With a little bit of everything for everyone, here are 11 free things to do in Montreal this weekend:
Participate in a garden workshop
When: Saturday, June 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Nourishing Garden on Av. du Mont-Royal (located between rue Fabre and rue Garnier)
Why You Need To Go: This workshop covers the most common pests and diseases that can affect our urban vegetable gardens. Kristen, who will give the workshop has worked in the field of community-based urban agriculture and food justice for over a decade. Through her business Ecogardens by Kiki, she helps community members and organizations successfully create and maintain their own vegetable gardens.
Cool off at the Verdun Beach
When: June 15 to September 2 — daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 4110, boul. LaSalle
Why You Need To Go: Located behind the Verdun Auditorium, the beach has excellent public transit access, with the De l’Église metro station nearby as well as two bus lines (routes 37 and 12). It is also accessible by bike along the waterfront bicycle path. The beach access is free of charge.
Catch the fireworks in Montreal
When: June 27 to August 1
Where: Recommended lookout points include the Old Port, Mount Royal Park, Clock Tower Beach, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge and Village au Pied-du-Courant
Why You Need To Go: While access to the world's most prestigious fireworks competition isn't technically free — in fact, it costs upwards of $65 to get a seat at La Ronde, where the festival is based — no one can charge us for looking up at the sky. And if we just so happen to witness magical-looking explosions of colourful light, as international pyrotechnic firms battle it out to see which country puts on the most dazzling show, whose fault is that? Certainly not ours.
Enjoy a free Montreal Jazz Festival show
When: June 27 to July 6
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal International Jazz Festival is probably already a fixture on every local's annual summer bucket list — and this 44th edition features massive names like André 3000, Norah Jones, Laufey and Killer Mike. While you shouldn't expect to see headliners without a ticket, Jazz Fest organizers are promising that two-thirds of the 350+ shows will be completely free. That's around 230 concerts your wallet will love as much as your ears do! The festival covers a variety of genres, but jazz lovers, and those looking to explore jazz music for the first time, are sure to be particularly satisfied.
Spend Canada in Montreal's Old Port
When: July 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: While Montreal's Canada Day parade may be cancelled, the Old Port is hosting an array of festivities to celebrate Canada's big day. Montrealers can attend the salute of honour by the Canadian armed forces and the swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians. The night also offers a rich program with activities for everyone, including a play area, Parks Canada workshops, children's makeup, free mini cupcakes, a relaxation space, and a musical performance by DJ Hools.
Spend an after at the Clock Tower Beach
When: From June 14 to September 2 the Clock Tower Beach will be open Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: The Clock Tower Beach features heaps of soft, silky sand, lounge chairs, colourful parasols and a wooden boardwalk. While swimming isn’t allowed, refreshing mist stations set up along the beach take the edge off of the summer heat. Located at the base of the Clock Tower, the beach affords a spectacular vantage of the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Île Sainte-Hélène and Old Montréal.
Eat your way through a Korean food festival
When: Sunday, June 30 at 12 p.m.
Where: 755, ch. du Sablon Laval, QC
Why You Need To Go: Guests are invited to the Taste of Korea Festival and discover Korea in Laval. You can enjoy delicious Korean and Asian dishes such as Tteokbokki, Bulgogi, snacks, Korean coffee, and much more! Make your own Dalgona candy (as seen in Squid Game), and play traditional Korean games like Ddakji chigi, Tuho, Al-kka-gi, and more! Try on a Hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and explore a travel opportunity to Korea! Spaces are limited, so it's important to register.
Get pumped with a running club
When: Sunday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Sir-Wilfred-Laurier Park — 5200, rue de Brébeuf
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers are invited to join this running community to discover a new way to socialize while honing their skills. Expect good vibes and new connections, a full-body Tabata-style workout with warm-up and cooldown, a team circuit-style finisher, and chances to win giveaway prizes from our partners, all while enjoying snacks and refreshments. Don't forget to bring a water bottle and sweat towel. Drop in and pay what you can!
Zen out with a free yoga session
When: Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m.
Where: Quai-de-la-Tortue — 5900, boul. LaSalle
Why You Need To Go: You can zen out at this free yoga session in the park. The event is open to all ages and levels and will be completely bilingual, this way everyone can participate. You will be guided by yoga instructor Carla Conde while overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. While the event is free to attend, donations are welcome.
Participate in a free outdoor boxing class
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When: Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m.
Where: 3453, av. Kent
Why You Need To Go: Puma Boxing MTL is hosting a free outdoor fitness boxing class in Parc Kent. The session is open to all ages and fitness levels, so bring your family, friends or gym pals to give fitness boxing a try. Personal equipment is required. You'll also get a free water bottle.
Stand-up comedy show in the park
A group of people sitting in a Montreal park watching a free comedy show.
Courtesy of Comedy Gang MTL
When: Saturday, June 29 at 7:45 p.m.
Where: Girouard Park – 3500, av. Girouard
Why You Need To Go: For the past three years, this event has been a beloved summer tradition, offering top-notch comedy amidst the park's scenic beauty. Now in its fourth year, the Comedy Gang promises exciting surprises for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce residents and visitors. This free show, supported by donations, guarantees a fun-filled community gathering. Bring your blankets, drinks, and chairs for a cozy night of entertainment on the outfield of the baseball diamond at the corner of av. Girouard and ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Antoine.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
