11 things to do in Montreal this weekend: August 12 to 13
Summer may be winding down, but city events are still in full swing. Here’s what going on around town this weekend if you’re looking for ideas.
Saturday, August 12
What: Head down to the Quai de L’Horloge in the Old Port and immerse yourself in a whole new world at Festival Orientalys. This free, family-friendly festival runs all weekend long and features everything from workshops, performances, exhibitions, activities, food and shopping from North Africa to China. If you’re into food and culture, this is definitely not to be missed.
When: August 10 to 13, all day
Where: Quai de L’Horloge, Old Montreal
If sports is more your thing, then you might want to snag a pair tickets to the 2nd biggest sporting event of the summer – if you can. After seven long days, the Rogers Cup comes to a close this weekend with doubles and singles finals kicking off Sunday morning. Our money’s on Federer and Williams.
When: August 10 to 13, 11 am onwards
Where: Uniprix Stadium, Montreal North
Sometimes, the best things in life are free. And this weekend especially, we’re all in for a treat. All you have to do is look up. Passing through our system until the 14, the Perseid meteor shower will be visible to the naked eye (even in the city!), raining up to 100 meteors an hour, all weekend long.
When: Watch the spectacle between midnight and dawn on the morning of August 12. NASA recommends about 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Where: Darkness is required for optimal viewing, which is pretty tough in the city. But try one of the local parks, such as Parc du Mont-Royal.
If you’re willing to take a road trip, we recommend heading to Quebec’s designated Dark Sky Reserve. The Mont-Megantic International Dark Sky Reserve is about a 2-hour drive from Montreal. The park is far a way from light pollution, giving you the best sky conditions for the meteor shower.
Celebrating its 16 edition, Matsuri Japon takes place this Saturday at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal. Featuring all kinds of awesome cultural traditions, activities, performances, art and food, this free event is the perfect excuse to get out and experience something new.
When: August 12 from 11 am to 9:30 pm
Where: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal
For those still buzzing off Osheaga and looking for more festival fun, Ile Soniq is well underway already at Parc Jean Drapeau. Featuring artists like Tiesto, Kungs, Afrojack, Migos and Designer – just to name a few – this year’s line-up is bigger and badder than ever before. Tickets are still available and the weather is looking good.
When: August 10 -13
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Pride week kicks off this weekend in Montreal with the most incredible line-up of LGBTQ events and shows all week long.
When: Aug 11-20th
Where: Various locations, check schedule for details
Magic hits the outdoor stage this weekend as the Repercussion Theatre brings their famous Shakespeare in The Park tour downtown. Performing a crowd favourite, Much Ado About Nothing, the show is free to all with first come first serve seating. Arrive early to get a good spot.
When: August 12 at 7:00 pm
Where: Cabot Square, downtown Montreal
Sunday, August 13
International Balloon Festival
Definitely one of the coolest events of the year, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival is going down (or should we say, up?) this Sunday in St Jean. Not just a totally cool experience, the event is also an international competition for best balloon design, with competitors from around the world submitting their best air art for your vote. Tickets range from $23 for general entry to $220 for the big evening flight.
When: August 12-20
Where: St. Jean Sur Richelieu, QC
If you think Sundays are better spent raging it out in your own sweat with a few thousand friends, then Piknic Electronik is definitively for you. This weekends line-up features French favourite Jennifer Cardini and the US’ Honey Soundsystem. Tickets range from 13.50 to $116 for a day pass.
When: August 13
Where: Plaine Des Jeux, Parc Jean Drapeau
The only thing better than a relaxing Sunday is a relaxing Sunday with free donut holes. And that’s happening folks. Yep, in order to celebrate their arrival and launch on the scene, new donut shop Boule Boule is opening its doors and offering FREE BOXES of donuts all weekend long to anyone who passes through. All you need to do it show up.
When: August 12
Where: 1678 Mont-Royal Est, Montreal
Keeping it cultural, Italian Week is also here. Winding down this weekend, the festival comes to a close this Sunday night, in Little Italy, with the Cavalleria Rusticana opera by Pietro Mascagni. In line with this year’s theme “Sicily”, the opera takes us back to the nineteenth century and into the daily lives of young Sicilians. And if opera isn’t your thing, the trip is still worth it for the coffee and cannoli alone.
When: August 4-13
Where: Little Italy, Montreal
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