31 things to do in Montreal this weekend: September 14 to 16

Sep 14 2018, 12:27 am

We may be halfway through September but the weather says otherwise. As we settle into the weekend with some more heat, we’ve put together a list of all the things happening in town this weekend, September 14 to 16.

From food festivals aplenty, the lantern festival and some hauntings, here are 31 things to keep you going all weekend long.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids.

Friday, September 14

Gardens of Light

Light Festival

@mcadoo_514/ Instagram

Montreal’s Botanical Gardens have finally lit up with the magical Gardens of Light Festival.

The lantern festival includes a lighted path through the Botanical Garden’s three cultural gardens, The Chinese, Japanese and First Nations Gardens, all looking at nature from a different perspective.

When: From now until October 31
Time
: 6 pm – 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Montreal’s Botanical Gardens
Price: $10.25 – $20.50

Montreal RibFest

RibFest returned to the Old Port this week, bringing some of the best rib vendors from Montreal and abroad. Each serving up racks upon racks of mouthwatering ribs.

The festival will feature much more than just ribs. There will also be live music, local vendors, entertainment, and a huge kid’s play zone.

When: September 14 – 16
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Where: Jacques Cartier Quay
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.

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.

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

Pizza Fest

Grab a slice of everyone’s favourite comfort food as 50 participating restaurants in Montreal will create their own, unique pizza.

At the end of the 13-day festival, one place will be crowned the tasty winner of Montreal’s Pizza Fest.

Visit the Pizza Fest for a full list of participating restaurants.

When: From today until September 24
Time: Varies per location
Where: Spread out throughout Montreal
Price: Varies per selected pizza

YUL EAT

food festival

Le Festival YUL EAT/Facebook

The YUL EAT festival is the biggest food event in the city. Over 40 restaurant outlets and food trucks from all over Montreal give foodies the chance to discover local grub and dishes they’ve never tried before, on a huge scale.

New to the festival’s 5th anniversary, festival-goers will have a chance to attend live cooking masterclasses from some of the city’s most respected and renowned chefs.

When: From now until September 16
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Price: Free admission

Dek Hockey Tournament

The first edition of the H2P Cup powered by the Montreal Canadiens Alumni drops this weekend.

The Dek Hockey Tournament has 3 mixed classes, 6 women’s classes and 8 women’s classes, all vying to win the inaugural championship.

Registration spots are still available for this weekend’s tournament.

When: September 14-16
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm (8 am – 12 am and 9 am – 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday)
Where: 89 Boulevard des entreprises Local, Boisbriand
Price: Free to watch

Zedd at New City Gas

music

Anna Omelchenko/Shutterstock

Anton Zaslavski, known professionally as Zedd, is a Russian-German record producer, DJ, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He produces electro house music but has diversified in recent years drawing from house, dubstep and classical music.

He’s spinning at New City Gas on Friday.

When: Friday, September 14
Time: 10 pm – 3 am
Where: New City Gas – 950 Rue Ottawa
Price: $40, available online

Asian Invasion Burlesque at The Wiggle Room

The Asian Invasion Burlesque Show includes headliner Calamity Chang from New York City headlines a show of fashion, dance, and music.

Featured acts include Célesta O’Lee, Queeny Ives, Joy Rider and Kaylie Kreatrix at the elegant Wiggle Room.

When: Friday, September 14
Time: 9 pm – 12 am
Where
: The Wiggle Room – 3874 Boulevard St. Laurent
Price: $25 at the door

Clerel and Only the Righteous at Honey Martin Pub

Honey Martin/Facebook

Clerel and Only the Righteous are local musicians who know how to bring it. They play a Motown style of music – very unique and mellow vibes. The group will be playing at Honey Martin Pub on Friday, which will be a perfect intimate setting for the type of music Clerel and co. bring.

When: Friday, September 14
When: Honey Martin is open from 3 pm – 3 am, the band starts at 10 pm – 2:30 am
Where: 5916 Sherbrooke Ouest
Price: Free to enter

Montreal Alouettes vs BC Lions

The BC Lions bring their 4 win – 6 loss record to Montreal against the Alouettes’ 3-8. Why not spend a beautiful night at the gorgeous football stadium.

When: Friday, September 14
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Percival Molson Memorial Stadium – 475 Avenue des Pins
Price: $16 – $105, available online

Festival Stop Motion

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Festival Stop Motion showcases more than 55 animated short films from 23 countries around the globe. Film workshops, distinguished guests and family activities also decorated the weekend.

When: September 14-16
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm on Friday, 10 am – 9 pm on Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm on Sunday
Where: Concordia University Cinema de Sève – 1400 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest
Price: $15 – $63, available online

Comedy at the Art Loft

june 15-17

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 always packed with people. It feels like a college party, except a comedian is speaking into a microphone.

This week’s headliner is Roman Frayssinet and the show is hosted by the very funny Quinn McMorrow, along with featured acts James Elias Island, Jacob Greco, Fred Tak, and Ém Lap.

There will be a DJ and snacks. BYOB and 420 friendly. Very 420 friendly.

When: Friday, September 14
Time: Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 10:30 pm
Where: 4152 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $10 at the door (cash only)

Saturday, September 15

Mile Ex End

music fest Mile End

Franz Pfluegl/Shutterstock

Last fall, the Mile Ex End Musique enjoyed its inaugural event when it took over the Van Horne underpass and it kicked off its second edition at the beginning of the month. It’s back this Saturday to bring you some serious tunes on a gorgeous day.

Headliners include The Barr Brothers, Broken Social Scene, Hubert Lenoir, Loud, Eddy de Pretto and many more.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 4 pm
Where: 
Corner of Rue Marmier and Rue Henri-Julien
Price: $10-$60, available online

World Press Photo Exhibition

The 13th annual World Press Photo Exhibition in Montreal showcases some of the most prestigious photographs from around the world. This year, 73,500 photos from 125 different countries will headline the exhibition.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 10 am – 12 am
Where: Marché Bonsecours – 325 de la Commune East
Price: $11 for students, $14 general admission, free for kids under 12

Haunted Mountain

Haunted Montreal conducts Ghost Walks and carries out research into ghost sightings, paranormal activities, historic hauntings, unexplained mysteries, and strange legends from Mont Royal.

Join a tour conducted by professional actors and storytellers and learn about the mountain’s frightening past.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Fletcher’s Field – Jeanne Mance Park
Price: $23

Shuttle Bus to Yamaska National Park

Yamaska National Park

@pascalegaucher/Instagram

Parkbus is offering free shuttle services from downtown Montreal to Yamaska National Park on Saturday.

Yamaska is located in La Haute in the Montérégie region of Quebec, northeast of Granby. Its hilly landscape hosts creeks, mountain trails, and breathtaking open spaces. The majority of the land is forested and boasts over 40 tree species including maple, fir, eastern hemlock, grey birch, and basswood. Not to mention a library of wildlife and birds.

The shuttle will depart every Saturday from the Montreal Tourism Info Centre on Rue Metcalfe. It leaves twice in the morning with two returns in the afternoon.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8 am and 6 pm
Where: Montreal Tourism Info Centre
Price: Free

Hemmingford Garage Sale Weekend

Sneak out of the city to the quaint area of Hemmingford and witness the entire town partake in a village-wide garage sale. You never what you may find.

While you’re there, get your last licks in at Parc Safari or sneak off to a round of golf at Hemmingford’s gorgeous 36-hole course.

When: September 15 and 16
Time: 9 am – 6 pm
Where: Hemmingford
Price: Free admission

Tonga Lumina

night walk

Tonga Lumina/Moment Factory

Mont-Tremblant’s trail is illuminated with light projections and mythical storytelling as guests must trek through a 1.5 km nocturnal hike to find a 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: Sunday, September 16
Time: Departures at 9 pm, 10 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Mont Tremblant
Price: $11.99 – $27.99, kids under 5 get in for free

Jon Hopkins at Théâtre Corona

Jon Hopkins is an English producer and musician who writes and performs electronic music. He began his career as a keyboardist for Imogen Heap and has since started a solo tour.

He’s playing at the gorgeous Théâtre Corona on Saturday.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8 pm – 11 pm
Where: Théâtre Corona – 2490 Notre Dame Ouest
Price: $29-$33, available online

Crosstown Rivalry Game – Concordia vs McGill

Nothing says rivalry like some good old-fashioned university football.

The McGill Redman take on the Concordia Stingers in some RSEQ actions.

Pre-game hotdogs are just $2 and Pride Pass holders get a free meal, of their choice. Even if you don’t like football, $2 hotdogs are something to be taken seriously.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 1 pm
Where: McGill Athletics – 475 Avenue Pin
Price: $5 for students, $10 general admission, kids under 12 get in free

Superhero FunRun

September 14

Superhero FunRun/Facebook

This 5k run has everyone dressed up in Superhero costumes and zones include an “Arctic Blast Zone” where participants are sprayed with an artificial snowstorm, a maze and two surprise courses.

The site also features mascots, video games, inflatable castles and more. Participants choose which charity their donations go towards.

When: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Where: 3400 Trinitaires Boulevard
Price: $49.95-$79.95

Sunday, September 16

FantastiCon MTL

Cosplay at Fan Expo Vancouver 2016 (Brandon Artis Photography)

Cosplay at Fan Expo (Brandon Artis Photography)

Comic book fans, assemble. The fourth annual FantastiCon MTL one-day festival is back with a ton of comic books, graphic novels, cosplay and vintage toys.

Ranging from genres and comic books all over the world, the exhibition stands out as they mix the city’s English and French culture together.

Plus, children get free comics.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: College Andre-Grasset – 1001 Cremazie Boulevard Est
Price: $10

Barbie Expo

The world’s largest permanent exhibit of Barbies is happening at Montreal’s Cours Mont Royal. The upscale mall hosts over 1,000 entertainment industry Barbie dolls, all dressed by leading fashion houses. Plus, it’s free.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Cours Mont-Royal, 1445 Rue Peel
Price: Free

Summer Concert Series

oratory

Alina R/Shutterstock

The historic Saint Joseph Oratory is hosting an indoor concert with live projections on a giant screen on Sunday. This weekend features musician Jacques Boucher at one of Montreal’s most viewed buildings.

When: Sunday, September 15
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Saint Joseph Oratory
Price: Free

Tam Tams

Sundays in Montreal in the summer is synonymous with Tam Tams. It’s a giant outdoor party with dancers, sports and drummers all gathered around the Sir George-Etienne Cartier monument.

With only three Tams left for 2018 season, the mountain’s longstanding tradition should be your go-to Sunday spot. Very 420 friendly.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: Noon
Where: Mont Royal Park
Price: Free

Notre-Dame Basilica

Easter events Montreal

jiawangkun/Shutterstock

Celebrate Sunday mass at Montreal’s most viewed structure at 11 am and hear a 25-person choir accompanied by the organ. Or, take a walking tour of the basilica which is an absolutely gorgeous spectacle. It is filled with hundreds of wooden carvings, several religious statues, and gigantic stained glass windows.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 12:30 pm – 4 pm (mass starts at 11 am)
Where: 110 Rue Notre Dame Ouest
Price: Free

Promenade Fleuve-Montagne

You can experience two of Montreal’s most stunning landmarks in one trek: the St. Lawrence River and Mont Royal Park. Stroll from one to the other on a beautiful 3.8-km promenade that features wide sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, rest areas, greenery and access to various restaurants along the route. The multimillion-dollar investment from the city’s 375th birthday celebrations is a site to see.

When: Every day in September
Time: The path is open 24/7
Where: Rue de la Commune Ouest and Place Royale to Avenue des Pins and Rue McTavish
Price: Free

Family Fun Fair

Families will have the opportunity to visit close to 40 local vendors from the West Island and do some shopping. The event also features a bake sale, a race, a pet show, face painting, music and dancing.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Where: 6700 Trans Canada, Pointe-Claire
Price: Free

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik 2018

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik is an 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.

This weekend’s acts include Gui Boratto, Mike Laz, Zepha, Planet Giza, Shaydakiss, and Charles Cozy.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $19

Pizza Yoga

Pizza Yoga is exactly what it sounds like. FCConnect is hosting a special event, combining the zen of yoga and everyone’s love for pizza.

Locally renowned yoga teachers Natalie Kakon of ELMNT Studio and Will Charbonneau from Machina and Moksha will guide guests through a class to revitalize the body and then feed the stomach.

When: Sunday, September 16
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: Loft108 – 377 St Paul Ouest
Price: $18

Burgundy Lion Brunch

eat

Burgundy Lion/Instagram

Burgundy Lion’s Sunday traditional English brunch is a Montreal staple. From blood pudding, sausages, salmon, pies and Yorkshire pudding, you can’t go wrong.

The pub also has one of the most extensive whisky menus in the entire city. If you want a little Sunday celebration, the pub’s whisky menu is actually a book.

When: Sunday, September 16
Where: 2496 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Time: 9 am – 3 am

See also
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