23 things to do in Montreal this weekend: June 2 to June 4
The first weekend of June 2017 is an exciting one!
Not only does today mark the 2nd month of First Fridays, but there is a massive biking festival, Avenue Mont-Royal’s trade fair, a classical music festival, an after-hours event at Spa Bota Bota, a $10 theatre festival, and much more, going down this weekend.
Check out 23 things to do in Montreal this weekend, June 2 – 4.
Friday, June 2
First Fridays
The largest food truck festival in the province begins soon! Olympic Stadium is known for their awesome events, with our personal favourite being First Fridays. The most glorious of days, First Fridays are a special kind of culinary event in which all of the city’s food trucks gather at Olympic Stadium. 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.
Taking place on the first Friday of the month between May 5th and October 27th, be sure to start the summer off right by hitting up this awesome event.
When: June 2
Where: Olympic Stadium
Go Bike Festival – Tour de la Nuit
Go Bike MTL, an annual cycling festival held in our fair city, returns this weekend. The event is hosted by Velo Quebec, which happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As such, it is a perfect opportunity for Montrealers to join in on the fun and participate in one of several cycling events alongside thousands of their fellow city dwellers. This year’s Go Bike MTL event includes three main races: the Metropolitan Challenge, Tour la Nuit, and Tour de L’Ile Montreal. Tour la Nuit is a festive friday night bike ride through Montreal’s car-free streets. This fun event encourages Montrealers to dress up in costumes and decorate their bikes.
When: June 2
Where: Click here for a map of the route
Summer Night Drift at Spa Bota Bota
Montreal’s resident nautical spa, Spa Bota Bota, recently announced that they will be hosting “Summer Night Drift,” a series of after hours events happening throughout the summer. Kicking off on Friday, June 2, Summer Night Drift invites Montrealers for a night of partying in the Spa Bota Bota Gardens between 11:30pm and 2am. In addition to taking advantage of their gorgeous pools and scenic views, Summer Night Drift will also include the presence of a live DJ, DJ VBEE. Even better? This one-of-a-kind experience is just $35 per person and includes a towel and bathrobe. Summer Night Drift will be taking place on the first Friday of each month this summer.
When: Friday, June 2, 11:30 pm-2 am
Where: Spa Bota Bota
Chagall: Colour and Music
A special exhibition on world-renowned painter, Marc Chagall, is on at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts right now. The exhibit, titled “Chagall: Colour and Music,” explores the importance of music in Chagall’s life. It is multidisciplinary, featuring over 400 works ranging from sculptures and paintings to photographs and films. In addition, puppets, costumes, stained glass windows, maquettes, and gouaches are 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
Aislin: 50 Years of Cartoons
A brand new exhibit on famed Canadian editorial cartoonist, Aislin, just opened at the McCord Museum. The exhibit showcases 50 years worth of work from Aislin, whose real name is Terry Mosher. Mosher wrote for the Gazette for many years, and is considered one of the most influential political cartoonists in all of Canada. In fact, Maclean’s has even referred to Aislin as “probably the best satirist in Canada.” Not only does Aislin’s work make you think, but it reflects “Canadian society in its beautiful and less glorious moments.”
When: Until August 13, 2017
Where: McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St W
Festival TransAmeriques
Festival TransAmeriques returns to Montreal for its 11th edition next month for two weeks of contemporary dance and theatre events. This offbeat festival presents exciting new forms of art, and showcases major artists as well and up and comers in the world of contemporary art. Described as “a place to meet, a major get-together,” the Festival TransAmeriques is more than just performances, but also includes workshops, parties, cocktail hours, debates, and roundtable discussions. After all, the goal of the festival is to “encourage exchanges between the artists and the audience.” This year’s multilingual event reflects the city of Montreal, and has 27 performances on the schedule.
When: May 25 – June 8, 2017
Where: Various locations across the city, click here for more info
Voiles en Voiles
Voiles en Voiles has returned to Old Port once again! Open all summer long, this attraction encourages both children and adults to “live a memorable adventure.” This family park features 61 activities and will have Montrealers exploring a giant pirate ship by way of climbing, sliding, aerial adventure courses, and inflatable games. Whether you want to soar 20 feet high in the air, conquer a built-in rock climbing wall, or play in a bouncy castle, there is something for everyone. Rates vary depending on which activities you want to do aboard the ship. For example, access to the inflatable games is just $12, while access to the inflatable games, rock climbing wall, aerial courses, and the all aboard course will set you back $45. No matter which you choose, it’s guaranteed to be an afternoon you’ll never forget! Be sure to head down to Old Port before the end of the season!
When: Until the end of October
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Montreal Avudo
A dazzling water show paying tribute to the Saint Lawrence River will be taking over Old Port this summer. Titled Montreal Avudo, this spectacular water show will project life size images inspired by the city’s history onto the water. The show will also include an 11-storey tall shipping container tower (the largest in the world). All of this magic will be capped off by an original score created by Maria Bonzanigo and recorded with the Orchestre Métropolitain and the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal.
When: Thursday to Saturday from May 12-September 2, 2017, 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm each night
Where: The west sector of the Old Port of Montréal, near the King Edward Pier and the Montréal Science Centre
Saturday, June 3
L’Avenue du Mont Royal Trade Fair
Kicking off June 1 and lasting until June 4, this massive sidewalk sale turns the street into a pedestrian-only zone filled with shopping bargains and tons of family-friendly activities. Shops will open to create the biggest open-air market of the summer, not to mention that shop hours will be extended until 11pm (except on the Sunday). Once you’ve satisfied your inner shopaholic, you can wander to the designated Family Area where you’ll find face painting, mini golf, a flying elephant ride, inflatable games, and a build-your-own birdhouse workshop. Finally, finish off your day with the DJ Site set up at the corner of Mont Royal and Saint Laurent. Here you’ll find a laidback environment with 7 DJs spinning tunes all hours of the day. Prepare for an awesome weekend spent strolling through one of Montreal’s coolest neighbourhoods!
When: June 1-4, 2017
Where: Avenue du Mont Royal between Boulevard Saint Laurent and d’Iberville Street
Fringe Fest
The St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival, otherwise known as Fringe Fest, is back for three whole weeks. The festival has been held annually in Montreal since 1990, and is comprised of a wide program of theatrical shows. Types of shows include off-Broadway, drag, music, dance, spoken word, comedy and repertory, and over 500 performers flock to the city for the festival. Unlike most other theatre festivals out there, artists are chosen by lottery or on a first-come first-serve basis. If chosen, artists receive 100% of the ticket sales and they are completely uncensored in terms of what they choose to perform and how they choose to perform it. And the best part? All shows are $10 or less! For more information on this year’s programme, click here.
When: May 29 – June 18, 2017
Where: MainLine Theater, 3997 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Festival Classica
Montreal’s resident classical music festival is back! Festival Classica is an annual event that takes place in the heart of Saint-Lambert and features an impressive programme of indoor and outdoor concerts. The 2017 theme is De Bach aux Beatles, so you can expect a wide range of music at this year’s edition. All outdoor concerts are free, while indoor concerts require tickets, but they are all affordable. Festival Classica kicks off May 26th and ends June 4th, with exciting performances and activities happened every night of the festival. In addition to music, there will be a Notes gourmandes event showcasing Quebec food and alcohol, as well as a Classic’Art activity where artists come together to create works based on classical music!
When: May 26 – June 4, 2017
Where: Rue Elm & Avenue Lorne, Saint-Lambert
Sherbrooke’s Open Air Museum
As part of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations, Sherbrooke Street has been temporarily turned into an open-air museum. According to the website, it gives Montrealers “the chance to soak up a spectacular world-class public art exhibition.” Coordinated by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the project marks the 375th anniversary of the city, the 50th anniversary of Expo 67, and the 150th anniversary of Canada. In honour of these important dates, this pop-up museum features 67 original works of Canadian art that “convey a message of peace and reflect the universal values of humanism, tolerance and openness that inspired Expo 67.” Finally, flags from each of the 13 provinces and territories, and from over 200 countries will be flown above the exhibition on Sherbrooke.
When: May 29 – October 2, 2017
Where: Sherbrooke Street West between the McCord Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Aura at the Notre Dame Basilica
An immersive and luminous experience is happening right now at Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica. Owing to the city’s 375th anniversary, Montreal’s most famous landmark is putting on a mesmerizing light show for the rest of 2017. Created by Moment Factory, Aura is a two-act multimedia show featuring both music and special lighting effects. According to the official description, “AURA will help visitors discover one of Canada’s greatest heritage monuments in a whole new way and will move them with its portrayal of its treasures.”
When: Everyday except Sundays
Where: Notre Dame Basilica, 110 Notre-Dame St W
Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA
Canadian entertainment company, Cirque du Soleil, has returned to its hometown this summer to perform its newest show, VOLTA. Volta is the travelling company’s latest show which tells a story centered on the freedom to choose and create your own path. Inspired by action sports, the show will feature a series of acrobatic stunts, an emotional score, a “visually striking” set, and a spiritual theme. Prepare for one of the most raw and emotional stories ever told by Cirque du Soleil.
When: Until July 23, 2017
Where: Under the Big Top, Old Port of Montreal
La Ronde
Mark your calendars! Montreal’s resident amusement park, La Ronde, is officially scheduled to open on May 20th. Less than two months away, we suggest you start preparing for the upcoming season. What’s the best way to prepare, you may ask? We recommend taking advantage of the park’s incredible season pass deal! Once you’ve purchased your passes, it’s time to curate your plan of attack. For a little inspiration, check out 11 rides at La Ronde you have to try. Alternatively, you can read all about La Ronde’s insane new ride, Titan, here.
When: Until October
Where: La Ronde, 22 Chemin Macdonald
Walk Up Mount Royal
The weather has finally turned so why not take advantage? Go for a summer walk up Mount Royal! Explore the flora and fauna, wander a new trail, or even have a picnic at Beaver Lake. There is so much to explore at this Montreal landmark.
When: Anytime
Where: Mount Royal
CSI: The Experience
The Montreal Science Centre recently became home to an all new exhibition titled CSI: The Experience. The interactive, crime scene-themed exhibit opens April 6th and is based on the famous television show of the same name. According to the exhibition’s description, CSI: The Experience is a “learning adventure into the world of criminalistics,” that encourages participants to crack the case. Museum-goers will get to draw their own conclusions about the evidence presented and try to decipher which clues need further analysis. From there, participants will have the opportunity to compare tire tracks and shell casings and to carry out real-life forensics tests, such as blood spatter and DNA analysis. Not only will you learn about forensic anthropology and toxicology, but you’ll get to feel like a real detective solving the case. Don’t miss out on the chance to conduct your own criminal investigation!
When: Until September 4
Where: Montreal Science Centre
Sunday, June 4
Go Bike Festival – Tour de L’Île de Montreal
Go Bike MTL, an annual cycling festival held in our fair city, returns this weekend. The event is hosted by Velo Quebec, which happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As such, it is a perfect opportunity for Montrealers to join in on the fun and participate in one of several cycling events alongside thousands of their fellow city dwellers. This year’s Go Bike MTL event includes three main races: the Metropolitan Challenge, Tour la Nuit, and Tour de L’Ile de Montreal. The Tour de L’Ile de Montreal has three different versions depending on the distance and speed you’d like to bike at, and it takes place in downtown Montreal.
When: June 4
Where: Click here for a map of the route
Clock Tower Beach
Old Montreal’s famous Clock Tower Beach was closed last summer, but it has reopened in summer 2017, giving Montrealers all the benefits of a beach without leaving the city. Set up at Clock Tower Quay, Clock Tower Beach sits on the banks of the Saint Lawrence and features white sand, blue umbrellas, lounge chairs, and even a resident bar (L’Horloge). Entrance to the beach is just $2, which is a small price to pay for paradise! The beach will be open on weekends only until June 11, and then every day of the week starting June 16.
When: Until September 4
Where: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port
Tam Tams
Grab your sangria kits and drum sets! Tam Tams has returned to our fair city and we couldn’t be more excited. After all, is there any better sign that summer has arrived? Taking place every Sunday during the summer months, Tam Tams is one of the city’s best and most popular unofficial events. Tam Tams is a magical outdoor festival where Montrealers far and wide gather in Parc Mont Royal for an afternoon of food, fun, and music. Though the drum circle is located at the Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument, vendors and entertainment spread throughout the park, all the way from Avenue Mont-Royal to Duluth. Remember to bring food and wine, and take advantage of Montreal’s picnic law!
When: Until September 24, 2017
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
Memory Collector
Opened by Montreal’s archeology and history museum, Pointe A Calliere, the city’s newest underground tunnel is a tribute to North America’s first collector sewer. Pointe A Calliere has turned a portion of the underground sewer tunnel into a permanent exhibition at the museum entitled “Memory Collector.” Ultimately, the exhibit promises to take visitors on a journey to a “mysterious underground world imbued with history and emotion.” |
When: Monday to Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Where: Pointe A Calliere
Free Outdoor Pianos
Montrealers love music, which is why we couldn’t be more excited that the city’s public piano initiative is back! Since 2012, the city of Montreal has been installing public pianos in the summertime. The project first began in the Plateau but has since spread to other parts of the city. Over 50 pianos have now been installed across Montreal for summer 2017. While the bulk of them are located in the Plateau, Mile End, and downtown, you’ll be able to find them as far as Pointe-Aux-Trembles and St-Leonard. Completely free of charge to the public, Montrealers far and wide are invited to play a note on these colourful and beautifully-decorated pianos!
When: Anytime
Where: For a full list of piano locations, click here.
Piknic Electronik
Montreal’s favourite Sunday EDM festival, Piknic Electronik, is back for summer 2017! Kicking off May 21st in Parc Jean Drapeau, this outdoor electronic music festival is a true sign that summer has returned to the city. 2017 marks the 15th edition of Piknic Electronik, so you can bet the lineup is going to be a particularly good one. The 2017 programme won’t be unveiled until May 4th, so be sure to check the official website in May.
When: Every Sunday until September 24, 2017
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
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