March in Montreal marks the end of this year’s mild winter weather and the start of Spring with tons of events. Outdoor festivals are making a comeback, with venues opening to the public all night long for Nuit Blanche. The St. Patrick’s Day parade is around the corner and music tours are ramping up to bring your favourite artists out of hibernation.
Here are some of the unique, artistic, and hands-on things to do in March:
Stay up all night at Nuit Blanche
When: March 2
Where: Quartier des Spectacles and other locations
Cost: Free
Reason to go: Spring break in Montreal marks the tail end of the winter and the annual tradition of Nuit Blanche. The all-night event allows everyone to explore the city unusually - with the Metro, museums, skating, bars, restaurants, and cinemas open all night long.
Musical performances will play at Quartier des Spectacles and free shows at places like the PHI Centre, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and many more. So let's dive into the events and festivals kicking off the first weekend of March with the finale of Montréal en Lumières.
Celebrate Quebec culture at Cabaret des Curiosités
When: March 1, 7 p.m.
Where: Le National, 1220, rue Sainte-Catherine Est
Cost: $13
Reason to go: Cabaret des Curiosités is a uniquely Quebecois stage show, with the wildest collection of performances to blow your mind and make you laugh out loud. Performances will feature America’s Got Talent-famed metal vocalists, The Growlers, along with a famous jingle composer, a magician, and films by more directors than you’d think could fit within the three-hour window.
Enjoy the magic at Disney On Ice
The Disney On Ice: Magic In The Stars poster.
Courtesy of Evenko
When: February 28 to March 3, 2024
Where: Place Bell — 1950 rue Claude-Gagné
Cost: Tickets range in price depending on the seat section
Reason to go: Disney on Ice merges the enchanting narratives of Disney with the skillful performances of ice skaters, crafting an immersive experience that brings beloved Disney stories to life for audiences to enjoy firsthand.
Make fashion finds at the M.A.D. Festival pop-up market
When: March 2, from 11:30 a.m. to March 3, 1 a.m.
Where: Time Out Market
Cost: Free
Reason to go: This fashion festival market will feature over 30 creators and designers displaying their styles. You can bop while you shop to DJ sets from Teo2K, Frigid, Frase & Kola, and Santofuego.
Play games 'til 6 a.m. at Arcade MTL
When: March 2 from 2 p.m. to March 3 at 6 a.m.
Where: 2031, rue Saint-Denis
Cost: $9.50
Reason to go: Arcade MTL offers retro gaming with over 20 arcade games included with entry. They regularly host tournaments, and the bar offers tons of game-themed cocktails, with non-alcoholic options available. Nuit Blanche gives you the chance to chase high scores until dawn, with the metro open all night so you can stay for another round of games and drinks.
Explore Frederic-Back Park on snowshoes
When: Saturdays and Sundays until March 23
Where: Parc Frédéric-Back, TOHU, 2345, rue Jarry Est
Cost: Free
Reason to go: Guided snowshoe tours in Montreal’s Frédéric-Back Park are an opportunity to see an otherworldly landscape in the winter. La TOHU also gives you the chance to try out snowshoeing without the rental cost; their ticket reservations open every Monday at 10 a.m. for the following weekend.
More at tohu.ca
Dance to 90s hits at Cabaret Berlin
When: March 15, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cabaret Berlin, 1982, rue Sainte-Catherine Est
Cost: $14+
Reason to go: You can relive the era of baggy jeans and frosted tips as 90s pop stars like Madonna, Britney Spears, and the Backstreet Boys soundtrack your evening. Just steps from Papineau Metro, this hidden bar transports patrons to another era.
Catch a scandalous Star Wars burlesque show
When: Starts March 27
Where: Le National, 1220, rue Sainte-Catherine Est
Cost: $44+
Reason to go: The familiar saga of a galaxy far, far away is now a strip show with 'troopers from The Empire Strips Back storming Le National to take off their clothes. Their version of the space opera will turn you to the dark side, with Mandalorians, rebels, drones, Jedi, and even a sexy Ewok making an appearance.
Cheer on the Montreal Canadiens
When: March 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: 1909, av. des Canadiens-de-Montreal
Cost: $230+
Reason to go: You can experience the age-old rivalry between the Habs and Leafs firsthand, while also witnessing Montreal climb back from the depths of the 2024 standings. The atmosphere is always electric with passionate fans and you could be one of them.
Learn graffiti lettering at the MEM
When: March 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1210, boul. Saint-Laurent
Cost: Free
Reason to go: The MEM is hosting a workshop to learn from Lorem Ipsum, an artist who puts their calligraphy on just about anything he can find. The class is open to anyone looking to create a unique tag and add a personal touch to the world around you.
More at memmtl.ca
Get covered in goop at a GWAR show
When: March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Théâtre Beanfield, 2490, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Cost: $52
Reason to go: GWAR is known for making complete chaos happen at their live shows, often spraying colourful NSFW liquids onto their fans while wearing wild monster costumes in the name of fun. The shock-rock-turned-punk/metal band is known for going over the top with just about every element of their performances. If you want to get grossed out, laugh, and rock out all in the same place, this is your chance to see the band in action.
Watch Vivian and Edward's love spark at The Pretty Woman musical
When: March 5 to 10
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Cost: $49
Reason to go: After a record-breaking run on Broadway, Pretty Woman: The Musical is bringing the iconic 1990 movie to life in Montreal. You can experience the comedy, drama, and romance through song and dance for five days only. Plus, you'll get to hear the original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.
Take in the view from one of Montreal's highest restaurants
Where: 1, pl. Ville-Marie
Reason to go: Mount Royal’s view of the city is great, but Place Ville Marie offers Montreal’s best, and you won’t have to climb all of those stairs. The penthouse floors that once hosted a nightclub and observation deck, are now home to three restaurants offering an elevated dining experience, literally.
If you’re looking for something blending French pub food with American cuisine, Les Enfants Terribles on the 44th is for you. If you’re more in the mood for high-grade sushi, Sora45 on the 45th will 'maki' you happy. Or if you’re looking for French-Japanes fusion, there's Hiatus on the 46th floor.
Get in on the action at APIK Street Ski & Snowboard Competition
When: March 1 to 3
Where: Latin Quarter
Cost: Free
Reason to go: This extreme ski and snowboard competition sets up ramps and rails right on the street, so you can catch pro-level winter sports athletes flying right over your head. Participants will be competing for cash prizes by pulling the biggest stunts on the urban incline, and it's open to the public if you feel like registering to take part.
Learn more about bugs at the Montreal Insect Expo
When: March 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Dawson College, 3040, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Cost: $13/adult; $7/youth
Reason to go: Bugs can be cute, according to the organizers of the largest invertebrate expo in Canada. There’s also much to learn about the little critters that inspired Pokémon. The Salon des Insectes de Montréal will teach you all you need to know about adopting beetles or butterflies as pets. You can also get plants, reptiles and art as part of the showcase.
Feast at Montreal's sugar shack festival
When:
- Thursday, March 21, 2024: 5pm to 9pm
- Friday, March 22, 2024: 5pm to 10pm
- Saturday, March 23, 2024: 11am to 6pm
- Sunday, March 24, 2024: 11am to 5pm
Where: Promenade Wellington, Verdun
Reason to go: You can sample maple-infused food, listen to Quebec folk tunes, and witness lumberjack competitions as part of Verdun's annual sugar shack street festival. If you've never had maple taffy poured on ice, this is your chance.
Hum along at the Final Fantasy vs. Legend of Zelda Concert
When: March 23 (Sold out), March 24, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Salle Marguerite-Bourgeoys 1750, rue Sauriol East
Cost: $52
Reason to go: You can hear two of the most iconic videogame soundtracks duke it out live thanks to a wind-powered orchestra. The Orchestre à vents de musiques de films is playing back-to-back concerts that pit the Nintendo and PlayStation franchises against each other. The first night is sold out, so they've added a second performance.
Celebrate Irish heritage at the Saint Patrick's Day parade
Girls in green coats dance in the street as part of the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Montreal.
United Irish Societies of Montreal | Facebook
When: March 17, noon to 3 p.m.Where: Fort and Maisonneuve to Jeanne-Mance
Cost: Free
Reason to go: The energy in Montreal is at an all-time high when Saint Patrick’s Day lines up with the parade on the same day. It's a lucky year and a great time to celebrate Irish heritage in Montreal, which dates back hundreds of years.
Jam to Damian and Stephen Marley
When: March 26, 8 p.m.
Where: MTelus, 59, rue Saine-Catherine Est
Cost: $238
Reason to go: Stephen and Damien Marley will merge their dad’s reggae legacy with their personal hip-hop and dancehall styles, all framed around social justice and equality themes. You can expect a night where music meets activism, delivered by two of Bob Marley’s own.
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