22 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 17 to March 19
The third weekend in March boasts a National Women’s Show, several ultra hip art festivals, the opening of a new fashion exhibition at the McCord Museum, and of course, St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Whether you’ve been waiting all year for the annual St. Paddy’s Day Parade, or have reserved a spot at your favourite sugar shack, we guarantee you’ll have a fantastic time.
Check out 22 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 17 – 19.
Friday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Fest at Le CinQ
Club Le CinQ is throwing a massive St. Paddy’s Day bash on March 17th. The event gets sold out every single year and for good reason. As one of the most festive parties in the entire city, Le CinQ’s St. Patrick’s Fest features free St. Patrick’s Day swag, leprechaun entertainers, and drink specials. Tickets start at $10 a piece.
When: March 17, 10 pm
Where: Club Le CinQ, 1234 Mountain St
St. Patrick’s Day at McKibbin’s
2017 marks the 20th anniversary of McKibbin’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and you can bet it’s going to be a great one! The fun starts at 6am this year, with a special St. Paddy’s breakfast that includes an Irish coffee. From 10am until 10pm, there will be live Celtic music played all day long. The fun continues on March 18th and 19th, where a continuous string of live music will be performed. And of course, McKibbin’s is known for their large selection of beer. Get ready to do an Irish jig because all that music and beer is certainly going to make you want to dance.
When: March 17-19
Where: McKibbin’s, 1426 Bishop St and 3515 St Laurent Blvd
St. Paddies Baddies
The ultimate party, St. Paddies Baddies is going down in Old Port this St. Patrick’s Day. Rather than your typical pub party, St. Paddies Baddies boasts an open bar for the entirety of the evening. The event is hosted by Incognito Events and is being held at an exclusive, unnamed location in Old Port. Be sure to show up with your game face on.
When: March 17, 10:30 pm
Where: 385 Rue Saint Paul E
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
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
St. Patrick’s Day at Jet Nightclub
Head to Rue Crescent for the St. Patrick’s Day clubbing event of the decade. Jet Nightclub is hosting a massive party with thousands of people. The club has two floors and will be playing music ranging from Top 40 to hip hop. Plus, there will be a professional photographer. Remember to wear all the green things you own! Tickets start at $15.
When: March 17, 10 pm
Where: Jet Nightclub, 2020 Crescent St
Ice Skating
Skating in Old Port might no longer be an option but that doesn’t mean you can’t skate on any one of the city’s other rinks. Head to Beaver Lake and rent a pair of skates, or visit your local park for a more private skating experience. For more information on skating in Montreal, click here.
When: Early December 2016-Mid March, 2017
Where: Various locations
Saturday, March 18
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
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
MTL Zipline
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
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
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
St. Patrick’s Weekend at Hurley’s
Kicking things off Friday night at 9:30, Hurley’s Irish Pub will be filled with live Celtic tunes for the entirety of the weekend. If you’re planning to bar hop, be sure to head here before or after Winston Churchill’s as they’re only mere minutes from one another.
When: March 17-19
Where: Hurley’s, 1225 Crescent St
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: Concordia
Maple Syrup Taffy
Looks like you don’t have to visit a cabane a sucre to get a taste of the maple syrup taffy we all know and love! Located right in downtown Montreal lies Stephanie Voghell, a maple-themed hut that sets up shop in Phillips Square each winter, selling an array of maple goodies. We’re talking about maple syrup, maple butter, maple sugar, maple lollipops, maple fudge, and of course, maple syrup snow taffy. Caught in the act earlier this week, Stephanie Voghell has a small snow-covered surface that they pour maple syrup onto, and allow customers to roll onto a popsicle stick. They are $2.50 a pop, and worth every penny.
When: Daily (weather permitting)
Where: Phillips Square (across from the Bay, at the corner of Sainte Catherine Street West and Union Avenue)
Sunday, March 19
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Mark your calendars! In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, otherwise known as one of Montreal’s favourite holidays, the city will be hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 19th, 2017. As the real St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, the parade will take place on the Sunday. Organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal, the parade will begin at the corner of Saint Catherine and Rue Fort at 12pm sharp, and proceed along Sainte Catherine, finishing at Rue Bleury. If it’s anything like the previous years, you can expect everything from dancing leprechauns to Gaelic music (oh, and don’t forget to grab a green beer afterwards!).
When: March 19, 2017, 12 pm
Where: Sainte Catherine Street
St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Embassy
Montreal pub, the Irish Embassy, is hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day bash. Starting at 6am on Friday, March 17th, the pub invites you to join them for breakfast (featuring Irish coffee). Starting at 4pm, there will be live music, and of course lots of beer. On March 19th (the day of the parade), the fun continues with more breakfast and live music. Most importantly, there is no cover charge on any given day.
When: March 17 and March 19
Where: Irish Embassy, 1234 Bishop St
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
St. Patrick’s Day at Sir Winston Churchill
As per usual, Crescent staple Sir Winston Churchill is guaranteed to be packed come Sunday, March 19th. After watching the parade, be sure to head to this downtown pub and take advantage of their Irish-style buffet, live music, and themed drinks.
When: March 19
Where: Sir Winston Churchill, 1459 Rue Crescent
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 9am-11pm
Where: 3955 Rue de Rouen
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
Barbie Expo
In case you hadn’t heard, Montreal is currently home to the Barbie Expo, the largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls in the world. Montrealers have the chance to see and Instagram over 1,000 one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls. The Barbie dolls on display are not your average Barbie dolls, however. Rather, Barbie Expo is an exhibition of haute couture with Barbie as the model. As the website states, “This is Barbie seen at her fashionable best, a stunningly beautiful collection chicly modeled by the 11½-inch fashion icon.”
When: Open Monday to Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
Where: 1455 Rue Peel
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