22 things to do in Montreal this weekend: June 21 to 23

From food, concerts, plenty of outdoor activities and two different varieties of stand-up (comedy and paddleboarding), here is what’s going on in Montreal this weekend, June 21 to 23, to keep you occupied.

See also

• Tampa Bay Rays exploring possibility of splitting baseball games with Montreal: report
• Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques returns to Earth next week after 204 days
• Month-long construction to limit Mercier Bridge to one lane starting on June 26
• Oprah Winfrey shares picture of herself in Mont Royal Park

Friday, June 21

The National Concert

Following the news of their new album, I Am Easy To Find, The National has announced that they’ll be embarking on a world tour — and Montreal will be one of their destinations, this weekend.

The American rock band is best known for their fourth and fifth albums, Boxer and High Violet. In 2017, the band also released the album Sleep Well Beast, which won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

When: Friday, June 21
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 7:45 pm
Where: Place des Arts
Price: $92.05 – $118.05

Complexe Atlantide

No offence to La Ronde, but sometimes it’s nice to have an alternative from the constant buzz of the big city.

Enter: Complexe Atlantide.

This huge amusement centre/water park hybrid venue features water slides, mini putt, a wave pool, and zoo animals, all located in Saint-Calixte, an hour outside of Montreal.

Families are also encouraged to spend a few days on site as the park is found in the middle of Quebec’s largest campground.

When: From June 21 to August 25 and August 30 to September 2
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 11155 QC-335, Saint-Calixte
Tickets: Varies depending on your selection, tickets available online

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

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 21
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

This Light Never Goes Out – Jim Carrey Exhibition

A new art exhibition featuring works from Jim Carrey is going on display in Montreal all summer and it kicks off this weekend.

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: Friday, June 21
Time: 10 am – 10 pm (Friday & Saturday), 10 am – 7 pm (Sundays)
Where: Phi Centre, 315 St-Paul Ouest
Price: $12.40, available online

Lobster Fest – All You Can Eat

If you’re in the mood for lobster this weekend, especially of the all-you-can-eat variety, check out Thursday’s.

The deal offers lobster bisque soup, sides, and all the lobster you could ever want, for $57.

When: From now until June 22
Time: 1 pm – 10 pm
Where: Thursday’s, 449 Crescent
Price: $57

DC Benny – Comedy Nest

As seen on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, The Late Late Show and Comedy Central, DC Benny tells autobiographical jokes inhabited by original characters.

Including local comics Francois Bellefeuille, Paul Baluyot, Geofrey Appelbaum, and Oren Shbiro, it’s lining up to be a barrel o’ laughs at the Nest all weekend.

When: June 21 and 22
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Comedy Nest, 2313 rue Ste. Catherine, 3rd floor
Price: $15, available online and at the door

Saturday, June 22

Fantasia in Concert – Place des Arts

Mickey Mouse is coming to Place des Arts this weekend and he’s bringing the rest of the Fantasia squad with him.

In celebration of the iconic film’s 75th anniversary, Montreal’s premier film concert orchestra, l’Orchestre FILMharmonique, will be performing the movie’s famous soundtrack while Mickey and his broomstick get lost in the magical world of Fantasia on a giant screen at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.

“The feature film remains unique in the history of motion pictures, and one of the most persistently fascinating intersections between classical music and popular culture,” reads the ‘Fantasia in Concert’ press release.

Guests can relive the childhood classic alongside the powerful scores of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky on June 21 and 22.

When: June 22 and 23
Time: 7:30 pm (Saturday) and 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Price: $63.25 – $129.47

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

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 may be done, but this art installation is here for keeps.

A Montreal car wash has undergone a complete transformation as part of the 7th 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: Saturday, June 22
Where: 85 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Time: 8 am – 6 pm (until 7 pm on Thursday – Sunday)
Price: Free

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau

The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and as of 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, June 22
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen

Parc Safari

Parc Safari opened 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: Saturday, June 22
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online

Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria

Sunday, June 23

Tam-Tams

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 23
Time: 12 pm until sunset
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
Price: Free

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik returns for its seventh 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 23
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $16, available online

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.

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 23
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online

Leonard Cohen Mural

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 23
Time: 24/7
Where: Crescent Street
Price: Free

PY1 – Through the Echoes

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, June 23
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online

La Ronde

Try battling The Goliath, get rocked on Le Ednor or check out the park’s newest ride, Chaos.

When: Sunday, June 23
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

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, June 23
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