7 free things to do in Montreal this weekend
Pride, a free coffee tasting, urban beach parties and more! ✨
Village au Pied-du-Courant lit up at night. Right: A group of Fierte Montreal attendees standing in front of the Olympic Stadium.
The construction holiday may be over, but summer vacation is still in full swing this weekend — from Montreal Pride (Fierté Montréal) to beach parties to magical meteor-filled skies nearing their peak.
The best part? You don't have to eat instant noodles every day in order to afford the fun. There are tons of incredible activities and events happening that won't cost you a dime, and our list of free things to do in Montreal this weekend can help you find them.
While wet weather predicted for Friday, Saturday and Saturday may ruin some of your outdoor plans, it's not going to be as unbearably hot as it has been lately, so take your weather wins where you can and remember the wise words of Hilary Duff, "Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams. Let it wash away my sanity." Time to let loose, Montreal, because September will be here before we know it.
Say 'buongiorno' to ItalfestMTL
When: Now through Sunday, August 11
Address: Esplanade Tranquille – 1442, rue Clark
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's huge Italian food and culture festival wraps up in the Quartier des Spectacles this weekend with a full line-up of performances, film screenings and delicious eats. Whether you're of Italian heritage or simply obsessed with opera music — heck, even if your only connection to Italy is that you love Parmesan cheese — there's something for everyone at this long-running local event. No wonder it typically attracts 500,000 people!
Attend a star-studded drag show
When: POSTPONED to Saturday, August 10
Address: Esplanade du Parc olympique, Scène TD – 4545, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin
Why You Need To Go: Bow down to the queens, as drag royalty takes the stage at Canada's biggest drag party of the year: La Soirée 100% Drag. The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a DJ set by Vivacious, followed by MajestiX at 7:30 p.m. and Drag Superstars at 9 p.m., hosted by the legendary Rita Baga.
Featuring performances by over 70 local drag artists as well as visiting icons like Sasha Colby, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Naomi Smalls, there's no question you'll be left gagging... just as much as you're left wondering how in the world this stellar show was free.
Party at an urban beach
When: Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11
Address: Parc du Pied-du-Courant – 2380, rue Notre-Dame E. From Papineau metro station, follow rue de Lorimier under the bridge, then head east along the riverbank to reach the main entrance.
Why You Need To Go: Spend the weekend with your feet in the sand and your head in the clouds, as you dance your heart out — all without leaving the Village. DJ Sticky Rice and Tupi Collective will be spinning beats on Friday and Saturday, while Musik Me Luv is set to headline Sunday's Piknic Électronik takeover. Entry is always free before 7 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the world of Quebec wine and cider
When: Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Jean-Talon Market – 7070, av. Henri-Julien (in the event zone)
Why You Need To Go: Class up your 'Sunday Funday' by trading bottomless mimosas for a local wine and cider tasting. La Foire des vins et cidres d’ici is back for a third edition with an even bigger program that allows you to taste products from over 15 Quebec wineries and cideries. Admission to the event is free, tasting glasses are $3.50 and tastings vary between $1 and $5. There will also be DJs on hand to provide musical entertainment all day long.
Montreal's Public Markets Website
Wake up and smell the coffee
When: Saturday, August 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Address: Dispatch Coffee – 914, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: If you're not much into booze, you can still stimulate your senses with a beverage tasting this weekend by opting for a coffee tasting. Join direct-to-consumer coffee distributor, Dispatch Coffee, for a pop-up in the historic Rodier building where you can partake in a guided tasting of select coffees from their seasonal menu.
"Learn more about Dispatch Coffee's signature roast process and coffee buying practice that contributes to each coffees unique sensory character," the eventbrite page reads.
While the event is free, you should RSVP online to reserve your spot.
Discover the magic of the Perseids
When: Saturday, August 10 to Thursday, August 15 from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Address: Jardin botanique de Montréal – 4101, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: Look up! You might just see something magical. In fact, you will definitely see something magical if you attend the Montreal Botanical Garden's Perseid Meteor Shower event.
When weather conditions allow between August 10 and 15, a team from the Planetarium will be on hand to "guide you on a journey through the cosmos" while you observe the impressive starry phenomenon, according to the Espace pour la vie website.
Wrap up well, bring a blanket or chair and register in advance because space is limited.
Note that the Perseids are expected to peak between August 11 and 12 this year, with up to 100 meteors an hour streaking across the night sky.
Take a journey around the world (without leaving the Old Port)
When: Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 11
Address: Quai de l'Horloge – 1, rue Port-de-Montréal
Why You Need To Go: Every year in summer, the Old Port transforms into a gateway that crosses three continents from North Africa to China, by way of Spain, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Cambodia, India and Japan as well as many other Eastern countries.
Performances, workshops, animations, exhibitions and activities for all ages are on the program at this free festival, centred around the Orientalys Médina, which the website describes as a "hubbub of music and rejoicing."
The description continues, "Fragrances of frankincense and myrrh, the perfume of spices, the enticing scents of succulent food, the rhythmic hammering of goldsmiths producing works of art, dealings by cloth merchants, haggling by vendors and an incessant din together create the charm of medinas, the nerve centres of Oriental countries. [...] The Old Port of Montreal is transformed into a Silk Road."
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
