28 things to do in Montreal this June

Between the International Jazz Festival and Fringe Fest, to spa nights at Spa Bota Bota, a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, and more, you’ll never be bored in Montreal this June!

For a little summer inspiration, check out 28 things to do in Montreal this June.

International Jazz Festival

The International Jazz Festival returns to our fair city this June. Taking place over the course of two weeks, hundreds of jazz musicians will flock to Montreal to perform in both outdoor and indoor venues across the city. 2017 headliners include Squarepusher, Matt Holubowski, Bob Dylan, Her, and Andrea Lindsay.
When: June 28-July 8, 2017
Where: Various locations

Fringe Fest

The St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival, otherwise known as Fringe Fest, is back for three whole weeks. The festival has been held annually in Montreal since 1990, and is comprised of a wide program of theatrical shows. Types of shows include off-Broadway, drag, music, dance, spoken word, comedy and repertory, and over 500 performers flock to the city for the festival. Unlike most other theatre festivals out there, artists are chosen by lottery or on a first-come first-serve basis. If chosen, artists receive 100% of the ticket sales and they are completely uncensored in terms of what they choose to perform and how they choose to perform it. And the best part? All shows are $10 or less! For more information on this year’s programme, click here.
When: May 29 – June 18, 2017
Where: MainLine Theater, 3997 Boulevard Saint-Laurent

Summer Night Drift at Spa Bota Bota

Montreal’s resident nautical spa, Spa Bota Bota, recently announced that they will be hosting “Summer Night Drift,” a series of after hours events happening throughout the summer. Kicking off on Friday, June 2, Summer Night Drift invites Montrealers for a night of partying in the Spa Bota Bota Gardens between 11:30pm and 2am. In addition to taking advantage of their gorgeous pools and scenic views, Summer Night Drift will also include the presence of a live DJ, DJ VBEE. Even better? This one-of-a-kind experience is just $35 per person and includes a towel and bathrobe. Summer Night Drift will be taking place on the first Friday of each month this summer.
When: Friday, June 2, 11:30 pm-2 am
Where: Spa Bota Bota

Clock Tower Beach

Old Montreal’s famous Clock Tower Beach was closed last summer, but it has reopened in summer 2017, giving Montrealers all the benefits of a beach without leaving the city. Set up at Clock Tower Quay, Clock Tower Beach sits on the banks of the Saint Lawrence and features white sand, blue umbrellas, lounge chairs, and even a resident bar (L’Horloge). Entrance to the beach is just $2, which is a small price to pay for paradise! The beach will be open on weekends only until June 11, and then every day of the week starting June 16.
When: Until September 4
Where: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port

Fete des Restos

The second edition of Fete des Restos is going down in Montreal next week. This festival, which showcases 12 of Montreal’s best restaurants, will be taking over Old Port’s Terrasses Bonsecours on June 5 at 6pm. Fete des Restos is hosted by RestoMontreal and comprises twelve different stands, each of which will be serving food prepared by a different restaurant. 2017 participants include Maggie Oakes, Mercado, Fiorellino, Chasse-Galerie, Lola Rosa, Tapeo, Mesón, Inferno, Mauvais Garçons, Shô-Dan, TasteItaly, and Terrasses Bonsecours. Admission to this culinary gathering is just $50 and includes a tasting from all 12 restaurant offerings, a drink, and a few surprises!
When: June 5, 6 pm
Where: Terrasses Bonsecours

Chromatic

Returning for its 8th edition is Chromatic 2017, Montreal’s resident digital arts and culture festival. Taking place between May 24th and June 1st, Chromatic is a celebration of art that brings together hundreds of professional and amateur artists from all over the city. The week-long festival includes workshops, conferences, parties, exhibitions, and more, all of which promise to “nourish your cultural appetite.”
When: May 24-June 1, 2017
Where: Arsenal Contemporary Art (2020 William St), Studio L’Eloi (6250 Rue Hutchison)

Aura at the Notre Dame Basilica

An immersive and luminous experience is happening right now at Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica. Owing to the city’s 375th anniversary, Montreal’s most famous landmark is putting on a mesmerizing light show for the rest of 2017. Created by Moment Factory, Aura is a two-act multimedia show featuring both music and special lighting effects. According to the official description, “AURA will help visitors discover one of Canada’s greatest heritage monuments in a whole new way and will move them with its portrayal of its treasures.”
When: Everyday except Sundays
Where: Notre Dame Basilica, 110 Notre-Dame St W

Magic Men Live!

Described as a “360 degree dance and acrobatic strip tease spectacular guaranteed to bring on the heat,” Magic Men Live! is a theatrical event currently touring North America. The show’s June 8 stop in Montreal is one of many Canadian tour dates that also include London, Kitchener, St. Catharines, Toronto, and Ottawa. Tickets start at $21 and go up to $62.54. To purchase tickets to the Montreal show, click here.
When: June 8, 8 pm
Where: L’Olympia

Memory Collector

Opened by Montreal’s archeology and history museum, Pointe A Calliere, the city’s newest underground tunnel is a tribute to North America’s first collector sewer. Pointe A Calliere has turned a portion of the underground sewer tunnel into a permanent exhibition at the museum entitled “Memory Collector which spans 110 metres and offers visitors a multisensory, contemplative experience. Ultimately, the exhibit promises to take visitors on a journey to a “mysterious underground world imbued with history and emotion.”
When: Monday to Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Where: Pointe A Calliere

Chagall: Colour and Music

A special exhibition on world-renowned painter, Marc Chagall, is on at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts right now. The exhibit, titled “Chagall: Colour and Music,” explores the importance of music in Chagall’s life. It is multidisciplinary, featuring over 400 works ranging from sculptures and paintings to photographs and films. In addition, puppets, costumes, stained glass windows, maquettes, and gouaches are 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

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The hit rock band from California has just added seven Canadian concert dates to their upcoming tour, “The Getaway Tour”. Though they were already scheduled to perform in Toronto in February and Vancouver in March, the band just announced shows in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Quebec City, Montreal, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Extending their tour that has taken them across Europe, Asia, and South America, the RHCP will be returning to North America in 2017, playing shows all the way until June 30, 2017. The Canadian leg of the tour will mostly take place in spring and summer 2017 with the Red Hot Chili Peppers stopping in Montreal on June 20th. The show will be happening at the Bell Centre and tickets start at $83.50.
When: June 20, 2017
Where: Centre Bell

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Parc Jean Drapeau recently announced that their their stand up paddle boarding lessons and rentals will open on June 21st for the summer! Run by Quebec company, KSF, Montrealers will once again have the opportunity to rent a SUP or take lessons from a certified instructor. Rentals start at $17.25 for one hour, and go up to $115 for 10 one-hour rentals. Wetsuits are also available for rent. In addition, KSF offers some awesome lessons! For those new to the sport, there are introductory lessons for $44.85. However, for more experienced paddlers, there are also SUP yoga, fitness, fitness XT, yoga jala flo, and yoga sunset yin classes. These start at $34.90 per session and go up to $56.35. Reservations are required for all SUP lessons, but are not necessary for rentals. SUP lessons and rentals finish after Labour Day weekend so be sure to take advantage while you can! For more information, check out the Parc Jean Drapeau website, or visit Pavillon des Activites Nautiques in Parc Jean Drapeau.
When: June 21-September 4, 2017
Where: Pavillon des Activites Nautiques, Parc Jean Drapeau

Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA

Canadian entertainment company, Cirque du Soleil, has returned to its hometown this summer to perform its newest show, VOLTA. Volta is the travelling company’s latest show which tells a story centered on the freedom to choose and create your own path. Inspired by action sports, the show will feature a series of acrobatic stunts, an emotional score, a “visually striking” set, and a spiritual theme. Prepare for one of the most raw and emotional stories ever told by Cirque du Soleil.
When: Until July 23, 2017
Where: Under the Big Top, Old Port of Montreal

The Great Wheel of Montreal

Old Port will soon be home to a giant ferris wheel. The Great Wheel of Montreal is scheduled to open in June 2017. The wheel will stand 60 meters tall, making it one of the largest in North America, and offers Montrealers a 360 degree view of the city. According to the official website, the observation wheel will be made up of 42 cabins that contain 8 seats each, two television monitors, and a centre table.
When: June 2017 (TBA), 10 am-11 pm daily
Where: Ile Bonsecours, Old Port

Aislin: 50 Years of Cartoons

A brand new exhibit on famed Canadian editorial cartoonist, Aislin, just opened at the McCord Museum. The exhibit showcases 50 years worth of work from Aislin, whose real name is Terry Mosher. Mosher wrote for the Gazette for many years, and is considered one of the most influential political cartoonists in all of Canada. In fact, Maclean’s has even referred to Aislin as “probably the best satirist in Canada.” Not only does Aislin’s work make you think, but it reflects “Canadian society in its beautiful and less glorious moments.”
When: Until August 13, 2017
Where: McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St W

Festival TransAmeriques

Festival TransAmeriques returns to Montreal for its 11th edition next month for two weeks of contemporary dance and theatre events. This offbeat festival presents exciting new forms of art, and showcases major artists as well and up and comers in the world of contemporary art. Described as “a place to meet, a major get-together,” the Festival TransAmeriques is more than just performances, but also includes workshops, parties, cocktail hours, debates, and roundtable discussions. After all, the goal of the festival is to “encourage exchanges between the artists and the audience.” This year’s multilingual event reflects the city of Montreal, and has 27 performances on the schedule.
When: May 25 – June 8, 2017
Where: Various locations across the city, click here for more info

Voiles en Voiles

Voiles en Voiles has returned to Old Port once again! Open all summer long, this attraction encourages both children and adults to “live a memorable adventure.” This family park features 61 activities and will have Montrealers exploring a giant pirate ship by way of climbing, sliding, aerial adventure courses, and inflatable games.  Whether you want to soar 20 feet high in the air, conquer a built-in rock climbing wall, or play in a bouncy castle, there is something for everyone. Rates vary depending on which activities you want to do aboard the ship. For example, access to the inflatable games is just $12, while access to the inflatable games, rock climbing wall, aerial courses, and the all aboard course will set you back $45. No matter which you choose, it’s guaranteed to be an afternoon you’ll never forget! Be sure to head down to Old Port before the end of the season!
When: Until the end of October
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port

Bob Dylan

The music legend returns to Montreal on June 30th. Bob Dylan himself has decided to stop at the Bell Centre on his Never Ending Tour. Dylan will be promoting his 38th studio album, Triplicate, set to be released on March 31st. Triplicate features covers of classic American songs, and includes thirty songs in total spread over three discs. The North American leg of Dylan’s 2017 tour will have him playing eight shows in the United States, before making his way up north and finishing off his tour on July 27th in Victoria, BC.
When: June 30, 7 pm
Where: Bell Centre

Fashioning Expo 67

The McCord Museum has announced a temporary exhibition on fashion from the Expo 67 era. The exhibit, titled Fashioning Expo 67, explores the “effervescence of Montreal’s fashion moment.” Over 60 outfits will make up the exhibition, ranging from hostess uniforms to paper dresses, all of which have been created by Quebec designers. Further, Fashioning Expo 67 will feature accessories like hats, gloves, umbrellas, purses, and jewellry, as well as drawings, photographs, documents, and film footage of the fashion at Expo 67.
When: March 17 – October 1
Where: McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St W

Aquazilla

Parc Jean Drapeau’s Aquazilla, the park’s resident inflatable obstacle course on the water, is back for summer 2017. The 30×35 meter inflatable structure is comprised of obstacles, slides, and more in the form of a wiggle bridge, a water trampoline, an infinity loop, monkey bars, a flip bag, and a giant swing. Aquazilla officially opens June 12th, and will be open between 10am and 7pm daily until August 27th. Tickets cost $12 per hour for children and $15 per hour for adults.
When: June 12 – August 27, 10 am-7 pm
Where: Beach Jean-Dore, Parc Jean Drapeau

Monumental Dougherty

The Botanical Garden is welcoming a brand new exhibit come June 15th. Open until September 4th, Monumental Dougherty is a unique installation featuring sculptures made out of willow tree branches. Famous land artist, Patrick Dougherty, is the one behind this magnificent exhibit. According to the website, “His sculptures woven from willow branches will be true odes to nature, treating visitors to a poetic adventure and paying tribute to these trees in artistic and creative fashion.” In addition to the sculptures, which will be set up in the Arboretum, Dougherty will be visiting the Montreal Botanical Garden throughout the months of June and July, creating two pieces live in front of an audience. He will even create one piece to be worked on collaboratively by future visitors.
When: June 15 – September 4, 2017
Where: Montreal Botanical Garden, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E

Decalade

Defy gravity and scale a building like Spiderman courtesy of Old Port’s ultra fun adventure, Decalade. The Decalade challenge is happening at the Conveyer Key Tower in Old Port right now! Participants can choose from a variety of challenges, from the 1-hour “dizzying trip”, to the 3-hour “controlled vertical descent facing the ground like Mission Impossible.” This activity is sure to get your blood pumping as you put yourself in the shoes of all the action hero greats. Sessions are by appointment only and range from $89.99 to $149.00. You can also pay $39.99 for a panoramic selfie as you descend from the roof.
When: By appointment only
Where: Conveyer Key Tower

Piknic Electronik

Montreal’s favourite Sunday EDM festival, Piknic Electronik, is back for summer 2017! Kicking off May 21st in Parc Jean Drapeau, this outdoor electronic music festival is a true sign that summer has returned to the city. 2017 marks the 15th edition of Piknic Electronik, so you can bet the lineup is going to be a particularly good one. The 2017 programme won’t be unveiled until May 4th, so be sure to check the official website in May.
When: Every Sunday until September 24, 2017
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau

La Ronde

Mark your calendars! Montreal’s resident amusement park, La Ronde, is officially scheduled to open on May 20th. Less than two months away, we suggest you start preparing for the upcoming season. What’s the best way to prepare, you may ask? We recommend taking advantage of the park’s incredible season pass deal! Once you’ve purchased your passes, it’s time to curate your plan of attack. For a little inspiration, check out 11 rides at La Ronde you have to try. Alternatively, you can read all about La Ronde’s insane new ride, Titan, here.
When: Until October
Where: La Ronde, 22 Chemin Macdonald

Village des Ecluses

A unique traveller’s village has popped up along the Lachine Canal. Titled Village Des Ecluses, the newly built area offers “urban camping and boating” accommodation for tourists. Village Des Ecluses is situated on the Lachine Canal Historic Site and boasts close proximity to downtown Montreal. Made of three types of accommodation, “A Night on a Boat,” “The Lock Keeper’s Cottage,” and “Park Canada’s oTENTik,” guests are able to experience Montreal like they never have before. A Night on a Boat will have guests spending one night on a classic wooden boat docked in Basin 1 of the Lachine Canal, while The Lock Keeper’s Cottage is a series of fully-furnished one bedroom cottages that overlook the canal and feature urban amenities. Finally, Park Canada’s oTENTik is a prime example of glamping with each unit being a cross between a tent and a basic cabin.
When: Opening June 7
Where: Lachine Canal

Jet Skiing in Old Port

Sure to give you a major rush of adrenaline, Old Port becomes home to Adventures Wet Set MTL’s fleet of jetskis every summer. Opening on May 15, 2017, tourists and locals alike will once again have the opportunity to experience the city through the eyes of the Saint Lawrence River. Adventures Wet Set MTL offers guided tours of the city, as well as individual rentals. Rates start at $45 and go up to $375.
When: May 15-October 15, 10 am-8 pm
Where: Quay Jacques-Cartier

CSI: The Experience

The Montreal Science Centre recently became home to an all new exhibition titled CSI: The Experience. The interactive, crime scene-themed exhibit opens April 6th and is based on the famous television show of the same name. According to the exhibition’s description, CSI: The Experience is a “learning adventure into the world of criminalistics,” that encourages participants to crack the case. Museum-goers will get to draw their own conclusions about the evidence presented and try to decipher which clues need further analysis. From there, participants will have the opportunity to compare tire tracks and shell casings and to carry out real-life forensics tests, such as blood spatter and DNA analysis. Not only will you learn about forensic anthropology and toxicology, but you’ll get to feel like a real detective solving the case. Don’t miss out on the chance to conduct your own criminal investigation!
When: Until September 4
Where: Montreal Science Centre

The Chainsmokers

American electronic dance duo, The Chainsmokers announced they’re coming to Montreal, playing at the Bell Centre on June 1st. The Chainsmokers will be joined by Kiiara and Lost Frequencies, who will be opening the show. The ‘Memories: Do Not Open’ tour kicks off on April 13 in Miami, Florida for a 40-city run that includes just two Canadian concert dates in Toronto and Montreal.
When: June 1
Where: Bell Centre