Here are seven free things to do in Montreal this weekend.
Jam out to free porch concerts
When: May 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Various porches across the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. The locations for Saturday's performances can be found here, while those on Sunday can be found here.
Why You Need To Go: In Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Porchfest brings local musicians to neighbourhood front porches for a weekend of music. Inspired by a tradition in Ithaca, New York, it's a chance to explore the area's musical talent and architecture while enjoying free concerts. All you need is a pair of walking shoes.
More about porch concerts in Montreal
Join a yoga for beginners course
A poster for an upcoming free yoga session in Montreal.
Courtesy of Isha Foundation
When: May 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 7355, av. Christophe-Colomb, Room #02
Why You Need To Go: Guests are invited to join a free 90-minute yoga session designed to be transformative. Experience the power of seven simple yet effective practices, including directional arm movements and neck exercises, to unlock health, joy, and inner peace. This session aims to provide relief from chronic ailments, improve sleep quality, and enhance focus. Suitable for individuals aged seven and older, minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Learn about buying your first home
A poster for an upcoming first-time home owners seminar in Montreal.
Courtesy of Shahram Valghan
When: May 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 4150, rue Sherbrooke O., Suite #100
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers interested in purchasing their first home can attend an informative seminar designed for first-time buyers, featuring a panel of experts including a mortgage broker, real estate broker, insurance broker, and home inspector. Guests will be able to gain valuable insights on mortgages, property selection, insurance, and home inspections as well as engage in interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions, and receive practical tips to make your home-buying journey smoother and more successful.
Stroll through a pop-up flea market
A poster for an upcoming pop-flea market in Montreal.
Courtesy of Esc
When: May 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: ESC — 2023, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: You can browse through unique discoveries, vintage gems, and exclusive treasures. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply adore a great bargain, this event is tailor-made for you. Visitors can explore an array of vendors showcasing everything from stylish apparel and accessories to charming home decor and artisanal crafts.
Sing your heart out at an open mic night
A poster for an upcoming open mic night at a Montreal restaurant.
Courtesy of Plateau Bistro
When: May 17 at 8 p.m.
Where: 901, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: Guests can dive into those good Friday vibes at Plateau Bistro in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal. You can enjoy themed nights highlighting diverse talents. The fun also continues with Cheap Shots Fridays, where $4 shots are served all night long. While admission is totally free, reserving a spot on the event page is required. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.
Browse through a book fair
A poster for an upcoming book fair in Montreal.
Courtesy of the Arabic Canadian Book Fair
When: May 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Dar Al Maghrib — 515, av. Viger E.
Why You Need To Go: The Arabic Canadian Book Fair will feature books from 25 publishers across eight Arab countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Mauritania, and Syria. Additionally, there will be bookstores and publishers from Quebec and Ontario. Books will be available in Arabic, French, and English. Over the two days, Dar Al-Maghrib and the Arabic Canadian Book Fair will present a vibrant literary and musical program. There will also be illustration and storytelling sessions for children throughout the event.
Zen out with a free meditation session
A poster for an upcoming meditation course in Montreal.
Courtesy of Isha Foundation
When: May 18 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 7355, av. Christophe-Colomb, Room #02
Why You Need To Go: This free guided meditation, Isha Kriya, requires only 12-18 minutes of your time. It's a straightforward process that you can easily learn and practice at home, at work, or wherever you find yourself. Experience the potential for enhanced clarity, improved health, and profound joy through this meditation. The free session is suitable for ages 12 and above, with minors aged 12-17 encouraged to participate alongside a parent or guardian.
Catch the spring bloom before it's over
When: April to May
Where: Various parks across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: With most trees (cherry blossoms, magnolias and crab apples) in full bloom, now is the perfect time to catch them in their glory. With only a week or so left before their magnificent petals hit the ground, you can venture over to several spots across Montreal to spot cherry blossoms and other trees including Parc Angrignon, Parc Ahuntsic, the Montreal Botanical Garden, Chinatown's Sakura Garden, the Mount Royal Cemetery (spooky and pretty, the perfect combo) and Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation. Additionally, you can also enjoy a picnic under the cherry trees at the Botanical Garden this Sunday (additional fee).
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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