18 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 31 to April 2
Expos fest, an outdoor adventure show, a Harry Potter bar, and pre-season Toronto Blue Jays games are just a few major events happening in Montreal this weekend.
Whether you prefer to keep things low key or hit the town, there is something for everyone happening in our fair city this weekend.
Check out 18 things to do in Montreal this weekend: March 31 – April 2.
Friday March 31
A special wine tasting event is going down in Montreal this month at Pointe Claire’s Studio 77. The unique event, hosted by both Studio 77 and Des Mots et Des Vins, is part wine education, part wine tasting. Led by Pierrick Lhotellier, Wine Tasting 101 is set to begin with four wine and cheese pairings. As guests sip on wine and nibble on cheese, Lhotellier will proceed with an educational wine tutorial, answering questions such as, how to taste wine, how to talk more about wine, and which grapes are used for different types of wine. Recommended for everyone, from wine enthusiasts to beginners, don’t miss out on the chance to take this informal and educational class.
When: March 31, 8 pm-10 pm
Where: Studio 77, 271 Lakeshore Dr
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 12 pm-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-11 pm
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
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
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
Saturday April 1
The Lockhart
Toronto’s Harry Potter-inspired resto-bar, The Lockhart has opened a second location in Montreal! The magical apothecary and 45-seat resto-bar opened its doors on March 24th at 3979 Rue St. Denis. Signature potions and elixirs like Betterbeer and Befuddlement by the pitcher have been replicated on the new Montreal menu, while other features include a tapas menu, street-facing terrace, and eventually, events like Trivia Nights, Magic Nights, and more to come.
When: Tuesday to Friday 5pm-12am, Saturday and Sunday 5 pm-2 am
Where: 3979 Rue St. Denis
Daybreaker
Daybreaker, an early morning dance movement that is sweeping the globe, returns to Montreal on April 1st for the yoga/dance event of the year! Daybreaker MTL: The Future is Female celebrates life with a lineup of yoga, dancing, and healthy food. In an effort to promote a “healthier, more balanced world,” The Future is Female will feature a two hour dance party, a yoga session with Luna Collective, free cold brew coffee, fresh pressed juice, and breakfast treats, and Bio K+ probiotic smoothies.
When: April 1, 10 am-1 pm
Where: Theatre Fairmont, 5240 Park Ave
Toronto Blue Jays at Olympic Stadium
The Toronto Blue Jays are returning to Montreal this spring for a two pre-season games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Taking place on March 31st and April 1st at Olympic Stadium, Montrealers will have the chance to see an MLB game in the comfort of their own city. The Friday night game starts at 7 pm, while the Saturday game begins at 1 pm. Given that it is the pre-season tickets are extremely affordable, ranging in price from $24.50 to $99.50. And even if Montreal has a long-standing rivalry with Toronto (not to mention its sports teams), we must admit that the Jays had a pretty good season last year, making it to the American League Championship series, only to lose to the Cleveland Indians.
When: March 31 and April 1
Where: Olympic Stadium
Sirop Urban Shack
Quebec eco-entrepreneur permaculture community, Terra Perma, has just announced they will be hosting a popup sugar shack in Montreal between March 18th and April 30th. Sirop Urban Shack will be set up in Montreal neighbourhood, St. Henri, and will feature an all-you-can-eat menu filled with maple goodies courtesy of Terra Perma’s artisanal small batch syrup. Dishes include pea soup, home-style potatoes, smoked bacon, pancakes, sugar pie, and more. Plus, the atmosphere is said to be both fun and enchanting, with a mixture of laid back and gourmet vibes. Tickets cost $20 each so be sure to get yours before they’re gone! This is one of the best opportunities you’ll get to experience a sugar shack without leaving the city.
When: March 18-April 30
Where: 3580 Notre-Dame W
Decalade
Defy gravity and scale a building like Spiderman courtesy of Old Port’s ultra fun adventure, Decalade. The Decalade challenge is happening at the Conveyer Key Tower in Old Port right now! Participants can choose from a variety of challenges, from the 1-hour “dizzying trip”, to the 3-hour “controlled vertical descent facing the ground like Mission Impossible.” This activity is sure to get your blood pumping as you put yourself in the shoes of all the action hero greats. Sessions are by appointment only and range from $89.99 to $149.00. You can also pay $39.99 for a panoramic selfie as you descend from the roof.
When: By appointment only
Where: Conveyer Key Tower
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
Sunday April 2
Expos Fest
Are you still in mourning over the loss of our city’s beloved MLB team, the Montreal Expos? We certainly are. Luckily, there is a fan fest for all of us to get our Expos fix. Expos Fest returns to Montreal this April. It is the second edition of this baseball festival/charity fundraiser, with last year’s event welcoming over 2,000 visitors. Special guests at the 2017 edition of Expos Fest include Dennis Martinez, Cliff Floyd, Andre Dawson, and several more. At the festival, former players will give talks and be auctioning off signed memorabilia such as balls, bats, jerseys, and autographs. Proceeds from the festival will go towards the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Mayor Denis Coderre will be opening the day’s festivities. If you’re a die hard Expos fan, this is the place to be come Sunday, April 2nd.
When: April 2, 2017
Where: Plaza Centre Ville, 777 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa
The Outdoor Adventure Show
On April 1st and 2nd Palais des Congres will be taken over by The Outdoor Adventure Show. The exhibition boasts Quebec’s largest collection of outdoor gear and adventure travel experiences. There will be over 200 exhibitors in total, showcasing everything from tents and backpacks to paddle boards and scuba diving gear, in addition to 50 presentations highlighting some of the best travel packages out there. The Outdoor Adventure Show in Montreal will also feature two special rooms. The first is a Paddlers’ Paradise where exhibitors will run canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding demonstrations in a 30’ x 50’ pool. The second is Scuba World, an exhibition dedicated entirely to the magic of scuba diving. It will have information on destinations, courses, tour operators, accreditation, and gear.
When: April 1-2
Where: Palais des Congres
The Urban Sugar Shack
Is there anything better than maple taffy in spring? As part of Montreal’s 375th anniversary, the city has commissioned an urban sugar shack to travel all around the city of Montreal bringing maple syrup goodies to Montrealers far and wide. The Urban Sugar Shack will be visiting different Montreal neighbourhoods each weekend in March and April, and bringing with it musical storytellers, coffee and tea, maple treats, and a rustic wooden barn. The Urban Sugar Shack will roll into each borough and set up shop in a local park. Locations still left on the agenda include Ahuntsic-Cartierville on Saturday, April 1 and Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension on Sunday, April 2.
When: April 1-2
Where: Marcelin-Wilson Park (April 1) and Villeray Park (April 2)
International Festival of Films On Art
Montreal is hosting yet another exciting art festival this film, the International Festival of Films on Art. The 2017 theme of the festival is Play & Distraction, and will explore the connection between fun and human nature. A unique festival that recognizes the films created on art and media arts, the International Festival of Films on Art (or FIFA) seeks to promote the work of artists, increase knowledge of this art among the public, and encourage the film community to produce more films based on art. 2017 marks the 35th year of the event and in the past, over 200 films have been shown from over 25 countries around the world. The festival has even toured other cities, including New York, London, Brussels, Boston, Helsinki, and Paris.
When: March 23-April 2, 2017
Where: TBA
Sugar Shack Brunch at Le Richmond
One of Griffintown’s trendiest restaurants, Le Richmond, has just announced that they will be hosting a special sugar shack-themed brunch for the three weekends only. Trading their typical Italian cuisine for maple syrup-covered goodness, this unique brunch will consist of green pea soup, burrata, thousand leaf cake, a porchetta salad, vol-au-vent, smoked bacon, braised pork cheek, braised beef ribs, strata, beans, and bone marrow potato puree. Dessert options also include the likes of a maple crepe, a candied apple, and caramelized pecans with pancetta and vanilla mascarpone. The specialty brunch service costs a flat fee of $45 per person, and there are only two weekends left to get a taste of a sugar shack without leaving the city!
When: March 25 and 26, April 1 and 2
Where: 377 Ave Richmond
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
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
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