The last long weekend of summer is almost here. And while Labour Day’s not technically the end of summer, it sure does feel like the beginning of fall.
This can be a bleak time for some, but we’ve got you covered with tons of free events to keep your spirits up and your wallet full this weekend. After all, as long as we keep wearing white after Labour Day, summer doesn’t really have to end, does it?
Since you'll need to save your money for the colder days ahead — from heating bills to pumpkin spice-flavoured everything to the Halloween decorations already on display at your local Dollarama — why not celebrate the last unofficial weekend of summer with these nine free things to do in Montreal (August 30 to September 2):
Get your groove on at an '80s dance party
When: Friday, August 30 at 8 p.m.
Address: The Wheel Club – 3373, boul. Cavendish
Why You Need To Go: Feeling nostalgic? Then get into the groove and dance with somebody this Friday night at legendary bar and music venue, The Wheel Club. DJ Totally:Tubular will be pumpin' out '80s hit after '80s hit all night long.
If that's not enough to get into the '80s spirit, the Facebook event also teases vintage pinball machines, '80s arcade games, and free pool tables.
Plus, it's "Ladies Night," which means female-identifying people can take advantage of drink specials until 10 p.m.
So, what are you waiting for? Tease your hair, put on your most shoulder-padded power suit, and (moon) walk on over to The Wheel Club in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
Psych yourself up for the school year with a 5K run and after party
When: Saturday, August 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Parc Desmarchais – 5200, boul. LaSalle
Why You Need To Go: Corner Club Cafe has concocted the perfect blend of endorphins, caffeine, and fun to get you in the back-to-school and end-of-summer spirit.
Not a runner or a student? No worries! This 5K run and after party is open to everyone — no running experience or school attendance required.
And if a 5K isn't enough to trigger a runner's high, neighbourhood café Lili & Oli has got you covered at the party portion of the event, serving up delicious coffee and tasty treats to get you caffeinated and high on life.
In addition to all of this, you can expect amazing music as well as awesome prizes and giveaways.
Practice yoga in the park
When: Saturday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Address: Café des Amis, Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors – 2000, ch. Remembrance
Why You Need To Go: If the end of summer's got you down, relax and unwind with a free yoga session amongst the beautiful scenery of Mont-Royal Park.
Led by yoga instructor, Reiki master, and quantum healing hypnotist, Pascale Bouchard, this free class is open to all levels, promising to be slow and gentle. It will be followed by guided relaxation and mediation by Heartfulness Montreal.
So leave your wallet and stressors at home, and pack your yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes, as you zen out this Labour Day weekend.
Take a stroll down The Main at the BLVD Festival
When: Thursday, August 29 to Sunday, September 1
Address: Boulevard Saint-Laurent between rue Sherbrooke and avenue du Mont-Royal
Why You Need To Go: The seventh edition of the BLVD Festival promises to transform Montreal's iconic boulevard Saint-Laurent into one giant urban playground that's fun for all ages. This pedestrian street festival boasts games and installations on every corner, a treasure hunt, sidewalk sales, skateboarding and painting workshops, along with good eats and ice-cold drinks on the boulevard's terrasses.
Dog owners and dog lovers rejoice – there's even a Corgi Pawty (no, that's not a typo) Saturday afternoon, complete with a corgi parade and most stylish corgi contest. Anyone know where to find the advance polling stations? We'd like to vote for all of them.
Unwind at a meditative piano concert
When: Friday, August 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Address: L'Émergence Meditation Centre, Brahma Kumaris – 7501, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: If a chaotic Friday night at the hottest bar or club isn't your vibe, take in this free meditative concert instead. L’Émergence Meditation Centre presents an evening with the works of Quebec pianist and composer André Mathieu, once nicknamed the "Quebec Mozart."
Distinguished pianists and duo, Rosemarie Duval-Laplante and Jean-Michel Dubé, both graduates of the Conservatoire de musique de Québec, will bring Mathieu's music to life, providing commentary and meditative breaks between pieces.
Sing your heart out at Queer Karaoke
When: Saturday, August 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Address: Bar Milton-Parc – 3714, av. du Parc
Why You Need To Go: For the past year, Queer Karaoke has created a safe and affordable space for Montreal's queer and trans community. This Saturday is their one-year anniversary party, so come on out and help celebrate by singing, dancing, and embracing your queerness openly, loudly, and proudly.
Play outside with free sports equipment rentals
When: Friday, August 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Saturday, August 31 to Monday, September 2 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Various parks throughout Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Why You Need To Go: This weekend is your last chance to borrow free summer sports equipment at a park in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisoneuve borough. Whether you're an MHM resident or not, you're invited to enjoy the borough's green spaces by renting sports and outdoor equipment at eight neighbourhood parks, completely free of charge.
Equipment includes balls, frisbees, balance bikes, boxing gloves, Spikeball sets, and more.
If you've been dying to get a ragtag team of underdogs together to compete in any big game of your choosing, now's your chance.
Get inspired at ArtMarket
When: Saturday, August 31 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Le Livart – 3980, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: The third edition of ArtMarket, an all-women curated art exhibit, promises to be the best edition yet.
Founded by Montreal artists Mari-Ève and Flakes, this is no ordinary art exhibit; it's an "immersive house party" with a mission. According to its official website, ArtMarket aims to help artists connect with a wider audience and industry professionals.
"We seek to provide a meaningful opportunity for [artists] to gain visibility, recognition, and ultimately achieve their artistic aspirations," the website says.
Let your creative juices flow at an open mic poetry night
When: Sunday, September 1 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Bar La Marche À Côté – 5043, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: Has the end of summer got you feeling a little emotional? Well, why not turn those feelings into words and try your hand at poetry? If that sounds like a wild idea, you're in luck because "wild" is the very theme of the Accent Open Mic's latest evening of poetry.
Originally created to give Montreal writers a welcoming space to share their work, the latest edition of this bilingual poetry series features special guest poets, Taylor Gray Moore, Éric Roger, and Mark-Jens Barton, followed by an open mic.
Performing on the open mic is as easy as signing up at the door, so what are you waiting for?
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Cabaret CelesteCourtesy of Éric Carrière
