10 things to do in Montreal today: Monday, July 1

As the first day of the new month kicks off, here is what’s going on around Montreal, in celebration of Canada Day, July 1.

O ld Montreal’s Canada Day

The annual Canada Day Montreal celebration is taking over the Old Port again on July 1, surrounding the Jacques-Cartier Pier with a full day of free activities to celebrate our nation’s birthday.

From a giant cake, to face painting, a 21-gun salute, and fireworks, this is the place to be.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free admission

The World’s Smallest Open Mic

Microphone (PongMoji / Shutterstock)

Local comedians Walter J Lyng and Vance Michel host what they call “the smallest open mic show in the world.” The acts aren’t small, the venue is.

The show’s featured acts include Gord Disley, Zackary Kik, and Amer Rez and will be headlined by a mystery headliner.

The event organizers warn that only 20 seats are available. Cozy, intimate stand-up comedy is the best kind.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 8 pm – 10 pm
Where: Hurley’s Irish Pub, 1225 rue Crescent
Price: $5

Drummers Wanted For Guinness World Records

Okay, this one’s a fun one. The President of the WCBAC Montreal Chapter and President of Canada Day Drumming Celebration ( CDDC ) – Montreal Committee is trying to set a Guinness World Record for the largest group of Canada Day drummers.

If you want to be part of history, check out the details on the Facebook page.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
Where: Place du Canada

Canada Day Celebrations – Hemmingford

If the hustle and the bustle of the big city is too much for you on Canada Day, head to the good ol’ country where the Hemmingford Rec Centre is hosting a farmers’ market, kid’s games, a food court, an apple pie eating competition, live music, a rodeo, and fireworks.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 11 am – 10:30 pm
Where: Hemmingford Rec Centre
Price: Free admission

The Montreal International Jazz Festival

festivaljazzmontreal/Instagram

The Montreal International Jazz Festival was named the largest jazz festival in the world in 2004 according to the Guinness Book of World Records and it’s only gotten bigger since.

The 39th edition of the festival features over 500 artists from all over the world who will perform over 150 shows during a three-week span.

The streets are completely closed off to traffic and the festival is full of music-hungry fans. Some specific shows cost money to enter but the majority of the shows, both indoor and outdoor, are free.

When: From now until July 6
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier des Specatcles
Price: Free admission to the site

Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria

Alegria by Cirque du Soleil

The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil production will be at the Big Top all weekend.

Alegria, which was first performed by Cirque in 1994, stole the eyes and ears of more than 14 million spectators. Performed under a traditional Big Top tent, the show made its way to 255 different cities over 19 years of touring, until its last performance in 2013.

The show mixes the high energy acrobatics which Cirque du Soleil is famous for with a “rallying theme for change, hope, and optimistic renewal.” The cast is made up of more than 50 performers and musicians, all renowned internationally for their craft.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online

Mtl en Arts

Mtl en Arts/Facebook

Entering its 20th edition, Mtl en Art targets Montrealers and tourists in what they call “the largest open-air exhibition in Eastern Canada.”

The art fest will extend through a one-kilometre stretch of Montreal’s famous Ste-Catherine Street which will be completely closed off to vehicular traffic.

The festival aims to further promote and develop the concept of art in the street and in public spaces.

When: From now until July 1
Time: 11 am – 6 pm
Where: 576 Rue St-Catherine Est
Price: Ste-Catherine between St-Hubert and Papineau

Aquazilla

Parc Jean Drapeau

Parc Jean Drapeau is brining Montrealers another challenge this summer: staying afloat.

Aquazilla, the floating obstacle course on water, is returning to the man-made island again this summer as it preps to launch (maybe literally) on June 19.

The 30-by-35 metre inflatable structure is combined with obstacles, slides, and platforms. Your job is to complete the course without falling into the Jean-Doré beach.

Aquazilla features a wiggle bridge (every obstacle course needs a wiggle bridge), trampoline, climbing towers, a variety of slides, monkey bars, a giant swing, a plank, flip bags, and an infinite loop.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Price: Ages six to 13 years: $13 for an hour/$25 unlimited, 14 and over: $15 for an hour/$28 unlimited, family deal: $50 f0r an hour, $98 unlimited (tickets available on-site)

PY1 – Through the Echoes

py1_experience/Instagram

The first-of-its-kind pyramid-shaped entertainment venue, PY1, created by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté opened to the public this month and will continue its strong showing this weekend as well.

The innovative venue will offer a multi-sensory experience, state-of-the-art technology and “a unique playground” for multimedia entertainment combining high tech with the talent of the greatest digital creators.

The PY1 experience is slated to make its worldwide debut with Through the Echoes, a show produced exclusively for the pyramid, on June 1, located near the Clock Tower grounds in the Old Port.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online

La Ronde

La Ronde – PAGE OFFICIELLE/Facebook

Quebec’s biggest amusement park opened this month and it’s sure to be busy this one as well.

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

When: Monday, July 1
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 10:30 am – 8 pm (11:30 pm during the fireworks)
Price: Available online or at the box office

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