It's the last official weekend of summer, and the forecast is calling for heat, humidity, and lots of carefree fun (emphasis on the free).
From a fungi festival to an outdoor concert to moongazing under the stars, you can make the most of the end of the season by taking advantage of free things to do in Montreal.
This weekend, let the overpriced pumpkin-spiced lattes wait for the cooler weeks ahead, leave your wallet and comfy fall flannels at home, and head out on some budget-friendly adventures under the sun. It's going to be a while before you can soak up those summer rays again.
Sing your heart out at karaoke
When: Saturday, September 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Montreal Improv – 3716, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: End of summer got you down? Then why not sing out all your end of summer blues at a karaoke night hosted by Montreal Improv? On top of great music, this event promises to bring laughs and good vibes, and best of all, it's free and open to everyone. If you do feel like spending a few bucks, snacks and drinks can be purchased at the bar, and all proceeds go to a good cause: supporting the theatre and ensuring that future karaoke nights continue to be free.
Have fun(gi) at Fungi Fest
When: Saturday, September 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Singh's Arcade – 83, rue Sainte Anne, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Why You Need To Go: A short trip to the West Island is all it takes to attend Fungi Fest MTL's biggest event of the year. The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue edition of the fungi festival is fun-gi (sorry) for the whole family and completely free of charge. With a mushroom market of local growers and artisans, mushroom talks and cultivation workshops, a Mario toadstool scavenger hunt, and even a best mushroom dessert competition, there's no reason not to make (mush)room in your schedule (again, sorry) and come out for the fungi festivities.
Get your groove on at the TEMPÉO Dance and Music Festival
When: September 10 to 15
Where: Place des Arts Esplanade – 175, rue Sainte-Catherine O.
Why You Need To Go: The sixth edition of the TEMPÉO Dance and Music festival showcases some of the city’s top musical artists from rising stars to renowned DJs. Enjoy world rhythms and beats and dance the night away on the outdoor dance floor in the Quartier des spectacles. Each night features a new musical theme, so discover new artists and get down and groovy to the eclectic sounds of Bollywood, country, Brazil, boogie funk, Afro-pop, and salsa. Best of all, the entire festival is free of charge!
Laugh it up at a free comedy show
When: Friday, September 13 at 8 p.m.
Where: La Poubelle Magnifique – 1221, rue Crescent
Why You Need To Go: Local comedian, Jason Houle, has curated a lineup of top comics for an unforgettable (and free!) night of comedy. This Friday's edition is headlined by the hilarious Yumi Blake, who was recently featured in JFL's Discovery Series, a showcase of the city's best up-and-coming talent. With endless laughs, delicious drinks, a beautiful venue, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that's queer and fem-friendly, this is a show you don't want to miss.
Put your Taylor Swift knowledge to the test at trivia
When: Friday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Address: Café Eevee – 1251, rue Saint-Zotique E.
Why You Need To Go: Listen up, Swifties! Are you ready for it? "It" being a Taylor Swift-themed trivia night hosted by Café Eevee, a quaint Italian café in the heart of La Petite-Patrie. Put on your thinking caps and friendship bracelets, and show off your Taylor Swift knowledge at this fun and free event. Be sure to study up as prizes will be given to the top Swifties. But be fearless, casual fans, you're welcome to play too, and losers can shake it off by indulging in the café's delicious snacks and pastries.
Experience the flavours of Martinique at The Creole Market
The Creole Market logo.
When: Saturday, September 14 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Pavillon d’Iberville, Grand Quai du Port de Montreal – 200, rue de la Commune O.
Why You Need To Go: If a trip to the Caribbean isn’t in your budget this fall, Martinique Gourmande’s got you covered with its free Creole Market. A short trip to Montreal’s Old Port is all you need to experience the charm, spirit, and flavours of the Caribbean.
For two days, the Creole Market promises to (metaphorically) transport you to the island of Martinique where you can feast on Martinican food, take cooking workshops with Martinican chefs, and listen to the sounds of island DJs and musicians.
Party at an end-of-summer cookout
When: Saturday, September 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: Marché des Possibles – 5705, av. de Gaspé
Why You Need To Go: The Rose Festival, a multidisciplinary arts haven for queer creators, partners with open-air market Marché des Possibles to bring you a queer cookout like no other. Featuring food from Auntie Dee’s Kitchen and Chef Maxi, local artisan vendors, live performances, and a DJ pumping out fresh beats all night, the "Queer Cookout - Night Market Edition" will have you saying goodbye to summer and hello to good vibes.
Become one with nature at the Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses
When: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Parc Westmount – 4624, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: Located in the heart of Westmount Park, the Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses is a calming oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city's urban core.
Originally built in 1927 by Lord & Burnham — the same greenhouse manufacturer behind famed conservatories at the New York Botanical Garden and United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. — this neighbourhood landmark is the only Victorian greenhouse in the Montreal area, filled to the brim with banana trees, orchids, and hyacinths to name a small few.
Although you can freely explore its plants and reflect on life by its fountain and small pool year round, there's no better time than now to hit up the conservatory. With summer temperatures projected all weekend long, you can remain one with nature even after closing hours by continuing your zen journey with a stroll in Westmount Park.
Watch skateboarding tricks at the Jackalope Festival
When: September 13 to 15
Where: Quai Jacques-Cartier – rue de la Commune Est
Why You Need To Go: Bringing together top athletes, industry professionals, and skateboarding enthusiasts alike, the Jackalope Festival has celebrated the best of the action sports community for the past 10 years. Watch world-class skateboarding and bouldering competitions, groove to all-day DJ sets, and dance your cares away at nightly after parties.
Although the festival is free to the public, if you want to elevate your experience, you can purchase passes starting at $25 for adults, which give you access to special skateboarding ramps where you can show off your skills.
Moongaze on 'International Observe the Moon Night'
RASC Montreal Centre's International Observe the Moon Night advertisement.
RASC Montreal Centre | Facebook
When: Saturday, September 14 at 7:45 p.m.
Address: Morgan Arboretum Conservation Centre – 150, ch. des Pins, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Why You Need To Go: First organized by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and NASA in 2010, International Observe the Moon Night is an annual event in over 40 countries dedicated to encouraging observation, appreciation, and understanding of the moon.
This year, the Montreal event is being hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society Canada (RASC) Montreal Centre. The evening begins with an informative presentation on lunar exploration by RASC Montreal Centre Vice-President David Shuman, and ends with an outdoor telescopic viewing of the moon, weather permitting. If it's cloudy, a moon sketching workshop will be held indoors after the talk instead.
RASC Montreal Centre's Observe the Moon Night Facebook Event
Treat your ears to an outdoor concert featuring Ayrad
When: Friday, September 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Parc Goncourt – 7130, av. Goncourt
Why You Need To Go: Established in 2005, local band Ayrad is one part rock, one part pop, one part electronica, one part brass and string orchestra, and all parts awesome. Their free outdoor show promises to attract adventurous listeners and world music lovers alike with a unique blend of electro, Gypsy funk, desert rock, raï, Reggada, chaabi, and Latin sounds, the event page says.
City of Montreal Website
Celebrate Pride in the West Island
When: Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Edgewater Park – chemin du Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore, Pointe-Claire, QC
Why You Need To Go: West Island LGBTQ2+ Centre is bringing Pride to the West Island in its first-ever Pride celebration. The day of festivities includes live music, story time, a panel discussion, a variety show, and loads of other fun activities. Whether you're out and proud or an ally, all activities are free and open to everyone.
West Island LGBTQ2+ Centre Website
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
