A dance class in Montreal. Right: People running in Montreal's Old Port.
With a new week comes a slew of things to do in Montreal and while there are loads of festivals, new restaurant openings and concerts galore happening this month, attending event after event can certainly add up.
Luckily, we've compiled a list of free activities in Montreal this week, this way you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. From free meditative sessions, and running clubs, to trivia night and cooking sessions, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here are nine free things to do in Montreal this week.
Get in some extra steps
A graphic poster for an upcoming running club event happening in Montreal.
Courtesy of Le Social (Run) Club
When: May 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Montreal Eaton Centre — 705 rue Sainte-Catherine O.
Why You Need To Go: Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join in on a fun 5-kilometre run in downtown Montreal. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a casual jog, this event is perfect for all levels. You'll be able to connect with other running enthusiasts for an evening of fitness, community, and socializing. The meeting point will be at the Lululemon at Montreal's Eaton Centre.
Accessibility: The Montreal Eaton Centre is wheelchair accessible. Lululemon is located on street level.
Test your knowledge at a trivia night
A poster for an upcoming trivia night in Montreal.
Courtesy of Quiz Master Brian
When: May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wheel Club — 3373, boul. Cavendish
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's Quiz Master Brian will be hosting their recurring Thursday trivia night extravaganza where you'll be able to test your knowledge on a variety of topics. You'll be able to play in teams of two to six. However, only people who get their tickets together will be seated together. The event does not allow single participants or single reservations. The event will be hosted in French and English.
Accessibility: The Wheel Club requires a descent down flights of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Cook up some Cameroonian cuisine
A table laid out with loads of colourful Cameroonian dishes.
Courtesy of Carrefour d'aide aux nouveaux arrivants
When: May 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m
Where: La Maison du Monde — 20, rue Chabanel O.
Why You Need To Go: The Carrefour d'aide aux nouveaux arrivants is hosting an evening where you can cook and share recipes from around the world, regardless of language barriers. This month, you will be able to delve into Cameroonian culture as the class learns a unique specialty at this free workshop.
Accessibility: The La Maison du Monde community centre is wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy a free game night
A poster for an upcoming game night in Montreal.
Courtesy of ECTO Cowering Cooperatif
When: May 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: ECTO Coworking Coopératif — 936, rue Mont-Royal E. (2nd floor)
Why You Need To Go: You can join in on an unforgettable board game night at the ECTO coworking space. You can play some of your favourite games all while sharing moments of laughter and camaraderie with your community. Whether you're a novice or a board game pro, this night is for everyone. It's best to reserve your spot in advance.
Accessibility: The ECTO coworking space requires you to walk up a flight of stairs and is therefore not wheelchair accessible.
Try out a free improv workshop
A group of people holding hands on stage.
Courtesy of Le Milieu
When: May 17 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Where: Le Mileu — 1051, rue Robin
Why You Need To Go: Participants will be able to step into an improv world of creativity and liberation. You can join in on an immersive experience hosted by Olga Kosmina where the group breaks down barriers and embraces openness. You don't need any acting experience to get involved — just a willingness to grow and explore.
Accessibility: Le Milieu's entrance involves a couple of steps and is therefore not wheelchair accessible.
Participate in a dance meditation session
A poster for an upcoming dance meditation workshop in Montreal.
Courtesy of Studio 303
When: May 15 from 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Where: Studio 303 — 399, rue St-Edward
Why You Need To Go: In celebration of Yoga with Paulina's final yoga session this month, you can pay what you can at this dance meditation session downtown Montreal. You will be able to explore various poses and dance moves that will allow you to engage with your inner self through movement, voice, and mindfulness.
Accessibility: The BELGO building is equipped with ramps and elevators, as well as a gender-neutral washroom with an automatic door for those using mobility devices.
Catch the blossoms in bloom
When: April to May
Where: Various parks across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: Now that most of Montreal's trees including cherry blossoms, magnolias, crabapples and more are currently at 70% bloom, making it the best time of year to witness the bloom in person at so many parks across Montreal including Parc Ahuntsic, Parc Angrignon, Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Montreal Botanical Garden, to name a few.
Accessibility: Most Montreal parks and the Botanical Garden are accessible to wheelchair users.
Practice a new language
A poster for an upcoming language practice mixer at a Montreal bar.
Courtesy of Mundo Lingo Montreal
When: May 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Clébard — 4561, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: You can join a linguistic and cultural gathering where individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to practice a new language and meet new people. Upon arrival, the friendly team at Mundo Lingo Montreal will welcome you with flags symbolizing your country of origin or mother tongue, along with the languages you speak and are eager to explore.
Accessibility: The entrance of Clébard in Montreal requires two steps and is therefore not wheelchair accessible.
Make new friends and connections
A room full of people mingling and drinking together.
Courtesy of Montreal Make Friends
When: May 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Birra Bar — 7126, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: If you've been looking to make friends in Montreal, you can attend this weekly event at Birra Bar where you'll be able to hang out with other international residents, make connections and meet people with similar interests. While entry is free, you must purchase a beverage from the bar to participate fully.
Accessibility: Birra Bar is on street level and requires no steps or stairs to enter.