Hey, Montreal — the weekend is fast approaching and with a new month comes a slew of new things to do in Montreal.
While you might be tempted to attend festival after festival, new restaurant openings and catch every show this month, you might be interested in giving your wallet a much-deserved break.
Luckily, we've got you covered with a list of free things to do in Montreal this weekend (May 27 to June 1). From meditative sessions, comedy shows, and improv performances to free yoga and free museum Sundays, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are nine free activities taking place in Montreal this weekend:
Stroll through a Montreal museum
When: Sunday, June 2
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. Consult the link below for the full list of participating Montreal museums.
Shop apparel for your favourite sports team
A sports sale warehouse in Montreal with sports jerseys, matching sets and baseball caps for sale.
Courtesy of LJJ Essentials
When: Friday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ruby Foo's Hotel — 7655, boul. Decarie
Why You Need To Go: LJJ Essentials is hosting a free admission sports warehouse sale. Guests will be able to score jerseys for $50, New Era caps for only $20, hoodies for $30 and sports tees for $15. LJJ Essentials told MTL Blog that shoppers can expect apparel from some of the biggest brands, too including Nike, Adidas, New Era, and Under Armour, to name a few. The wholesaler will also have women's yoga and leisure wear, including shorts, pants, bras and tops — all for $15.
Laugh it up at a free comedy show
A poster for an upcoming stand up comedy show in Montreal.
Courtesy of Le WOW Show
When: Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m.
Where: Bar Le Jockey — 1309, rue Saint-Zotique E.
Why You Need To Go: This open mic comedy night features 8 comedians performing their sets, followed by constructive feedback and encouragement from the hosts, Caro and Radicalice, along with a guest mentor. The evening promotes a supportive atmosphere, free of discriminatory jokes, aiming to empower women and gender-diverse individuals in comedy. Occasionally, a few men might be invited too.
Accessibility: Bar Le Jockey is on the ground floor with a few steps at the entrance; a ramp is available if needed. The venue offers gender-neutral restrooms and a menu with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Ages 18 and up.
Enjoy a free improv performance
A poster for an upcoming improv show in Montreal.
Courtesy of Montreal Improv
When: Friday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: 3716, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: Montreal Improv invites guests for a laughter-packed series of showcase events featuring stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy talents, guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. These free-to-attend shows offer a diverse lineup. Pre-reserved tickets are essential. Please note that the shows will be in English.
Accessibility: The venue is down a set of 12 stairs with a handrail, and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
Try a meditation challenge at Mont-Royal
A person sitting on the ground with their leg crossed and eyes closed in a meditative stance.
Courtesy of Mindfulness/Yoga Montreal
When: Saturday, June 1 at 3 p.m.
Where: Maison Smith — 1260, ch. Remembrance
Why You Need To Go: Join in for one or all three Saturdays in Mount Royal Park for an exploration of different meditation techniques, aimed at enhancing your practice with inner strength, motivation, and mindfulness. Each session will last approximately two to three hours and include various yoga exercises. It's best to bring your yoga mat, and water bottle, and invite spiritually-minded friends.
Attend an outdoor comedy show
People sitting in a park watching someone perform stand-up comedy.
Courtesy of Comedy Gang
When: Saturday, June 1 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 avenue Girouard and chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Antoine.
Play free video games
A collage made up of arcade games, consoles and people partying promoting a game night in Montreal.
Courtesy of GOGO-VR
When: Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 from 8 p.m. until midnight
Where: 2010, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, Montrealers can enjoy a free-for-all game night extravaganza. You can enjoy music, snacks, and drinks while you play Xbox, PC, Switch, and retro games like Game Cube and PlayStation 2. You can also challenge your friends in popular titles like FIFA 2023, Call of Duty, and Super Smash Ultimate, or relive the classics with over 30 retro games. Plus, dive into favourites like Street Fighter and Super Smash, featuring over 300 games. All games are free to use except for the VR games.
Zen out with yoga by the water
A poster for an upcoming free yoga session in Montreal.
Courtesy of MUV Hudson and Illume Festival
When: Sunday, June 2 from 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Where: Parc de la Maison-Valois — 331, av. Saint-Charles, Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests can join in on a tranquil yoga session by the water with Natacha Thibault, in collaboration with MUV Hudson and the Illume Festival. With ten years of experience and a 200-hour certification from Yoga Alliance RYS, Natacha's passion for various yoga styles will guide you toward a holistic experience. This event, open to all levels, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Gutsy Walk for Crohn's and Colitis Canada. You can also stay for a health workshop at 10:00 a.m. and a 5-kilometre charity walk at 11:00 a.m. Bring your mat, comfortable clothing, and a snack. While the event is free to attend, donations are appreciated.
Funk it up at Fringe Festival
When: May 27 to June 16
Where: Various venues and parks across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of independent arts in Montreal. The festival features diverse performances in theatre, dance, music, comedy, and multimedia. With events in various venues, including the MainLine Theatre and the Fringe Park, it fosters community through workshops, panels, and free gatherings. Known for its inclusivity and eclectic atmosphere, the festival is a key cultural event that supports artists and enriches Montreal's cultural scene. The festival offers both free and paid events.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
