39 things to do in Montreal this September

Even though summer isn’t officially over, September certainly has that ring to it. But don’t let it get you down, sure,  it’s back to school, but as the weather cools down Montreal has a slew of things to offer.

From food festival to amusement parks and tons of music, here are 39 things to make this September one to remember.

Mile Ex End

Last fall, the Mile Ex End Musique enjoyed its inaugural event when it took over the Van Horne underpass and they’re looking to continue that success the second time around.

When: September 1,2,8 and 15
Time: September 1 and 2: noon, September 8 and 15: 4 pm
Where: Corner of Rue Marmier and Rue Henri-Julien
Price: $10-$60, available online

The Montreal World Film Festival

On the heels of the Fantasia Film Festival, the 42nd edition of the Montreal World Film Festival encourages cultural diversity and understanding between nations and fosters cinema of all continents.

The festival features short films, genre pieces and both competitive and non-competitive selections from films all over the world.

The MWFF is spread throughout various outdoor and indoor venues across the city. Check out their website for specific spots for selected films.

When: From now until September 3
Time: Varies according to selected film
Where: Various venues across Montreal
Price: $11 per film

Big Bubble Tour

The biggest bubble run in Quebec kicks off September (how much bubble-based competition could they have?).

The non-competitive race features 5 km of foamy bubbles which increase at each passing kilometre. As participants make their way to the end of the race, yes, more bubbles await at the finish line’s Foam Party.

The Big Bubble Tour encourages all runners from any level or age to join the race, all in good fun

When: September 1
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Where: Park Maisonneuve
Price: $40

Montreal Fetish Weekend

From fantasy-themed events to beautiful play scenes, fashion, expo, demos, workshops and an incredible fetish photo walk, the city welcomes visitors to a grand celebration of Fetish Pride, alternate lifestyle and diversity.

When: September 1 – 4
Time: 9 pm – 3 am
Where: Hotel Gouverneur – 1415 St. Hubert Street
Price: Varies depending on your selection

The MEG Montreal Festival

Not to be confused with the giant shark movie, The MEG Montreal Festival is an electronic dance music fest. Back for its 20th edition, genres include electro, hip-hop, rock, pop and
features Syzzors, Ghost Love and Raveen tonight.

When: September 1 and 2
Time: 9 pm – 3 am
Where: Le Ministère – 4521 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $8 online, $10 at the door

Montreal Bacon Week

Start September off with some sizzle (say that five times fast).

The 4th annual bacon festival returns to the Quartier Dix30 on September 1 as we start the month with some serious crisp.

The tasty festival will feature 18 restaurants from the South Shore’s mega-outlets, each putting a different spin on a bacon-inspired dish.

From bacon poutine to bacon donuts and milkshakes, here are a few dishes you’ll be able to taste at this year’s festival.

When: September 1 to 9
Time: Varies per restaurant
Where: Quartier Dix30 – 6000 Boulevard Rome, Brossard
Price: Varies per selected item

Axwell /\ Ingrosso at Beachclub

Axwell /\ Ingrosso is a Swedish DJ duo that consists of Swedish House Mafia members Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso.

They’re spinning beats at Beachclub at the start of the month. Beachclub, is advertised as the largest outdoor club in North America and it’s exactly as it sounds, a club on a beach.

The site features a massive swimming pool, wave boarding, food trucks, plenty of booze and obviously, a beach.

When: Sunday, September 2
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Beachclub – 701, 38e Rue, Pointe-Calumet
Price: $50

LadyFest

As the summertime heat dwindles down and the Just for Laughs festival has long since packed up, LadyFest steps up and fills Montreal’s comedic void for seven days in September.

Ladyfest is a celebration of dynamic femme and non-binary talent in stand-up, storytelling, video, improv, and sketch comedy.

The festival’s slogan, ‘One Love. No Jerks’ shows how LadyFest strives to host comedy events that are respectful and enjoyable experiences for everyone to laugh, connect and grow.

When: September 3 – 9
Time: Varies per selected show
Where: The Blue Dog Motel, Montreal Improv and Theatre Ste. Catherine
Price: Varies per selected show

Le Burger Week Montreal

Get on your stretchy pants as 47 eateries in the city compete for the title of the city’s best burger.

The winning creation is typically offered at a special “burger price” for the public to taste and cast their votes on leburgerweek.com.

There will be winning burgers in several categories including People’s Choice, Most Creative, and Healthiest Burger. Le Burger Week also sends undercover tasters all over the country to choose which creation will earn the Judges’ Choice title.

When: September 1 – 7
Time: Varies per restaurant
Where: Various locations around Montreal
Price: Varies per restaurant

Tiësto at Beachclub

Tiësto will be headlining a massive labour day show at Beachclub. It’s the Dutch DJ’s second turn at the club, having played a sold-out show in June. “The greatest DJ of all time” as per Mix Magazine, will do his thing while Beachclub does theirs.

When: Monday, September 3
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Beachclub – 701, 38e Rue, Pointe-Calumet
Price: $50

Drake with Migos

Drake is stopping by the Bell Centre for two nights as part of his ‘Aubrey and The Three Amigos Tour.’

The Toronto native will be performing with Offset, Quavo and Takeoff of Migos fame.

You’d better act fast, as of this writing, the Tuesday show is almost sold out.

When: September 4 and 5
Time: 7 pm
Where: Bell Centre – 1909 Avenue des Canadiens de Montreal
Price: $81.05 – $231.05

NHL Rookie Showdown

Top prospects from three Canadian franchises will go head-to-head at Place Bell from September 7 to 9. The tournament will showcase the newly drafted rookies, free agent signings and camp invitees from the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.

When: September 7: Canadiens vs Senators, September 8: Senators vs Maple Leafs and September 9: Maple Leafs vs Canadiens
Time: 7:30 pm on September 7 and 3 pm on September 8 and 9
Where: Place Bell – Laval
Price: $56 – $104

Fête des Amériques

Fair of America (Fête des Amériques) is a colourful new festival taking place in the Old Port. This first edition of the festival will transport you to various countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Mexico including authentic music, dancing, fashion and food.

When: September 7 – 9
Time: 11 am – 8 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Quay – 333 Rue de la Commune Ouest
Price: $15 on Friday, $20 on Saturday and Sunday

Gardens of Light

September means it’s that time of year when Montreal’s botanical gardens light up for the
magical Gardens of Light Festival.

Set to open on September 7, 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: September 7 – October 31
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Montreal’s Botanical Gardens
Price: $10.25 – $20.50

Tattoo Festival

If you’re looking to add some more ink to your body, or you just appreciate the art, Montreal’s tattoo festival is on its way back to the city for its 16th edition in September.

The convention promotes tattooing and brings in over 100 artists from all over the world in to celebrate the art and its surrounding community.

When: September 7 – 9
Time: 6 pm – 12 am on Friday, 12 pm – 11 pm on Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm on Sunday
Where: Gare Windsor – 1160 Avenue des Canadiens de Montreal
Price: Free admission

Animara Con

Celebrating its 5th edition, Japanese cosplay, animation and video game enthusiasts are invited to join a welcoming community of creative individuals to celebrate their passions together.

When: September 8 and 9
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: Hotel Delta – 475 Avenue du President Kennedy
Price: $30 online, $35 at the door

The MTL Grand Open Round 1

The first round (of 10) features nine of Montreal’s funniest comedians battling out for their chance to win a $1000 grand prize.

Grand… prize… get it?

The first round features the hilarity of Jacob Greco, Darren Henwood, Alex Wood, Dawn Ford, Shawn Stenhouse, Harrison Weinreb, Mike Gamache, and Martin Gallois.

When: Sunday, September 9
Time: Doors at 7:30 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Mckibbin’s Irish Pub – 1426 Bishop Street
Price: $5

YUL EAT

You can’t cap off a summer’s worth of festivals without YUL EAT.

The YUL EAT festival is the biggest food event in the city, offering over 40 restaurant outlets and food trucks from all over Montreal allowing foodies a chance to discover local grub and dishes they’ve never tried before on a huge scale.

New to the festival’s fifth anniversary, festival-goers will have a chance to attend live cooking masterclasses from some of the city’s most respected and renowned chefs.

When: September 10 – 16
Time: TBA
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free

Pizza Fest

Grab a slice of everyone’s favourite comfort food as 50 participating restaurants in Montreal will create their own, unique pizza.

At the end of the 13-day festival, one place will be crowned the tasty winner of Montreal’s Pizza Fest.

When: September 11 – 24
Time: Varies per location
Where: Spread out throughout Montreal
Price: Varies per selected pizza

Interpol Concert

The American rock band, formed in 1997, is at the spectacular Olympia on September 12 to promote their new album ‘Marauder’.

When: Wednesday, September 12
Time: Doors at 6 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Olympia – 1004 Ste. Catherine Est
Price: $50.75, online

Montreal RibFest

RibFest returns to the Old Port, bringing some of the best rib vendors from Montreal and abroad. Each serving up racks upon racks of mouthwatering ribs.

The festival will feature much more than just delicious ribs. There will be live music, local vendors, entertainment, and a huge kid’s play zone.

When: September 13 – 16
Time: Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm, Friday – Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Quay
Price: Free

Supercross Montreal

Supercross Montreal makes its roaring return for one night of high-calibre motocross action featuring some of the top riders from Europe and North America. Montreal is the only stop on the Supercross’ international circuit.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: Doors open at 1 pm for practice, show at 7:30 pm
Where: Olympic Stadium
Price: $40

FantastiCon MTL

Comic book fans, assemble. The fourth annual FantastiCon MTL one-day festival is back with a ton of comic books, graphic novels, cosplay and vintage toys.

Ranging from genres and comic books all over the world, the exhibition stands out as they mix the city’s English and French culture together.

Plus, children get free comics.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: College Andre-Grasset – 1001 Cremazie Boulevard Est
Price: $10

Red Bull Music Festival

Continuing their tradition from New York, Paris and Tokyo, coupled with the success of last year’s music school, the Red Bull Music Festival is coming to Montreal for the first time, this fall.

The festival will offer diverse programming, unique shows and live performances in unconventional venues, according to the Red Bull website.

When: September 19 – 27
Time: TBA
Where: TBA
Price: TBA

Nuit Blanche at La Ronde

As if amusement parks aren’t scary enough, La Ronde is hosting an all-night after hours party, marking the return of the park’s ‘Nuit Blanche’ for the first time in 10 years.

Instead of its usual daytime hours, La Ronde will be open from 9 pm to 5 am so you can scream, ride and party without that pesky sun.

La Ronde’s concession stands will remain open and the site will host a variety of DJs that include: Karim Ouellet, Alaclair Ensemble, ShortCut DJ, Larry Kidd, High Klassified, Mike Shabb and Planet Giza, all of whom will be spinning beats throughout the amusement park.

When: Friday, September 21
Time: 9 pm – 5 am
Where: La Ronde
Price:  $44.99

Tarot Reading Marathon

Enlighten yourself in the realm of fortune telling, personal development and spiritual growth as this year’s Tarot Reading Marathon.

Guests of honour include American science fiction author, Rachel Pollack and grandmaster Mary K Greer.

When: Friday, September 21
Time: 1 pm – 11:30 pm
Where: Crowley Centre – 5325 Avenue Crowley
Price: $40 – $90

Oasis International Marathon

Why not burn off some of this summer’s unwanted burgers?

The Oasis International Marathon is the largest running event in Quebec. Registration is open for a marathon, a half marathon, and the 1 km, 5 km and 10km races. A little something for everyone.

When: September 22 and 23
Time: Varies per race
Where:
Price: $33.99 – $143.99 depending on selected course

Montreal International Black Film Festival

The Montreal International Black Film Festival, the largest of its kind in Canada, returns 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: September 25 – 30
Time: Varies per selected film
Where: Various venues around Montreal
Price: Varies per selected film, $195 all access pass

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 -m
Where: Sun Youth Organization Centre – 4251 St. Urbain
Price: $6 for children, $8 for adults

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

Piknic Électronik

The weekly electronic dance festival sums up the 2018 campaign with DJs Henrik Schwarz and Anti-Anti.

Along with hundreds of people, the outdoor venue will host the usual dance floor, food trucks, relaxation zone and bar kiosks.

When: Sunday, September 30
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean – Drapeau – Plain des Jeux
Price: $14.50

Voiles en Voiles

Climb aboard life-size replicas of both royal and pirate ships from the 18th century in Montreal’s Old Port (how fitting). They are over 100 feet in length and range from two feet high for the young pirates to 35 feet for Peter Pan wannabes.

The obstacle course features 61 different activities between the Royal Ship and the Pirate Ship. Activities include zip lining, rock climbing, and bouncy castles.

When: Every day in August
Time: 10 am – 1o pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Online Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets

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: Every day in September
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

Complexe Atlantide

Complexe Atlantide is a huge amusement park fused with water slides, mini putt, a wave pool and animals located in Saint-Calixte, an hour outside of Montreal. It’s situated right in the middle of a campground and guests are encouraged to stay for as long as they wish.

Complexe Atlantide also hosts a petting zoo, a haunted house, a variety of restaurants, and an ice cream parlour. You can’t really call yourself a family oriented park until you have an ice cream parlour on site.

When: Every day in September
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 11155 QC-335, Saint-Calixte
Price: Varies depending on your selection, tickets available online

Parc Safari Zoo

Get your animal fix by heading to Parc Safari, 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: Every day in September
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s indecent past.

The tour is led by a professional actor and storyteller and the path leads to tales about the dark and lewd history of Montreal’s old Red Light District. Many of the sites are even said to be haunted.

When: Every Friday until Halloween
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

Tonga Lumina

This summer’s Mont-Tremblant trail will be illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as giant-seekers must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find the slumbering giant.

The adventure starts at the base of Mont-Tremblant. The chairlift transports its investigators to the “Twilight Portal” where a colourful lit path weaves its way through the woods to a series of mysterious checkpoints in pursuit of the giant.

When: Every day in September
Time: Departures at 9 pm, 10 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Mont Tremblant
Price: $11.99 – $27.99, kids under 5 get in for free

See also

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• La Ronde is getting a wild new 7-storey loop roller coaster
• Montreal's Olympic Stadium makes cameo in this retro-video game remake
• Here are the best CFL touchdown celebrations of all-time (VIDEO)