17 things you have to do in Montreal before summer ends

Aug 22 2017, 11:16 pm

Summer is almost over Montreal but don’t let it go to waste! There are still so many events to check off the summer bucket list. So get out there and make the most of these last few sunny weeks!

Here are 17 things to do in Montreal before summer is over.

Tam Tams

Grab your sangria kits and drum sets! Tam Tams has returned to our fair city and we couldn’t be more excited.  Tam Tams is a magical outdoor festival where Montrealers far and wide gather in Parc Mont Royal for an afternoon of food, fun, and music. Though the drum circle is located at the Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument, vendors and entertainment spread throughout the park, all the way from Avenue Mont-Royal to Duluth. Remember to bring food and wine, and take advantage of Montreal’s picnic law!

When: Until September 24
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument

First Fridays

The largest food truck festival has begun! Olympic Stadium is known for their awesome events, with our personal favourite being First Fridays. The most glorious of days, First Fridays are a special kind of culinary event in which all of the city’s food trucks gather at Olympic Stadium. Allowing Montrealers to sample dishes from over 50 food trucks, you can expect to find everything from tacos and churros, to mac and cheese and lobster rolls. Taking place on the first Friday of the month between

When: First Friday of each month until October 27
Where: Olympic Stadium

Sherbrooke’s Open Air Museum

As part of Montreal’s 375th-anniversary celebrations, Sherbrooke Street has been temporarily turned into an open-air museum. According to the website, it gives Montrealers “the chance to soak up a spectacular world-class public art exhibition.” What are you waiting for?

When: Now until October 2
Where: Sherbrooke Street West between the McCord Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

La Grande Tournee celebrates Montreal: 19 boroughs in 19 weekends

To celebrate the city’s 375th anniversary, all 19 of Montreal’s boroughs are hosting parties this summer. Officially titled La Grande Tournee celebrates Montreal: 19 boroughs in 19 weekends, the event is organized by Cirque Eloize. Each weekend, a neighbourhood park hosts a party for all ages that speaks to the characteristics of that community.

When: Now until September 17 (Thursday to Sunday)
Where: Different borough every weekend

Yoga en Plein Air

Jardins Gamelins, Montreal’s resident summer garden, is hosting free outdoor yoga sessions each week for the entire summer. “Yoga en Plein Air,” invites Montrealers to practice yoga outdoors at Jardin Gamelins for free. The outdoor sessions are run by Yo-Yoga and take place every Tuesday morning from 7:30 am until 8:30 am.

When: Tuesdays from 7:30 am to 8:30 am
Where: Place Emilie-Gamelin, 1500 Rue Berri

Montreal Avudo

A dazzling water show paying tribute to the Saint Lawrence River has taken over Old Port this summer. Titled Montreal Avudo, this spectacular water show projects life size images inspired by the city’s history onto the water. The event’s official site promises that “Young and old will be dazzled, moved and transported by the magic of images and scenes projected on rippling water walls and other spectacular installations.”

When: Thursday to Saturday until September 2, 2017, 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm each night
Where: The west sector of the Old Port of Montréal, near the King Edward Pier and the Montréal Science Centre

Explore a new bike path

Bixi Bikes are now back on the roads which means it’s time to start exploring our city’s beautiful bike paths. With bike paths all around the city, cycling in Montreal has never been easier. So hop on your bike, borrow one from a friend, or take advantage of the city’s Bixi bikes and get pedaling! For a little inspiration, check out the most beautiful bike paths in Montreal.

When: Anytime
Where: Various locations

Walk Up Mount Royal

The weather has finally turned so why not take advantage? Go for a summer walk up Mount Royal! Explore the flora and fauna, wander a new trail, or even have a picnic at Beaver Lake. There is so much to explore at this Montreal landmark.

When: Anytime
Where: Mount Royal

Free Outdoor Pianos

Montrealers love music, which is why we couldn’t be more excited that the city’s public piano initiative is back! Since 2012, the city of Montreal has been installing public pianos in the summertime. The project first began in the Plateau but has since spread to other parts of the city. Over 50 pianos have now been installed across Montreal for summer 2017.

When: Anytime
Where: For a full list of piano locations, click here.

YULEAT

Conveniently situated in Montreal’s Old Port on the Clock Tower Quay, YULEAT is a unique event that focuses on our beloved city. On Labour Day weekend, guests get the chance to discover great street cuisine in a series of tastings, chef demonstrations, and food stands.

When: September 2 to 4
Where: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port

Free Bixi Sundays

Free Bixi Sundays are nothing new but we’ve been pumped to see that they’re back for 2017. Free Bixi Sundays Offered by Manulife lasts until October 29th. On designated days throughout the summer, all one-way trips under 30 minutes will be free of charge for the entire day (from midnight until 11:59pm).

When:  August 27, September 24, October 29
Where: All across the city

NudeYoga Montreal

NudeYoga is hosting three naked yoga classes in the city this month, giving you every opportunity to take it all off and downward dog your way through some serious stretching. According to the NudeYoga website, the classes are designed to be body positive. All genders are welcome, “including including males, females, and everyone in between,” says NudeYoga.

When: Tuesday, August 22 and Thursday, August  24
Where: Various locations check website for details.

Check out Tonga Lumina

Tonga Lumina, the latest project by superstar Montreal multimedia company Moment Factory, has taken over Mont Tremblant. Based on the story of a sleeping giant, the last of his kind and protector of the wooded lands, the interactive tour invites guests to engage in a sensory experience. Setting out on a quest to the heart of the mountain, curious visitors are encouraged to explore the giant’s tracks along the forest trail, searching for hidden clues left behind by its keeper.

Where: Mont- Tremblant, 1000 Chemin Des Voyageurs
When: Now until October 9

First Caturday Montreal

First Caturday will be taking place at Parc Villeray on Saturday, September 2.

According to organizers, First Caturday “is the day to reclaim the glory of the parks for our furry friends. They are otherwise sadly trapped in the most boring of containers: the inside.” It will be a day of cat socializing but be aware of Montreal’s regulation about pets.

Where: Parc Villeray
When: Saturday, September 2

Go to the Dog Festival

Dog Fest Montreal 2017 is going down August 26th and 27th at Esplanade du Centenaire along the Lachine Canal. A celebration of dogs, dog lovers, and dog owners, this fun outdoor festival features a myriad of dog-themed activities and events.

When: August 26 and 27
Where: Esplanade du Centenaire, Lachine Canal

Electro Parade

Electro Parade, which has become a popular tradition in European cities such as Paris and Zurich, sees DJs from all over the world standing on parade floats equipped with top-notch sound systems.

When: September 2
Where: Various locations, click here for more info

Relax at a beach

We don’t know about you, but we love feeling the sand between our toes and swimming in calm, blue waters. Did you know you can experience this without leaving the city?

Check out 5 Montreal beaches to relax at this summer and be sure to take a refreshing dip before the season is over! See the list here.

See also
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