12 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, September 29

Enjoy the last Saturday of the month as we prepare for fall and all the gorgeous things it brings. Before that, however, we’ve put together an eventful list of things happening around Montreal today, September 29.

Montreal International Black Film Festival

The Montreal International Black Film Festival, the largest of its kind in Canada, returned this week for its 14th edition.

The fest showcases 66 films while forming an innovative, bold and dynamic event that aims to stimulate the development of the independent film industry while fostering the creation of films on international black realities.

When: From now until September 30
Time: Varies per selected film
Where: Various venues around Montreal
Price: Varies per selected film, $195 all access pass

OktoberFest at Les Jardineries

Start your weekend off with some local suds.

The 3rd edition of OktoberFest at Les Jardineries returned on Thursday, putting an emphasis on locally brewed beer. The following breweries and microbrews will be available for purchase at varying prices: Brasserie artisanale La Succursale, Le Cheval Blanc, BENELUX, Isle de Garde, Boswell Brasserie Artisanale and L’Espace Public – Brasseurs de quartier.

The site will also host mini-putt, live music (Wookies of the Year), a giant ping-pong table, a mini train adventure and relaxation hammocks.

When: Saturday, September 29
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: Les Jardineries, 4115 avenue Pierre de Coubertin
Price: Free admission

John Jacob Magistery at POP

Fresh off their set at Osheaga and with the release of their new music video for “Harmoney,” Montreal’s own John Jacob Magistery will be making an appearance at this month’s POP Music Festival.

The folk and soul indie band will join Blitzen Trapper for a wild show.

When: Saturday, September 29
Time: 9 pm
Where: Le Ministre – Salle Saint Ambroise
Price: $15

EtsyMTL Marché Créatif : Fait à Montréal

The fifth edition of Etsy: Fait au Quebec, the free Etsy market, is coming to Montreal this weekend with the Marché Créatif.

Etsy: Fait au Quebec celebrates locally handmade products by Montreal crafters and artisans. The event will feature over 100 designers, makers, and artists as well as DIY workshops, food, drinks, entertainment and swag bags.

The market will be hosted in a 100-year-old building, located on unceded Native that has been converted into an eco-friendly space.

When: September 29 and 30
Time: 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday, until 5 pm on Sunday
Where: 2600 Rue William-Tremblay
Price: Free admission

Gardens of Light

The lantern festival includes a lighted path through the Botanical Garden’s three cultural gardens, The Chinese, Japanese and First Nations Gardens, all looking at nature from a different perspective.

When: From now until October 31
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Montreal’s Botanical Gardens
Price: $10.25 – $20.50

Wolf Parade Concert

As part of the POP Montreal Festival, the indie-rock band that formed in Montreal, Wolf Parade, will be performing at the exciting Sala Rossa this weekend. The band had released three full-length albums before taking a five-year break in 2011. They released their fourth album, Cry Cry Cry in October 2017.

Tickets are selling quickly after a sold-out show on Thursday and Friday so, get some before they’re all gone.

When: September 29 and 30
Time: Doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm
Where: La Sala Rossa
Price: $30 – $45, available online

Montreal Model Train Exhibition

The miniature train show features the largest collection in North America of model railroads that children can operate.

More than 40 model trains and railroads are on display, including Thomas the Tank Engine, Harry Potter and Montreal replicas.

When: September 29 and 30
Time: 10 am – 5 am
Where: Sun Youth Organization Centre – 4251 St. Urbain
Price: $6 for children, $8 for adults

Parc Safari Zoo

Get your animal fix by heading to Parc Safari before the zoo swaps to their low season. An easy 40-minute drive off the island, the park offers an optional Safari Adventure upon entering. You can drive up and see a variety of exotic animals from your car including zebras, ostriches, buffalo, llamas, and camels.

Inside the park, take a walk down the Forest Trail where you have an amazing vantage point view of monkeys, hyenas, and bears. Don’t forget the lions, but we didn’t have to tell you that.

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

World Press Photo Exhibition

The 13th annual World Press Photo Exhibition in Montreal showcases some of the most prestigious photographs from around the world. This year, 73,500 photos from 125 different countries will headline the exhibition.

When: Saturday, September 22
Time: 10 am – 12 am
Where: Marché Bonsecours – 325 de la Commune East
Price: $11 for students, $14 general admission, free for kids under 12

Shuttle Bus to Yamaska National Park

Parkbus is offering free shuttle services from downtown Montreal to Yamaska National Park on Saturday.

Yamaska is located in La Haute in the Montérégie region of Quebec, northeast of Granby. Its hilly landscape hosts creeks, mountain trails, and breathtaking open spaces. The majority of the land is forested and boasts over 40 tree species including maple, fir, eastern hemlock, grey birch, and basswood. Not to mention a library of wildlife and birds.

The shuttle will depart every Saturday from the Montreal Tourism Info Centre on Rue Metcalfe. It leaves twice in the morning with two returns in the afternoon.

When: Saturday, September 29 (until October 13)
Time: 8 am and 6 pm
Where: Montreal Tourism Info Centre
Price: Free

Haunted Mountain

Haunted Montreal conducts Ghost Walks and carries out research into ghost sightings, paranormal activities, historic hauntings, unexplained mysteries, and strange legends from Mont Royal.

Join a tour conducted by professional actors and storytellers and learn about the mountain’s frightening past.

When: Saturday, September 22
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Fletcher’s Field – Jeanne Mance Park
Price: $23

Beam Me Up Disco

Beam Me Up is a Disco jam that celebrates the underrated and the obscure of funk, jazz, soul, boogie, rare groove, reggae, and gospel. It’s an evening of tuneful transcendence in one of the hippest bars in town.

When: Saturday, September 29
Time: 10 pm – 3 am
Where: Groove Nation, 410 rue Rachel Est
Price: Free admission

See also

• Top 5 amazing moments from the Blue Jays in 2018 (VIDEOS)
• 2 Montreal spots rank on 'Canada's Best New Bars' list
• Montreal comedian takes to the streets to conduct his own Quebec Values Test (VIDEO)
• 14 places to take the best fall photos in Montreal