25 things to do in Montreal this weekend: February 17 to February 19

Feb 17 2017, 9:13 pm

Things are heating up! The third weekend in February marks the arrival of the hit Broadway show Mamma Mia, the final night of Off-Igloofest, a massive camping and fish expo, and the vintage bazaar sale of the decade (to name a few).

Whether you’re looking to stay warm indoors or get a little active, there is something for you in our fair city.

Check out 24 things to do in Montreal this weekend: February 17-19.

Friday, February 17

Mamma Mia

The smash hit broadway musical, Mamma Mia, is returning to Montreal this February. In town for a limited engagement of five performances, don’t miss your chance to see this famous play live. The eighth longest running show in Broadway history, Mamma Mia has been running for 17 years and has travelled to over 80 countries. It is stopping in Montreal on February 17, 18, and 19, 2017 (just in time for Valentine’s Day!). Based on the songs of ABBA, you’ll be humming along to hit singles like “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “Mamma Mia” all night long.
When: February 17-19
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is the only female comic to ever sell out Madison Square Garden. And now she’s coming to take over Montreal. Come see this hilarious comedian in all her glory at the Bell Centre on February 17th (the rescheduled date after her November cancellation).
When: February 17
Where: Bell Centre

Women of Haiti

In honour of Black History Month, Montreal is hosting a unique photographic exhibit titled Women of Haiti. The art exhibition will take visitors on a “photographic journey through spectacular pictures where sand dunes meet the ocean, sensuality and warmth of Africa and the Caribbean.” In addition to stunning scenery, the photos will depict the daily lives of Haitian women to increase cultural understanding of the island’s population. 10 artists are participating including Radu Juster, Clode de Guise, Patric Saad, Magdoline Youcef, Laetitia Jourdan, and more. The event is free of charge and will take place in Espace Vego Saint Denis (between Rue Ontario and Blvd Maisonneuve E).
When: February 1-28, 2017
Where: Espace Vego St-Denis, 1720 Rue Saint-Denis

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

Cinema du Parc’s Oscar-Nominated Film Festival

Cinema du Parc are the proud hosts of an Oscar-nominated film festival happening this February. Starting February 10, 2017, Cinema du Parc will be screening all of the Oscar-nominated movies in the following categories: Best Animated Short and Best Live Action Short. Ten films will receive a prestigious Academy Award nomination in 2017, and we can’t wait to find out more so we can grab our tickets to this awesome local film fest!
When: February 10, 2017
Where: Cinema du Parc, 3575 Av du Parc

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

Village Mammouth

This winter festival right in the heart of the Olympic Village is one of the biggest attractions in the city. Featuring ice skating, snow tubing, an outdoor bar, and plenty of restaurants, there is tons of fun to be had at this snow-filled paradise.
When: Until March 12
Where: Olympic Park

Saturday, February 18

Bazar Vintage Montreal

This unique shopping event will features tons of new and local exhibitors who will be selling everything from antique jewelry and dishes to clothing and books. Other items available include toys, vinyls, posters and retro picture frames, small and medium-sized furniture, lamps and light fixtures, and funky accessories. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself post-Valentine’s Day or you’re in need of a special gift for a friend or family member, the Bazar Vintage Montreal event is the place to be.
When: February 18, 9 am-4:30 pm
Where: Église St-Jean-Berchmans, 5945 Rue Cartier (at the corner of Rosemont and Papineau)

Polar Hero Race

Polar Hero, Canada’s largest winter obstacle race, is coming to Montreal this winter. The 5km race will take you through 25 obstacles, including hurdles, ropes, a climbing wall, monkey bars, and a magic carpet ride. And of course, all of these obstacles are to be completed in a giant field of fresh snow.The race is taking place across Quebec, and will be stopping in at Montreal’s Jean Drapeau Park on February 18, 2017. Suitable for families and all fitness levels, this is a surefire way to kick your winter into high gear.
When: February 18, 2017 at 9 am
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau

Off-Igloofest

You can now attend Igloofest 2017 for free! Courtesy of Off-Igloo, Montrealers who can’t afford to pay for Igloofest this year can still enjoy the EDM music festival’s awesome atmosphere with two free shows. For the city’s 375th anniversary, Igloofest added two whole weekends to its programming, remaining in Old Port for an astounding six weeks in 2017.  In an effort to make Igloofest even more accessible to the public, and to celebrate the city’s upcoming birthday, they are offering two free Off-Igloofest nights. The shows will both feature local artists so be sure to stop by Quai Jacques Cartier on February 11th and 18th. It is guaranteed to be a party to remember.
When: February 18, 7 pm-11:30 pm
Where: Quai Jacques Cartier

Maple Syrup Taffy

Looks like you don’t have to visit a cabane a sucre to get a taste of the maple syrup taffy we all know and love! Located right in downtown Montreal lies Stephanie Voghell, a maple-themed hut that sets up shop in Phillips Square each winter, selling an array of maple goodies. We’re talking about maple syrup, maple butter, maple sugar, maple lollipops, maple fudge, and of course, maple syrup snow taffy. Caught in the act earlier this week, Stephanie Voghell has a small snow-covered surface that they pour maple syrup onto, and allow customers to roll onto a popsicle stick. They are $2.50 a pop, and worth every penny.
When: Daily (weather permitting)
Where: Phillips Square (across from the Bay, at the corner of Sainte Catherine Street West and Union Avenue)

Spa Bota Bota’s Ice Breaker Package

If you’re looking to splurge on your Valentine, there’s nothing better than Spa Bota Bota’s Ice Breaker Package. Designed with Valentine’s in mind, the package includes a 3-course meal for two, access to the water circuit, 1 glass of wine per person, and live music while you dine (a romantic harp, anyone?). Tickets are $240 for two people so while it’ll cost you a pretty penny, it will surely be an experience to remember.
When: February 17 and 18
Where: Spa Bota Bota, Entrée McGill Coin De la Commune et McGill, Promenade du Vieux-Port

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 3 pm and 10 pm 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

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

Check out the lanterns in Chinatown

As Montreal’s Chinatown just celebrated the Lunar New Year, the neighbourhood has put up a ton of gorgeous decorations, most notably stunning Chinese lanterns. In addition to the lit-up Rooster (in honour of the Year of the Rooster) that is in the centre of own, there are also several colourful lanterns strung up on the streets. Be sure to visit before they’re taken down and remember to snap a few photos for you Insta feed!
When: TBA
Where: Chinatown, Montreal

Sunday, February 19

Salon Expert Chasse, Peche, et Camping

Grab your outdoorsy friends and head to Place Bonaventure ASAP! Montreal is hosting its very own hunting, camping, and fishing expo, otherwise known as Salon Expert Chasse, Peche, et Camping next month. Taking place at Place Bonaventure between February 16th and 19th, 2017, this unique festival is sure to attract all types of adventure-seekers. The largest event of its kind in Quebec, over 100 retailers will be present, selling everything from boats to RVs to ATVs. The show will also feature fishing seminars, hunting seminars, a West Coast Lumberjack show, and a Thomas Marine contest where one lucky visitor could win a Princecraft Pontoon worth $20,000.
When: February 16-19, 2017
Where: Place Bonaventure

ELMNT

Calling all fitness junkies! You likely haven’t heard of ELMNT, a brand new yoga, spinning, and fitness studio in the heart of Monkland Village. But you should get to know their name, because they currently have the promo of the century. As part of their Open House Special, they are offering two weeks of free fitness classes to all Montrealers. This means you can literally walk into ELMNT and head straight to a spinning, yoga, or fitness class, and you won’t be charged. It’s really that simple. Plus, class options are pretty damn great. They include the likes of Flow Yoga, Rhythm Ride, Barremix, Strong Yoga, Elevate Ride, Grind Cycle, Core Inversions, H.I.I.T, and Restorative Yoga. The last day to take advantage of their free classes is Sunday, February 19.
When: Until February 19
Where: ELMNT, 6000 Avenue Monkland

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

Nordik Slide

In addition to free shows, 2 extra weeks of programming, and a killer lineup, Igloofest 2017 also marks the return of the Nordik Slide. A winter tradition dating back over 100 years, Igloofest’s Nordik Slide has been wowing Montrealers for several years in a row. Presented as a contemporary update on a winter carnival classic (with an Igloofest touch), there is surely tons of fun to be had on the Nordik Slide. It will be set up in Place Jacques Cartier all festival long, meaning you have between January 12th and February 19th to check it out.
When: January 12-February 19, Thursdays to Sundays
Where: Place Jacques Cartier

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

Barbie Expo

In case you hadn’t heard, Montreal is currently home to the Barbie Expo, the largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls in the world. Montrealers have the chance to see and Instagram over 1,000 one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls. The Barbie dolls on display are not your average Barbie dolls, however. Rather, Barbie Expo is an exhibition of haute couture with Barbie as the model. As the website states, “This is Barbie seen at her fashionable best, a stunningly beautiful collection chicly modeled by the 11½-inch fashion icon.”
When: Open Monday to Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
Where: 1455 Rue Peel

Snow Yoga

Montreal-based fitness company, POP Spirit, is hosting a series of outdoor yoga sessions this winter. Aptly titled POP Yoga Neige, classes will take place between January 7th and March 12th in Parc Lafontaine and Parc Wilfrid Laurier. All classes are free to the public and boast top-notch instructors. All you have to do is bring your own mat and dress warmly (and we mean, really warm). Happening every weekend until March 12th, classes start at 10:30am sharp and last for roughly 40 minutes. Saturday mornings sessions will be held at Parc Lafontaine and Sunday mornings they will be held at Parc Laurier. Time to start practicing your downward dog in sub-zero temperatures!
When: Sundays between January 7 and March 12, 10:30 am
Where: Parc Laurier and Parc Lafontaine

Village Nordik

The Christmas markets may be gone, but Igloofest’s free winter village is in full swing. Village Nordik is back for another year of action-packed winter fun, setting up shop in Old Port for six whole weeks (January 12th until February 19th, to be exact). This year’s Village Nordik is an interactive play area curated by seven local design firms, each of which have been asked to present their vision of winter living. In the past, visitors have seen everything from igloos and ice sculptures to warm fire (featuring roasted marshmallows) and giant reindeer statues
When: January 12-February 19
Where: Place des Vestiges

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