11 free things to do in Montreal this weekend

Montreal Jazz Festival

When: June 27 to July 6

Where: Quartier des Spectacles

Why You Need To Go: The Montreal International Jazz Festival is probably already a fixture on every local’s annual summer bucket list — and this 44th edition features massive names like André 3000, Norah Jones, Laufey and Killer Mike. While you shouldn’t expect to see headliners without a ticket, Jazz Fest organizers are promising that two-thirds of the 350+ shows will be completely free. That’s around 230 concerts your wallet will love as much as your ears do! The festival covers a variety of genres, but jazz lovers, and those looking to explore jazz music for the first time, are sure to be particularly satisfied.

Montreal Jazz Fest website

Catch a free circus performance

Price: Free and paid programming

When: July 4 to 14

Where: Various venues in Montreal

Why You Need To Go: “Circus doesn’t know impossible” is the tagline for this 15th edition of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE — and you can expect the festival to prove its theme true through 11 days of stunning circus arts. Indoors and outdoors, digital and in-person, at venues, on the streets, in parks, on sidewalks and on stages, the circus will take over the city with “high-flying performances from here and around the world.”

Montreal Complètement Cirque website

Participate in a free garden workshop

When: Saturday, July 6 from 3:30 p..m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Located between Fabre and Garnier streets (800 linear feet)

Why You Need To Go: Learn how to save your vegetable seeds By Semences Saint-Laurent. During this workshop, guests will discuss the botanical principles that guide our decisions when we choose to save the vegetable seeds from our vegetable garden and will observe the flowers present around us to put our learning into practice.

More about the gardening workshop in Montreal

Take a dip at the Verdun Beach

When: June 15 to September 2 — daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 4110, boul. LaSalle

Why You Need To Go: Located behind the Verdun Auditorium, the beach has excellent public transit access, with the De l’Église metro station nearby as well as two bus lines (routes 37 and 12). It is also accessible by bike along the waterfront bicycle path. The beach access is free of charge.

More about the Verdun Beach

Take part in free activities at Jean-Talon Market

When: June 6 until October 20

Where: Marché Jean-Talon — 7070, av. Henri Julien

Why You Need To Go: Place-du-Marché-Nord transforms into a pedestrian haven every Thursday through Sunday, including holidays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy free educational activities for all ages, with new street furniture creating cozy spaces for relaxation. The event zone, northwest of the market, hosts thrilling programs every Saturday and Sunday, featuring roving performances, cooking workshops, and gardening sessions.

Jean-Talon Market website

Zen out with a free yoga by the water session

When: Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m.

Where: Quai-de-la-Tortue — 5900, boul. LaSalle

Why You Need To Go: You can zen out at this free yoga session in the park. The event is open to all ages and levels and will be completely bilingual, this way everyone can participate. You will be guided by yoga instructor Carla Conde while overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. While the event is free to attend, donations are welcome.

More about free yoga in Montreal

Sing your heart out at a free karaoke night

When: Saturday, July 6 at 5 p.m.

Where: 3716, rue Notre-Dame O.

Why You Need To Go: Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Montreal Improv’s Karaoke Night.Guests will be able to showcase their singing talent and enjoy a fantastic evening filled with music, laughs, and good vibes.

More about the free karaoke night in Montreal

Comedy night in the park

People watching a stand up comedy show in a park in Montreal.

Courtesy of Comedy Gang

When: Saturday, July 6 at 7:45 p.m.

Where: Parc Girouard — 3500, av. Girouard

Why You Need To Go: Guests are invited to enjoy a fun-filled evening of live stand-up comedy at Girouard Park every Saturday this summer season. You can bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and drinks to enjoy top Canadian comedians in a cozy outdoor setting. This event, organized by Comedy Gang, has been a beloved NDG tradition for three years and is now entering its fourth edition. This free (pay-what-you-can) show takes place in the outfield of the baseball diamond at the corner of Ave Girouard and Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Antoine.

More about the comedy night in Montreal

Take part in a free boxing class

When: Sunday, July 7 at 10 a.m.

Where: 3453, av. Kent

Why You Need To Go: Puma Boxing MTL is hosting a free outdoor fitness boxing class in Parc Kent. The session is open to all ages and fitness levels, so bring your family, friends or gym pals to give fitness boxing a try. Personal equipment is required. You’ll also get a free water bottle.

More about the free boxing session

Wander through a Montreal museum

When: Sunday, July 7

Where: Various museums across Montreal

Why You Need To Go: For residents, the city of Montreal offers free visits to loads of museums, whether a spot always comps entry or it’s the first Sunday of the month, Montrealers can take advantage of free visits all year round. To access the free museums, especially those that offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, guests must have a valid Quebec ID as proof of residency. Consult the link below for the full list of participating Montreal museums.

More about free museums in Montreal here

Laugh it up at Comedy on Crescent

When: Friday, July 5 at 8 p.m.

Where: La Poubelle Magnifique — 1221, rue Crescent

Why You Need To Go: Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, I’ve brought together some of the cities best comedians for an unforgettable night of Comedy. Gorgeous venue, great drinks, fantastic jokes. Comedy on Crescent is about fun for everyone. No Bigots. No Phobes. Just Jokes, the event description reads.

More about the free comedy show in Montreal