28 things to do in Montreal this weekend: September 7 to 9

We may be back to the normal weekend schedule from September 7 to 9, but Montreal is offering a wide variety of activities to keep you engaged.

As the weather cools down to normal temperatures, here’s 28 things to do in Montreal this weekend.

Friday, September 7

Tattoo Festival

If you’re looking to add some more ink to your body, or you just appreciate the art, Montreal’s tattoo festival is on its way back to the city for its 16th edition this weekend.

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: September 7 – 9
Time: 6 pm – 12 am on Friday, 12 pm – 11 pm on Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm on Sunday
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 Ukrainian 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: September 7 – 9
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: September 7 and 8
Time: 3 pm – 11 pm
Where: Rue St.Denis – Quartier des Spectacles

Montreal Bacon Week

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

The crispy festival continues this weekend with 18 restaurants from the South Shore’s mega-outlets, each putting a different spin on a bacon-inspired 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

NHL Rookie Showdown

Top prospects from three Canadian franchises will go head-to-head at Place Bell this weekend. The tournament will showcase the newly drafted rookies, free agent signings and camp invitees from the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.

When: September 7: Canadiens vs Senators, September 8: Senators vs Maple Leafs and September 9: Maple Leafs vs Canadiens
Time: 7:30 pm on September 7 and 3 pm on September 8 and 9
Where: Place Bell – Laval
Price: $56 – $104

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, and Aba Atlas, one of the funniest, young up and coming comedians in the city.

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

When: September 7 and 8
Time: 8 pm and 10 pm
Where: 2313 Rue Ste. Catherine – Third floor of the Pepsi Forum
Price: $6 students, $15 general admission

Le Burger Week Montreal

From bacon to burgers, today is the last day of Le Burger Week in Montreal. 47 eateries in the city have been competing for the title of the city’s best burger.

The winning creation is typically offered at a special “burger price” for the public to taste and cast their votes on leburgerweek.com.

There will be winning burgers in several categories including People’s Choice, Most Creative, and Healthiest Burger. Le Burger Week also sends undercover tasters all over the country to choose which creation will earn the Judges’ Choice title.

When: Friday, September 7
Time: Varies per restaurant
Where: Various locations around Montreal
Price: Varies per restaurant

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: September 7 – 9
Time: 11 am – 8 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Quay – 333 Rue de la Commune Ouest
Price: $15 on Friday, $20 on Saturday and Sunday

First Fridays

The largest food truck festival in the province happens the first Friday of every month and guess what this Friday is?

The city’s food trucks gather at Olympic Stadium showcasing an array of mouthwatering local food 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.

When: Friday, September 7
Time: 4 pm – 11 pm
Where: Olympic Stadium
Price: Free admission

Gardens of Light

This weekend is the time of year when Montreal’s botanical gardens finally light up for 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: 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: September 7 – 9
Time: Varying hours
Where: Parc de l’Île Lebel – 396 rue Notre-Dame, Repentigny
Price: $15 – $35

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s indecent past.

The tour is led by a professional actor and storyteller and the path leads to tales about the dark and lewd history of Montreal’s old Red Light District. Many of the sites are even said to be haunted.

When: Every Friday until Halloween
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

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: September 7 – 9
Time: 10 am – midnight
Where: Montreal Olympic Stadium – 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin
Price: $30

Leftover Crack

The American punk rock band, formerly members of Choking Victim, are rocking out at the Corona Theatre on Friday.

When: Friday, September 7
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Corona Theatre – 2490 Notre Dame Ouest
Price: $29.90, available online

Saturday, September 8

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

When: September 8 and 9
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: September 8 and 9
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 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 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

Sunday, September 9

Summer Concert Series

The historic Saint Joseph Oratory is hosting an indoor concert with live projections on a giant screen on Sunday. This weekend features musician Jean-Guy Proulx at one of Montreal’s most viewed buildings.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Saint Joseph Oratory
Price: Free

Grand Prix Cycling

Experience the intensity of the biggest cycling event in all of Montreal. The race starts at Jeanne-Mance park and cycles around the designated route around the city.

Registration for the race is full but it’s free to watch the hundreds of cyclists.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: 10:30 am – 4:50 pm
Where: Jeanne-Mance Park
Price: Free

The MTL Grand Open Round 1

The first round (of 10) features nine of Montreal’s funniest comedians battling out for their chance to win a $1000 grand prize.

Grand… prize… get it?

The first round features the hilarity of Jacob Greco, Darren Henwood, Alex Wood, Dawn Ford, Shawn Stenhouse, Harrison Weinreb, Mike Gamache, and Martin Gallois.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: Doors at 7:30 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Mckibbin’s Irish Pub – 1426 Bishop Street
Price: $5

Battlewar 57

The best and most feared wrestlers from around Montreal gather at Foufounes Electriques for a battle royal and a chance to be crowned this summer’s wrestling champion.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Foufounes Electriques – 87 Rue Ste. Catherine Est
Price: $15

Tam Tams

Sundays in Montreal in the summer is synonymous with Tam Tams. It’s a giant outdoor party with dancers, sports and drummers all gathered around the Sir George-Etienne Cartier monument.

With only four Tams left for 2018 season, the mountain’s longstanding tradition should be your go-to Sunday spot. Very 420 friendly.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: Noon
Where: Mont Royal Park
Price: Free

El Mercado del Taco

Montreal’s first ever taco festival has chefs from renowned taco restaurants competing for the best dish in the city. The venue will also feature Mexican wrestling, mariachi music, bands, DJs and a chance to win a trip to Mexico City.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: L’Ambroisie et L’Espace Canal – 4020, rue Saint-Ambroise, door #140
Price: $16 – $21

See also

• Zombies and ghouls take over La Ronde for Fright Fest next month
• Massive gourmet food garden coming to heart of downtown Montreal (RENDERINGS)
• A massive FREE Etsy market is coming to Montreal this month
• This man nailed Drake's $25K half-court basketball shot challenge at the Bell Centre (VIDEO)