A new month brings a whole new list of exciting activities right here in Montreal!
Though the summer is almost over, a gorgeous fall in Montreal is about to begin, and that means the perfect weather for outdoor festivals, farmer’s markets, and of course, a foodie event or two.
Check out 31 things to do in Montreal this September.
KM3
Montreal’s art scene is getting even better with the addition of KM3 (pronounced kilometre cube) a free participatory walking tour of art installations around the city.
This kilometre long public art trail is located at Quartier des Spectacles and is part of Montreal’s 375th-anniversary celebrations.
Get up close and personal as you walk through the streets to view 22 works of public art created by artists in Quebec and all over the world.
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
When: August 30 to October 15, 2017
Montreal Fetish Weekend
Described as “6 days and nights fantasy-filled experience unlike anything else in the world,” Montreal’s Fetish Weekend promises to be anything but boring. Located in the heart of the Gay Village, Fetish Weekend will comprise of fantasy-themed events, play scenes, demos, workshops, and a fetish photo walk.
Where: The Gay Village, more details can be found here
When: Until September 4
Montreal Avudo
A dazzling water show paying tribute to the Saint Lawrence River has taken over Old Port this summer. Titled Montreal Avudo, this spectacular water show projects life size images inspired by the city’s history onto the water. The event’s official site promises that “Young and old will be dazzled, moved and transported by the magic of images and scenes projected on rippling water walls and other spectacular installations.”
Where: The west sector of the Old Port of Montréal, near the King Edward Pier and the Montréal Science Centre
When: Thursday to Saturday until September 2, 2017, 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm each night
Le Burger Week Montreal
Taking place over a week from September 1 to 7, nearly 400 restaurants, including at least 40 restaurants in Montreal, will participate–each of which will be “called upon to create a unique burger; reflective of their overall concept and cuisine. These participating restaurants then offer a special “burger price”, where burger aficionados are encouraged to come eat and vote on the website.”
Where: Restaurants across Montreal
When: September 1 to 7
First Caturday Montreal
First Caturday will be taking place at Parc Villeray on Saturday, September 2.
According to organizers, First Caturday “is the day to reclaim the glory of the parks for our furry friends. They are otherwise sadly trapped in the most boring of containers: the inside.” It will be a day of cat socializing but be aware of Montreal’s regulation about pets.
Where: Parc Villeray
When: Saturday, September 2
Electro Parade
In honour of the city’s 375th anniversary, Evenko and MEG Montreal have teamed up to bring the first-ever electronic parade to North America.
Electro Parade, which has become a popular tradition in European cities such as Paris and Zurich, sees DJs from all over the world standing on parade floats equipped with top-notch sound systems. Each float will wander the streets of the city as onlookers dance to their electronic beats.
Where: Various locations, click here for more info
When: September 2, 2017
YUL Eat
Get ready to feast because a giant food festival is coming to the Old Port next month. The Yul Eat festival will take place from September 2 to 4 and will feature dozens of amazing food vendors and appearances by talented local chefs serving up amazing dishes.
Where: Clock Tower Quay, Old Port of Montreal
When: September 2 to 4
Les Siestes Musicales
Les Siestes Musicales invites you to relax by discovering immersive, dreamlike music and live music by musicians installed in the heart of the public: a unique way to hear a variety of musical genres while lying on mats, cushions or even in the grass by the water.
Where: Parc Jerry
When: September 3rd from 1 to 3:30 pm
SOUP Festival of Vaudreuil-Soulanges
The 6th edition of the SOUP Festival of Vaudreuil-Soulanges celebrates delicious soups from all over the world. So get your spoons ready and try soups from various countries including Belgium, Mexico, and Portugal.
Besides all the soup you can dream of, there will also be live entertainment and music on site.
Where: Pointe-du-Moulin Historical Park, at the end of Don Quixote Boulevard on Île-Perrot.
When: Sunday, September 3, from 10 am to 4 pm
Tahiti à Montréal
The island vibes of Tahiti are coming to Montreal this September.
Tahiti à Montréal celebrates all things Polynesian, so you can take in Polynesian shows, dance, attend craft workshops, listen to talks, obtain information about tourism in Polynesia, buy local products, and even get a traditional tribal tattoo.
Where: 150 Saint-Cather
When: September 7 to 9 from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Oysterfest
Montreal’s Annual Oysterfest is back at Terrasses Bonsecours on September 10, 2017. Featuring some of the best restaurants in Montreal, the Old Port will become an oyster-lover’s paradise for one day only.
In addition to the thousands of oysters that will be cooked to perfection and be yours for the taking, Oysterfest will feature a myriad of exciting events.
Where: The Old Port
When: September 1o, from 12 to 10 pm
Ancient Future Festival
There is nothing like celebrating the end of summer with one last music festival and luckily for Montrealers, a giant EDM fest will be taking place on September 8 and 9.
The third edition of the Ancient Future Festival will feature the best in electronic music and visual arts.
Where: Quai de l’Horloge, The Old Port
When: September 8 and 9, 2017
Montreal Ukrainian Festival
Get ready to immerse yourself in culture, food, and tradition at the 18th edition of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival. The three-day festival will be filled with performances, dancing, singing, and food.
Where: Parc Beaubien, Intersection of Rue Beaubien Est and 9e Avenue
When: September 8 to 10
Gardens of Light
Officially set to open September 8, 2017, this year’s Gardens of Light theme is “Between sky and water.” Thus, the 2017 exhibition will focus on nature, and more specifically, on the five elements of water, earth, fire, wood, and metal.
When: September 8 – October 31, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Montreal Botanical Garden, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke Est
Montreal Pizza Festival
The festival showcases some of the best slices in the city. All you need to do is visit participating pizzerias. When you stop by for some pie you’ll receive a “Pizza Passport” for participating. The best part of it all is that for every “Pizza Passport” you collect, you get entered to win a trip to Naples, Italy.
Where: Participating pizzerias in Montreal. Click here for details.
When: September 11 to 17
The Lights Fest Montreal Area
Montreal is going to light up September in a magical way.
The Lights Fest is an experience where thousands of friends and families gather to listen to live music, fill up on food trucks and light up life by sharing personal wishes, dreams, and goals.
Where: RPM Speedway, 546 rue de l’École RR 3
When: Saturday, September 16 from 4 to 9 pm
L’Avenue Gourmande
The 6th edition of Avenue Gourmande offers an entire weekend of flavors and discoveries along avenue du Mont-Royal. Look forward to $3 tastes from local delicatessens and restaurants including arancini from Roméo, Greek pastries from M. Puff, Shiitake Rolls from Copper Branch, and more.
Where: Avenue du Mont-Royal, Montreal
When: September 16 and 17
Montreal’s International Literature Festival
Are you a fan of books, poetry, art, music, and film? Then Montreal’s International Literature Festival is for you. This event will feature talks and readings from amazing authors. Additional events including live musical performances, poetry readings, book readings, and art expos.
When: September 22 to October 1
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Lac-Brome Duck Fest
The Lac-Brome Duck Fest, just over an hour south-east of Montreal, invites you to try duck in as many ways possible. From BBQ duck to duck poutine, you’re in for a delicious feast.
More than 30 exhibitors will be on site serving up wines, ciders, and spirits from the best vineyards and distilleries in the region. It’s not just about the food and drinks, though! Dozens of vendors will be showcasing their duck products including art, jewelry and more.
Where: 38 Oak Knowlton, Quebec
When: September 23 and 24 from 10 am to 5 pm
Lord of the Rings Concert
A live symphony orchestra is performing a Lord of the Rings Concert in Montreal this September. The special concert is being hosted by Montreal’s very own Video Game Orchestra, who this year, have decided to honour the music of famous trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.
Where: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, 4237 Henri Julien Ave
When: September 23
Tam Tams
Grab your sangria kits and drum sets! Tam Tams has returned to our fair city and we couldn’t be more excited. Tam Tams is a magical outdoor festival where Montrealers far and wide gather in Parc Mont Royal for an afternoon of food, fun, and music. Though the drum circle is located at the Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument, vendors and entertainment spread throughout the park, all the way from Avenue Mont-Royal to Duluth. Remember to bring food and wine, and take advantage of Montreal’s picnic law!
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
When: Until September 24
Free Bixi Sundays
Free Bixi Sundays are nothing new but we’ve been pumped to see that they’re back for 2017. Free Bixi Sundays Offered by Manulife lasts until October 29th. On designated days throughout the summer, all one-way trips under 30 minutes will be free of charge for the entire day (from midnight until 11:59pm).
Where: All across the city
When: September 24
Video Game Symphony
As part of the city’s 375th birthday celebrations, a Video Game Symphony will take place at
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier on September 29, 2017.
This symphony will combine the power of orchestra and the immersive universe of video gaming.
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, 175 Saint-Catherine St W,
When: September 29, at 7:30 pm
Montreal Model Train Exposition
The Montreal Model Train Exposition will take place on September 30 to October 1 and will feature the largest collection of model railroads in North America.
From the Hogwarts Express to Thomas the Tank Engine, check out some amazing collectibles and relive your childhood.
Where: 4251 St Urbain Street, Montreal
When: September 30 and October 1 from 10 am to 5 pm
First Fridays
The largest food truck festival has begun! Olympic Stadium is known for their awesome events, with our personal favourite being First Fridays. The most glorious of days, First Fridays are a special kind of culinary event in which all of the city’s food trucks gather at Olympic Stadium. Allowing Montrealers to sample dishes from over 50 food trucks, you can expect to find everything from tacos and churros, to mac and cheese and lobster rolls. Taking place on the first Friday of the month between
Where: Olympic Stadium
When: First Friday of each month until October 27
Sherbrooke’s Open Air Museum
As part of Montreal’s 375th-anniversary celebrations, Sherbrooke Street has been temporarily turned into an open-air museum. According to the website, it gives Montrealers “the chance to soak up a spectacular world-class public art exhibition.” What are you waiting for?
Where: Sherbrooke Street West between the McCord Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
When: Now until October 2
Secret Montreal
Learn something new about our fair city. Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is currently running “The Red Light of Montreal” tour, which teaches participants about the city’s indecent past.
Where: Midway Tavern, 1219, Boulevard Saint-Laurent
When: Now until October 21, 8:30 pm
Explore a new bike path
Bixi Bikes are now back on the roads which means it’s time to start exploring our city’s beautiful bike paths. With bike paths all around the city, cycling in Montreal has never been easier. So hop on your bike, borrow one from a friend, or take advantage of the city’s Bixi bikes and get pedaling! For a little inspiration, check out the most beautiful bike paths in Montreal.
Where: Various locations
When: Anytime
Check out Tonga Lumina
Tonga Lumina, the latest project from superstar Montreal multimedia company Moment Factory, has taken over Mont Tremblant. Based on the story of a sleeping giant, the last of his kind and protector of the wooded lands, the interactive tour invites guests to engage in a sensory experience. Setting out on a quest to the heart of the mountain, curious visitors are encouraged to explore the giant’s tracks along the forest trail, searching for hidden clues left behind by its keeper.
Where: Mont- Tremblant, 1000 Chemin Des Voyageurs
When: Now until October 9
Go apple picking
What better way to celebrate the end of summer than by spending the afternoon apple picking? Head out to any one of the orchards in the Montreal area, and prepare for a day of tractor rides, picnics, and of course, apples. Cidrerie-Verger Léo Boutin, La Ferme Quinn, and Vergers Pierre Tremblay et Fils are a few great options. Bonus points if you turn your hand-picked apples into a fresh apple pie!
Where: Anywhere
When: Anytime in September
Take your best Instagram pics of fall in Montreal
If you’re still a little sad that summer is over, why not pump yourself up by venturing outdoors and taking a few fall-tastic Instagram photos. Go for a walk up Mont Royal or just head to your local Starbucks and enjoy a pumpkin spiced latte. You’ll quickly realize that fall in Montreal is pretty damn awesome.
Where: Anywhere
When: Anytime