7 free things to do in Montreal this weekend
Free, fun and festive.
A person break dancing. Right: A performance during Montreal's Italian Festival.
Montreal, it's that time again — the weekend!
While you might be tempted to enjoy festival after festival, visit all sorts of new Montreal restaurants or sip a refreshing bevvie on one of many rooftop terrasses, tons of activities taking place won't cost you a single penny.
From cultural and food festivals, all the way to free comedy shows, musical performances and free entry to countless Montreal museums, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are seven free things to do in Montreal this weekend (August 2 to 4):
Wander through a Montreal museum for free
When: Sunday, August 4
Where: Various museums across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: For residents, the city of Montreal offers free visits to loads of museums, whether a spot always comps entry or it's the first Sunday of the month, Montrealers can take advantage of free visits all year round. To access the free museums, especially those that offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, guests must have a valid Quebec ID as proof of residency. Consult the link below for the full list of participating Montreal museums.
Final weekend to catch a free 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 300+ films require tickets, Fantasia offers free programming yearly. 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.
Participate in Pride Festival activities across Montreal
When: August 1 to 11
Where: Various venues in Montreal
Why You Need To Go: While the full 2024 program has yet to be announced, Montreal's annual Pride festival always delivers a plethora of vibrant activities in celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Many events are typically free, including the huge parade where the city's streets overflow with music, floats, colour and love, creating an experience far more meaningful — and memorable — than money could ever buy.
Take a trip to Little Italy for ItalfestMTL
When: August 2 to 15
Where: Little Italy (boulevard Saint-Laurent) and Esplanade Tranquille
(Quartier des Spectacles)
Why You Need To Go: Italian-Quebec culture is on full display at this lively annual event, which typically sees 500,000 festival-goers. Between the concerts, fashion shows, opera, film festivals, art competitions and mouthwatering food galore, there's something for everyone at ItalfestMTL — whether you're of Italian heritage or simply an Italian food and culture enthusiast.
Catch free shows at Jardins Gamelin
When: Friday, August 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jardins Gamelin — 1500, rue Berri
Why You Need To Go: In celebration of Jardins Gamelin's 10th anniversary, the Montreal park and entertainment area is hosting a slew of free programming this summer, including musical performances by Princess, CASSA, and Juergen Mügen, all of whom will be hitting the stage this Friday.
Laugh it up at Comedy on Crescent
When: Friday, August 2 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.
Participate in a newcomer meet up in the park
When: Sunday, August 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Parc Jeanne-Mance — 4422, av. Esplanade
Why You Need To Go: Let’s get together at the park for this special 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer and Immigrants Meet-Up. This gathering will feature themed conversations on belonging, identity, and community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to feel safe and supported by the community, connect with others, share experiences, and build a supportive network. Bring your mat, water, snacks, and any items that provide you with comfort and grounding.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.