9 things to do in Montreal during the Labour Day long weekend
From free film screenings to fetish events and boozy beach days. ☀️
Busy, summery weekends at Village du Pied-du-Courant.
Labour Day weekend is fast approaching, which comes as good news for some Montrealers. It means the start of autumn (sort of), back-to-school season, and a much-needed long weekend to rest and recharge after a chaotic summer in the city.
But for other people, Labour Day weekend sucks. It means the end of summer fun and the return of class schedules, short days, and boots. So, why not make the most of the weekend and end the summer on a high note?
From Fierté Montréal and Osheaga, to the Grand Prix and more street festivals than we can count, summer 2024 has been a wild ride. With that in mind, here are nine things to do during the Labour Day long weekend in Montreal that'll help you send the season off with a bang.
Be a film snob on a budget at L'Estival du nouveau cinéma
Price: Free
When: August 29 to September 1, starting at 6 p.m.
Address: Esplanade Tranquille, Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This is a four-night free film festival. Get cozy in a deck chair and watch some cinematic faves in ultra-HD on the largest outdoor screen in the city. The screenings are followed up with surprise entertainment – which could be anything from DJs to food tastings to meeting the filmmakers.
Estival du nouveau cinéma details
Check out the JOAT Festival de street dance
Price: Varies
When: August 27 to September 2
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: After whatever we all saw go down at the Paris Olympics (we’re looking at you, Australia), it’s safe to say we could all benefit from seeing what street dance is actually supposed to look like. Besides battle breaking and battle hip hop, there are also exhibitions, concerts, and free workshops across several locations in the city.
Attend a themed party in an alleyway at the Festival des arts de ruelle
Price: Free to attend, refreshments sold
When: August 26 to September 8
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: If you’re looking for something fanciful to do over the long weekend, why not dress up in costume and go party in the street? Tucked into various alleys in boroughs across the city, the Festival des arts de ruelle (FAR) is a collection of parades-turned-performances-turned block parties, each with their own unique theme. There will be an aerobics theme (think lots of fluorescent spandex and sweat bands) on August 30. Other themes include “Underwater,” “Pirates,” “Victorian,” and “High Fantasy.”
Dance it out at Piknic Électronik
Price: $24 plus tax
When: Every Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m. until October 6
Address: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: If you’re at all into dance and party culture in this town, you’ve heard of Piknic Électronik. Every weekend offers its own unique lineup of DJs and musicians, along with good food, good drinks, and good company.
Reflect on the past year at the Sony World Photography Awards 2024
Price: Free
When: August 29 to October 14
Address: Promenade des Artistes, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Sony World Photography Awards are one of the most prestigious photography awards in the entire world. This year’s collection of potential winners is a roundup of the best and most impactful photos taken across the world in the past year, whittled down from 395,000 entries from over 220 countries and territories. Though this hasn’t been confirmed, we would like to offer a trigger warning that there will almost certainly be photos on display depicting current warzones, including Gaza and Ukraine.
Sony World Photography Awards information
Experience the past and future of Québecois art at Festival Trad Montreal
Price: Varies
When: August 29 to September 1
Address: Parcs Ahuntsic et Patro Villeray, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This festival is the synthesis of contemporary Quebec artists working in traditional Québecois media. Enjoy the richness of local music, dance, storytelling, cuisine, and artisanal creations. Access to different events vary in price, from free for students to $55 for a three-day dance passport.
Celebrate Montreal’s Asian heritage at Marché de nuit asiatique
Price: Free entry, $4 to $12 per dish
When: August 29 to September 1
Address: Chinatown, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This is Montreal’s answer to East Asia’s famous night markets. Experience and celebrate many of Montréal’s Asian communities through art installations, performances, workshops, and street food from the best Asian restaurants in town. You’ll definitely have a list of restaurants to visit on your phone by the end of the night!
Get freaky at the Montreal Fetish Weekend
Price: $50 to $200
When: August 28 to September 2
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Montréal Fetish Weekend is Canada’s largest fetish gathering, with kinky people flying into town all the way from Europe and Asia to attend. Afternoon events are focused on workshops and community-building, with spicier events as the evening goes on. This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it’s yours, you won’t want to miss it.
Party with your dog on the beach at Village du Pied-du-Courant
Price: Free before 7 p.m., $5 after 7 p.m.
When: August 29 to August 31
Address: Parc du Pied-du-Courant, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Drinks and DJs on the beach already sounds like a great way to spend a summer evening, but what makes these events special (for us, at least) is that you are allowed to bring your furry friends to the function. Roll up to the Saint-Laurence River with your besties (human or otherwise), and enjoy the summer breeze while your canine companion tears it up on the dance floor.
Have a great long weekend, Montreal!
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