13 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, August 17

As the weekend kicks off, here are 13 things worthy of checking out across Montreal today, Saturday, August 17.

See also:

• Montreal was just voted one of the friendliest cities in the world
• Laval unveils Quebec’s first-ever fully electric city bus
• Montrealers are living their best lives on new Lime e-scooters (VIDEOS)

Montreal Pride

Montreal Pride Week, which welcomes over 225 artists, 250 activities, and 20 free large-scale productions is entering its second (and final) weekend.

The festival is the “largest gathering of the sexual and gender diversity (SGD) communities in the Francophone world and in Canada,” reads the festival’s press release.

This year’s fest comes with a little bit more weight as Montréal prepares to compete to host the WorldPride event in 2023, according to event organizers.

The festival’s full program, dates, times, and location can be found on the Fierté Montreal website.

When: From now until August 18
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Gay Village
Price: Varies per selection

Italian Week

Montreal’s well-represented Italian community has been celebrating it’s 26th annual Italian Week since last weekend and it concludes tomorrow.

The week-long festival will be celebrated throughout the island, promoting the Italian culture through music, fashion, cars, shops, and obviously, food.

Anchored primarily in Little Italy, the festival also branches out to Montreal-Nord, Laval, Lasalle, NDG, and St-Léonard.

When: From now until August 18
Time: Times vary according to the day, visit the website for exact festival times
Where: Various locations throughout Montreal
Price: Free admission

Cité Mémoire

Head to Old Montreal to admire 25 of the world’s largest projection circuits. Montreal’s history is displayed on buildings and streets throughout the Old Port. Download the free “Montreal en Histoires” app for destinations, details, and schedules.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: From nightfall until 11 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free

Le Grand Ribfest de Montréal

Ribbers from Texas, Alabama, New Mexico, Florida, and Tennessee are coming by Old Montreal today for four days of heavy-duty rib cooking.

The site also features a slew of great microbrewery kiosks from all over the province.

Beer and ribs, anyone?

When: From now until August 18
Time: 11 am – 1o pm
Where: Quai Jacques-Cartier, Old Montreal
Price: Free admission

 Lolë  White Tour – Montreal

The Lolë White Tour is returning to Montreal today for one day of yoga fun in the sun.

The annual events takes over the Old Port for one day, inviting hundreds of Montrealers to join in one massive yoga session.

“Since 2012, the Lolë White Tour has united over 77,000 people dressed in white, from communities around the world, to practice yoga and meditate in a unique session dedicated to peace,” reads the event’s website. “We invite you to join us for this inspiring community-driven event — a celebration of inspiration, hope, equality, and unity.”

The event is built around five “wellness experiences” for everyone to experience: yoga, meditation, guidance, sway (music), and love.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: 4 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Pier
Price: $59 – $156, available online

Jackalope 2019

For event-goers seeking that little extra ounce of adrenaline, Jackalope might be for you.

The festival is on its way back to Montreal this weekend and it’s headlined by the World Cup Skateboarding Championship, a bouldering competition, and base jumping from the top of the Olympic Tower.

Yes.

According to the Jackalope website, the three-day festival is “an international showcase of raw talent, outdoor fun, and stimulating exchanges at a unique event.”

The entire event is staged outside at the Olympic Stadium. The event hosts a slew of adrenaline based activities that include: skateboarding, BMX, bouldering, motocross, slacklining, and water gunfights.

When: From now until August 18
Time: Friday, 5 pm – 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm – 10 pm
Where: Montreal Olympic Park, 4549 Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin
Price: $35 to $325, available online

International Balloon Festival

Look up in the sky this weekend, it won’t be a bird, nor a plane, and it won’t even be Superman. It’ll be dozens of hot air balloons.

The International Balloon Festival of Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu is the largest gathering of balloons in Canada. The week-long event caters to the entire family and is an easy 40-minute drive off the island of Montreal.

In what started off as a balloon festival, has grown to host food vendors, bar outlets, live bands, theatre performances, activities, and has garnered a reputation on an international scale.

This year’s outdoor party will feature hot air balloons from Canada, the United States, France, and Brazil.

When: From now until August 18
Time: 12 pm – the end of the show
Where: 5 Chemin de l’Aéroport, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Price: $30 – $50, available online

Tonga Lumino

Mont-Tremblant wants to make sure you have giant plans this weekend. Literally.

The renowned ski mountain has transformed into an enchanted hiking trail where participants embark on a quest to find the last sleeping giant of its kind.

Uh. Yes, please.

The adventure, Tonga Lumina, is produced by Moment Factory, the same company known for their illuminations of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

This summer’s Mont-Tremblant trail will be illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as giant-seekers must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find the slumbering giant.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: Every 15 minutes from 9:15 pm – 10:45 pm
Where: 1000 Chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant
Price: $11.99 – $27.99, available online

HUM(AIN) – We Could Be Human: A Learning Machine

It seems like Siri has some SIRIous competition as a new art exhibition in Montreal features an AI robot that learns from visitors the more it interacts with them.

As part of musician David Usher’s Hum(ai)n exhibition, a digital character named Ophelia will be speaking with humans all summer. This interaction will help to evolve her cognitive state.

When: From now until September 15
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Phi Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre
Price:$21.97 – $25.50, available online

Through the Echoes

The first-of-its-kind pyramid-shaped entertainment venue, PY1, created by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté continues its showing all month.

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 made its worldwide debut with Through the Echoes, a show produced exclusively for the pyramid last month, located near the Clock Tower grounds in the Old Port.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online

Parc Safari

Sneak away from the busy city life and head to the country for some zoo fun this weekend.

Parc Safari has over 500 animals, exciting rides, and fun activities to keep you going back all season long.

The park starts off with the “Safari Adventure” where guests can get close to exotic animals like never before. While driving to the main park entrance, the optional adventure path allows for the more docile but equally large animals to check you out in your car.

Oh, how the tables have turned.

Animals on the “Safari Adventure” include buffalo, zebras, llamas, gazelles, ostriches, deer, peacocks, and camels. You’re encouraged to feed and pet the animals during the low-speed trek and you’ll always want to keep your windshield wipers handy. Your car might get dirty but it’s worth it.

It’s not often you get to brag about llama saliva on your windshield.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau

The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and this summer, it could be a gorgeous sight to stand on as well.

Lasalle KSF is a store that specializes in surfing, kayak, and paddleboarding and they are teaming up with Parc Jean-Drapeau to get you stand-up paddleboarding this summer.

This great way to stay active, and to be part of the historic River is offered in three different varieties: SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), SUP Yoga, and SUP Fitness.

When: Saturday, August 17
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen

La Ronde

Quebec’s biggest amusement park has kept busy all summer and it’s sure to be busy this weekend as well.

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

When: Saturday, August 17
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 10:30 am – 8 pm (11:30 pm during the fireworks)
Price: Available online or at the box office