In addition to warmer weather, March in Montreal brings a whole slew of new events and activities.
Ranging from culinary events like the World Cider Festival and Mac N Cheese Week, to massive expos such as the National Women’s Show and National Home Show, to an awesome performance by Sting, it is going to be a month to remember.
Check out 25 things to do in Montreal this March.
Mac N Cheese Week
While the end of La Poutine Week will surely be devastating, at least we now have Mac N’ Cheese Week 2017 to look forward to! A festival entirely dedicated to showcasing the best mac and cheese dishes available in Montreal, this is sure to be pure heaven. The festival will take place between March 20th and March 27th, which means you have exactly one week to gorge yourselves on one-of-a-kind mac and cheese creations. Nearly thirty restaurants in the city are participating including Reuben’s, Faberge, Olive + Gourmando, Wienstein & Gavino, EVOO, Suite 701, Deville Dinerbar, Burger Royal, Les Enfants Terribles, and Le Cheese. For a complete list of participating restaurants in Montreal (as well as in Toronto and Quebec City), click here.
When: March 20-27, 2017
Where: Various locations
National Women’s Show
Described as “the best girl’s day ever,” the National Women’s Show is heading to Montreal next month. Taking over Palais des Congres from March 17th until March 19th, the three day event will feature over 300 exhibits on everything from fashion to business. Exhibitor categories include Beauty and Wellness, Fashion and Style, Cosmetic and Fashion Super Sale, World of Taste, Travel and Adventure, and Business and Career Centre. The event will also feature guest appearances by famous style gurus, as well as workshops, fashion shows, a cooking theatre, and a salon stage.
When: March 17-19, 2017
Where: Palais des Congres
Air France Ferris Wheel
The giant Air France Ferris Wheel will be taking up residence in Place des Festivals between February 23rd and March 11th.In addition, the Air France Ferris Wheel is by no means your typical ferris wheel. While it does go round and round and will offer great views of downtown Montreal, it also happens to be illuminated making it that much more magical. Lit up with all sorts of neon colours and designs, it is guaranteed to be nothing short of mesmerizing. Even better, it will be completely free to ride so grab your partner, family, and friends, and enjoy an exhilarating trip on Montreal’s own urban ferris wheel.
When: Thursdays and Fridays from 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm between February 23 and March 11
Where: Place des Festivals
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Mark your calendars! In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, otherwise known as one of Montreal’s favourite holidays, the city will be hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 19th, 2017. As the real St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, the parade will take place on the Sunday. Organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal, the parade will begin at the corner of Saint Catherine and Rue Fort at 12pm sharp, and proceed along Sainte Catherine, finishing at Rue Bleury. If it’s anything like the previous years, you can expect everything from dancing leprechauns to Gaelic music (oh, and don’t forget to grab a green beer afterwards!).
When: March 19, 2017, 12 pm
Where: Sainte Catherine Street
Disney On Ice
Calling all Frozen lovers! Disney on Ice returns to the Bell Centre in all its glory this March. This year, the Disney on Ice tour is titled “Follow Your Heart,” and includes characters from Finding Dory, Frozen, Cinderella, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Inside Out, and Toy Story. The show will be acting out several stories featuring our favourite Disney characters in history. For example, Kristoff and Olaf help reunite Anna and Elsa (Frozen), Dory and Hank search for Dory’s long lost parents (Finding Dory), and Joy and Sadness work together to lift Riley’s spirits before a big hockey game (Inside Out). In Montreal for a limited engagement, there will be twelve performances in total, 7 in French and 5 in English. Be sure to grab tickets for you and family while they last!
When: March 8-12, 2017
Where: Centre Bell, 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Drift After Dark
As if Nuit Blanche (and its 200+ free activities) isn’t already exciting enough, Spa Bota Bota has recently announced it will also have a special event for the magical night of lights and art. Titled Drift After Dark: White Night 2017, the after hours event will see Spa Bota Bota transformed into an Expo 67 themed party. While 2017 marks the 14th edition of White Night, it is the first of its kind to “throw you back in time to the famous Expo 67 era.” As the spa’s location was used as a show boat back in 1967, it will be returning to its roots. Boasting a DJ, a relaxed atmosphere, and incredible views of Habitat 67 and Old Port, don’t miss your chance to visit Montreal’s best spa and partake in the city’s Nuit Blanche fun. Tickets cost $30 per person and include access to the water circuit for 2.5 hours, a bathrobe, a towel, a locker, and access to a photobooth and Expo 67-themed room.
When: March 4-5, 9-11:30 pm or 12:30-3 am
Where: Spa Bota Bota, Entrée McGill Coin De la Commune et McGill, Promenade du Vieux-Port, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E2
Power of Success
It’s time to get pumped up. American businessman, author, and philanthropist Tony Robbins is coming to Montreal for Power of Success, a talk on personal development, money, motivation, business strategies, and more. Happening on March 31st, 2017, Robbins promises to transform your entire life, from your relationships to your career. Given that his other seminars have featured fireworks and hot coal walks, this is sure to be an exciting event. Other keynote speakers include Phil Town, Anthony Lacavera, Niurka, Ryan Mitchell, Vivian Risi and Cameron Chell.
When: March 31, 2017, 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Where: Palais des Congres
International Festival of Films On Art
Montreal is hosting yet another exciting art festival this film, the International Festival of Films on Art. The 2017 theme of the festival is Play & Distraction, and will explore the connection between fun and human nature. A unique festival that recognizes the films created on art and media arts, the International Festival of Films on Art (or FIFA) seeks to promote the work of artists, increase knowledge of this art among the public, and encourage the film community to produce more films based on art. 2017 marks the 35th year of the event and in the past, over 200 films have been shown from over 25 countries around the world. The festival has even toured other cities, including New York, London, Brussels, Boston, Helsinki, and Paris.
When: March 23-April 2, 2017
Where: TBA
National Home Show
The National Home Show returns to Montreal this March for 10 whole days. Taking over Place Bonaventure between March 10th and March 19th, this unique festival will feature hundreds of exhibitors covering all sorts of home-related needs. From interior design to indoor and outdoor lighting, guests will be able to learn about the products and services offered by a plethora of local vendors. Other exhibitor categories include kitchen & bath, pool & spa, windows & window coverings, garage doors, gardens & patios, home entertainment, home decor, heating & air conditioning, and much more. Tickets are issued per day and cost $16 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.
When: March 10-19
Where: Place Bonaventure
City Lights Snowshoeing Excursions
Discover the secrets of Montreal by snowshoe on one of Les Amis de la Montagne’s City Lights Snowshoeing Excursions. Happening at nightfall every Friday and Saturday evening between January 6th and March 4th, tour guides will lead brave snowshoers on a 90-minute expedition through Mount Royal. There will also be hot chocolate along the way!
When: Fridays and Saturday between January 6 and March 4, 2017 at 6 pm
Where: Meeting place is the Beaver Lake Pavilion
Combat d’Archers
You can play the hottest new recreational game right here in Montreal. Known as Archery Tag (or Arc Tag for short), Combat d’Archers is the place to spend a Saturday afternoon in Montreal. This new, hybrid sport is a mix of paintball and archery. It sees players running around a room of over 10,000 square feet, using airsoft weapons to tag their opponents. Each session is one hour in length, excluding 20 minutes of training which is required before every game.
When: Monday to Friday 12pm-11pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-11 pm
Where: 3955 Rue de Rouen
Mondial des Cidres
Less than two weeks after Montreal’s free cheese festival, Montreal en Lumiere has confirmed that SAQ will be hosting their annual cider festival this March! Known as Mondial des Cidres, the event will take place between March 3rd and March 5th at Complexe Desjardins. Part of the official Montreal en Lumiere 2017 programming, Mondial des Cidres will feature products and tastings from local cider breweries in Quebec.Whether you want to know more about how apple cider is made, or just want to try out different ciders from throughout the province, Mondial des Cidres is the place to be. The event is open to the public (18 years and older) and free to all.
When: March 3, 4-9 pm, March 4, 12 pm-12 am, March 5, 12 pm-5 pm
Where: Complexe Desjardins
Visit a Sugar Shack
Although the bustling urban city of Montreal is not home to any sugar shacks, you won’t have to travel far to get an authentic Quebec experience. Whether you love the horse-drawn carriage rides or the plethora of maple treats, there are plenty of reasons to visit a sugar shack this winter. Typically open from late February to April, some of the best (and closest) sugar shacks to Montreal include Sucrerie de la Montagne, Cabane à Sucre Au Pied Cochon, and Cabane à Sucre Bouvrette.
When: End of February to mid April
Where: Various locations
Sting
Sting, The Police lead vocalist turned solo artist, is going on tour in 2017. His 57th and 9th Tour, named after his twelfth studio album of the same name, will take the “Roxanne” singer across North America and Europe starting in February. As announced earlier this week, the British rocker will be playing shows in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. This tour sees Sting heading to smaller venues around the world, meaning that unlike his prior history playing shows at the Bell Centre, his 2017 stop in Montreal will be at Metropolis on March 6. We can’t imagine anything better than an intimate concert with Sting.
When: March 6, 2017
Where: Metropolis, 59 Rue Sainte-Catherine E
SAT Fest
Screening a selection of “immersive short films,” this is SAT Fest’s fourth year in a row. On now until March 3rd, Montrealers have the chance to watch a wide range of international short films in 360 degrees thanks to SAT’s unique Satosphere venue. This domed projection room will make everything you watch seriously mesmerizing. Seven films have been selected in total, all with their own innovative audiovisual components and narrations. A few favourites from this year’s festival? Escape, Isometric, and Transparent Machine.
When: Until March 3, 2017
Where: SAT, 1201 Boul St-Laurent
Chagall: Colour and Music
Starting January 28th, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will open a brand new special exhibition on world-renowned painter, Marc Chagall. The exhibit, titled “Chagall: Colour and Music,” explores the importance of music in Chagall’s life. It will be multidisciplinary, featuring over 400 works ranging from sculptures and paintings to photographs and films. In addition, puppets, costumes, stained glass windows, maquettes, and gouaches will be on display. According to the official site, “Music was a constant source of inspiration” for the Russian-French artist. “A favourite subject for his creations, it served as an internal rhythm and driving force for his compositions, and a key to the intensity and range of colour in his work.”
When: January 28-June 11, 2017
Where: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
SnowFood Saturdays
Attention Montrealers! Your beloved Friday Fridays (aka food truck Fridays) are returning to Olympic Stadium, this time in the form of SnowFood Saturday. As part of Village Mammouth, Montreal’s awesome wintertime festival, Olympic Stadium will be home to a plethora of food trucks every Saturday afternoon between January 28th and March 4th, 2017. Between 3pm and 10pm each Saturday, you can expect to see tons of yummy food trucks lining the perimeter of Olympic Village. The official description reads, “You’ll find all the delicious fun of street food during our amazing evenings.” These “amazing evenings” also include live music and DJs, as well as snow sports like ice skating and snow tubing.
When: Saturdays 3 pm-10 pm between January 28 and March 4, 2017
Where: Olympic Village
Art Matters
Concordia is back at it again. Montreal is undoubtedly an artsy city. We love public art, fine art, and even underground art. Thus, it’s no surprise that 2017 is welcoming yet another art festival. Art Matters is unique in that it is a student-run festival, organized entirely by Concordia University students. The event is the largest of its kind in North America and has taken place annually every March since its inception in 2000. Just like previous years, the 2017 edition will showcase 10 exhibitions created by students, spread out over 3 weeks. There will also be parties and special events. In the past, the festival has incorporated different art workshops and all types of art installations including contemporary art exhibits, audiovisual components, and even live music.
When: March 4-27, 2017
Where: Various locations
La Petite Floride
In an effort to revitalize vacant land along the Mile End railway, a hangout spot in an abandoned parking lot has popped up in recent weeks. Featuring a school bus-turned-cafe, picnic tables, lights, and a skating rink, this newest late night joint is called La Petite Floride. Open every Saturday night from December 2nd until the end of March, this is the place to be in winter. Grab some mulled wine, sit by the fire, skate around the manmade rink (featuring paintings by local artists), and enjoy a relaxing night in this urban oasis.
When: Saturdays 9 pm-1 am, from December 2nd until the end of March 2017
Where: 5705 avenue de Gaspé
Montreal International Children’s Film Festival
Calling all Disney fans! Montreal is set to host the 20th edition of the Montreal International Children’s Film Festival, otherwise known as FIFEM. Taking place between March 4th and March 12th, 2017, this is by far the best way to spend Spring Break in the city. The festival boasts over 100 film screenings from around the world, ranging from documentaries and shorts to animated and fictional films. In addition, the festival will feature workshops on animation and filmmaking, and talks from some of the creators of the films showcased. Screenings and events will be happening all over the city during the first week of March, including Cinema du Parc, Cinema Beaubien, Pointe-a-Calliere, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets cost just $9 per person, however $75 passports can be bought which gets you into 10 films.
When: March 4-12, 2017
Where: Various locations
MTL Zipline
Old Port has decided that they will be opening the MTL Zipline all winter long, which means you can soar through the air any weekend you like. This is the first time ever that MTL Zipline has opened during the winter and we can’t wait to take advantage of this momentous occasion! One trip on the MTL Zipline costs $19.99 for adults or $16.99 for children. Located at the Clock Tower in the heart of Old Port, don’t miss your chance to fly like Superman and marvel at the scenic wintery landscape beneath you.
When: Every weekend this winter, 11 am-5 pm
Where: Clock Tower, Old Port
Butterflies Go Free
The Montreal Botanical Garden’s annual “Butterflies Go Free” exhibit is back for another year. Taking over the Main Exhibition Greenhouse from February 23rd until April 30th, 2017, visitors can step into a humid tropical oasis that will make you forget all about winter. As you take in the fragrant flowers and diverse greenery, hundreds of stunning butterflies will fly around you. Feel them as they lightly brush your arm mid-air or examine them up close while perched on a flower.
When: February 23-April 30, 2017
Where: The Montreal Botanical Garden
Montreal En Lumiere
One of the largest winter festivals in the world, 2017 marks the 18th edition of Montreal En Lumiere. The festival showcases everything that a Montreal wintertime has to offer, from the performing arts to gastronomy to outdoor activities.
When: February 23-March 12, 2017
Where: Various Locations
Virtual Reality Garden: Animation Series
The Phi Centre has yet another cool exhibit happening right now. Titled Virtual Reality Garden: Animation Series, the exhibition showcases a collection of internationally-acclaimed short films including Henry, Eagle Flight, and Minotaur. The programme “juxtaposes animated film and virtual reality,” thus making it one of the most innovative and exploratory art exhibits on display in Montreal.
When: Until March 12
Where: Phi Centre
Animals Inside Out
The Montreal Science Centre is currently hosting an insane exhibition that allows the public to see exactly what lies inside the body of an animal. The Body Worlds exhibit, aptly titled Animals Inside Out, “sheds light on what lies beneath the skin of more than 50 animals.” Through a technique called plastination, experts have removed the skin from various animals, providing a never-before-seen glimpse of the muscular, skeletal, nervous, and digestive systems, as well as the blood vessels and internal organs of different animals.
When: Until March 12, 2017
Where: Montreal Science Centre, 2 Rue de la Commune O