12 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 16 to 18

Mar 16 2018, 1:46 pm

It’s finally the weekend and the city is filled with exciting events.

From checking out films to art events, get ready to make this three-day stretch a good one!

St. Paddy’s Day festivities 

If there’s one thing Montreal knows, it’s how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In addition to the annual parade that has been going on for nearly 200 years, the entire city (and all of its bars) come alive for St. Paddy’s weekend. Check out our list of where you can celebrate all weekend.

Where: Check out our list!
When: March 16 to 18, 2018

Look for the Northern Lights 

If skies are clear this weekend, parts of Canada could be treated to a spectacular show thanks to an incredible space phenomenon.

If conditions are clear on the nights of Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18, the Aurora Borealis, aka The Northern Lights could be visible.

Where: Look up at the night sky!
When: March 17 and 18

Pop-Up Shop Végane

Looking for some healthy eats this weekend?

You’re in luck because the Pop-Up Shop Végane is taking place at Resto Vego this Sunday. This pop-up will feature some of the city’s best vegan vendors who will be giving out samples of their products.

Where: 1720 rue St-Denis
When: March 18, 2018
Time: 12 to 5 pm

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What is the traditional way to celebrate St. Paddy’s in Montreal? The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, of course! This year, it’s taking place on Sunday, March 18, but the event, organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal, will be taking a different route than usual. After over 50 years of festivities along Ste-Catherine Street, the parade route will proceed along Maisonneuve Boulevard.

Where:  Maisonneuve Boulevard
Time: 12 pm
When: March 18, 2018

International Festival of Films On Art

Montreal is hosting yet another exciting art festival this month, the International Festival of Films on Art(or FIFA). A unique festival that recognizes the films created on art and media arts. FIFA seeks to promote the work of artists, increase knowledge of art among the public, and encourage the film community to produce more films based on the subject.
When: Until March 18, 2018
Where: Various locations, check website for details 

Art Matters

Art lovers will be getting a treat next month as North America’s largest undergraduate arts festival will be coming to Montreal.

Art Matters will take place from March 3 to 27 at various galleries and creative spaces around the city.

When:  Until March 27, 2018
Where: Various locations

Art Souterrain

Taking art out of the galleries and integrating them into daily life, Art Souterrain is hands down one of the coolest art festivals Montreal has ever hosted.

Each installation will be set in a different underground tunnel in Montreal. Art Souterrain will take over several kilometres of underground space, as well as 9 satellite spaces in the city

Where: Various locations around the city. Check website for details.
When: Until March 25, 2018

Montreal Botanical Garden 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 22 until April 29, visitors can step into a humid tropical oasis that will make you forget all about winter.

Where: Montreal Botanical Garden, 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est
When: Until April 29, 2018

Free Snow Yoga

For a fourth year, Snow Yoga classes are taking place in our beautiful snowy Montreal parks. POP Spirit and the Borough of Plateau-Mont-Royal invite you to take the time to immerse yourself in the sublime white landscape offered by our winter in Quebec!
Bring your own rug and or a small blanket.

Where: Parc Lafontaine: every Saturday, from January 13 to March 17 (meeting point: facing the La Fontaine space)
Laurier Park: every Sunday, until March 18
(meeting point: facing the chalet ( by the pool) of Laurier Park)
When: Various dates until March. Check Facebook page for details.
Time: Various times. Check Facebook page for details.
Price: Free!

Go skating at the Old Port skating rink 

Known for its outstanding quality of ice, excellent facilities, and breathtaking views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River, this is the place to go skating in Montreal.

When: Until March 18, 2018
Where: Natrel Skating Rink, Bonsecours Basin, Old Port

Check out the winter village at Olympic Park 

The traditional winter village at Montreal’s Olympic Park has officially returned for 2017 and 2018. From now until March 25, 2018, you can enjoy outdoor skating on a brand new frozen trail, browse the pop-up shops and discover artisanal products, and take part in plenty of other fun winter activities.

Where: Olympic Park, 4545 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave
When: Until March 25, 2018
Time: Thursday and Friday: 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
There are also special hours during the holidays. Check website for details.

Visit a Sugar Shack

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

See also
DH Montreal StaffDH Montreal Staff

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