Take advantage of free museum Sunday
The exterior of Montreal's museum of fine arts.
When: Sunday, May 5 (hours depend on the museum of choice)
Where: Various museums across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: For residents, the city of Montreal offers free visits to loads of museums, whether a spot always comps entry or it's the first Sunday of the month, Montrealers can take advantage of free visits all year round. To access the free museums, especially those that offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, guests must have a valid Quebec ID as proof of residency.
Learn to tango
A poster for an upcoming free dancing lesson in Montreal.
Courtesy of Studio Tango Montreal
When: Sunday, May 5 at 1:45 p.m.
Where: 7755 boul. St-Laurent (2nd floor)
Why You Need To Go: Why not spice things up with a free tango lesson? Montrealers can experience the joy of dancing at Studio Tango Montréal with their passionate and skilled instructors who will attend and instruct the free classes. Limited spots are available, so it's best to reserve ahead of time to secure a space.
Learn all about trees
A group of people planting various trees.
Courtesy of Les Amis de la Montagne
When: Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 400, av. Atlantic
Why You Need To Go: Guests can join the University of Montreal's ephemeral projects site for a rewarding volunteering opportunity at its educational tree nursery, dedicated to regreening Mount Royal with plants preserving its genetic heritage. Volunteers will engage in various tasks such as weeding, potting, shrub cutting, and watering, utilizing your gardening skills for a great cause. Gloves and kneepads are provided, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory due to minimal shade on site. For your comfort, we recommend wearing a hat and bringing water, as there's no drinking water available on site but refill stations nearby.
Get your crochet on at Café Velours
A poster for an upcoming crochet event in Montreal.
Courtesy of Montreal Crochet Club
When: Saturday, May 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Café Velours — 373, rue Villeray
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Crochet Club's soft launch is taking place at Café Velours for a cozy evening celebrating crochet in Montreal. You'll be able to participate in events and workshops where you can connect with fellow crocheters, exchange tips, and enjoy crochet-themed activities and a raffle. You can bring an existing project or start something new there. While the event is free to attend, it's recommended that you pay what you can at the door.
Enjoy a live music performance
A poster for an upcoming live performance in Montreal.
Courtesy of Joel Malkoff
When: Saturday, May 4 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: La Brassée — 2522, rue Beaubien E.
Why You Need To Go: Musician and artist Joel Malkoff will be showcasing their original music at one of Montreal's coziest cafés in Parc Molson as well as other tracks from Malkoff's previous works. The night will also feature works from Jasmin Bataille and Joshué Poulin.
Zen out at a free yoga course
A person holding a yoga pose.
Courtesy of Mindfulness and Yoga in Montreal
When: Saturday, May 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 7835, av. des Érables
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can discover the spiritual symbolism of yoga from nature, exploring poses like mountain, eagle, dog, and lotus. You can engage in practical sessions focusing on personal experience, including meditation and Yoga-Nidra for self-study. Registration is required for this free workshop with optional donations. The sessions are offered in both English and French and are suitable for all fitness levels.
Listen to (and critique) new music
Courtesy of OSMO x Marusan.
When: Friday, May 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Café OSMO x Marusan — 51, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: In partnership with OSMO x Marusan, Montreal musicians have submitted to hosts Claire and Pheek, who will then curate a selection of seven to eight songs to present to the audience. Attendees will listen attentively and provide feedback to the artists present. Musicians have the opportunity to answer questions after presenting their songs. While the event this free to attend, you must reserve your spot as a listener.
Attend a virtual job fair
A poster for an upcoming virtual job fair.
Courtesy of CareerClub.net
When: Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m.
Where: Virtual (an email will be sent out 24 hours in advance confirming you are assigned to a room)
Why You Need To Go: This event caters to professionals seeking opportunities, recruiters scouting for talent, and service providers aiding career success. With a wide array of reputable companies like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and many more in attendance, this platform is trusted by over 8,000 businesses for their recruiting needs. Hosted by Career Club, the event is completely free. However, you must register in advance to access the virtual room.
More about the virtual job fair in Montreal
Test your knowledge at trivia night
A poster for an upcoming free trivia night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Michael Brodie.
When: Sunday, May 5 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Grumpy's Bar — 1242, rue Bishop
Why You Need To Go: Guests will be able to test their wits, try their luck, and compete for prizes in this free event open to all. Whether solo or with a team, everyone's welcome. Michael Brodie will be hosting the event where participants will play four rounds of trivia with prizes for each round, plus grand prizes for the top-scoring teams.
Let your creativity flow
The interior of Montreal workroom and café: Le Milieu.
Courtesy of Le Milieu
When: Thursday, May 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Le Milieu — 1251, rue Robin
Why You Need To Go: Guests can explore their creativity using the free artistic equipment (drawing, painting, sewing, jewelry making and more) at Le Milieu. The workshop is open and free to all (with donations appreciated) every Wednesday and Thursday. You can also purchase beverages from their coffee shop during your creative session.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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