18 bucket list things to do in Montreal this May
Pick up some free comics and kick off summer festival season a little early.
Dancers on stage at Montreal Salsa Convention. Right: People perform tricks in front of the Montreal Biosphere.
Montreal in May is when the city wakes up from its winter hibernation to warmer weather, and there's an undeniable buzz in the air. In addition to the start of orange cone season, all of the park activities at Tams Tams or Picnik Électronik kick off alongside cultural events and outdoor festivals.
The month will see the unveiling of a historic downtown Montreal restaurant along with free reads from comic book shops across the city. So, there's no shortage of reasons to get out and explore the city.
Here’s what’s in store for May:
Dine at le 9e restaurant
When: Opens May 17
Where: 1550, boul. Robet-Bourrassa, 9th floor
Reason to go: The Montreal Eaton Centre had a prestigious Art Deco restaurant that opened in 1931 and shut down in 1999. Almost 25 years later, Le 9e is fully restored and reopening on May 17. Close attention has been paid to the original design, which was modelled after a French oceanliner.
Take in a larger-than-life puppet show at Dinosaur World Live
When: May 7, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts
Cost: $52 to $84.75
Reason to go: You can catch a pre-historic puppet show by world-renowned performers that's for all ages (especially the Mesozoic). The international smash hit brings the giant creatures of the past to life on stage and tell an unforgettable story.
Check out an independent local bookstore
Where: Various locations
Reason to go: You can find a great summer read and support a local businesses at the same time. Explore old gems in speculative fiction or maybe discover an old classic. Staff who are passionate about their collections can make great suggestions, and you may find a new favourite haunt around the city to keep the pages turning.
Visit the Tam-Tams on Mount Royal
When: Sundays
Where: George-Étienne Cartier Monument, Mount Royal Park
Cost: Free
Reason to go: These weekly drum circle meet-ups are a core part of Montreal's summer scene on Mount Royal, featuring slacklining, BBQs, LARP battles and more for a diverse outdoor adventure.
Listen to the FILMharmonique Orchestra's tribute to John Williams
When: May 17 at 7:30 p.m., May 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, 175, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Cost: $64.99 to $139.99
Reason to go: Premiering in Montreal, this four-stop tour will feature music by John Williams, who is known for composing the classic Hollywood themes for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter. He also wrote the score for films that date back to the 1950s.
Jam out to famous DJs at Piknic Électronik
When: Sundays, May 19 to October 6
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Cost: Season passes: $159, Student pass: $119. Individual tickets: $24+
Reason to go: You can catch rotations of local DJs play two different stages every week during the summer, like Chase and Status and Sherelle. The passes have student prices too, which give cheaper access to all the regular weekly events!
Cheer on dancing couples at the Montreal Salsa Convention
When: May 16 to May 20
Where: Quartier des spectacles, DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, 1255, rue Jeanne-Mance
Cost: $15 to $55 for competitions, social dances and the Saturday night gala. $149+ for workshops.
Reason to go: See the best of Latin dance, music and culture and mingle with thousands of dancers from beginners to professionals. There are a variety of workshops, shows, and late-night social dances until 4 a.m.
Eureka Science Festival
When: May 24 to 26
Where: 160, chem. du Tour de l'isle, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Cost: Free
Reason to go: This local science festival will feature workshops and pop-up activities that teach science to all ages, with performances showcasing the laws of gravity and physics. Interactive and hands-on booths will allow the public to conduct and partake in experiments that help explain the world around us.
Stock up on memorabilia at the K-Town Collectibles Expo
When: May 4 and May 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Kahnawake Sports Complex, QC-138, Kahnawake
Cost: $5
Reason to go: You'll find tons of nostalgic toys and hidden gems from decades past at the largest collectibles convention in Quebec. Over 90 vendors and activities are converging with their wares, and you'll have your pick of comic books, video games, trading cards, Pokémon treasures, and art pieces to sift through.
Watch a new flick at the South Asian Film Festival of Montréal
When: May 24 to June 3
Where: Cinémathèque québécoise and DeSève Cinema (Concordia)
Cost: $30
Reason to go: The South Asian Film Festival of Montréal showcases new artistic work and award-winning films from South Asia and its diaspora. Filmmakers will have their works compete for awards, screened both in Montreal and online, with most films subtitled in English and French.
Check out the classy new exhibit at McCord Stewart Museum
When: April 19 to September 2, 2024
Where: McCord Stewart Museum, 690, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Cost: $20
Reason to go: Norman Parkinson is one of the world's most renowned fashion photographers of the 1930s to the 1980s, and over 70 of his works will be on display at the McCord Stewart Museum. His classic shots of celebrities and influential designs offer a glimpse back in time to the rise of modern aesthetics which featured across the world.
Pick up some complimentary reads at Free Comic Book Day
When: May 4
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Reason to go: You can find free comic books around the city at dozens of comic book retailers, both small and large. It's a perfect opportunity to check out a new series or find a classic title you've always wanted. It's no accident that the day falls on Star Wars day. May the 4th be with you!
Sample some of the best food at Japan Week
When: May 6 to 12
Where: Various locations.
Reason to go: Japan Week is a perfect opporunity to check out dishes from over 20 restaurants. You can also find special goodies, from trendy clothes to sweet treats, at tons of boutiques and bakeries.
Take in some art at the MAI
When: Opens on May 2, 5 p.m. |. Runs from May 3 to June 15
Where: MAI, 3680 Jeanne-Mance
Cost: $28
Reason to go: This visual art exhibition by Po B. K. Lomami, Zinnia Naqvi, Shaya Ishaq, and Lan “Florence” Yee explores what is left behind when we move on to something new. Artowrks look at the effect time has on the way we observe the world around us, how some people are marginalized, and the overall impermanence of life.
Peruse handmade goods at Le Marché ASIASIE
When: May 24 to 26
Where: TimeOut Market, 705, rue Sainte-Catherine
Cost: Free
Reason to go: This pop-up market will feature over 40 merchants selling handmade gifts, plants, sake, and more from countries spanning South East Asia, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea and China. There will be kimono photoshoots, ceramics, soaps and lots of incredible food.
Stock up on greenery for your home at a plant sale
When: May 31 to June 1
Where: Chateau St-Ambroise, Suite 493, 4030, rue St Ambroise
Cost: Free entry
Reason to go: Hundreds of plants are available for your garden, including lots of orchids, tropical species, and other exotic varieties you won't find at other greenhouses in the city.
Stay on top of the latest styles at the LaSalle College Signature Fashion Show 2024
When: May 16
Where:Pavillion du Grand Quai in the Port of Montreal
Reason to go: You'll be able to see brand new designs by the fashion design graduates of Canada’s leading fashion school: Lasalle College. Eco-responsibility is behind the design school’s approach which features unusual upcycled items, like Cashmere coats, and other accessories. There are three evening shows at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
La Pizza Week
When: May 1 to May 7
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: $4.50 to $37
Reason to go: This Canada-wide pizza festival is bringing together over 500 restaurants to serve up some of the weirdest toppings combinations and best pizza creations. It's a great opportunity to find a new favourite slice or get a special delivery for the weekend.