26 things to do in Montreal this weekend: June 14 to 16

Jun 14 2019, 12:12 am

Just because the Canadian Grand Prix has zoomed off doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have a slew of great events to offer this weekend, June 14 to 16.

From MURAL Fest, to food, stand-up comedy, a zoo, and the circus, here is how Montreal lines up this weekend.

See also

Friday. June 14

MURAL Fest

MURAL

_elidico/Instagram

The seventh edition of the giant, urban art festival on Saint Laurent readies for its final weekend.

MURAL Fest brings together world-class visual artists and musicians who collaborate for a cultural celebration in the heart of Montreal’s Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

The facade of buildings, roads, parking lots, and public spaces are taken over by immensely talented international and local artists, turning The Plateau into a massive urban art playground.

Check out some photos from the first week of the festival to get you jump started.

When: From now until June 16
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Where: Saint Laurent Boulevard, between Sherbrooke and Mont Royal
Price: Free admission

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, June 14
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

Moody McCarthey – Comedy Nest

As seen on Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with David Letterman and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Moody McCarthy uses his ‘regular guy with regular problems’ routine that everyone can relate to with dry humour, wit, and misdirection.

From family, friends, dating, and dieting, there will be a whole lot of funny from McCarthey at the Nest all weekend.

When: June 14 and 15
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Comedy Nest, 2313 rue Ste. Catherine, 3rd floor
Price: $15, available online and at the door

Grill Saint Laurent

Mural Fest

@tania.penn/Instagram

Grill Saint-Laurent is the Inception of festivals — a festival within a festival.

The city of Montreal is oozing with events in the summer, so much so that they have started fusing some of them into each other.

With the arrival of MURAL Fest, Grill Saint-Laurent will be joining the party on The Main and start cooking up some serious food in an epic culinary competition.

Ten restaurants will prepare 10 exclusive dishes on street-side grills for only $6 each (or four dishes for $20).

When: Friday, June 14
Time: 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 3527 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $6 per food voucher/$20 for 4

ELEKTRA Festival Montreal

ELEKTRA is a digital arts festival that promotes art and robotics. The festival kicked off this past week and features art exhibitions, musical performances, and workshops.

When: Friday, June 14
Time: 7 pm
Where: Various venues around Montreal, visit the website  for details
Price: $28.75, available online

Leonard Cohen Mural

Leonard Cohen

cathywong_cw/Instagram

Crescent Street’s iconic Leonard Cohen mural is lit.

Actually.

On Wednesday, 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: Friday, June 14
Time: 24/7
Where: Crescent Street
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: June 14 and 15
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online

Saturday, June 15

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.

This weekend’s lineup is also pretty spectacular

  • Nicky Jam: Friday, June 14
  • Canada Latin Beach: Saturday, June 15
  • Tchami: Saturday, June 15
  • Carl Cox: Sunday, June 16

When: June 14 – 16
Time: Friday: 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 Rue 38, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Monday to Friday: $12; Saturday and Sunday: $15 (subject to change when special events are held) Prices for DJ events vary, tickets are available 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: Saturday, June 15
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online

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

La Ronde

la ronde

La Ronde – PAGE OFFICIELLE/Facebook

Quebec’s biggest amusement park opened this month and it’s sure to be busy this one as well.

Though the weather forecast may not be on our side, try battling The Goliath, get rocked on Le Ednor or check out the park’s newest ride, Chaos.

When: Saturday, June 15
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

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: Saturday, June 15
Time: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: Quai de l’Horloge, Old Montreal
Price: Free

Give Peace A Chance – The Exhibition

From May 26 to June 2 of 1969, The Queen Elizabeth Hotel welcomed John Lennon and Yoko Ono for their famous Bed-in for Peace.

In honour of the couple’s 50th anniversary of the famous bed-in, the hotel’s lobby will transform into a showroom that showcases photos and guest testimonials pulled from the book, “Give Peace a Chance: John and Yoko’s Bed-in for Peace” by Joan Athey and photographer Gerry Deiter.

Deiter was the only photojournalist covering the 1969 event.

The free exhibition will be on display until October 9, Lennon’s birthday. Visitors are encouraged to share peace vows on their social networks with the hashtags #bedin50 and #givepeaceachance.

When: From now until October 9
Time: 8 am – 10 pm
Where: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, 900 René-Lévesque Boulevard Ouest
Price: Free

Parc Safari

Calgary Zoo

Parc Safari opens its gates daily to their 47th season this 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: SaturdayJune 15
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online

Red Bull Player One – 1v1 League of Legends tournament

Red Bull

A giant League of Legends gaming tournament is coming to Montreal this weekend and there’s national pride at stake.

Presented by Red Bull, Player One is a 1v1 “League of Legends” tournament that features the best amateur duelists in Canada.

The tournament’s winner will represent Canada internationally at the Red Bull Player One World Finals in Brazil in December 2019.

Plus, all expenses for the Canadian champion will be covered.

Looks like those countless hours of multiplayer online battles might finally pay off.

When: Saturday, June 15
Time: 10am – 12 am
Where: Esports Central Arena, 1231 Saint-Catherine Ouest
Price: $10 – $20 registration

iSaute Kirkland

ISaute

ISaute/Facebook

Take your kids to iSaute Kirkland and pretend it’s for them when it’s really for you.

iSaute is a massive venue that has over 30 giant trampolines, trampoline basketball, wall climbing and a trampoline jungle gym. You pay by the hour, there’s a lot to do and it’s actually a fantastic workout. Fun for all ages (and a great workout).

When: Saturday, June 15
Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 3220 Jean Yves, Kirkland
Price: $16 for the first hour, $10 for the second. Tickets are sold at the doo

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

Sunday June 16

Oprah Winfrey – Bell Centre

Oprah

Oprah Winfrey. (Shutterstock)

The one and only Oprah Winfrey is headed to Montreal this weekend.

The media mogul is embarking on a multi-city Canadian tour, where she’ll be sharing her key lessons and the personal stories that helped set the course for her best life.

Winfrey will speak about the moments throughout her life that helped direct her on her path before being joined on stage by a special guest who impacted her journey for a unique one on one conversation.

When: Sunday, June 16
Time: 8 pm
Where: Centre Bell, 1909-avenue-des-Canadiens-de-Montreal
Price: $85.25 – $392.75, available online

Tam-Tams

Tam-Tams

nadimsoued/Instagram

Tam-Tams returned to the city this 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, June 16
Time: 12 pm until sunset
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
Price: Free

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik 2018

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik returns for its sixth 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, June 16
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, June 16
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online

Putting Edge Mini-Putt

Putting Edge

With golf season upon us, you might want to hone your putting skills.

Putting Edge is an indoor mini-putt course that (besides having a great name), glows in the dark. Every hole has Canadian-based trivia questions plus the venue has an arcade and they serve alcohol. Need we say more?

When: Sunday, June 16
Time: 10 am – 1 am
Where: 1259 rue Guy
Price: $11.99

La Grande Roue de Montréal

http://www.lagranderouedemontreal.com

Hit up Canada’s largest observational wheel and take in some absolutely breathtaking views of the city, during the weekend. Not to mention, some primetime photo ops that’ll make your Instagram crowd jealous.

When: Sunday, June 16
Time: 10 am – 11 pm
Where: 362 rue de Commune Est
Price: $14.79 – $25

Volcanoes 3D – IMAX

volcano

Old Port of Montreal

The IMAX Telus Theatre at the Montreal Science Centre invites guests to a “very hot immersive experience.” Volcanoes 3D will take patrons where few humans dare to venture: into the heart of a volcano.

Using state-of-the-art 3D technology, Volcanoes 3D will offer viewers a thrilling experience, exposing them to the lava erupting at over 700ºC.

The documentary will plunge daringly into the heart of various volcanoes from around the globe, exploiting IMAX with new laser technology.

When: Sunday, June 16
Time: Various times
Where: 2 de la Commune Ouest
Price: $10.50 – $12, available online

Amaze Escape Room

We’ve escaped the workweek, now try to get out of an escape room.

Try your luck at escaping from a prison, military facility, lost temple, or laboratory. Make a reservation, choose your adventure and then you have anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to get out of any respective room. Each mission is reserved solely for your group and you’re given a walkie-talkie in case you need hints/get scared.

When: Sunday, June 16
Time: 2pm – 10:30pm
Where: 3550 Rue St. Jacques
Price: $15-$30 depending on your chosen mission (per person). Make your reservation first online.

DH Montreal StaffDH Montreal Staff

+ Listed
ADVERTISEMENT