21 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 10 to March 12
Between the National Home Show at Place Bonaventure, Disney On Ice at the Bell Centre, a live gymnastics competition going down in Complexe Desjardins, and a whole slew of events happening for Montreal en Lumiere, this weekend is shaping up to be a pretty fantastic one.
In need of a little inspiration? Check out 21 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 10 – 12.
Friday, March 10
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
The giant Air France Ferris Wheel will be taking up residence in Place des Festivals between February 23rd and March 11th.In addition, the Air France Ferris Wheel is by no means your typical ferris wheel. While it does go round and round and will offer great views of downtown Montreal, it also happens to be illuminated making it that much more magical. Lit up with all sorts of neon colours and designs, it is guaranteed to be nothing short of mesmerizing. Even better, it will be completely free to ride so grab your partner, family, and friends, and enjoy an exhilarating trip on Montreal’s own urban ferris wheel.
When: Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm between February 23 and March 11
Where: Place des Festivals
Art Matters
Concordia is back at it again. Montreal is undoubtedly an artsy city. We love public art, fine art, and even underground art. Thus, it’s no surprise that 2017 is welcoming yet another art festival. Art Matters is unique in that it is a student-run festival, organized entirely by Concordia University students. The event is the largest of its kind in North America and has taken place annually every March since its inception in 2000. Just like previous years, the 2017 edition will showcase 10 exhibitions created by students, spread out over 3 weeks. There will also be parties and special events. In the past, the festival has incorporated different art workshops and all types of art installations including contemporary art exhibits, audiovisual components, and even live music.
When: March 4-27, 2017
Where: Various locations
Disney On Ice
Calling all Frozen lovers! Disney on Ice returns to the Bell Centre in all its glory this March. This year, the Disney on Ice tour is titled “Follow Your Heart,” and includes characters from Finding Dory, Frozen, Cinderella, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Inside Out, and Toy Story. The show will be acting out several stories featuring our favourite Disney characters in history. For example, Kristoff and Olaf help reunite Anna and Elsa (Frozen), Dory and Hank search for Dory’s long lost parents (Finding Dory), and Joy and Sadness work together to lift Riley’s spirits before a big hockey game (Inside Out). In Montreal for a limited engagement, there will be twelve performances in total, 7 in French and 5 in English. Be sure to grab tickets for you and family while they last!
When: March 8-12, 2017
Where: Centre Bell, 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Virtual Reality Garden: Animation Series
The Phi Centre has yet another cool exhibit happening right now. Titled Virtual Reality Garden: Animation Series, the exhibition showcases a collection of internationally-acclaimed short films including Henry, Eagle Flight, and Minotaur. The programme “juxtaposes animated film and virtual reality,” thus making it one of the most innovative and exploratory art exhibits on display in Montreal.
When: Until March 12
Where: Phi Centre
Animals Inside Out
The Montreal Science Centre is currently hosting an insane exhibition that allows the public to see exactly what lies inside the body of an animal. The Body Worlds exhibit, aptly titled Animals Inside Out, “sheds light on what lies beneath the skin of more than 50 animals.” Through a technique called plastination, experts have removed the skin from various animals, providing a never-before-seen glimpse of the muscular, skeletal, nervous, and digestive systems, as well as the blood vessels and internal organs of different animals.
When: Until March 12, 2017
Where: Montreal Science Centre, 2 Rue de la Commune O
Saturday, March 11
Grab a Lucky Charms latte at Cafe Melbourne
Cafe Melbourne is known for their seriously awesome brunch creations. The Australian-themed cafe made headlines last month for serving matcha pancakes on their weekend brunch menu. Now, they are wowing Montreal Instagrammers once again with their Lucky Charms latte. The perfect addition to a hearty brunch meal, the Lucky Charms latte is a classic latte topped with none other than Lucky Charms cereal (and they don’t skimp on the colourful freeze dried marshmallows, either). Be sure to pick one up this weekend!
When: Tuesday to Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Where: Cafe Melbourne, 4615 St Laurent Blvd
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
Montreal En Lumiere Free Outdoor Site
One of the largest winter festivals in the world, 2017 marks the 18th edition of Montreal En Lumiere. The festival showcases everything that a Montreal wintertime has to offer, from the performing arts to gastronomy to outdoor activities.
When: February 23-March 12, 2017
Where: Various Locations
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
This winter festival right in the heart of the Olympic Village is one of the biggest attractions in the city. Featuring ice skating, snow tubing, an outdoor bar, and plenty of restaurants, there is tons of fun to be had at this snow-filled paradise.
When: Until March 12
Where: Olympic Park
Montreal en Lumiere recently released their 2017 schedule, and in and among the hundreds of exciting activities is none other than the RBC Tyrolean Zip-Line. The second zip line operating in Montreal this winter (the first being MTL Zipline in Old Port), the RBC Tyrolean Zip-Line is an annual staple of Montreal en Lumiere. Set up in Place des Arts between February 23rd and March 11th, this exhilarating ride will see Montrealers getting high up in the sky and travelling eastbound between Balmoral Street and St Urbain Street. As you soar through the sky, be sure to look down and spot the illuminated ferris wheel, lit up slide, and plethora of food trucks and stalls set up in Place des Arts.
When: February 23-March 11
Where: Place des Festivals
Although the bustling urban city of Montreal is not home to any sugar shacks, you won’t have to travel far to get an authentic Quebec experience. Whether you love the horse-drawn carriage rides or the plethora of maple treats, there are plenty of reasons to visit a sugar shack this winter. Typically open from late February to April, some of the best (and closest) sugar shacks to Montreal include Sucrerie de la Montagne, Cabane à Sucre Au Pied Cochon, and Cabane à Sucre Bouvrette.
When: End of February to mid April
Where: Various locations
In an effort to revitalize vacant land along the Mile End railway, a hangout spot in an abandoned parking lot has popped up in recent weeks. Featuring a school bus-turned-cafe, picnic tables, lights, and a skating rink, this newest late night joint is called La Petite Floride. Open every Saturday night from December 2nd until the end of March, this is the place to be in winter. Grab some mulled wine, sit by the fire, skate around the manmade rink (featuring paintings by local artists), and enjoy a relaxing night in this urban oasis.
When: Saturdays 9 pm-1 am, from December 2nd until the end of March 2017
Where: 5705 avenue de Gaspé
Sunday, March 12
The Quebec Gymnastics Cup is taking place at Complexe Desjardins this weekend. 2017 marks the second annual Quebec Gymnastics Cup in which male gymnasts compete in a regional artistic gymnastic competition. The competition is comprised of six events: floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar. Sponsored by Gymnastique Quebec and organized by Centre Pere Sablon, the event will see up to 300 competitors between the ages of 8 and 25 taking the stage. The event is free to watch so be sure to find a cozy bench in the Complexe Desjardins atrium!
When: March 11-12
Where: Complexe Desjardins
Pointe-A-Calliere is hosting their annual Port Symphonies event this winter. The event is comprised of a series of special musical shows that utilize urban sounds such as those by the ships and locomotives in Old Port. 2017 marks not only the 23rd edition of Port Symphonies but also the 375th anniversary of Montreal. As such, the performance will be inspired by Jeanne-Mance et Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve’s arrival in Montreal back in 1642. Composed by Quebecoise-European singer and songwriter, Sonia Paço-Rocchia, this is sure to be one for the ages.
When: Sundays at 1:30 pm, February 26-March 12, 2017
Where: Pointe-a-Calliere, Old Port
Montreal-based fitness company, POP Spirit, is hosting a series of outdoor yoga sessions this winter. Aptly titled POP Yoga Neige, classes will take place between January 7th and March 12th in Parc Lafontaine and Parc Wilfrid Laurier. All classes are free to the public and boast top-notch instructors. All you have to do is bring your own mat and dress warmly (and we mean, really warm). Happening every weekend until March 12th, classes start at 10:30am sharp and last for roughly 40 minutes. Saturday mornings sessions will be held at Parc Lafontaine and Sunday mornings they will be held at Parc Laurier. Time to start practicing your downward dog in sub-zero temperatures!
When: Sundays between January 7 and March 12, 10:30 am
Where: Parc Laurier and Parc Lafontaine
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 12 pm-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-1 1pm
Where: 3955 Rue de Rouen
Montreal International Children’s Film Festival
Calling all Disney fans! Montreal is set to host the 20th edition of the Montreal International Children’s Film Festival, otherwise known as FIFEM. Taking place between March 4th and March 12th, 2017, this is by far the best way to spend Spring Break in the city. The festival boasts over 100 film screenings from around the world, ranging from documentaries and shorts to animated and fictional films. In addition, the festival will feature workshops on animation and filmmaking, and talks from some of the creators of the films showcased. Screenings and events will be happening all over the city during the first week of March, including Cinema du Parc, Cinema Beaubien, Pointe-a-Calliere, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets cost just $9 per person, however $75 passports can be bought which gets you into 10 films.
When: March 4-12, 2017
Where: Various locations
Old Port has decided that they will be opening the MTL Zipline all winter long, which means you can soar through the air any weekend you like. This is the first time ever that MTL Zipline has opened during the winter and we can’t wait to take advantage of this momentous occasion! One trip on the MTL Zipline costs $19.99 for adults or $16.99 for children. Located at the Clock Tower in the heart of Old Port, don’t miss your chance to fly like Superman and marvel at the scenic wintery landscape beneath you.
When: Every weekend this winter, 11 am-5 pm
Where: Clock Tower, Old Port
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
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