25 things to do in Montreal this weekend: October 4 to 6

Welcome to the first weekend of October, everyone! Enjoy your Friday, October 4, Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6 with these 25 things to do in Montreal. Gardens of Light, Pumpkinferno, and more.

For more things happening around town check out our events section.

Friday, October 4

Gardens of Light

What: As it does every fall, the Botanical Garden will shine bright with thousands of lights as the annual Gardens of Light returns from now until October 31. Espace pour la vie invites everyone to discover the cultural riches of the three gardens along an illuminated pathway in its flagship autumn event. The venue is split up into three gardens: The Chinese Garden, the First Nations Garden, and the Japanese Garden.

When: Now until October 31, 2019
Time: 9 am to 9 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 9 am to 10 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Where: Botanical Garden, 4101 rue Sherbrooke Est
Price: $8 – $16, available online

L’Off Jazz

What: The 20th L’Off Jazz features over 120 musicians and artisis in 21 events at eight venues around Montreal.

When: Various dates from now to October 12, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

What: Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s indecent past. 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: Every Friday until October 31, 2019
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

Maisonneuve Market

What: The Maisonneuve Market is located in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough and is housed in a beautiful stone building that dates back to the early 20th century. In addition to the pretty exterior, the Maisonneuve Market has everything from flowers and baked goods to meat and fish.

When: Open Daily
Time: Open every day at 7 am, closing times vary
Where: 4445 Ontario East, Montreal
Admission: Free

Dean Lewis

What: Australian singer and songwriter Dean Lewis performs at MTELUS with special guest Scott Helman.

When: October 4, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: MTELUS – 59 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montreal
Tickets: Online

Saturday, October 5

Parc Safari Zoo

Get your animal fix by heading to Parc Safari, an easy 40-minute drive off the island. The park offers an optional Safari Adventure upon entering, you can drive up and see a variety of exotic animals from your car including zebras, ostriches, buffalo, llamas, and camels.

Inside the park, take a walk down the Forest Trail where you have an amazing vantage point view of monkeys, hyenas, and bears. Don’t forget the lions, but we didn’t have to tell you that.

When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 27, 2019
Time: 10 am
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online

La Ronde’s Fright Fest

What: Fright Fest returns for select days in October, it’s a spooky time as costumed monsters take over the park at night. The park will offer a wide variety of places to get your scare on including haunted houses, scare zones, frightening mazes and themed rides.

When: Select dates from October 5 to October 31, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: La Ronde – 22 Chemin Macdonald
Tickets: Online

Lachine Market

What: The smallest and oldest of Montreal’s farmer markets, the Lachine Market features its very own cheese shop, pastry shop, and local produce.

When: Open Daily
Time: Open every day at 7 am, closing times vary
Where: 1875 Notre-Dame, Montreal
Admission: Free

Indie Night at Montreal Improv

What: A showcase of Montreal Improv performers, with new teams and improvisers each week.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Le P’tit Impro – 3713 Boulevard St. Laurent, Montreal
Tickets: $6 or free with a Montreal Improv student card

Pumpkinferno

What: Pumpkinferno showcases over 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins which are lit up at night along a one-kilometre path set against a 19^th-century backdrop. Some are individual pumpkins and some are fused together to make outstanding art.

When: Various dates until October 27, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Upper Canada Village – County Road 2
Tickets: Online

Jean-Talon Market

What: The Jean-Talon Market is a Montreal classic is steps away from the metro and open all year round. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, and fish are available all year.

When: Open Daily
Time: Open every day at 7 am, closing times vary
Where: 7070 Henri-Julien Avenue, Montreal
Admission: Free

Montreal Alouettes vs Calgary Stampeders

What: Montreal Alouettes take on Calgary Stampeders in CFL action at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.

When: October 5, 2019
Time: 1 pm
Where: Percival Molson Memorial Stadium – 475 Avenue Des Pins
Tickets: Online

Musée Grévin Montreal

What: Check out your favourite actors, athletes, and artists in wax form. The figurines are displayed beautifully through the four-floor museum that also features optical illusions and interactive displays.

When: Every day
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 11 am to 5 pm (Sundays)
Where: 705 Rue Saint Catherine (4th floor of the Eaton Centre)
Tickets: Online

Saturday Night Stand-up Comedy

What: Enjoy a night of stand=up with host Santi Espinosa, feature comic Ali Mohammadi, and headliner Justin Herman.

When: October 5, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: Peroni Resto-Bar – 1155 Rue Metcalfe, Montréal
Tickets: Online

Music of Hungary

What: Music of Hungary is the inaugural concert of the Kin Musical Adventure Series. Proceeds from this Kin Experience event space presentation will support Montreal’s youth and non-profit communities.

When: October 5, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: St. James United Church – 463 Sainte-Catherine West, Montréal
Tickets: Online

Sunday, October 6

Tonga Lumina

What: Mont-Tremblant trail will be illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as giant-seekers must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find the slumbering giant. The adventure starts at the base of Mont-Tremblant. The chairlift transports its investigators to the “Twilight Portal” where a colourful lit path weaves its way through the woods to a series of mysterious checkpoints in pursuit of the giant.

When: From now until October 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Mont Tremblant
Tickets: Online

Marche Fermier

What: The Farmer’s Market is a project initiated by the House of Friendship, and features a variety of vendors selling vegetables, bread, cheese and pastries, fruits, and more.

When: Every Thursday and Sunday until November 10, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm (Thursday), 12 to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Right outside the Laurier Metro
When: June 16-October 30, Thursdays from 3am-7pm and Sundays from 12pm-4pm

Voiles en Voiles

What: 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. The obstacle course features 61 different activities between the Royal Ship and the Pirate Ship. Activities include zip lining, rock climbing, and bouncy castles.

When: Weekends until Monday, October 14, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Tickets: Online

Sunday Night Improv

What: A weekly improv comedy showcase at Theatre Sainte Catherine Café-Bar. New themes and new comedians each show.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 7 pm
Where: Theatre Sainte Catherine Café-Bar – 264 Ste. Catherine Est, Montreal
Tickets: Online

Atwater Market

What: Atwater Market has been selling fresh, local food to Montrealers since 1933. Offering everything from produce to flowers, the Atwater Market is one of the most famous and bustling in Montreal.

When: Open Daily
Time: Open every day at 7 am, closing times vary
Where: 138 Atwater Avenue, Montreal
Admission: Free

La Grande Roue de Montréal

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

When: Every Day
Time: 10 am to 11 pm
Where: 362 rue de Commune Est
Price: $14.79 – $25

The Dark Crystal

What: A screening of Jim Henson and Frank Oz’s 1982 classic, The Dark Crystal in 4K Restoration.

When: October 6, 2019
Time: 4:45 pm
Where: Modern Cinema – 5150 Boul. St-Laurent, Montreal
Tickets: Online

Word Fight: A Montreal Roast Battle

What: Sixteen Montreal comedians battle each other in Word Fight to crown the supreme roast master in the city. Each event also showcases live stand up from special guests. Hosted by Chris Venditto.

When: October 6, 2019
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Café Cléopatra – 1230 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal
Tickets: Online

Skip the Small Talk: An Open Discussion on the Climate Crisis

What: Climate Justice Action McGill hosts a discussion at Ecole where attendees can share their feelings and fears about the climate crisis in a safe space. Tea and vegan snacks will be served.

When: October 6, 2019
Time: 4 to 6:30 pm
Where: ECOLE – 3559 University Street, Montreal
Tickets: Online, Free