14 free things to do in Montreal this weekend

Montreal, the weekend is fast approaching and with it, many activities are on offer across the city. With spring just around the corner, now is the time to take advantage of the many things to do in Montreal.

As the city thrives with non-stop happenings, we've got you covered with our list of Montreal activities that won't break the bank. In fact, you can attend many events – from game nights to literary sessions, yoga classes and art festivals – all for free.

14 free things to do in Montreal this weekend.

Join the free game night

Poster for an upcoming free gaming night in Montreal.

Courtesy of Ecto Coworking Cooperatif

When: Friday, April 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m

Where: 936, av. du Mont-Royal (2nd floor)

Why you should go: Guests are invited to join the ECTO coworking space for an unforgettable board game night. Participants can show off their strategic skills around the gaming table as they share moments of laughter and camaraderie with the gaming community. Whether you're a casual gamer or a board game pro, this party is just for you. Guests are encouraged to book their seats now and prepare for a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Find out more about Free Game Night here

Help clean Montreal's Lachine Canal

A few cigarettes are on the ground.

Respect for the green future

When: Saturday, April 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m

Where: Lashin canal

Why you should go: Guests can participate in the Butt Blitz, which aims to clean up cigarette litter along the banks of Canal Lachine. You can help “Green Future” protect Montreal's environment by eliminating harmful tobacco products and raising awareness about the effects of smoking on ecosystems and health. Don't forget to bring your butts and gloves or a recycled container to collect your trash. Due to the nature of the event, only those over the age of 19 may participate.

Host a literary evening and discussion

Several authors will speak at a literary evening in Montreal.

Courtesy of Westmount Public Library

When: Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m

Where: Westmount Public Library — 4574 Sherbrooke Ave.

Why you should go: Guests Michelle Franklin, Rich Larson, Su J. Sokol and Philip Yong can meet four popular authors of speculative fiction for literary evenings and discussions.

Read more about the literary evening here

Attend a free movie screening

A poster for an upcoming film screening in Montreal.

Courtesy of The Japan Foundation

When: Sunday, April 14, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m

Where: 1400, be. de Meissoniev O.

Why you should go: Explore the fascinating world of Japanese fashion in the documentary Mantles of Transition directed by Miyake Nagaru. Guests can find a combination of innovative design and traditional Japanese beauty at Matohu, a clothing brand created by Japanese fashion designers. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles, this 95-minute documentary promises to reveal the hidden beauty in everyday life.

More about the film screening here

Get the family together for a board game day

Board game pieces.

Courtesy of Lachine Public Library

When: Saturday, April 13, from 2 to 4 p.m

Where: Saint-Pierre Library — 183, rue Erable

Why you should go: Get the whole family involved in this board game hosted by the Saint-Pierre Library in Montreal's Lachine district. Board game master Sylvain A. Trottier joins teams, battles it out on the board, and teaches you the skills to secure your next winning streak.

Find out more about Family Play Day here

Heal your inner self

A poster for a trauma healing session in Montreal, Quebec.

Courtesy of TOSA

When: Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m

Where: Virtual

Why you should go: This 1.5-hour live virtual session on Zoom aims to provide the missing link between cognitive insight and true freedom. Guests are invited to express their vulnerability and deep desire for transformation as experts guide them on their healing journey. It is important to provide personal space with a constant Wi-Fi connection and headphones. Don't forget your essentials: pen, notebook and water bottle.

More about the trauma session here

Zen in a free yoga class

A man in Lululemon shorts is doing a yoga pose.

Courtesy of Lululemon

When: Sunday, April 14, 9 to 10 a.m

Where: CF Carrefour Laval — 3003, blvd. le Carrefour, Laval, QC

Why you should go: AA yoga class led by Lululemon's very own Guillermo Genoves at Carrefour Laval Gardens! Guillermo is an ambassador for Lululemon Carrefour Laval and owner of Asha Yoga. Participants are encouraged to push their limits while having fun with the group. Don't forget to bring a yoga mat, towel and water bottle. The meeting place is in the Carrefour Laval gardens, opposite the Zara store.

Learn more about free yoga classes here

Learn about skin care

A man posing with many ring lights pointed at him.

Courtesy of Beauty Bar Pop Up Shop

When: Sunday, April 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Virtual

Why you should go: Montrealers can attend an enlightening session filled with insights and guidance from industry experts designed to help you choose skincare and makeup products that meet your unique skin needs. The virtual session covers a variety of topics, including decoding product labels and determining your exact skin type. Although the event is free, registration is required for a seat.

Learn more about the Skin Care Workshop here

Connect and chat

$\u200bA poster for the upcoming Afro Chill Line event in Montreal.$

Poster for an upcoming Afro chill networking event in Montreal.

Courtesy of Fromumuzée

When: Sunday, April 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: 533 Ontario Street E.

Why you should go: Afro Chilling Night is a networking event that allows attendees to discover the projects and entrepreneurs of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce in a friendly atmosphere in a 5-7 style party. Although admission is free, registration is required.

Read more about the Afro chilling event here

Celebrate the beginning of spring

A poster for the upcoming spring festival in Montreal.

Courtesy of FFCAQ

When: Sunday, April 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Park — 3453 Ave. Kent

Why you should go: The annual Spring Day event is back, where guests can participate in many spring and Easter-inspired activities, including cookie decorating, face painting, arts and crafts, and live performances. Registration is not required. Just come and register on the day of the event.

More about the spring holidays here

Visit an art festival

A poster for an upcoming art festival in Montreal.

Courtesy of Temple Shree Ramji Mandhata

When: Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 8155 Durocher Street

Why you should go: Temple Shree Ramji Mandhata is hosting an art festival this weekend at the Mandir for all artists and art lovers. The event is free and open to all ages.

More about the Arts Festival here

Pack it in a free fitness class

Several hula hoops lying on the hardwood floor.

Courtesy of Hoop Montreal

When: Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m

Where: Station Clark Danse et Fitness — 4529, Rue Clark (suite 003)

Why you should go: This hooping session is an informal workout where people of all ages can come together and enjoy the art of hula hooping. The event is hosted by Hoop Montreal and is free to all. Please note that Hoop Montreal provides all hoops and no additional registration is required. Just show up and be ready to call it a day.

Learn more about free fitness classes here

Enjoy a free jazz evening

Schedule of performances at La Petite Marche in Montreal.

Courtesy of La Petite Marche

When: On April 12, 13 and 14, it starts at 11.00

Where: 5035 St. Denis Street

Why you should go: Enjoy free performances by Montreal-based bands and singers right in the heart of Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal. In addition to free admission, guests can enjoy pints of beer for just $5.75 all day.

More about the free music night here

A walk in a Montreal park

View of Beaver Lake at Parc du Mont-Royal in Montreal.

Bakerjarvis | Dreamstime

When: April 14, Sunday

Where: Different parks in Montreal

Why you should go: The weather in Montreal hasn't been so great this week, but the weather will change this coming Sunday, giving Montrealers the chance to prioritize the outdoors and take a walk in one of Montreal's many great parks. Whether it's Parc La Fontaine, Parc Jarry or the famous Parc du Mont-Royal, your options are endless.

Learn more about Montreal parks here

The cover image of this article is used for illustrative purposes only.

Join the free game night

Help clean Montreal's Lachine Canal

Host a literary evening and discussion

Attend a free movie screening

Get the family together for a board game day

Heal your inner self

Zen in a free yoga class

Learn about skin care

Connect and chat

Celebrate the beginning of spring

Visit an art festival

Pack it in a free fitness class

Enjoy a free jazz evening

A walk in a Montreal park

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