18 bucket list things to do in Montreal this August
August in Montreal is all about squeezing every last drop of summer fun before the season shifts. The city turns into a playground of endless activities, from foot-tapping musical performances to the clang of caber tossing at the Highland Games in Verdun. Every corner of the city seems to be throwing its own party, and you're invited.
The air is thick with the smell of street food and the laughter of those making the most of the waning days of summer. Montreal Pride energizes the city with a parade and performances, celebrating LGBTQ+ community spirit and inclusivity. Meanwhile, Osheaga Music Festival keeps the city's pulse high.
Celebrate Pride at Fierte Montreal
When: August 1 to August 11
Where: The Gay Village and various locations
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's Pride festival will celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ community with performances on a huge stage at the Olympic Stadium's esplanade on August 8, 9 and 10, finishing with the Pride parade on August 11 at 1 p.m.
Fierte Montreal websitePasta la Vista: Find the best Italian food at Italfest
When: August 2 to August 11
Where: Little Italy and Quartier des Spectacles
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate Montreal's Italian heritage with over 500,000 attendees and enjoy heaps of Italian food, and explore public concerts, opera, and comedy acts across the city.
Experience next-gen visuals at MUTEK
When: August 20 to August 25
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: $110 per day or $350 for a festival pass
Why You Need To Go: MUTEK is the ultimate fusion of music and visual art, pushing the boundaries with cutting-edge technology and innovative methods. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, MUTEK features over 100 sonic and visual artists. Performances will take place at Place des Festivals, with special shows at MTelus, SAT, Theatre Maisonneuve, and an exclusive event at New City Gas.
JOAT international street dance festival
When: August 27 to September 2
Where: Place des Festivals
Cost: From $55 for JOAT battle tickets
Why You Need To Go: This festival features over 150 street dance artists showcasing styles like breaking, popping, hip-hop, and krump. Enjoy high-level battles, workshops, master classes, and activities for all ages and skill levels.
Get on board MR-63, Montreal's new Metro-themed dining hub
When: August 22
Where: 1101, rue Ottawa, Montreal, QC
Cost: From $63
Why You Need To Go: What started as the MR-63 popup cafe last summer has now evolved into a full-fledged playground of Montreal's old Metro cars, joined and stacked together like Lego blocks in a downtown dining and arts hub. The launch party will offer a first look at the space and provide a unique experience in this creative new venue.
MR-63 website
Osheaga
When: August 2 to August 4
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC
Cost: $165 per day or $320+ for a weekend pass
Why You Need To Go: Osheaga is the place to see some of the biggest names in music at Parc Jean-Drapeau. This year’s lineup includes Green Day, Martin Garrix, The Smashing Pumpkins, Justice, Noah Kahan, SZA, and many more over three jam-packed days. Last year saw a record-breaking 155,000 attendees, and this iconic festival has been rocking the island since 2006.
Weeb out at Otakuthon
When: August 2 to August 4
Where: Palais des congrès
Cost: Multi-day admission $75, Saturday admission $60
Why You Need To Go: Otakuthon 2024 is a must-attend for anime enthusiasts, featuring special guests like Yasuharu Takanashi, Chris Hackney, Burnout Syndromes, Hyper Core, and Yuriko Yamaguchi. Enjoy concerts, panels, and cosplay competitions, all packed into one exciting event.
Otakuthon website
Celebrate Indigenous Multinations at IFPF
When: August 6 to August 15
Where: Place des Festivals
Cost: Free entry
Why You Need To Go: The International First Peoples' Festival highlights Indigenous cultures through concerts, film competitions, exhibitions, and traditional performances. This ten-day event offers a deep dive into the imagination and cultural roots of Indigenous nations, featuring over 60 competing films and various performances.
Soar high at the Montgolfières Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: August 9 to 11 and August 15 to 18
Where: 5, chemin de l'Aéroport, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
Cost: From $41 for a day pass
Why You Need To Go: Experience the breathtaking sight of colourful hot air balloons filling the sky, along with various entertainment options including live music, activities, and food vendors.
Watch the Red Bull cliff-diving finals in the Old Port
When: August 24 and August 25
Where: Grand Quai du Port de Montréal
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Witness mind-blowing aerial moves as divers compete for a place on the podium. This event is part of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, offering a thrilling experience as athletes push the boundaries in a new season of diving.
Red Bull websiteExperience the Montreal Highland Games
When: August 4
Where: Douglas Hospital grounds, Verdun, QC
Cost: $20
Why You Need To Go: Since 1855, the Montreal Highland Games has celebrated Scottish sport, music, and culture. Enjoy Scottish athletics, pipe bands, highland dancing, medieval battles, and Celtic music. Participate in the tug of war, indulge in whisky tasting at the Fiddlers' Tent, and catch performances by Mariner's Curse and Gleadhraich from Scotland.
Indulge at the Montreal Street Food Festival
When: August 15 to August 18
Where: Old Port waterfront
Cost: $4 admission
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Street Food Festival transforms the Old Port into the city's largest night market, featuring over 40 local eateries. Enjoy a culinary journey with dishes from Thailand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Venezuela, Spain, Portugal, the Philippines, and more. Besides the diverse food offerings, the festival includes live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and stunning views of the Old Port.
Groove to the beat at ILE SONIQ
When: August 10 and August 11
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC
Cost: $140 per day or $235 for a weekend pass
Why You Need To Go: ILE SONIQ Montreal brings together top electronic music artists like Zedd, Tiesto, Ben Böhmer, Sub Focus & Dimension, and Gioli & Assia for an unforgettable weekend of music and dancing.
Immerse in culture at the Orientalys Festival
When: August 8 to August 11
Where: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port, Montreal, QC
Cost: Free entry
Why You Need To Go: The Orientalys Festival offers a journey through the rich cultures of the Orient, featuring music and dance performances, interactive activities, and workshops. Experience the vibrant traditions of North Africa, China, India, Iran, Lebanon, Vietnam, and more in a medina setting that spans from Morocco to Japan.
Orientalys Festival
Savour the flavours at Les Rendez-vous Gourmands
When: August 23 to 25, 2024
Where: Jardins des Floralies, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC
Cost: $50 event passport for 6 dishes
Reason to go: Les Rendez-vous gourmands celebrates the best of local cuisine, featuring well-known chefs and restaurateurs, led by Kamúy chef Paul Toussaint. Enjoy tasting local produce, stopping at food trucks, listening to music, and a stroll through one of Montreal's most beautiful green spaces. This event marks the 150th anniversary of Parc Jean-Drapeau and promises an exceptional culinary experience in an enchanting setting.
More at: parcjeandrapeau.com
Decorate delicious cupcakes at MJ's Workshop
When: Saturday, August 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Jaimée Sweets & Cie, 1051 Avenue Bernard, Montreal, QC
Cost: $42
Why You Need To Go: The workshop offers hands-on experience with various icings, buttercream colouring, piping techniques, and creative decoration. Your ticket covers the two-hour workshop, three handmade cupcakes to decorate, all necessary tools and ingredients, and a coffee or tea.
Jaimees Sweets website
Experience the OSM's Mediterranean journey at the Olympic Park
When: August 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Esplanade of the Olympic Park, Montreal, QC
Cost: Free
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy a mesmerizing musical journey with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) and conductor Rafael Payare. Hosted by André Robitaille, this performance features works like Berlioz's Roman Carnival, Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini, Tawadros' oud pieces, and Respighi's Pines of Rome. Sounds of the Middle East will also highlight traditional instruments like the oud accompanying the OSM's performance. As a free show, it's already attracted over 40,000 people on Facebook, so be sure to show up early to get a good spot.
Take pretty pictures at the Sunflower Festival
When: Select dates from August 16 to September 2
Where: 75 Rte 201, Coteau-du-Lac, QC
Cost: $19.50+
Why You Need To Go: A short drive from Montreal takes you to breathtaking fields of flowers with a festive atmosphere perfect for family and friends. Create your own bouquets from over 60 varieties of sunflowers, explore an enchanted village, and capture unforgettable photos. It's an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
