18 Montreal bucket list things to do this September
September in Montreal offers a packed schedule of festivals and activities, providing plenty of ways to make the most of the final days of summer.
From the sizzling excitement of Taco Fest MTL to the back-to-school rush fuelled by pumpkin spice lattes, the city is alive with events.
A new festival will bring fresh music and energy, and extreme sports competitors will flock to the old port, ensuring there's something for everyone as we transition from summer to fall.
Here’s a hefty rundown of what things there are to do in Montreal this September.
Stuff your face and dance at Taco Fest MTL
When: August 31 to September 2
Where: Clock Tower Pier, Old Port of Montreal
Cost: Free admission
Why You Need To Go: Dive into a three-day celebration featuring 150+ taco variations from 30 vendors, along with tequila tastings, live music, and interactive games. Experience the best of Montreal's taco scene and Mexican cuisine, with traditional and innovative takes on classic dishes.
Taco Fest MTL Website
Plan an apple picking adventure at Petch Orchards
When: Weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (starting August 31)
Where: 431 Route 202, Hemmingford, QC
Cost: TBC
Why You Need To Go: Harvest a variety of apples, including rare heirlooms, at this family-run orchard with over 100 years of history. Simply purchase a bag and pick your favourites as you stroll through acres of apple trees.
Raise a toast to craft beers
When: August 30 to September 2
Where: Fort Chambly National Historic Site
Cost: VIP: $82.60, 1-day entry: $21.34, 4-day pass: $43.68
Why You Need To Go: Explore Quebec's largest craft beer festival featuring local microbreweries, cideries, and artisanal food producers. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with games and live music, and get there and back safely using their shuttle services to and from downtown.
Bieres et Saveurs Website
Check out Montreal's newest festival: Palomosa
When: September 5 to 7
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Cost: $179/early-bird pass, $289/VIP pass
Why You Need To Go: Experience a new Montreal music festival featuring a lineup that spans pop, rock, R&B, Latin, and EDM, with headliners Kali Uchis and Gesaffelstein. Enjoy interactive art installations, food trucks, bars, and multiple stages, including the exclusive GURU Terrasse for VIPs.
Explore the Gardens of Light in the Botanical Garden
When: August 30 to October 31
Where: Botanical Gardens, 4101 Sherbrooke St E, QC
Cost: $21.25+
Why You Need To Go: Explore illuminated pathways and lantern displays inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and First Nations cultures, offering a unique evening experience. The Chinese garden will feature a brand-new multimedia show with a water screen and volumetric projection effects.
​Visit the Jackalope Festival
When: September 13 to 15
Where: Quai Jacques-Cartier, Old Port of Montreal, QC
Cost: Free entry / $24 for Shredder Pass / $147 for VIP Weekend Pass
Why You Need To Go: Witness speed bouldering races and the best skateboarding tricks competitions, including halfpipe and open street climbing. Athletes from around the world will compete to win thousands of dollars in prizes and valuable merch. The festival is open to all, while the Shredder Pass will give you access to the temporary installations if you want to skate, and food trucks on site to grab a bite from.
Jackalope Fest Website
Explore Montreal's Ukrainian Festival
When: September 6 to 8
Where: Sept 6 & 8: 3270 rue Beaubien E., Sept 7: Maisonneuve park, 4601 Sherbrooke St E
Cost: Free admission
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate Ukrainian heritage and culture through folk crafts, music, dance, art, and cuisine. Organized by the St. Volodymyr Cultural Association of Montreal, this festival has grown from 600 to over 18,000 attendees annually, who gather to see film screenings, a fashion show, enjoy a beer garden and this year's headlining band: Haydamaky.
Get funky at the TEMPÉO Dance and Music Festival
When: September 10 to 15
Where: Place des Arts Esplanade
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Dance to many musical styles including Bollywood, country, Brazilian, boogie funk, Afro-pop, and salsa, with live performances by professional dancers, music groups, and guest DJs. The event will feature Kizaba and many other artists across six free events.
Explore the streets of Montreal at FAR Festival
When: August 26 to September 8
Where: Various locations including Rosemont and Hochelaga
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy balcony shows, parades, and artistic performances featuring over 250 artists. Special events include a fluorescent-themed gathering, a Victorian-era character parade, and a grand chic ball on stilts. On-site purchases support the continuation of free festival activities and the local economy.
Set sail aboard a Latin boat partyÂ
When: September 14, 8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Departure at 9:00 p.m. sharp)
Where: Croisières Navark, 81 Chemin de la Rive, Longueuil, QC
Cost: $68.88
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a three-hour Latin music boat party featuring stunning views of Montreal, live DJ performances, and a fully licensed bar on a two-level floating nightclub.
Montreal Boat Parties Website
World Press Photo Expo
When: August 28 to October 14
Where: Marché Bonsecours, 350 St-Paul St E, QC
Cost: $15
Why You Need To Go: Discover a global showcase of award-winning visual journalism, featuring 3,851 photographers from 130 countries and over 61,000 images. This iconic exhibition draws more than 65,000 visitors annually and has highlighted the best in photojournalism since 1955.
Experience "Back to the Future": in Concert
When: September 1, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Cost: $65+
Why You Need To Go: Back to the Future will play on the big screen accompanied by a live 70-piece symphony orchestra performing Alan Silvestri's iconic score. The epic adventure will also feature 20 minutes of never-before-heard music.
Place des Arts Website
Travel back to the 80s at Roller Disco Montreal
When: September 14, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where: Roller Disco Montreal, 8355 Chemin Montview, QC
Cost: $19+
Why You Need To Go: Lace up your skates and roll back to the 80s with classic hits and a retro atmosphere at Montreal's premier roller disco event. Bring your own skates, or you can rent roller skates and roller blades on-site for $10. Protective equipment is available for $5 if you're as accident-prone as I am.
Celebrate at the Latin Quarter's Back to School Party
When: September 3 to 5
Where: Saint-Denis Street (between Sherbrooke and Sainte-Catherine) and Émery Street
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate the start of the school year with spontaneous performances of music, dance, and circus arts along the pedestrianized streets of the Latin Quarter. Enjoy acrobatic circus shows, immersive street art, and a music performance by the Burning Brass Band.
See rooftop performances at Pop Montreal
When: September 25 to 29
Where: Various locations
Cost: $176.66 for a Discovery Pass, $53.69 for a Hopper Single Day Pass (both allow you to skip the lines)
Why You Need To Go: Explore a curated selection of indie music acts, art shows, and cultural events at this annual festival dedicated to championing independence in the arts. The festival features a mix of emerging and established artists across multiple venues. Don’t miss the Marché des Possibles, an open-air urban marketplace with food trucks, artisanal vendors, a Biergarten, and free programming.
Montreal Black Film Festival
When: September 25 to 29
Where: Various locations including L’Olympia, 1004 St-Catherine St E
Cost: $119 all-access, $79 online all-access. $43+ opening gala
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate Black cinema with films from global creators and an opening night gala featuring an intimate conversation with Academy Award winner Spike Lee, marking 35 years since Do the Right Thing was released.
See the best of Montreal's artistic dancing at Festival Quartiers Danse
When: September 5 to 14
Where: Various locations
Cost: $38 to $44
Why You Need To Go: Experience performances by 30 choreographers and dancers from 7 countries, exploring themes like aging, the deconstruction of masculinity, mythology, and the digital age. This festival offers a wide range of contemporary dance performances across multiple venues.
Let loose at a Fuego Fuego Soiree
When: September 4
Where: Esplanade PVM, Downtown Montreal
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Experience a soiree version of Canada’s largest Latin music festival with performances by international and Canadian artists, guest DJ sets, and a pop-up BBQ by Le Cathcart. Enjoy a night of electrifying Latin beats and a festive atmosphere in the heart of Montreal.
Fuego Fuego Website
Have a great September, Montreal!
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The Piknic Électronik 2024 lineup.Courtesy of Piknic Électronik