26 things to do in Montreal this weekend: July 5 to 7

Jul 5 2019, 12:58 am

Montreal is in for a hot one this weekend but that won’t stop the city from hosting a slew of great events and activities worth checking out from July 5 to 7.

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Friday, July 5

The Montreal International Jazz Festival

festivaljazzmontreal/Instagram

The Montreal International Jazz Festival was named the largest jazz festival in the world in 2004 according to the Guinness Book of World Records and it’s only gotten bigger since.

The 39th edition of the festival features over 500 artists from all over the world who will perform over 150 shows during a three-week span.

The streets are completely closed off to traffic and the festival is full of music-hungry fans. Some specific shows cost money to enter but the majority of the shows, both indoor and outdoor, are free.

When: From now until July 6
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier des Specatcles
Price: Free admission to the site

Montreal Comiccon

Comiccon

Comiccon/Shutterstock

Join hundreds of artists, celebrities, and actors at the localized genre festival for pictures, autographs, workshops and Q&As. Comiccon is headlined by Harry Potter’s Tom Felton, Elijah Wood, George St-Pierre, William Shatner, Robert Sheehan, and so many more.

When: July 5 – 7
Time: Friday, 1 to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Palais des Congrés
Tickets: Available online, starting at $69 – $229

LA RUE COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE

circus

jfsavaria/Instagram

Some of Montreal’s streets are about to turn into an open-air circus ring.

Entering its first 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

First Fridays

Les Premiers Vendredis/Facebook

Montreal is about to keep on truckin’ as the third First Friday of 2019 kicks off this weekend.

First Fridays is a special culinary event in which a variety of the city’s food trucks gather at the Olympic Stadium allowing Montrealers to gobble up dishes from dozens of local spots.

The festival, which calls itself “the largest street food fest in Canada,” is known to dish off everything from tacos and churros, to mac and cheese, burgers, and lobster rolls from over 40 participating eateries around Quebec.

Check out a list of participating spots right here.

When: Friday, July 5
Time: 4:30 pm – 11 pm
Where: Olympic Stadium

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

red light district

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 5
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

Saturday, July 6

Festival of India

Indian food

Alex Hubenov/Shutterstock

Montreal’s 41st annual Festival of India returns this weekend for two exciting days full of Indian culture.

The two-day event will feature all sorts of festivities, including a parade down Saint Laurent Boulevard (starting at Rue Milton), restaurant outlets, live music, dancing, yoga workshops, kid’s games, and a souvenir shop.

When: July 6 – 7
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Parc Jeanne Mance
Price: Free admission

Carifiesta

Carifiesta Montreal/Facebook

Like it has every year in Montreal since 1975, Carifiesta returns this weekend to honour its Caribbean community in the city.

The festival’s main attraction is the parade. The parade features vibrant colours and exciting costumes dancing to the sounds of Caribbean music.

The parade will close off Rene-Levesque to motorists and cyclists and allow for only pedestrians. The parade features a bevy of Caribbean floats, all representing a different aspect or location within the Caribbean community.

When: Saturday, July 6
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Rene Levesque, from rue du Fort to rue Bleury
Price: Free

Montreal Beachclub

lineup

@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.

When: Saturday, July 6
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 38e Rue, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Varying prices

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec

montreal fireworks

Parc Jean-Drapeau

The world’s largest fireworks festival returned to La belle province last weekend 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.

When: Saturday, July 6
Time: 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free

Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria

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 6
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

Jim Carrey

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 6
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 6
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen

Arthur Simeon – Comedy Nest

As seen on Just For Laughs, on HBO’s Funny As Hell, and a fan favourite on CBC’s The Debaters, Arthur Simeon is originally from Uganda who now lives in Canada and challenges stereotypes through his stand up.

When: June 5 and 6
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Comedy Nest, 2313 rue Ste. Catherine, 3rd floor
Price: $15, available online and at the door

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: SaturdayJuly 6
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 7

Tam-Tams

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 7
Time: 12 pm until sunset
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
Price: Free

Piknic Electronik

June 28

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik returns for its ninth 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 7
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $16, available online

Voiles en Voiles

pirate ship

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 7
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online

Leonard Cohen Mural

Leonard Cohen

cathywong_cw/Instagram

Crescent Street’s iconic Leonard Cohen mural is lit.

Actually.

Last week, the 8,500-square-metre mural, Tower of Songs, that pays tribute to the late singer-songwriter was lit up with four projectors.

Though the newly lit mural is expected to be a mainstay on Crescent Street, head over to snap some pictures before everyone else does.

When: Sunday, July 7
Time: 24/7
Where: Crescent Street
Price: Free

PY1 – Through the Echoes

June 28

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 7
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online

La Ronde

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 7
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

June 28

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 7
Time: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: Quai de l’Horloge, Old Montreal
Price: Free

HUM(AIN) – We Could Be Human: A Learning Machine

AI robot

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

MURAL Fest

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 7
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)

Yoko Ono’s Arising

Yoko Ono

Vigfus Birgisson/Reykjavik Art Museum

Yoko Ono’s new art exhibition debut in Montreal at the end of April.

As part of the Japanese multimedia artist’s ongoing installation called “Arising,” Ono is asking women to share stories of harm that has been brought on as a result of being a woman. Participants are asked to also send in a photo of their eyes as part of the project.

The installation will be shown accompanied by other interactive works by Ono in which specific instructions will be given to visitors.

When: From now to September 15
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain, 451 rue St-Jean
Price: Free

DH Montreal StaffDH Montreal Staff

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