As July continues to chug along, here’s a slew of great stuff happening around Montreal this weekend, July 12 to 14.
See also
- You can ride these fully automated buses for FREE in Montreal until August
- Kevin Hart is returning to Montreal for Just For Laughs on July 27
- 10 places to watch the fireworks in Montreal this weekend
- Montreal ranks as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world
Friday, July 12
Ste-Catherine Sidewalk Sale
The Ste-Catherine Sidewalk Sale calls itself “the largest open sky gathering of merchants in Canada” and judging by the size of it, it’d be tough to compete.
More than 300,000 visitors ramble onto the street over the three-day event and the famous street is completely closed down to traffic between Rue Guy and Rue Mansfield.
More than 250 boutiques, stores, and restaurants set up outlets outside for Montrealers to browse and enjoy. Plus there’s a parade, dancers, inflatable castles, and free samples!
When: July 12-14
Time: Friday: 12 pm – 12 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Rue Ste-Catherine from Rue Guy to Rue Mansfield
Price: Free admission
LA RUE COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE
jfsavaria/Instagram
Some of Montreal’s streets have been turned into an open-air circus ring.
Entering its final weekend, The Montreal Circus Festival, known as LA RUE COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE, will use the streets, parks, and sidewalks of the Quartier des Spectacles as stages to showcase colourful, high-flying performances.
The festival includes tightrope walkers, trapeze art, balancing and trampoline acts, fire art, jugglers, gymnastics, live music, human pyramids, and participatory activities for all ages as these master street performers use the urban landscape as their stages.
When: From now until July 14
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier de Spectacles
Price: Free admission
Cité Mémoire
levieuxmontreal/Instagram
Head to Old Montreal to admire 25 of the world’s largest projection circuits. Montreal’s history is displayed on buildings and streets throughout the Old Port. Download the free “Montreal en Histoires” app for destinations, details, and schedules.
When: June 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: From nightfall until 11 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free
Comedy at the Art Loft
Comedy at the Art Loft/Facebook
Comedy at the Art Loft is the hottest underground comedy show in Montreal. It’s the city’s only weekly bilingual show and is run out of a private loft on rue Saint-Laurent and is usually packed with people. It feels like a college part, except a comedian is slinging jokes into a microphone.
The venue features a DJ and snacks. BYOB and it’s 420 friendly. Very 420 friendly.
When: Friday, July 12
Time: Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 10:30 pm
Where: 4152 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $10 at the door (cash only)
Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk
Secret Montréal/Facebook
Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s indecent past.
Who knows, you might even see a ghost.
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.
The tour takes place at what is currently known as the Quartier des Spectacles, known for its festivals and entertainment. But Secret Montreal takes its guests on a historical journey of another form of entertainment.
When: Friday, July 12
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online
Saturday, July 13
Fantasia International Film Festival
@fantasiafestival/Instagram
Fantasia works primarily as a film screening festival, showcasing a variety of programming, both independent and commercial, while focusing on the imaginative cinema of Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The festival also welcomes guests from across the cinema community, including actors, directors, producers, studio reps, and distributors.
When: Friday, July 13
Time: Varies according to screening
Where: Concordia University – 1455 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest
Price: Varies according to screening
Kahnawake Pow Wow
The Kahnawake Pow Wow returns this weekend for its 29th annual event. This unique opportunity is a chance to discover Native dancing, music, food, and arts and crafts as you celebrate with the Mohawks of Kahnawake and take part in the Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow Wow.
The Pow Wow features tribal and smoke dancing, all-native craft booths, prizes and native cuisine food sampling.
When: July 13 and 14
Time: Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Kahnawake Pow Wow Grounds
Price: $8
Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare by the Bow/Facebook
The untraditional rendition of Shakespeare returned on July 11 and will run until August 11.
The long-running outdoor theatre event is celebrating its 31st year and takes on a Shakespearean classic this summer in the form of Measure for Measure. It’s a contemporary, gender-bent take on the classic love story.
When: From now until July 31
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Various outdoor venues across Montreal
Price: Free
The Ethnic Show – Just For Laughs
One of Just For Laughs’ most celebrated series, The Ethnic Show returned this summer, totalling 19 shows.
The Ethnic Show is hosted by the hilarious Latina comedian, Cristela Alonzo, who recently became the first Latina woman to create, produce, write and star in her own US primetime comedy, Cristela, according to Just for Laughs.
She’ll be joined by Gina Yashere and Lebanese-Canadian comedian Dave Merheje.
When: From now until July 25
Time: 7 pm and 9:30 pm
Where: Club Soda
Price:$59.61, available online
Montreal Beachclub
@beachclubmtl/Instagram
Located in Pointe-Calumet, an easy 45-minute drive from Montreal, Beachclub is exactly what its name implies — a club on the beach.
The outdoor beach site can host up to 10,000 guests at a time, making it the largest outdoor club in North America.
This weekend’s headliner is none other than Shaggy. “It wasn’t me.”
When: Saturday, July 13
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 Rue 38, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Prices for DJ events vary, tickets are available online
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
Parc Jean-Drapeau
The world’s largest fireworks festival returned to La belle province at the beginning of the month for its 35th edition and the International Fireworks Competition, known officially as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, will keep the skyline lit this weekend as well.
This weekend’s show is “A First Walk on the Moon” from Canada.
When: Saturday, July 13
Time: 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free
Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria
Alegria by Cirque du Soleil
The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil production will be at the Big Top all weekend.
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: Saturday, July 13
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online
This Light Never Goes Out – Jim Carrey Exhibition
JimCarrey/Twitter
A new art exhibition featuring works from Jim Carrey is will be on display in Montreal all summer and this steamy weekend might be a good time to check out some art (and you know, air conditioning).
As part of the Phi Centre’s commitment to celebrating technology-based media, the arts centre will present the world premiere of This Light Never Goes Out, featuring over 50 of the actor’s works in an exhibition that will run from June 20 to September 1.
“Jim Carrey is known to most people as a comedic genius on the silver screen, but since 2016, his Twitter feed has been the canvas for a series of satirical and subversive cartoons, penned in response to headlining news,” reads the Phi Centre’s description.
Carrey’s cartoons weigh in on the American political right, focusing on many who are abusing their power in the United States.
When: Saturday, July 13
Time: 10 am – 10 pm
Where: Phi Centre, 315 St-Paul Ouest
Price: $12.40, available online
Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau
The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and this weekend, it could be a gorgeous sight to stand on as well.
Lasalle KSF is a store that specializes in surfing, kayak, and paddleboarding and they are teaming up with Parc Jean-Drapeau to get you stand-up paddleboarding this summer.
This great way to stay active, and to be part of the historic River is offered in three different varieties: SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), SUP Yoga, and SUP Fitness.
Paddleboard rentals start at $20 an hour and $10 for each additional hour. They also offer wetsuits to rent for $7 as well as a group 10-rental deal for $150.
When: Saturday, July 13
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen
Parc Safari
Zoo/Shutterstock
Parc Safari opened its gates daily to their 47th season last month.
The park has over 500 animals, exciting rides, and fun activities to keep you going back all season long.
The park starts off with the “Safari Adventure” where guests can get close to exotic animals like never before. While driving to the main park entrance, the optional adventure path allows for the more docile but equally large animals to check you out in your car.
Oh, how the tables have turned.
Animals on the “Safari Adventure” include buffalo, zebras, llamas, gazelles, ostriches, deer, peacocks, and camels. You’re encouraged to feed and pet the animals during the low-speed trek and you’ll always want to keep your windshield wipers handy. Your car might get dirty but it’s worth it.
It’s not often you get to brag about llama saliva on your windshield.
When: Saturday, July 13
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online
Sunday, July 14
Tam-Tams
nadimsoued/Instagram
Tam-Tams returned to the city last month and the iconic party keeps up its weekly trek on Sunday.
Tams, the weekly outdoor party at the base of the mountain, is a perfect summary of Montreal, open to both locals and tourists.
The magical outdoor bash is where Montrealers from far and wide, gather in Parc Mont Royal for an afternoon of food, vendors, fun, music, and maybe even a couple of beers and some smoking (shhh, don’t tell anyone).
When: Sunday, July 14
Time: 12 pm until sunset
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
Price: Free
Piknic Electronik
Piknic Electronik
Piknic Electronik returns for its tenth edition of 2019 this weekend.
Piknic is an outdoor electric music dance festival featuring DJs and artists from all over the world. There are obviously good tunes, but there’s also good food, good drinks, and plenty of activities to keep you going. Best of all – the show goes on rain or shine.
When: Sunday, July 14
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $16, available online
Voiles en Voiles
Voiles en Voiles/Facebook
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.
As the obstacle course gears up for its final stretch run, check out the 61 different activities between the Royal Ship and the Pirate Ship. Activities include zip lining, rock climbing, and bouncy castles.
When: Sunday, July 14
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online
PY1 – Through the Echoes
py1_experience/Instagram
The first-of-its-kind pyramid-shaped entertainment venue, PY1, created by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté opened to the public this month and will continue its strong showing this weekend as well.
The innovative venue will offer a multi-sensory experience, state-of-the-art technology and “a unique playground” for multimedia entertainment combining high tech with the talent of the greatest digital creators.
The PY1 experience is slated to make its worldwide debut with Through the Echoes, a show produced exclusively for the pyramid, on June 1, located near the Clock Tower grounds in the Old Port.
When: Sunday, July 14
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online
La Ronde
La Ronde – PAGE OFFICIELLE/Facebook
Quebec’s biggest amusement park opened last month and it’s sure to be busy this weekend as well.
Try battling The Goliath, get rocked on Le Ednor or check out the park’s newest ride, Chaos.
When: Sunday, July 14
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 10:30 am – 8 pm (11:30 pm during the fireworks)
Price: Available online or at the box office
Montreal Clock Tower
Old Port of Montreal
The Montreal Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge) is now open to the general public so get ready to climb some steps to get your Instagram game buzzing.
The 45-metre-high tower, built in 1922, marks the entrance to the Old Port and pays tribute to the sailors lost at sea in wartime.
According to the Vieux-Port de Montreal website, the clock mechanism was made in England and is a replica of London’s Big Ben. “Like Big Ben,” reads the page, “its accuracy is legendary, and sailors would set their own timepieces by it.”
When: Sunday, July 14
Time: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: Quai de l’Horloge, Old Montreal
Price: Free
HUM(AIN) – We Could Be Human: A Learning Machine
julienhuon/Instagram
It seems like Siri has some SIRIous competition as a new art exhibition in Montreal features an AI robot that learns from visitors the more it interacts with them.
As part of musician David Usher’s Hum(ai)n exhibition, a digital character named Ophelia will be speaking with humans all summer. This interaction will help to evolve her cognitive state.
When: From now until September 15
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Phi Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre
Price:$21.97 – $25.50, available online
Le Lave-Auto
CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
MURAL Fest may be done, but this art installation is here for keeps.
A Montreal car wash has undergone a complete transformation as part of the seventh edition of the street art festival.
World-renowned urban artist Joshua Vides, who is known for making real-life 3D objects appear as simple 2D black and white sketches, applied his signature treatment to a Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Lave-Auto Laurier, 40-year-old car wash at the corner of Saint-Urbain and Laurier.
It’s totally Instagram worthy.
When: Sunday, July 14
Where: 85 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Time: 8 am – 6 pm (until 7 pm on Thursday – Sunday)
Price: Free
Aquazilla
Parc Jean Drapeau
Parc Jean Drapeau is brining Montrealers another challenge this summer: staying afloat.
Aquazilla, the floating obstacle course on water, is returning to the man-made island again this summer as it preps to launch (maybe literally) on June 19.
The 30-by-35 metre inflatable structure is combined with obstacles, slides, and platforms. Your job is to complete the course without falling into the Jean-Doré beach.
Aquazilla features a wiggle bridge (every obstacle course needs a wiggle bridge), trampoline, climbing towers, a variety of slides, monkey bars, a giant swing, a plank, flip bags, and an infinite loop.
When: From now until August 25
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Price: Ages six to 13 years: $13 for an hour/$25 unlimited, 14 and over: $15 for an hour/$28 unlimited, family deal: $50 f0r an hour, $98 unlimited (tickets available on-site)