5 things to do in Montreal today: Wednesday, May 8

We’ve enjoyed plenty of sunshine to start the week and as we hit Hump Day, here’s hoping the sun keeps shining down on us as we hit the latter half.

If you’re looking to keep busy today, here is what’s happening in the city this Wednesday, May 8.

See also

• Brad Marchand acts like a goof on Hockey Night in Canada (VIDEO)
• This epic country fair outside of Montreal returns on June 6
• A new non-dairy ice cream spot is opening up in The Plateau in June
• A live concert of Walt Disney's Fantasia is coming to Montreal on June 22 and 23

Montreal Sketchfest

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

The 14th edition of Montreal Sketchfest returned to the city at the beginning of May for 10 days of live sketch comedy and laughs.

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

Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria

The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil production is returning home all May.

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: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online

21 Swings

Spring isn’t going to be the only thing in the air this week as Montreal’s musical swing exhibition has returned to the Quartier des Spectacles.

The interactive, music art installation, 21 Swings, will have Montrealers feeling like kids again as guests can swing back and forth, creating musical melodies.

The 21 Swings (or Balançoires) installation was custom-made for the Promenade des Artistes in the Quartier des Spectacles. The work was created by Daily tous les jours, in collaboration with animal behaviourist Luc-Alain Giraldeau from UQAM and Radwan Ghazi Moumneh, the installation’s composer.

When: From now until May 28
Time: 10 am – 12 am
Where: Promenade des Artistes, Quartier des spectacles
Price: Free

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

McKibbin’s Irish Pub Hooley Night

McKibbin’s Irish Pub hosts their ‘Hooley Night’ tonight on the third floor.

Ladies pay $10 at the door, gentlemen pay $25 and then it’s an open bar, all you can drink. The bar offers Moosehead beer, vodka, gin, rum, rye and whiskey as part of the special. The third floor features a dance floor and a DJ.

If you’re looking to dance and drink on a Wednesday night, it’s tough to find a better deal than McKibbin’s. Get there nice and early to beat the line.

When: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 10 pm – 2 am
Where: 1426 Rue Bishop
Price: $10 for girls, $25 for guys