From giant outdoor chess to regular-sized outdoor Scrabble to Montreal Fashion Week and an independent film fest, there are so many ways to kick off the fall season without breaking the bank.
So, leave your wallet at home and check out these free things to do in Montreal. They'll get you into the fall spirit, and hopefully, get that Earth, Wind & Fire song out of your head, too.
Play a giant game of chess or Scrabble
When: Until Sunday, September 29
Address: Esplanade Tranquille – 1442, rue Clark
Why You Need To Go: Just because summer's over doesn't mean you have to miss out on big fun in the sun (emphasis on the big). This is your second last weekend to challenge your friends to an outdoor game of giant chess or Scrabble right in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. What are you waiting for?
Quartier des Spectacles Website
Play a regular-sized game of Scrabble against a champ
When: Saturday, September 21 at 2 p.m.
Address: Westmount Park – 327, av. Melville #329
Why You Need To Go: While giant outdoor chess and Scrabble in the Quartier des Spectacles sure sounds like fun, if regular-sized boardgames with gigantic competition is more your jam, then put your word skills to the test in a Scrabble match against 2023 North American Scrabble champion Josh Sokol.
At this free event organized by the Westmount Public Library, the Scrabble champ will battle it out in up to 12 simultaneous games against hopeful players. Although players of all skills levels are welcome, the highest scorers will win a Westmount Library 125th anniversary tote bag.
Put on your thinking cap, get your game face ready, and head on out to Westmount Park this Saturday.
Listen to and discuss music at Sweet Spot
When: Saturday, September 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: OSMO X MARUSAN Café-Terrasse – 51, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: Listen up, Montreal! Sweet Spot, a musical attentive listening event, is back and better than ever. Come listen and react to music from local eclectic artists who would like to see, in real time, how listeners respond to their songs. One at a time, artists present their music, and after each song, a discussion takes place where audience feedback is not only welcomed, but encouraged. This free event is open to musicians and listeners alike, and all genres of music and all experience levels are accepted.
Revamp your wardrobe at Montreal Fashion Week
When: Saturday, September 21 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Core Fabrics – 8280, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: Have you ever wanted to dress like a million bucks but not spend a dime? Then look no further than Montreal Fashion Week's Sew-cial, a trunk show turned clothing, fabric, and pattern swap by Core Fabrics and Closet Core Patterns.
On top of the trunk show and swap, the free Sew-cial also includes refreshments, a sewing chat, a fabric remnant sale, and a 20% discount on fabrics, ensuring that you'll have everything you need to make a big fashion statement — without putting a dent in your wallet
Watch the best of independent cinema at a local film festival
When: Sunday, September 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Cinema du Parc – 3575, av. du Parc
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Independent Film Festival is celebrating the best of independent cinema with a free screening of American feature film In Fidelity by director Rob Margolies. The film, which deals with themes of marriage, monogamy, death, parenting, lust, and trust, is a finalist of the 2024 Montreal Independent Film Festival.
In addition to the In Fidelity screening, the evening will also include Canadian and International award-winning short films in animation, documentary, and experimental genres.
Get active with a 5-km walk
When: Saturday, September 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Address: Spirulina Health Bar, Old Port – 401, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: Bring your summer self-care routine into the fall season by hitting up this active and healthful Walk and Sip event by The Future Looks Good. The walk entails a scenic 5-kilometre stroll along the Old Port canal followed by a refreshing (and free) Spirulina Health Bar smoothie served during a self-care workshop focused on finding balance in your self-care routine.
Anyone who attends the workshop will also be given a chance to win a fitness kit from Hermust Active.
Although the walk and sip is free and open to everyone, it's made for those who love staying active, meeting new people, and building connections, according to the Eventbrite page.
Update your library at a sidewalk book sale
When: Saturday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: Mordecai Richler Library – 5434, av. du Parc
Why You Need To Go: As the days grow shorter and colder, you’ll find yourself spending increasing time indoors. Why not update your book and DVD collection to make downtime a little more interesting for you this fall and winter? The Mile End's Mordecai Richler Library is hosting a sidewalk book sale to mark the beginning of fall and to let you revamp your entertainment collection on the cheap.
Admission to the sale is free, and you can purchase books, magazines, and DVDs for prices ranging from $0.25 to $5. In case of rain, the sidewalk sale will be moved indoors.
City of Montreal Website
Travel back in time at a vintage flea market
When: Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Église Saint-Ambroise – 6510, rue de Normanville
Why You Need To Go: Sure, it would be nice to go back just a few weeks in time to when the days were longer and warmer, and exam season was months away. But why settle for a few more weeks of summer 2024 when you can travel all the way back to a simpler, groovier era with a quick trip to a flea market in La Petite-Patrie?
Le Marché Vintage is all things retro with over 35 vendors selling the coolest, hippest vintage clothing, jewelry, vinyl, accessories, and random oddities in the city.
Admission to the market is free, so you can browse and listen to sick retro beats by in-house vinyl DJ Patrick all day long without breaking the bank.
Practice yoga on Mount Royal
When: Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Address: Café des Amis, Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors – 2000, ch. Remembrance
Why You Need To Go: Stressed about the cooler seasons ahead? Still not over the Halloween decorations lining the aisles of Dollarama, and adorning the porches of your neighbours who are just a little too on top of things? Then relax, unwind, and let go of your end-of-summer blues with a free yoga session amidst the calming nature of Mont-Royal Park.
Led by yoga instructor, Reiki master, and quantum healing hypnotist, Pascale Bouchard, this yoga session promises to nourish your mind, body, and soul with a slow and gentle yoga style that’s open to all levels. In celebration of International Peace Day, it will be followed by a guided relaxation and meditation with Heartfulness Montreal.
Since the colour white symbolizes peace, dressing in comfortable white clothing is encouraged for this weekend’s session, according to the Eventbrite page.
So forget your worries, put on some warm, comfy white clothes, grab your yoga mat and a water bottle, and let your wallet (nama)stay at home this Saturday morning.
Celebrate the arts in all its forms at FAE Montreal
When: Thursday, September 19 to Friday, September 27
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Festival des Arts Entrelacés (FAE) is a celebration of art in all its forms, where local interdisciplinary artists are encouraged to take risks and try new things. It's also a place where the lines between performer, audience, producer, the arts community, and the general public become blurred in a playful and innovative way.
Dedicated to sustainability and reparative action, the second edition of the festival kicks off this week in venues across the city that will bring diverse artists and the public together in inspiring and immersive events.
Free events include an opening ceremony with a drum circle and powwow, a creative art-hike and dance jam on Mount Royal, a 'Send in the Clowns' jazz performance and community parade at Café Viger, and a potluck picnic at Tam Tams, where the public can meet and greet FAE artists.
Go on a historic walking tour of the Square Mile
The Allan Memorial Institute at McGill University.
Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums
When: Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Address: Roddick Gates – 15a, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why You Need To Go: It’s back-to-school time, so why not hit up an event that appeals to both the brains and the jocks?
Get a little exercise and a whole lotta learning in with the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums Young Friends on this informative walking tour of Montreal’s historic Square Mile district.
Hosted by author and McGill University School of Architecture professor Nancy Dutton, this free tour will be given in both English and French, and will commence from McGill's Roddick Gates at 10 a.m. sharp. So put on some comfy shoes and don't be late for this educational yet fun stroll through Montreal's vibrant and historic core.
Transform your jewelry with a remodelling workshop
When: Friday, September 20 at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Address: Montreal Art Center and Museum – 1842, rue William
Why You Need To Go: As part of Montreal Fashion Week, one-of-a-kind jewelry company 'Asymmetric by Design' is hosting a series of jewelry remodelling workshops this weekend.
With a focus on sustainable fashion, eco-design, and upcycling, the free and bilingual workshop will teach you all you need to know to repair and revamp your jewelry, protecting both the planet and your savings account.
No experience is required to learn how to transform outdated jewelry into stylish, modern designs, adjust necklace lengths without tools, and create new earrings out of existing pieces.
Workshop spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP to reserve your spot as soon as possible.
person holding brown teacupPhoto by 
A rendering of McGill University's 'New Vic,' a future campus on the site of the former Royal Victoria Hospital.
McGill's redevelopment includes green roofs, a round central pavilion and sloped lawns.
McGill's redevelopment appears to include unique architectural design details, such as a spiral stairway and arched walkway.
A closer look at McGill University's 'New Vic' project. 
People walk along an arched stairway, as others sit below it. 
People in a round building with a transparent roof.
McGill's redevelopment includes a public rooftop and green roofs where sedums will be planted.
A view of the public rooftop space overlooking Montreal's downtown skyline.