14 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, June 29

With another holiday Monday coming up, you can’t go wrong with a Saturday start to the long weekend. If you’re looking to keep busy today, June 29, we’ve got you covered.

See also

• Montreal's massive sidewalk sale returns to Ste. Catherine Street from July 12 to 14
• 10 places to watch the fireworks in Montreal this long weekend
• Montreal ranks as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world
• Visitor satisfaction was almost at 100% for Montreal travellers in 2018: survey

The Montreal International Jazz Festival

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

Bal en Blanc

Bal en Blanc, the huge all-nighter rave party returns this weekend where guests are asked to completely get decked out in white. The three-day party features thousands of people and world-renowned DJs spinning tunes.

When: From now until June 30
Time: 9 pm – 5 am
Where: New City Gas
Price: $49- $179, available online

This Light Never Goes Out – Jim Carrey Exhibition

A new art exhibition featuring works from Jim Carrey is going on display in Montreal all summer and it kicks off this weekend.

As part of the Phi Centre’s commitment to celebrating technology-based media, the arts centre will present the world premiere of This Light Never Goes Out, featuring over 50 of the actor’s works in an exhibition that will run from June 20 to September 1.

“Jim Carrey is known to most people as a comedic genius on the silver screen, but since 2016, his Twitter feed has been the canvas for a series of satirical and subversive cartoons, penned in response to headlining news,” reads the Phi Centre’s description.

Carrey’s cartoons weigh in on the American political right, focusing on many who are abusing their power in the United States.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 10 am – 10 pm (Friday & Saturday), 10 am – 7 pm (Sundays)
Where: Phi Centre, 315 St-Paul Ouest
Price: $12.40, available online

Mary Mack- Comedy Nest

As seen on Conan, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and Last Call with Carson Daly, Mary Mack is an original comic with a hilarious perspective on everyday life.

She has also voiced characters in cartoons, acted in weird student films, and on commercials that urge you to buy food for your hamster.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Comedy Nest, 2313 rue Ste. Catherine, 3rd floor
Price: $15, available online and at the door

Montreal Beachclub

Located in Pointe-Calumet, an easy 45-minute drive from Montreal, Beachclub is exactly what its name implies — a club on the beach.

The outdoor beach site can host up to 10,000 guests at a time, making it the largest outdoor club in North America.

This weekend’s DJ is DVBBS.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 38e Rue, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Varying prices

Mtl en Arts

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 – 8:30 pm (Monday until 6 pm)
Where: 576 Rue St-Catherine Est
Price: Ste-Catherine between St-Hubert and Papineau

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec

The world’s largest fireworks festival is on its way back to la belle province as the 35th edition of the International Fireworks Competition, known officially as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, kicks off on Saturday.

When: June 29 – July 27
Time: 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free

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

Mamma Mia!

Just For Laughs invites guests to travel under Greece’s hot sun with the international musical sensation Mamma Mia!

The enchanting tale brings together the biggest hits of ABBA at the timeless Theatre St-Denis.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Theatre St-Denis
Price: $52.50, available online

Le Lave-Auto

MURAL Fest may be done, but this art installation is here for keeps.

A Montreal car wash has undergone a complete transformation as part of the seventh edition of the street art festival.

World-renowned urban artist Joshua Vides, who is known for making real-life 3D objects appear as simple 2D black and white sketches, applied his signature treatment to a Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Lave-Auto Laurier, 40-year-old car wash at the corner of Saint-Urbain and Laurier.

It’s totally Instagram worthy.

When: Saturday, June 29
Where: 85 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Time: 8 am – 6 pm (until 7 pm on Thursday – Sunday)
Price: Free

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau

The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and this weekend, 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.

Paddleboard rentals start at $20 an hour and $10 for each additional hour. They also offer wetsuits to rent for $7 as well as a group 10-rental deal for $150.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen

Parc Safari

Parc Safari opened its gates daily to their 47th season this month.

The park 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, June 29
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online