42 things to do in Montreal this August

As we bid ‘au revoir’ to July, August swoops in to Montreal with an impressive list of events and activities to keep you busy all month.

You might want to bookmark this bad boy, it’ll come in handy as the summer days start to dwindle down.

See also:

• 38 FREE things worth checking out in Montreal this August
• 9 wild water parks you need to day trip to from Montreal
• 12 gorgeous beaches you can day trip to from Montreal

Michael Bublé Love Tour: Montreal

It’s a beautiful day as Canadian crooner and 12-time JUNO Award winner, Michael Bublé is coming Home to Canada as part of his 2019 Canadian tour to kick off the new month.

Bublé returned to the stage after a lengthy absence and the singer is thrilled to return to his Canadian roots and perform in Montreal, as part of his 11-city cross-country tour.

The tour will kick off in Bublé’s hometown of Vancouver in April and will make a stop at Montreal’s Bell Centre on August 1.

When: Thursday, August 1
Time: Doors open at 7 pm, concert begins at 8 pm
Where: Bell Centre, 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Price: Tickets range from $69, $99 and $189

Comedy Crowd OFF

If you’ve ever sweated through a stand-up comedy show while sitting in the front row, the tables may have now turned in your favour.

Comedy Crowd OFF, a new comedy club in downtown Montreal, encourages audience members to heckle the comics, rewarding the best chirpers with a prize at the end of the night.

“Use all those comebacks you thought of in the shower and lead your table to victory,” reads the Comedy Crowd OFF Facebook page. The venue continues to describe ‘heckling’ as to interrupt or harass a stand-up comedian during a performance. Heckling is done through the means of yelling, jeering, and roasting.

When: August 1 and 15
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Kenoh Bar, 1431B rue Bishop
Price: $5 admission

Osheaga 2019

Hundreds of bands and thousands of people will be split up between three epic days at the festival’s original site at Parc Jean-Drapeau, for the first time in two years since it underwent major renovations.

Each day features a different headliner, grouped up with a variety of different acts, genres, and audio-visual effects:

Aside from the amazing headliners, each day of the festival will feature some incredible featured acts:

DAY 1 – Friday, August 2

• The Lumineers
• Flume
• J Balvin
• Interpol
• Gucci Mane

DAY 2 – Saturday, August 3

• The Chemical Brothers
• Logic
• City and Colour
• Janelle Monae
• Rüfüs du Sol

DAY 3 – Sunday, August 4

• Childish Gambino
• Tame Impala
• Hozier
• Kaytranada
• Metric

When: August 2-4
Time: Varying times
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC
Price: $325 – $1,250, available online

Coupe Rogers Montreal

The 2019 Rogers Cup is returning to Montreal for a week in August for the 139th edition of the tournament and the 128th of the Canadian Open.

When: August 3-11
Time: Varies
Where: IGA Stadium, 285 Rue Gary-Carter
Price: Varies, available online

Montreal Highland Games

Every summer, the Montreal Highland Games bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate the heritage of Scotland and this month is no different.

The Games represent a wonderful opportunity for participants and visitors alike to discover the treasures, legends and history of the rich Scottish culture.

The festival features a massive parade, caber toss, tug of war, cannons, highland dancing, armoured combat, and traditional Scottish food and drinks.

When: Sunday, August 4
Time: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Where: Douglas Hospital – 7070 Boulevard Champlain, Verdun
Price: $15

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden, the English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975, is stopping by the Bell Centre at the beginning of the month as part of the iconic band’s “Legacy of the Beast Tour.”

When: Monday, August 5
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Bell Centre
Price: $204.60 – $351.37, available online

Le Grand Poutinefest

It seems like all that hard work to maintain your summer body is about to go down the tubes.

The Old Port’s week-long poutine festival, Le Grand Poutinefest, is making a greasy return to Montreal for a week this month.

More than 45 different types of the Quebec specialty dish will be on-site, ranging from the traditional (obviously), to a gourmet foie gras dish, a duck confit poutine, a decadent macaroni and cheese combo, vegan options, and dozens of other takes on the popular trifecta.

When: August 6-11
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm (on August 6), 11 am – 11 pm (August 7-11)
Where: Jacques-Cartier Pier, Old Port of Montreal
Price: Free admission, poutines have varying prices

International Balloon Festival

During the early days of the month, look up in the sky. It won’t be a bird, nor a plane, and it won’t even be Superman. It’ll be dozens of hot air balloons.

The International Balloon Festival of Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu is the largest gathering of balloons in Canada. The week-long event caters to the entire family and is an easy 40-minute drive off the island of Montreal.

In what started off as a balloon festival, the event has grown to host food vendors, bar outlets, live bands, theatre performances, activities, and has garnered a reputation on an international scale.

This year’s outdoor party will feature hot air balloons from Canada, the United States, France, and Brazil.

When: August 10-18
Time: Weekdays from 2:30 pm – the end of the show, weekends from 12 pm – the end of the show
Where: 5 Chemin de l’Aéroport, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Price: $30 – $50, available online

KISS at the Bell Centre

Are you ready to Rock and Roll All Nite, again? After what was supposed to be their final stop in Montreal EVER, rock legends KISS have announced one last stop at the Bell Centre this month.

For real this time.

One of the most prolific bands in history, that launched an era of rock ‘n roll legends, KISS’ final tour, appropriately named the “End of the Road,” has been touring North America since January.

The initial announcement was made on NBC’s America’s Got Talent last month, sending the Internet to Shout It Out Loud that they wanted to see the band’s larger-than-life performance for one last time.

When: Friday, August 16
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Bell Centre, 1909 avenue des Canadiens de Montreal
Price: $69.75 – $1,057.25, available online

 Lolë  White Tour – Montreal

The Lolë White Tour is returning to Montreal this August for one day of yoga fun in the sun.

The annual events takes over the Old Port for one day, inviting hundreds of Montrealers to join in one massive yoga session.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: 4 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Pier
Price: $59 – $156, available online

Jackalope 2019

For event-goers seeking that little extra ounce of adrenaline, Jackalope might be for you.

The festival is on its way back to Montreal this summer and it’s headlined by the World Cup Skateboarding Championship, a bouldering competition, and base jumping from the top of the Olympic Tower.

Yes.

According to the Jackalope website, the three-day festival is “an international showcase of raw talent, outdoor fun, and stimulating exchanges at a unique event.”

The entire event is staged outside at the Olympic Stadium. The event hosts a slew of adrenaline based activities that include: skateboarding, BMX, bouldering, motocross, slacklining, and water gunfights.

When: August 16-18
Time: Friday, 5 pm – 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm – 10 pm
Where: Montreal Olympic Park, 4549 Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin
Price: $35 to $325, available online

Shawn Mendes Concert

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer, songwriter, and model is performing two shows at the Bell Centre at the end of the month, both of which are selling out fast.

You’d best get stepping if you want to catch him performing live.

When: August 20 and 21
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Bell Centre
Price: $109, available online

Psicobloc Open Series Montreal

A rock-climbing competition, the Psicobloc Open Series, is coming to Parc Jean-Drapeau this month to get your adrenaline pumping.

Psicobloc, or deep water soloing, is a form of climbing that involves scaling a giant wall, rope-less, above a deep body of water.

The competition will involve two climbers at a time racing up a 55-foot wall, overhanging a deep pool. Any mistake will result in a free fall into the water.

The climbing duel merges speed, agility, endurance, and bravery with an essence of the California beach-vibe culture.

When: August 24 – 25 (seeding/qualifying August 22-23)
Time: 10 am – 10 pm
Where: Complex Aquatic – Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $35 for spectators, $165 – $205 for competitors

Comedy at the Art Loft

Comedy at the Art Loft is the hottest underground comedy show in Montreal. It’s the city’s only weekly bilingual show and is run out of a private loft on rue Saint-Laurent and is usually packed with people. It feels like a college part, except a comedian is slinging jokes into a microphone.

The hosts, headliners, and featured acts change weekly and we’ll be sure to keep you up to date.

The venue features a DJ and snacks. BYOB and it’s 420 friendly. Very 420 friendly.

When: August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Time: Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 10:30 pm
Where: 4152 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $10 at the door (cash only)

Piknic Electronik

Piknic is an outdoor electric music dance festival featuring DJs and artists from all over the world. There are obviously good tunes, but there’s also good food, good drinks, and plenty of activities to keep you going. Best of all – the show goes on rain or shine.

When: August 4, 11, 18, and 25
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $16, available online

Bowling – Forum Sports Bar

Strike some bowling off your list this month.

The Forum Sports Bar hosts 16 lanes of 10-pin bowling for $5 a game every Tuesday and Wednesday (tax and shoes included).

You also can’t go wrong with the giant square bar, arcade games, and TV screens.

When: August 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28
Time: 11 am – 1 am
Where: 2313 rue Ste. Catherine
Price: $5 per game, shoe rental included

Montreal Beachclub

Located in Pointe-Calumet, an easy 45-minute drive from Montreal, Beachclub is exactly what its name implies — a club on the beach.

The outdoor beach site can host up to 10,000 guests at a time, making it the largest outdoor club in North America.

August’s lineup includes ASAP Rocky on Saturday, August 3 and Tory Lanez on Saturday, August 10.

When: Every day in August (special events on August 3 and 10)
Time: Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 Rue 38, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Monday to Friday: $12; Saturday and Sunday: $15 (subject to change when special events are held) Prices for DJ events vary, tickets are available online

Scotiabank Cheapie Tuesday Movie Night

Scotiabank offers $7 general admission tickers every Tuesday at their downtown location.

August is a great month for movies, especially for under $10. Check out Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Lion King, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Crawl, Stuber, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and many more.

They also have deals on snack combos. Can you honestly say no to that popcorn smell?

When: August 6, 13, 20, and 27
Time: Varies depending on selection
Where: 977 Rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Price: General admission starts at $7

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

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

Who knows, you might even see a ghost.

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.

The tour takes place at what is currently known as the Quartier des Spectacles, known for its festivals and entertainment. But Secret Montreal takes its guests on a historical journey of another form of entertainment.

When: August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

Lenny Kravitz – Bell Centre

As part of an extension to a monumental two-year world tour, Lenny Kravitz is returning to North American stages this August, including two stops in Quebec.

The monthlong run across the continent will begin in Vienna, VA, trekking coast-to-coast, stopping at New York’s Radio City Music Hall before hitting Montreal’s Bell Centre on August 30.

The next day, Kravitz and co. will swing by the Amphitheatre Cogeco in Trois-Rivières.

The tour will conclude in Los Angeles, CA on September 21.

When: Friday, August 30
Time: TBA
Where: Bell Centre, 1909-avenue-des-Canadiens-de-Montreal
Tickets: Available online

HUM(AIN) – We Could Be Human: A Learning Machine

It seems like Siri has some SIRIous competition as a new art exhibition in Montreal features an AI robot that learns from visitors the more it interacts with them.

As part of musician David Usher’s Hum(ai)n exhibition, a digital character named Ophelia will be speaking with humans all summer. This interaction will help to evolve her cognitive state.

When: From now until September 15
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Phi Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre
Price:$21.97 – $25.50, available online

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau

The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and this summer, it could be a gorgeous sight to stand on as well.

Lasalle KSF is a store that specializes in surfing, kayak, and paddleboarding and they are teaming up with Parc Jean-Drapeau to get you stand-up paddleboarding this summer.

This great way to stay active, and to be part of the historic River is offered in three different varieties: SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), SUP Yoga, and SUP Fitness.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen

Complexe Atlantide

No offence to La Ronde, but sometimes it’s nice to have an alternative from the constant buzz of the big city.

Enter: Complexe Atlantide.

This huge amusement centre/water park hybrid venue features water slides, mini putt, a wave pool, and zoo animals, all located in Saint-Calixte, an hour outside of Montreal.

Families are also encouraged to spend a few days on site as the park is found in the middle of Quebec’s largest campground.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 11155 QC-335, Saint-Calixte
Tickets: Varies depending on your selection, tickets available online

Tonga Lumino

Mont-Tremblant wants to make sure you have giant plans this month. Literally.

The renowned ski mountain has transformed into an enchanted hiking trail where participants embark on a quest to find the last sleeping giant of its kind.

Uh. Yes, please.

The adventure, Tonga Lumina, is produced by Moment Factory, the same company known for their illuminations of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

This summer’s Mont-Tremblant trail will be illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as giant-seekers must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find the slumbering giant.

When: Every day in August
Time: Every 15 minutes from 9:15 pm – 10:45 pm
Where: 1000 Chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant
Price: $11.99 – $27.99, available online

La Ronde

Since the weather is nice and toasty in August, you have to check out Quebec’s biggest amusement park.

Try battling The Goliath, get rocked on Le Ednor or check out the park’s newest ride, Chaos.

August’s sunny weather means La Ronde is open almost every day.

When: Every day in August
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 10:30 am – 8 pm (11:30 pm during the fireworks)
Price: Available online or at the box office

Voiles en Voiles

Climb aboard life-size replicas of both royal and pirate ships from the 18th century in Montreal’s Old Port (how fitting).

They are over 100 feet in length and range from two feet high for the young pirates to 35 feet for Peter Pan wannabes.

As the obstacle course gears up for its final stretch run, check out the 61 different activities between the Royal Ship and the Pirate Ship. Activities include zip-lining, rock climbing, and bouncy castles.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online

La Grande Roue de Montréal

Hit up Canada’s largest observational wheel and take in some absolutely breathtaking views of the city, during spring. Not to mention, some primetime photo ops that’ll make your Instagram crowd jealous.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am – 11 pm
Where: 362 rue de Commune Est
Price: $14.79 – $25

Musée Grévin Montreal

If you want to cool down in an air-conditioned museum while staring at wax celebrity figures, Musée Grévin is for you.

Check out your favourite actors, athletes, and artists in wax form. The figurines are displayed beautifully through the four-floor museum that also features optical illusions and interactive displays. It’s admittedly pretty creepy staring into Elvis’ eyes, especially if he starts blinking.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 705 Rue Saint Catherine (4th floor of the Eaton Centre)
Price: $19.50 for adult, $13.50 for children, $15.50 for youth and students and $18 for seniors

iSaute Kirkland

Take your kids to iSaute Kirkland and pretend it’s for them (when it’s really for you).

iSaute is a massive venue that has over 30 giant trampolines, trampoline basketball, wall climbing and a trampoline jungle gym. You pay by the hour, there’s a lot to do and it’s actually a fantastic workout. Fun for all ages (and a great workout).

When: Every day in August
Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 3220 Jean Yves, Kirkland
Price: $16 for the first hour, $10 for the second. Tickets are sold at the door

Coup Sûr

With the baseball and softball in full swing (literally), why not take a couple cuts at the batting cage?

Coup Sûr has six pitching machines all throwing at various speeds and each machine throws either baseballs or softballs. They have a closed-off radar section too if you want to practice pitching.

They supply bats and helmets and boast an impressive Baseball Town store if you’re looking for some gear for the season.

When: Every day in August
Tim: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: 3835 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Laval
Price: 1 token (20 pitches): $5.75/ 5 token special (100 pitches): $23.00

Putting Edge Mini-Putt

Golf season is in high stride,  you might want to hone your putting skills.

Putting Edge is an indoor mini-putt course that (besides having a great name), glows in the dark. Every hole has Canadian-based trivia questions plus the venue has an arcade and they serve alcohol. Need we say more?

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am – 1 am
Where: 1259 rue Guy
Price: $11.99

Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria

This Light Never Goes Out

A new art exhibition featuring works from Jim Carrey is going on display in Montreal all summer.

As part of the Phi Centre’s commitment to celebrating technology-based media, the arts centre will present the world premiere of This Light Never Goes Out, featuring over 50 of the actor’s works in an exhibition that will run from June 20 to September 1.

“Jim Carrey is known to most people as a comedic genius on the silver screen, but since 2016, his Twitter feed has been the canvas for a series of satirical and subversive cartoons, penned in response to headlining news,” reads the Phi Centre’s description.

Carrey’s cartoons weigh in on the American political right, focusing on many who are abusing their power in the United States.

His work combines the Ontario native’s artistic talent with strong social messages, demonstrating how creative civic engagement can influence political debates, as per the Phi Centre.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am – 9 pm (Tuesday – Thursday), 10 am – 10 pm (Friday & Saturday), 10 am – 7 pm (Sundays)
Where: Phi Centre, 315 St-Paul Ouest
Price: $12.40, available online