People salsa dancing at an outdoor recreational centre in Montreal. Right: A person holding a rope that's on fire.
Well, Montreal, it's that time again…the weekend. While you might be eager to try a new Montreal restaurant, hop from festival to festival or sip your weekend away on a rooftop terrasse, you don't need to spend money to have a fun-filled weekend.
There are so many free things to do in Montreal and you can enjoy it all without having to spend a single dime. From free belly dancing classes, cultural festivals and film screenings, all the way to free yoga classes, concerts and a full-on poutine festival, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here's nine free things to do in Montreal this weekend (July 26 to 28):
Catch a flick at the Fantasia Film Festival
When: July 18 to August 4
Where: Multiple Montreal cinemas
Why You Need To Go: Back for its 28th edition, North America's largest 'genre' film festival bridges the gap between the cutting edge and the mainstream, providing audience members — from industry pros to emerging artists to local fans — with the opportunity to see some of the best productions Canadian cinema has to offer. While many of the 300+ films require tickets, Fantasia also offers free programming each year. In 2023, all family-friendly "My First Fantasia" screenings were free, as were a couple of artist talks, a special screening of Jour de merde and more.
Try a bunch of poutines at Le Grand Poutinefest
When: July 17 to 28
Where: Old Port
Why You Need To Go: Montrealers can prepare to stuff their faces with Quebec's most iconic dish…poutine! Guests will be able to enjoy an array of poutine flavours and styles with former years offering up creations including general tao poutine, butter chicken poutine and a Tex-Mex mix on the chips, cheese and gravy concoction.
Enjoy free concerts at Jardins Gamelin
When: Friday, July 26th from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jardins Gamelin — 1500, rue Berri
Why You Need To Go: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Jardins Gamelin is hosting so many free events this summer. This Friday, you can catch a variety of musical performances and concerts from artists including DJ Yuki, Naïma Frank and Blesse.
Participate in a free gardening workshop
When: Saturday July 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Jardin Nourricier — on av. Mont-Royal between rue Fabre and rue Garnier
Why You Need To Go: Guests can dive into an introduction to urban herbalism by Marie-Josée Vivier: Marie-Josée practices as an accredited herbalist therapist. It will offer an introduction to the therapeutic uses of plants that can easily be grown in the city. She has worked at the FloraMedicina school since 2010 and is the author of the book Mamie Pissenlit , an album which introduces children to the world of medicinal plants.
Immerse yourself at the Festival Haïti en Folie
When: July 24 to July 28
Where: Parc La Fontaine — 3819, av. Calixa-Lavallée
Why You Need To Go: The Haïti en Folie Festival is a lively celebration of Haitian culture, featuring an array of cinema, dance, music, theater, art, and cuisine from this Caribbean nation. Events include outdoor music performances, a parade with professional dancers, a craft and food fair (food comes at a fee).
Zen out with a free outdoor yoga class
When: Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Cafés des Amis — Beaver Lake (Parc du Mont-Royal)
Why You Need To Go: Guests can enjoy a free yoga session followed by a heartfulness guided relaxation and meditation to gently enjoy the summer in Montreal. You will be able to nourish your mind, body, and soul, accordion to the event description. From the meeting point, you will be guided to a nearby spot in the park. Please bring a yoga mat (and any other materials you wish to use), a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. The yoga style will be slow and gentle and is open to everyone, for all levels.
Bust a move at a free salsa class
When: Saturday, July 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jardins Gamelin — 1500, rue Berri
Why You Need To Go: For a tenth season, Salsafolie invites you to enjoy an evening of Latin culture every Saturday. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro at wiggling your hips, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your skills with dance professionals. Attend an early evening workshop, and then let the fun continue and dance to the lively rhythms of the Salsafolie team!
Learn how to belly dance
When: Sunday, July 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Studio 303 — 372, rue Sainte-Catherine
Why You Need To Go: Guests are invited to an energetic belly dancing class with the talented Wel3a at Studio 303. For him, dance is a tool for self-discovery and emotional expression. In his workshops, Wel3a aims to create a space for others to experience the enlightening power of belly dance. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this class welcomes dancers of all levels to embrace the art of belly dancing.
Laugh it up at Kickback Comedy's JFL show
When: July 18 to 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Scène Vidéotron — Place des Festivals
Why You Need To Go: With Just For Laughs officially making its comeback, you can catch none other than Montreal's very own Eva Alexo and Erika Suarez host the Sept à Huit happy hour session at the outdoor stage. You'll be able to enjoy stand-up comedians, fun and interactive games and some hilarious anecdotes from host Eva herself.