Luckily, we've compiled a list of free activities in Montreal this weekend. From cultural and food festivals, the Just For Laughs show, and beach access, all the way to stand-up comedy sets and guided tours across the city, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are 13 free things to do in Montreal this weekend (July 19 to 21):
Festival RU
When: July 11 to 21
Where: Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent (at Mont-Royal and Cartier)
Why You Need To Go: RU Festival will return to Mont-Royal Avenue in its pre-pandemic format. The event will occur from Thursday to Sunday over two weekends at Parc des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent (Mont-Royal and Cartier). It aims to offer a diverse and high-quality music, visual arts, theatre, slam poetry, and dance program, featuring established and emerging artists. The festival will also provide participatory creative activities for the public, with over 35 performances scheduled this year.
Laugh it up with Kickback Comedy Party at JFL
When: July 18 to 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Scène Vidéotron — Place des Festivals
Why You Need To Go: With Just For Laughs officially making its comeback, you can catch none other than Montreal's very own Eva Alexo and Erika Suarez host the Sept à Huit happy hour session at the outdoor stage. You'll be able to enjoy stand-up comedians, fun and interactive games and some hilarious anecdotes from host Eva herself.
Festival International Nuit d'Afrique
When: July 9 to 21
Where: Various venues in Montreal
Why You Need To Go: More than 700 artists from 30 countries are expected to come together this year to bring Montreal its cherished African nights, spent grooving to the rhythms of African, Caribbean and Latin American music. The unforgettable cultural festival, now in its 38th year, won't unveil its schedule until May 28. But last year, it included six days of free outdoor programming and this year's event should be similar.
Enjoy a flick at the Fantasia Film Festival
When: July 18 to August 4
Where: Multiple Montreal cinemas
Why You Need To Go: Back for its 28th edition, North America's largest 'genre' film festival bridges the gap between the cutting edge and the mainstream, providing audience members — from industry pros to emerging artists to local fans — with the opportunity to see some of the best productions Canadian cinema has to offer. While many of the 300+ films require tickets, Fantasia also offers free programming each year. In 2023, all family-friendly "My First Fantasia" screenings were free, as were a couple of artist talks, a special screening of Jour de merde and more.
Catch the Montreal fireworks
When: June 27 to August 1
Where: The Old Port, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, which is closed to vehicular traffic on firework evenings, the Concorde Bridge, and the Mont-Royal Park lookout are some of the top spots to get a full view of the fireworks festival, without spending a penny.
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 poutine at Le Grand PoutineFest
When: July 17 to 28
Where: Old Port
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can prepare to stuff their faces with Quebec's most iconic dish…poutine! Guests will be able to enjoy an array of poutine flavours and styles with former years offering up creations including general tao poutine, butter chicken poutine and a Tex-Mex mix on the chips, cheese and gravy concoction. Entry is completely free!
Enjoy a Vietnamese street food festival
When: July 18 to 21
Where: Bassin Peel — 1049, rue de la Commune O.
Why You Need To Go: Chợ Đêm MTL is returning for its second edition this summer at Montreal's Bassin Peel where Vietnamese culture will be on full display. The food festival will run along the waterfront of the Lachine Canal and include eating stations, live performances of both modern and folk songs and dance, V-pop, Vietnamese martial arts and more.
Take a dip 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.
Enjoy a free gardening workshop
When: Saturday, July 20 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: Composition of a bouquet by Fleurs en ville: In this workshop, guests will learn some basic techniques and tips to learn how to compose a simple, country-style bouquet to brighten up a room. The bouquet will be assembled from floral harvests at the Garden as well as from the Fleurs en ville farm, located on the roof of the Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles and in the open field at Île-Bizard.
Spend an afternoon 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.
Participate in a UNO game night tournament
A poster for an upcoming UNO game tournament in Montreal.
Courtesy of PHMCC Café
When: Friday, July 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: 4230, boul. Saint-Jean (Suite #217)
Why You Need To Go: Calling all UNO lovers! Bring your A-game and get ready to show off your card-playing skills. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun.
Laugh it up at Comedy on Crescent
When: Friday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
Where: La Poubelle Magnifique — 1221, rue Crescent
Why You Need To Go: Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, I've brought together some of the city's best comedians for an unforgettable night of Comedy. Gorgeous venue, with great drinks, and fantastic jokes. Comedy on Crescent is about fun for everyone. No Bigots. No Phobes. Just Jokes, the event description reads.
Take part in a free walking tour of Quartier des Spectacles
When: Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m.
Where: Place des Festivals (rue Sainte-Catherine and rue Balmoral)
Why You Need To Go: This guided tour takes participants on a journey through time, exploring picturesque streets, historic buildings, and cultural and academic Francophone institutions. From the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) to Espace St-Denis, and from Le Bordel Comédie Club to the Jeanne-Mance Habitations, guests will uncover the well-kept secrets and fascinating stories of the Latin Quarter. From its origins as an intellectual hub of French America to its evolution into a vibrant student and artistic district, Justin Bur leads this exploration for the Quartier des Spectacles partnership.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
The vibrant outdoor seating area at Ciel Rose. Courtesy of Ciel Rose
Flowers and hanging plants adorn the terrasse at Ciel Rose. Courtesy of Ciel Rose
A bartender pouring shots behind the bar. Right: A collection of colourful cocktails in tall glasses. Courtesy of Ciel Rose
Packed paddleboards.Courtesy of Aqua MTL