13 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, May 11

Quebec’s biggest amusement park opens for the season today.

The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil production is returning home all May and will hang around 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: Saturday, May 11
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online

Montreal Sketchfest

Things have gotten sketchy in Montreal — in a good way.

The 14th edition of Montreal Sketchfest has returned to the city for 10 days of live sketch comedy and laughs, which sums up today.

The Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival is an annual celebration of sketch comedy assembled by Le Nouveau International, a not-for-profit arts company that resides at Theatre Ste. Catherine.

Since its inception in 2006, the festival has welcomed over 300 troupes from all over the world.

When: Saturday, May 11
Time: Varying times
Where: Theatre Sainte-Catherine, Café Bar and Montreal Improv
Price: $15 – $65, available online

MLB Pitch, Hit & Run

Boys and girls, aged 7 to 14, are welcome to join NDG Baseball for a home run derby produced by Major League Baseball at Parc Loyola in Cote St-Luc.

When: Saturday, May 11
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Parc Loyola, Cote St-Luc
Price: Free

Plum Secret Society Game Night

The Westmount Public Library is bringing guests after-hours board games to make sure you’re not bored today.

The event will be hosted by Randolph Pub Ludique and feature a variety of classic and popular board games, with a 90s twist, for members to challenge friends and newcomers.

Westmount’s Library will host snacks, music, a 90s-themed photo booth, and a cash bar (one drink included per ticket). Since it’s an after-hours event and alcohol will be included, the event will be open to people aged 18 and older only.

When: Saturday, May 11
Time: 7 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Westmount Public Library – 4574 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Price: $5, available online

$1 coffee day in Montreal

Le Café Fest is returning to Montreal today and it’s celebrating a trio of great things: coffee, things that cost a buck, and independent businesses.

On Saturday, May 11, participating coffee shops at over 50 independent spots around Montreal will be offering coffee without milk for a loonie and coffee with milk for a toonie.

The event aims to highlight the craftsmanship of Montreal’s baristas who serve up some of the city’s best java.

For the full list of participants click here.

When: Saturday, May 11
Time: Varies per location
Where: Various participating spots around Montreal
Price: $1 – $2

Coup Sûr

With baseball/softball season right around the corner, head to the cages and get your swing timing down.

Coup Sûr has six pitching machines all throwing at various speeds and each machine throws either baseballs or softballs. They have a closed off radar section too if you want to practice pitching. They supply bats and helmets and boast an impressive Baseball Town store if you’re looking for some gear.

Their pro shop, Baseball Town, is offering 25% on selected items on Saturday in preparation for the upcoming season.

When: Saturday, May 11
Time: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: 3835 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Laval
Price: 1 token (20 pitches): $5.75/ 5 token special (100 pitches): $23.00

Jeux d’échecs géants

Montreal is going to be enlarging a classic hobby this month for you to check(mate) out.

Four giant, playable, chess sets are returning to the Quartier des Spectacles from now until May 31 and it’s free to play.

The giant boards consist of all the required pieces to play an official game and each piece is made out of a light plastic that’s easily moveable.

Sure, it might be a little more difficult to strike your opponent’s queen emphatically, but that’s all part of the fun.

The outdoor chess sets will work on a first come, first served basis as there’s no registration or sign-up required.

When: From now until May 31
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Corner of Ste. Catherine and rue Jeanne Mance
Price: Free

Our DNA

A centrepiece of Montreal’s architectural heritage, this spiral staircase, created by local artist, Patrick Pérubé embodies “neighbourly culture and friendly back alleys.”

Suspended in mid-air, the double helix of a DNA molecule aims to remind on-lookers that our differences, put together, make up our collective identity.

When: From now until May 28
Time: 24/7
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free

Yoko Ono’s Arising

Yoko Ono’s new art exhibition debut in Montreal at the end of April.

As part of the Japanese multimedia artist’s ongoing installation called “Arising,” Ono is asking women to share stories of harm that has been brought on as a result of being a woman. Participants are asked to also send in a photo of their eyes as part of the project.

The installation will be shown accompanied by other interactive works by Ono in which specific instructions will be given to visitors.

When: From now to September 15
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain, 451 rue St-Jean
Price: Free

Thierry Mugler at the MMFA