18 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, September 15

Knock on wood, today could be the last hot and sunny Saturday of the summer. So you’d best take advantage of it. With that said, here’s a collection of eventful things to keep you busy today, September 15.

Gardens of Light

Montreal’s Botanical Gardens have finally lit up with the magical Gardens of Light Festival.

The lantern festival includes a lighted path through the Botanical Garden’s three cultural gardens, The Chinese, Japanese and First Nations Gardens, all looking at nature from a different perspective.

When: From now until October 31
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Montreal’s Botanical Gardens
Price: $10.25 – $20.50

Supercross Montreal

Supercross Montreal roars back to the Olympic Stadium for a night of high-calibre international motocross action featuring the top drivers from Europe and North America.

It’s the only stop in Canada on the international tour and it’s happening tonight at the renowned stadium.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 2 pm – 10 pm
Where: Olympic Stadium – 4545 Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin
Price: $44.75 – $109.75, available online

Festival Stop Motion

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Festival Stop Motion showcases more than 55 animated short films from 23 countries around the globe. Film workshops, distinguished guests and family activities also decorated the weekend.

When: From now until September 16
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm on Friday, 10 am – 9 pm on Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm on Sunday
Where: Concordia University Cinema de Sève – 1400 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest
Price: $15 – $63, available online

Montreal RibFest

RibFest returned to the Old Port this weekend, bringing some of the best rib vendors from Montreal and abroad. Each serving up racks upon racks of mouthwatering ribs.

The festival will feature much more than just ribs. There will also be live music, local vendors, entertainment, and a huge kid’s play zone.

When: From now until September 16
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Quay
Price: Free admission

World Press Photo Exhibition

The 13^th annual World Press Photo Exhibition in Montreal showcases some of the most prestigious photographs from around the world. This year, 73,500 photos from 125 different countries will headline the exhibition.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 10 am – 12 am
Where: Marché Bonsecours – 325 de la Commune East
Price: $11 for students, $14 general admission, free for kids under 12

YUL EAT

The YUL EAT festival is the biggest food event in the city. Over 40 restaurant outlets and food trucks from all over Montreal give foodies the chance to discover local grub and dishes they’ve never tried before, on a huge scale.

New to the festival’s 5th anniversary, festival-goers will have a chance to attend live cooking masterclasses from some of the city’s most respected and renowned chefs.

When: From now until September 16
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free admission

Dek Hockey Tournament

The puck drops for the first edition of the H2P Cup powered by the Montreal Canadiens Alumni this weekend.

The Dek Hockey Tournament has 3 mixed classes, 6 women’s classes and 8 women’s classes, all vying to win the inaugural championship.

Registration spots are still available for this weekend’s tournament.

When: From now until September 16
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm (8 am – 12 am and 9 am – 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday)
Where: 89 Boulevard des entreprises Local, Boisbriand
Price: Free to watch

Mile Ex End

Last fall, the Mile Ex End Musique enjoyed its inaugural event when it took over the Van Horne underpass and it kicked off its second edition at the beginning of the month. It’s back this afternoon to bring you some serious tunes on a gorgeous day.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 4 pm
Where: Corner of Rue Marmier and Rue Henri-Julien
Price: $10-$60, available online

Pizza Fest

Grab a slice of everyone’s favourite comfort food as 50 participating restaurants in Montreal will create their own, unique pizza.

At the end of the 13-day festival, one place will be crowned the tasty winner of Montreal’s Pizza Fest.

Visit the Pizza Fest for a full list of participating restaurants.

When: From now until September 24
Time: Varies per location
Where: Spread out throughout Montreal
Price: Varies per selected pizza

Haunted Mountain

Haunted Montreal conducts Ghost Walks and carries out research into ghost sightings, paranormal activities, historic hauntings, unexplained mysteries, and strange legends from Mont Royal.

Join a tour conducted by professional actors and storytellers and learn about the mountain’s frightening past.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Fletcher’s Field – Jeanne Mance Park
Price: $23

Shuttle Bus to Yamaska National Park

Parkbus is offering free shuttle services from downtown Montreal to Yamaska National Park today.

Yamaska is located in La Haute in the Montérégie region of Quebec, northeast of Granby. Its hilly landscape hosts creeks, mountain trails, and breathtaking open spaces. The majority of the land is forested and boasts over 40 tree species including maple, fir, eastern hemlock, grey birch, and basswood. Not to mention a library of wildlife and birds.

The shuttle will depart every Saturday from the Montreal Tourism Info Centre on Rue Metcalfe. It leaves twice in the morning with two returns in the afternoon.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8 am and 6 pm
Where: Montreal Tourism Info Centre
Price: Free

Hemmingford Garage Sale Weekend

Sneak out of the city to the quaint area of Hemmingford and witness the entire town partake in a village-wide garage sale. You never know what you may find.

While you’re there, get your last licks in at Parc Safari or sneak off to a round of golf at Hemmingford’s gorgeous 36-hole course.

When: September 15 and 16
Time: 9 am – 6 pm
Where: Hemmingford
Price: Free admission

Tonga Lumina

Mont-Tremblant’s trail is illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as guests must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find a slumbering giant.

The adventure starts at the base of Mont-Tremblant. The chairlift transports its investigators to the “Twilight Portal” where a colourful lit path weaves its way through the woods to a series of mysterious checkpoints in pursuit of the giant.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: Departures at 9 pm, 10 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Mont Tremblant
Price: $11.99 – $27.99, kids under 5 get in for free

Jon Hopkins at Théâtre Corona

Jon Hopkins is an English producer and musician who writes and performs electronic music. He began his career as a keyboardist for Imogen Heap and has since started a solo tour.

He’s playing at the gorgeous Théâtre Corona tonight.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8 pm – 11 pm
Where: Théâtre Corona – 2490 Notre Dame Ouest
Price: $29-$33, available online

Crosstown Rivalry Game – Concordia vs McGill

Nothing says rivalry like some good old-fashioned university football.

The McGill Redman take on the Concordia Stingers in some RSEQ actions.

Pre-game hotdogs are just $2 and Pride Pass holders get a free meal of their choice. Even if you don’t like football, $2 hotdogs are something to be taken seriously.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 1 pm
Where: McGill Athletics – 475 Avenue Pin
Price: $5 for students, $10 general admission, kids under 12 get in free

Superhero FunRun

This 5 k run has everyone dressed up in Superhero costumes and zones include an “Arctic Blast Zone” where participants are sprayed with an artificial snowstorm, a maze and two surprise courses.

The site also features mascots, video games, inflatable castles and more. Participants choose which charity their donations go towards.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Where: 3400 Trinitaires Boulevard
Price: $49.95-$79.95

Barbie Expo

The world’s largest permanent exhibit of Barbies is happening at Montreal’s Cours Mont Royal. The upscale mall hosts over 1,000 entertainment industry Barbie dolls, all dressed by leading fashion houses. Plus, it’s free.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Cours Mont-Royal, 1445 Rue Peel
Price: Free

Promenade Fleuve-Montagne

You can experience two of Montreal’s most stunning landmarks in one trek: the St. Lawrence River and Mont Royal Park. Stroll from one to the other on a beautiful 3.8-km promenade that features wide sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, rest areas, greenery and access to various restaurants along the route. The multimillion-dollar investment from the city’s 375th birthday celebrations is a site to see.

When: Every day in September
Time: The path is open 24/7
Where: Rue de la Commune Ouest and Place Royale to Avenue des Pins and Rue McTavish
Price: Free

See also

• Food critic dares to slam Montreal bagels, Montrealers react accordingly
• Plan revealed to connect Tour des Canadiens to Bell Centre with stunning skybridge
• This Montreal restaurant has the world’s first interactive bartending robot
• A Quebec man was given Canada's first ever face transplant