17 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, September 8

With the gorgeous, comfortable temperatures today in Montreal, comes an impressive list of both indoor and outdoor events to keep you busy. Here are 17 things to do today, September 8.

Tattoo Festival

If you’re looking to add some more ink to your body, or you just appreciate the art, Montreal’s tattoo festival returned to the city yesterday and continues until Sunday.

The convention promotes tattooing and brings in over 100 artists from all over the world in to celebrate the art and its surrounding community.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 12 pm – 11 pm
Where: Gare Windsor – 1160 Avenue des Canadiens de Montreal
Price: Day pass $20 or weekend pass $50

Ukrainian Festival

The 18th annual Ukrainian festival promotes the heritage and culture within the Montreal community and strives to increase awareness of the contribution of Ukrainian-Canadians to the society in Quebec.

Visitors who attend the festival have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Ukrainian traditions of folk crafts, music, dance, art, fashion, and of course, food.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: Friday: 7 pm – 2 am, Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm and Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Parc Beaubien – Intersection of Rue Beaubien Est and 9e avenue
Price: Free

OUMF Back-to-School Festival

The OUMF back-to-school festival aims to give students one massive block party to cap off the summer.

The 8th edition of the festival hosts three music stages, live performances, art exhibitions and tons of street-side activities.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 3 pm – 11 pm
Where: Rue St. Denis – Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free admission

Montreal Bacon Week

The 4th annual bacon festival returned to the Quartier Dix30 on September 1, bringing some serious sizzle to the new month.

The crispy festival continues today as 18 restaurants from the South Shore’s mega-outlets put a different spin on a bacon-infused dish.

From bacon poutine to bacon donuts and milkshakes, here are a few dishes you’ll be able to taste at this year’s festival.

When: From now until September 9
Time: Varies per restaurant
Where: Quartier Dix30 – 6000 Boulevard Rome, Brossard
Price: Varies per selected item

Rob Ross at Comedy Nest

As seen on CBC’s Just for Laughs, The Comedy Network, MTV Live, The Rick Mercer Report and Canada’s Smartest Person, Rob Ross brings his award-winning writing style to the Comedy Nest’s cozy stage this weekend.

Featured acts include the Montreal-born Derek Seguin, fresh off a set at Just for Laughs, veteran local star, Mike Paterson, and Aba Atlas, one of the funniest, young up and coming comedians in the city.

If you’re looking to get chuckling tonight, the Nest has got you covered.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: 2313 Rue Ste. Catherine – Third floor of the Pepsi Forum
Price: $10 students, $15 general admission

NHL Rookie Showdown – Senators vs Maple Leafs

Top prospects from the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs square off in a head-to-head game at Place Bell tonight.

The tournament will showcase the newly drafted rookies, free agent signings and camp invitees from the Sens and Leafs to get you ready for the 2019 NHL campaign.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 3 pm
Where: Place Bell – Laval
Price: $56 – $104

Fête des Amériques

Fair of America (Fête des Amériques) is a colourful new festival taking place in the Old Port. This first edition of the festival will transport you to various countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Mexico including authentic music, dancing, fashion and food.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 11 am – 8 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Quay – 333 Rue de la Commune Ouest
Price: $15 on Friday, $20 on Saturday and Sunday

Gardens of Light

The Gardens of Light Festival is finally back and today’s weather is perfect to soak up the beautiful sights.

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: September 7 – October 31
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Montreal’s Botanical Gardens
Price: $10.25 – $20.50

Oktoberfest de Répentigny

A little Oktoberfest in September, why not? Besides a slew of beer from all over the world, Répentigny’s Oktoberfest features rides, live music and food.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: Varying hours
Where: Parc de l’Île Lebel – 396 rue Notre-Dame, Repentigny
Price: $15 – $35

DreamHack Montreal

DreamHack is the world’s largest digital festival. It’s a meeting place for gamers, esports, Internet and gaming culture, intellectual and creative competitions, live music acts, lectures by industry experts, celebrity content creators, and cosplayers.

Head down to the Olympic Stadium if you want to compete or just watch.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 10 am – midnight
Where: Montreal Olympic Stadium – 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin
Price: $30

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 last weekend. After a few days break, it’s back today with their “Rigole” theme.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 4 pm
Where: Corner of Rue Marmier and Rue Henri-Julien
Price: $10-$60, available online

Animara Con

Celebrating its 5th edition, Japanese cosplay, animation and video game enthusiasts are invited to join a welcoming community of creative individuals to celebrate their passions together.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: Hotel Delta – 475 Avenue du President Kennedy
Price: $30 online, $35 at the door

LadyFest

As the summertime heat dwindles down and the Just for Laughs festival has long since packed up, LadyFest steps up and fills Montreal’s comedic void and it concludes this weekend.

Ladyfest is a celebration of dynamic femme and non-binary talent in stand-up, storytelling, video, improv, and sketch comedy.

The festival’s slogan, ‘One Love. No Jerks’ shows how LadyFest strives to host comedy events that are respectful and enjoyable experiences for everyone to laugh, connect and grow.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: Varies per selected show
Where: The Blue Dog Motel, Montreal Improv and Theatre Ste. Catherine
Price: Varies per selected show

World Press Photo Exhibition

The 13th 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 8
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

Shuttle Bus to Yamaska National Park

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

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 8
Time: 8 am and 6 pm
Where: Montreal Tourism Info Centre
Price: Free

FIX Dance Night

DJ Caféine and DJ Frigid will be spinning beats until the wee hours of the morning at St. Denis’ popular ‘La Shop’ venue.

Expect to hear classic alternative, punk, and hardcore rock to the likes of Billy Idol, Eagles of Death Metal, Iggy Pop, The White Stripes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more.

When: Saturday, September 8
Time: 10 pm – 3 am
Where: La Shop – 4177 Rue St. Denis
Price: $7 at the door

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 1
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Fletcher’s Field – Jeanne Mance Park
Price: $23

See also

• Most of the Turcot Interchange will shut down this fall
• Uber Eats charges Canadian man $1,000 for pack of mayo
• Newly designed Montreal park will honour French and Quebecois women (RENDERINGS)
• Québec Solidaire promises to add 38 more metro stations if elected