ENJOY OVER 55 FREE ACTIVITIES

ENJOY OVER
55 FREE ACTIVITIES
© Susan Moss Photography
MONTRÉAL OFFERS
A HEADY MIX OF
OLD WORLD CHARM
AND MODERN
VIBE, CONSTANTLY
SURPRISING WITH
ITS EXCITEMENT
AND CREATIVITY.
With gourmet food, designer shopping,
non-stop nightlife, cultural activities and
year-round festivals, the choices here
are endless. Whether you live for culture,
fashion, cuisine or adventure, Montréal
has something for every taste and age.
While you’re here meeting with your peers,
enjoy the excitement of a major urban
centre reputed for its conviviality and warm
welcome. To whet your appetite for the
city’s four-season fun, here’s a glimpse of
what’s on for free.
Find the fun you’re looking for with
the help of these handy icons:
Arts
Celebration
Cinema
Circus
Festivals
Gastronomy
Museums
Music
Culture
Nightlife
Dance
Family
Show, Fairs
and Markets
Fashion, Shopping
and Beauty
Theatre
Sports
3
© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
SPRING
The arrival of spring brings in a wave of energy.
Digital arts and avant-garde events electrify
the season. During Montreal Digital Spring,
architectural installations, interactive exhibitions
and contemporary creations combining
disciplines and artistic currents, among others,
are up for the offering for Montrealers and
tourists alike.
Let’s Get Digital, Digital!
MONTREAL DIGITAL SPRING
Cutting-edge contemporary dance
FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES
March 21 to June 21, 2016
Fees for some activities
The city’s reputation as a creative hub is buoyed by
digital innovation.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
printempsnumerique.info
May 26 to June 8, 2016
Fees for some activities
Featuring more than 30 companies from here and
abroad, the Festival offers bold and innovative
programming in dance and theatre.
Place des Arts
ÇPlace-des-Arts
fta.qc.ca
Kick up your heels
21 BALANÇOIRES (21 SWINGS)
Take a journey dedicated to digital art
ELEKTRA
April 11 to May 29, 2016
Twenty-one swings to live the experience of musical
cooperation.
Promenade des artistes
ÇPlace-des-Arts
quartierdesspectacles.com
June 1 to 5, 2016
Fees for some activities
Robotics, digital imaging and a broad range of music
styles from electro-acoustic to electronica share the
stage.
Usine C in The Village
ÇBeaudry
elektrafestival.ca
See the past come to life
CITÉ MÉMOIRE-MONTRÉAL EN HISTOIRES
May 2016 to March 2017
Fees for some activities
Cité Mémoire brings the city’s rich past to life before our
eyes using innovative projections.
Place d’Armes
ÇPlace-d’Armes
montrealenhistoires.com
Sample eclectic electronic melodies
MUTEK
June 1 to 5, 2016
Fees for some activities
An annual gathering dedicated to emerging forms of
electronic music and sound design in the era of new
technologies.
Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
ÇPlace-des-Arts
mutek.org
Feel the beat of Montréal
LES TAM-TAMS DU MONT ROYAL
May 1 to September 25, 2016
Every Sunday, this free, unofficial festival takes place in
the surrounding vast green spaces of Mount Royal Park.
Mount Royal Park
ÇMont-Royal
Sample eclectic electronic melodies
INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL ARTS BIENNIAL
June 3 to July 3, 2016
Fees for some activities
A showcase punctuated with openings and special
events. An artistic happening dedicated to digital art.
Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
ÇPlace-des-Arts
elektramontreal.ca
Discover a not-so-secret garden
JARDINS GAMELIN
May 12 to October 2, 2016
Place Émilie-Gamelin in the Quartier des spectacles has
a new look for visitors to enjoy this summer.
Place Émilie-Gamelin
ÇBerri-UQAM
quartierdesspectacles.com
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© Ulysse Lemerise, OSA
Sip some fermented fun!
FESTIVAL MONDIAL DE LA BIÈRE
(MONTREAL BEER FEST)
Go on a public art scavenger hunt
MURAL FESTIVAL
June 9 to 19, 2016
An international public art festival celebrating creativity
and democratizing urban art.
Saint-Laurent Blvd. – between Sherbrooke Street and
Mont-Royal Avenue
ÇSaint-Laurent
muralfestival.com
June 8 to 12, 2016
Fees for some activities
A beer-tasting adventure that showcases the many
different flavours of beer, cider and various fine dishes.
Palais des congrès de Montréal
(Montréal Convention Centre)
ÇPlace-d’Armes
festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca
Explore performance art on the fringes
ST-AMBROISE MONTRÉAL FRINGE FESTIVAL
Start your engines
CRESCENT STREET GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL
June 9 to 19, 2016
Fees for some activities
This festival features unconventional plays, music
and dance shows by some 100 artists from here and
abroad.
Théâtre La Chapelle
ÇSaint-Laurent
montrealfringe.ca
June 9, 10 and 11, 2016
For three days straight, enjoy several outdoor activities
and live shows and see real F1 cars up close.
Crescent Street
ÇPeel
crescentmontreal.com
Race to this F1 party
FORMULA PEEL EVENT
Release your inner mad scientist
EURÊKA! FESTIVAL
June 9 to 12, 2016
Fees for some activities
Peel Street transforms into a swanky setting for F1 fans.
Peel Street – Between Sherbrooke and
Sainte-Catherine Streets
ÇPeel
formulepeel.ca
June 10 to 12, 2016
Huge outdoor celebration of science and technology.
Old Port of Montréal near the Science Centre, between
the Alexandra Quay and the Jacques-Cartier Quay
ÇPlace-d’Armes
eurekafestival.ca
Explore the world’s best French music
LES FRANCOFOLIES DE MONTRÉAL
Reconnect with your inner child
BARBIE EXPO
June 9 to 18, 2016
Fees for some activities
Thousands of artists from a dozen countries meet up in
North America’s largest francophone city.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
francofolies.com
PERMANENT
The largest permanent, haute-couture Barbie
exposition in the world.
Les Cours Mont-Royal
ÇPeel
expobarbie.ca
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SUMMER
Circus arts, music, fashion and design,
theatre, games and fireworks are some
of the hot happenings that burst onto the
scene, and make the city and our hearts
bright. Ignite your summer in the city that
has the most festival days in the world!
See the past come to life
CITÉ MÉMOIRE-MONTRÉAL EN HISTOIRES
Just beat it
INTERNATIONAL PERCUSSIONS FESTIVAL
May 2016 to March 2017
Fees for some activities
Cité Mémoire brings the city’s rich past to life before our
eyes using innovative projections.
Place d’Armes
ÇPlace-d’Armes
montrealenhistoires.com
July 2 to 10, 2016
Fees for some activities
An adventure across the globe through the sounds and
textures of percussion instruments.
Arthur-Therrien Park and Auditorium of Verdun
ÇDe l’Église
percussions.ca
Feel the beat of Montréal
LES TAM-TAMS DU MONT ROYAL
Run off with the circus
MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE
(MONTRÉAL CiRQUE FESTIVAL)
May 1 to September 25, 2016
Every Sunday, this free, unofficial festival takes place in
the surrounding vast green spaces of Mount Royal Park.
Mount Royal Park
ÇMont-Royal
July 7 to 17, 2016
Fees for some activities
Troupes and performers from near and far take the
cultural metropolis by storm for a summer event not to
be missed.
La TOHU
ÇJarry
montrealcirquefest.com
Discover a not-so-secret garden
JARDINS GAMELIN
May 12 to October 2, 2016
Place Émilie-Gamelin in the Quartier des spectacles has
a new look for visitors to enjoy this summer.
Place Émilie-Gamelin
ÇBerri-UQAM
quartierdesspectacles.com
Discover your new favourite act
ZOOFEST
July 7 to 30, 2016
Fees for some activities
This comedy event also features dance, music, circus
and theater and focuses primarily on discovery.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
zoofest.com
Hit a high note
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE JAZZ
DE MONTRÉAL
June 29 to July 9, 2016
Fees for some activities
A meeting place for enthusiasts of all jazz-related music.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
montrealjazzfest.com
Travel the world
WEEK-ENDS DU MONDE AT PARC
JEAN-DRAPEAU
July 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2016
A celebration of the cultural diversity that gets Montréal
rocking to the rhythms of world music.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
ÇJean-Drapeau
parcjeandrapeau.com
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© Benoit Rousseau_FIJM
Move your hips to a fresh rhythm
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL NUITS D’AFRIQUE
Savour the urban sounds
MEG MONTRÉAL FESTIVAL
July 21 to 31, 2016
Fees for some activities
MEG makes Montréal a high place of emerging culture
with a mix of international A-listers and local rising
talents.
Le Divan Orange
ÇSaint-Laurent
megmontreal.com
July 12 to 24, 2016
Fees for some activities
The best music from Africa and Latin America. 500
artists from over 30 countries, and activities for the
whole family.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
festivalnuitsdafrique.com
Rock with the stars
OSHEAGA, MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Find your new fantasy (film)
FANTASIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
July 29 to 31, 2016
Fees for some activities
A festival of music and arts, divided in three parts:
Osheaga Arts, Osheaga in the City and Osheaga on the
island. The biggest of its kind in Canada!
Parc Jean-Drapeau
ÇJean-Drapeau
osheaga.com
July 14 to August 2, 2016
Fees for some activities
Although its focus is on fantasy, action and horror,
Fantasia’s line-up also includes other original and
eclectic works.
Concordia University
ÇGuy-Concordia
fantasiafestival.com
Discover indigenous cultures
MONTREAL FIRST PEOPLES FESTIVAL
Behold the fire in the sky
MONDIAL DES JEUX LOTO-QUÉBEC
August 3 to 10, 2016
Fees for some activities
A multidisciplinary festival highlighting First Nations and
Inuit cultures through artistic events.
Place des Festivals
ÇPlace-des-Arts
presenceautochtone.ca
July 16 to 30, 2016
Fees for some activities
Video games, board games and everything in between
are on the menu to entertain festivalgoers.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
mondialdesjeux.com
Giggle, giggle, then giggle some more
JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL
July 16 to 31, 2016
Fees for some activities
The world’s largest comedy event presents over
2,000 shows, of which more than 1,200 are free.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
hahaha.com
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Swim, bike, run — or simply cheer
MONTRÉAL INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON
Listen to sweet symphonic sounds
OSM CLASSICAL SPREE FESTIVAL
(ORCHESTRE SYMPHONIQUE DE MONTRÉAL)
August 7, 2016
Fees for some activities
After more than 15 years, ITU racing is back in Montréal.
Old Port of Montréal
ÇPlace-d’Armes
triathlonmontreal.com
August 10 to 13, 2016
Fees for some activities
A festive musical journey in the heart of Montréal’s
cultural district.
Place des Arts
ÇPlace-des-Arts
vireeclassique.osm.ca
Let your colours show
MONTRÉAL PRIDE
August 8 to 14, 2016
Fees for some activities
The event features a Community Day, the annual Pride
Parade and more fun in the Village.
Le Village
ÇBeaudry
fiertemontrealpride.com
Strike a pose
FASHION & DESIGN FESTIVAL
August 15 to 20, 2016
Fees for some activities
Street activities and special presentations that pay
tribute to fashion and design.
Place des Festivals
ÇPlace-des-Arts
festivalmodedesign.com
Kick up your heels
21 BALANÇOIRES (21 SWINGS)
August 8 to September 9, 2016
Twenty-one swings to live the experience of musical
cooperation.
Promenade des artistes
ÇPlace-des-Arts
quartierdesspectacles.com
See the world through the cinema
MONTRÉAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
August 25 to September 5, 2016
Fees for some activities
Every year, films from more than 70 countries, including
well-known and first-time filmmakers alike, are
presented.
Cinéma Impérial
ÇPlace-des-Arts
ffm-montreal.org
Listen to sweet symphonic sounds
KENT NAGANO & OSM (ORCHESTRE
SYMPHONIQUE DE MONTRÉAL)
August 10, 2016
Experience the magic of the Montréal Symphony
Orchestra (OSM).
Esplanade Financière Sun Life
ÇPie-IX
calendrier.parcolympique.qc.ca
Kick into high gear
GRAND PRIX CYCLISTE DE MONTRÉAL
September 11, 2016
Experience the intensity of the biggest cycling event
of the year! A rare chance for North American riders to
compete on their own continent.
Mount Royal Park
ÇMont-Royal
gpcqm.ca
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© Eva Blue
Discover a new band
POP MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC
FESTIVAL
Reconnect with your inner child
BARBIE EXPO
PERMANENT
The largest permanent, haute-couture Barbie
exposition in the world.
Les Cours Mont-Royal
ÇPeel
expobarbie.ca
September 21 to 25, 2016
Fees for some activities
This festival brings a delectable menu of independent
music to several venues around the city.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
ÇMont-Royal
popmontreal.com
Cheer on the runners
OASIS MARATHON & 1/2 MARATHON DE
MONTRÉAL
September 25, 2016
Fees for some activities
This event is a great health celebration including a
competitive part and a popular family-oriented part.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
ÇMont-Royal
marathonoasisdemontreal.com
Expand your world view
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM
FESTIVAL
September 27 to October 2, 2016
Fees for some activities
The Montreal International Black Film Festival is the
biggest film event entirely dedicated to Black cinema
in Canada.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
montrealblackfilm.com
Spend the day at the museum
LES JOURNÉES DE LA CULTURE
September 30 to October 2, 2016
For three days, artists, artisans and cultural workers
invite you to more than 2,000 free activities throughout
Québec.
Downtown
ÇMcGill
journeesdelaculture.qc.ca
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FALL
The fall cultural calendar bubbles with
events and activities. It’s the perfect time to
catch up on fantastic operas, plays, dance
shows, exhibitions and international films
that feed our minds and spirits. Gastronomy
is also at the heart of this season. Fall is for
foodies and culture vultures!
See the past come to life
CITÉ MÉMOIRE-MONTRÉAL EN HISTOIRES
Sample the new trends in cinema
FESTIVAL DU NOUVEAU CINÉMA
May 2016 to March 2017
Fees for some activities
Cité Mémoire brings the city’s rich past to life before our
eyes using innovative projections.
Place d’Armes
ÇPlace-d’Armes
montrealenhistoires.com
October 5 to 16, 2016
Fees for some activities
This Festival is committed to highlighting and
contributing to the development of new trends in
cinema and new media.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
nouveaucinema.ca
Discover a not-so-secret garden
JARDINS GAMELIN
Save big with a sample sale
THE BIG FASHION SALE BY QUÉBEC
DESIGNERS
May 12 to October 2, 2016
Place Émilie-Gamelin in the Quartier des spectacles has
a new look for visitors to enjoy this summer.
Place Émilie-Gamelin
ÇBerri-UQAM
quartierdesspectacles.com
October 20 to 23, 2016
Around a hundred of Québec fashion designers sell
their surplus stock and samples over four days.
Marché Bonsecours
ÇChamp-de-Mars
braderiedemodequebecoise.com
Expand your world view
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM
FESTIVAL
Stroll with the non-living
MONTRÉAL ZOMBIE WALK
October 2016
People from everywhere, of all ages and all walks of
life participate.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
montrealzombiewalk.com
September 27 to October 2, 2016
Fees for some activities
The Montreal International Black Film Festival is the
biggest film event entirely dedicated to Black cinema
in Canada.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
montrealblackfilm.com
Educate yourself through film
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY
FESTIVAL (RIDM)
November 10 to 20, 2016
Fees for some activities
The RIDM offers an opportunity to reflect on creative
vision in documentary film-making.
Cinémathèque québécoise
ÇBerri-UQAM
ridm.qc.ca
Spend the day at the museum
LES JOURNÉES DE LA CULTURE
September 30 to October 2, 2016
For three days, artists, artisans and cultural workers
invite you to more than 2,000 free activities throughout
Québec.
Downtown
ÇMcGill
journeesdelaculture.qc.ca
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© Tourisme Montréal, Thinkstock
Spot the merry old man
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Revel in the magic of light
LUMINOTHÉRAPIE
November 19, 2016
The Santa Claus Parade winds its way downtown
wwith more than 20 floats accompanied by over 1,000
characters.
Sainte-Catherine Street West - From Atwater Avenue to
Saint-Urbain Street
ÇPeel
December 8, 2016 to January 29, 2017
Luminothérapie turns the Quartier des spectacles into
an open-air museum, inviting people of all ages to enjoy
an interactive experience in a playful, festive winter
setting.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
quartierdesspectacles.com
Pick up some stocking stuffers
NUTCRACKER MARKET
Reconnect with your inner child
BARBIE EXPO
November 24 to December 4, 2016
A festive shopping experience to put you in the
Christmas spirit.
Palais des congrès de Montréal (Montréal Convention
Centre)
ÇPlace-d’Armes
marchecassenoisette.com
PERMANENT
The largest permanent, haute-couture Barbie
exposition in the world.
Les Cours Mont-Royal
ÇPeel
expobarbie.ca
Celebrate the season
MERRY MONTRÉAL
December 3, 2016 to January 1, 2017
Old Montréal welcomes you for the holidays with
beautiful attractions, restaurants, shops, specialty
boutiques and festive magic.
Old Montréal
ÇChamp-de-Mars
montrealenfetes.com
Chat with a local artisan
SALON DES MÉTIERS D’ART DE MONTRÉAL
December 8 to 18, 2016
Over 420 exhibitors display their eclectic creations of
unusual and original objects.
Place Bonaventure Exhibition Halls
ÇBonaventure
metiersdart.ca
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WINTER
Exciting events and a luminous atmosphere
warm up the city during the winter season.
Temperatures may be dipping below the
freezing point, but that’s no reason to stay
inside. There’s so much to see and do right
in the heart of the city!
See the past come to life
CITÉ MÉMOIRE-MONTRÉAL EN HISTOIRES
Indulge in the world’s best chocolate
JE T’AIME EN CHOCOLAT
February 2017
The best chocolatiers, artisans, and gourmet designers
grace our presence.
Marché Bonsecours
ÇChamp-de-Mars
jetaimeenchocolat.com
May 2016 to March 2017
Fees for some activities
Cité Mémoire brings the city’s rich past to life before our
eyes using innovative projections.
Place d’Armes
ÇPlace-d’Armes
montrealenhistoires.com
Break the ice
MONTREAL ICE CANOE CHALLENGE
Revel in the magic of light
LUMINOTHÉRAPIE
February 11, 2017
Come watch the ice canoe race, an extreme sport
Québecers love.
Clock Tower Quay - Old Port of Montréal
ÇPlace-d’Armes
deficanotaglace.ca
December 8, 2016 to January 29, 2017
Luminothérapie turns the Quartier des spectacles into
an open-air museum, inviting people of all ages to enjoy
an interactive experience in a playful, festive winter
setting.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
quartierdesspectacles.com
Play, just for the fun of it
MONTRÉAL JOUE
February 2017
Over 200 activities and 16 events reflecting the
importance of play in the city’s cultural realm.
Downtown
ÇMcGill
montrealjoue.ca
Help celebrate a monumental milestone
CELEBRATION OF MONTRÉAL’S 375TH
ANNIVERSARY
January 1 to December 31, 2017
In 2017, Montréal will be celebrating the 375th
anniversary of its founding.
Downtown
ÇMcGill
375mtl.com
Light up your life (and your taste buds)
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
February 23 to March 12, 2017
Fees for some activities
This winter festival has three components: arts, light
and cuisine.
Quartier des spectacles
ÇPlace-des-Arts
montrealenlumiere.com
Frolic in a winter wonderland
FÊTE DES NEIGES DE MONTRÉAL
January 2017
A free event on several weekends with a huge variety of
winter activities! Ziplines, tube sliding, dog sled tours,
skating, shows, music and much more!
Parc Jean-Drapeau
ÇJean-Drapeau
parcjeandrapeau.com
Go underground for cutting-edge art
ART SOUTERRAIN
March 4 to 26, 2017
The entire visual arts milieu unites to give a new cultural
colour to Montréal’s Underground Pedestrian Network.
Downtown
ÇMcGill
artsouterrain.com
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© Benoit Rousseau, Montreal En Lumière
Celebrate the Irish in all of us
MONTRÉAL ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
Reconnect with your inner child
BARBIE EXPO
March 2017
Since 1824, this parade has been celebrated every
year, making it the oldest and largest after New York’s
parade.
Downtown
ÇMcGill
montrealirishparade.com
PERMANENT
The largest permanent, haute-couture Barbie
exposition in the world.
Les Cours Mont-Royal
ÇPeel
expobarbie.ca
© Benoit Rousseau, Montreal En Lumière
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WHERE IS IT ALL
HAPPENING?
Day and night, Montréal is exciting, not to mention safe and walkable. And we’ve
mapped out some of the city’s most festive spaces, many of which you can easily stroll
to. A secure, friendly and festive city whose fun is always within easy reach? That’s the
Montréal magic. Right at your feet.
1. Alexandra Quay
2. Arthur-Therrien Park and Auditorium of Verdun
3. Cinémathèque québécoise
4. Concordia University
5. Divan Orange
6. Esplanade Financière Sun Life
7. Jacques-Cartier Quay
8. Les Cours Mont-Royal
9. La TOHU
10. Marché Bonsecours
11. Montréal Science Centre
12. Mount Royal Park
13. Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
14. Parc Jean-Drapeau
15. Place Bonaventure Exhibition Halls
16. Place d’Armes
17. Place des Arts
18. Place des Festivals
19. Place Émilie-Gamelin
20. Promenade des artistes
21. Théâtre La Chapelle
22. The Imperial Cinema
23. Uniprix Stadium
24. Usine C (The Village)
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back
© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
MTL.ORG