12 alternative ways to spend St. Patrick's Day weekend in Montreal

Not into green beer and parties? No problem!

Montreal has got a whole slew of PG-rated events happening all weekend long. Whether you’re into live music (both the Lumineers and the Knocks are in town Saturday), Pink Floyd operas, sugar shacks, fashion exhibitions, or scaling buildings like Spiderman, you can do it right here in our fair city.

A word of caution, however? If St. Paddy’s Day isn’t your thing, we highly recommend avoiding Sainte Catherine Street West on Sunday afternoon…things are bound to get pretty wild.

Without further ado, check out 12 alternative ways to spend St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Montreal.

The Lumineers

American folk rockers The Lumineers are back in town this Saturday. Coming onto the scene in 2012, The Lumineers had a massive hit in “Ho, Hey,” which made them an international indie sensation. Their second album Cleopatra was another success for the band, who are currently touring in support of their second release.
When: March 18 at 6 pm
Where: Bell Centre, 1909 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal

Another Brick in the Wall

Roger Waters and the Montreal Opera Company have come together to produce one of the most unique shows of the season: a Pink Floyd-themed opera. Titled “Another Brick In The Wall,” this brand new opera is based on the lyrics and music of Roger Waters’ The Wall. The operative version is composed by Julien Bilodeau, stage direction is by Dominic Champagne, and the show features an all-Canadian cast of talented singers and actors. It is only in town for a limited engagement so be sure to check it out before it wraps up on March 26th.
When: March 18
Where: Salle Wilfrid Pelletier, Place des Arts

Sirop Urban Shack

Quebec eco-entrepreneur permaculture community, Terra Perma, has just announced they will be hosting a popup sugar shack in Montreal between March 18th and April 30th. Sirop Urban Shack will be set up in Montreal neighbourhood, St. Henri, and will feature an all-you-can-eat menu filled with maple goodies courtesy of Terra Perma’s artisanal small batch syrup. The menu includes the likes of pea soup, cabbage salad, homestyle potatoes with thyme and garlic, sugar pie, pancakes, maplewood-smoked bacon, and merguez sausage. Tickets cost $20 each so be sure to get yours before they’re gone! This is one of the best opportunities you’ll get to experience a sugar shack without leaving the city.
When: March 18-April 30
Where: 3580 Notre-Dame W

Fashioning Expo 67

The McCord Museum has announced a temporary exhibition on fashion from the Expo 67 era. The exhibit, titled Fashioning Expo 67, explores the “effervescence of Montreal’s fashion moment.” Over 60 outfits will make up the exhibition, ranging from hostess uniforms to paper dresses, all of which have been created by Quebec designers. Further, Fashioning Expo 67 will feature accessories like hats, gloves, umbrellas, purses, and jewellry, as well as drawings, photographs, documents, and film footage of the fashion at Expo 67.
When: March 17 – October 1
Where: McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St W

Decalade

Defy gravity and scale a building like Spiderman courtesy of Old Port’s ultra fun adventure, Decalade. The Decalade challenge is happening at the Conveyer Key Tower in Old Port right now! Participants can choose from a variety of challenges, from the 1-hour “dizzying trip”, to the 3-hour “controlled vertical descent facing the ground like Mission Impossible.” This activity is sure to get your blood pumping as you put yourself in the shoes of all the action hero greats. Sessions are by appointment only and range from $89.99 to $149.00. You can also pay $39.99 for a panoramic selfie as you descend from the roof.
When: By appointment only
Where: Conveyer Key Tower

Butterflies Go Free

The Montreal Botanical Garden’s annual “Butterflies Go Free” exhibit is back for another year. Taking over the Main Exhibition Greenhouse from February 23rd until April 30th, 2017, visitors can step into a humid tropical oasis that will make you forget all about winter. As you take in the fragrant flowers and diverse greenery, hundreds of stunning butterflies will fly around you. Feel them as they lightly brush your arm mid-air or examine them up close while perched on a flower.
When: February 23-April 30, 2017
Where: The Montreal Botanical Garden

National Women’s Show

Described as “the best girl’s day ever,” the National Women’s Show is heading to Montreal next month. Taking over Palais des Congres from March 17th until March 19th, the three day event will feature over 300 exhibits on everything from fashion to business. Exhibitor categories include Beauty and Wellness, Fashion and Style, Cosmetic and Fashion Super Sale, World of Taste, Travel and Adventure, and Business and Career Centre. The event will also feature guest appearances by famous style gurus, as well as workshops, fashion shows, a cooking theatre, and a salon stage.
When: March 17-19, 2017
Where: Palais des Congres

The Knocks: Feel Good Feel Great

New York’s The Knocks are back with their funky sounds, bringing along with them Bipolar Sunshine, Illy, Gilligan Moss. Be sure to catch them at Le Belmont this Saturday at 9pm (tickets are just $17 in advance or $20 at the door).
When: March 18 at 9 pm
Where: Le Belmont, 4483 Boulevard Saint-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

National Home Show

The National Home Show returns to Montreal this March for 10 whole days. Taking over Place Bonaventure between March 10th and March 19th, this unique festival will feature hundreds of exhibitors covering all sorts of home-related needs. From interior design to indoor and outdoor lighting, guests will be able to learn about the products and services offered by a plethora of local vendors. Other exhibitor categories include kitchen & bath, pool & spa, windows & window coverings, garage doors, gardens & patios, home entertainment, home decor, heating & air conditioning, and much more. Tickets are issued per day and cost $16 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.
When: March 10-19
Where: Place Bonaventure

Art Souterrain

Taking art out of artistic institutions and integrating them into daily life, Art Souterrain is hands down one of the coolest art festivals Montreal has ever hosted. Art Souterrain is a non-profit organized founded in 2009 that is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, artists, and the “cultural heritage of Montreal’s underground city.” Thus, we can expect art installations to centre on concepts of pleasure, relaxation, sharing, and leisure. Specific forms of play mentioned include video games, theme parks, game rooms, sports, television, and the internet. The best part? Each installation will be set in a different underground tunnel in Montreal.
When: March 4-26, 2017
Where: TBD

Combat d’Archers

You can play the hottest new recreational game right here in Montreal. Known as Archery Tag (or Arc Tag for short), Combat d’Archers is the place to spend a Saturday afternoon in Montreal. This new, hybrid sport is a mix of paintball and archery. It sees players running around a room of over 10,000 square feet, using airsoft weapons to tag their opponents. Each session is one hour in length, excluding 20 minutes of training which is required before every game.
When: Monday to Friday 12pm-11pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-11 pm
Where: 3955 Rue de Rouen