Things to do this weekend in Montréal (October 9 - 12)
Festivals and events Leisure activities, nature and relaxation
It’s the Thanksgiving long weekend! From freshly harvested foods to family merriment, Montréal is offering up a variety of ways to celebrate the abundance of life.
Welcome to Montréal!
To enjoy the best the city has to offer during your stay, please don't think of yourself as a tourist, but as one of us. Whether you're here for a few days, a few weeks or a few years, we're counting on you to enjoy Montréal in a spirit of respect, responsibility and celebration! Here's an article on our “Live like a local in Montréal” detailing how you can enjoy your stay.
Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal
For over five decades, Canada's oldest film festival has served as a launchpad for national and international auteur cinema. Dedicated to celebrating new creators, bold storytelling approaches, and emerging technological mediums, the festival screens more than 200 works from 60 countries, showcasing everything from high-profile feature premieres to cutting-edge virtual reality installations.
- Best for: Cinephiles, indie film lovers, tech-forward media fans, and casual moviegoers.
- Location: Various venues across Downtown Montréal and the Quartier des Spectacles (Cinéma du Musée, Cinémathèque québécoise, Concordia University, and more)
Phénomena
An interdisciplinary and bilingual festival, Phénomena gives voice to innovative, unclassifiable, and atypical performance artists. The multi-venue gathering brings together theatrical cabarets, puppet shows, performative dance, installation art, and poetic happenings, offering a platform for independent companies and visionary artists with a unique point of view.
- Best for: Avant-garde art lovers, theatergoers, performance art fans, and night-owl cultural seekers.
- Location: Various venues across Mile End and Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Fall Fair (Old Port)
Transforming the waterfront into a festive autumn carnival, the Old Port Fall Fair delivers family-friendly entertainment under the glow of carnival lights. Visitors can enjoy nearly two dozen rides, classic fairground games, seasonal treats, and interactive pop-ups along the historic riverfront.
- Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, casual strollers, and fall harvest fans.
- Location: Clock Tower Quay and Old Port Pier (Old Montréal)
Fine dining in Montréal
Celebrating the abundance of the autumn harvest, Montréal’s top culinary institutions craft seasonal tasting menus highlighting local Québec ingredients. From elevated neighbourhood bistros to elegant fine dining rooms, the city's top-tier kitchens offer world-class gastronomic experiences for curious food travellers seeking exceptional autumn dining.
- Best for: Fine dining enthusiasts, visiting foodies, wine lovers, and special occasion celebrations.
- Location: Various neighbourhoods across Montréal
Montréal Alouettes
Watch a match of the Canadian Football League (CFL) at the iconic Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. The Montréal Alouettes host the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a Thanksgiving Monday game. It’s high-stakes CFL action on the foot of Mount Royal.
- Best for: Football fans, families, and sports enthusiasts seeking a holiday game-day atmosphere.
- Location: Percival Molson Memorial Stadium
Bonus weekend options!
✓ Free culinary workshops for kids at Jean-Talon Market
✓ See the iconic Engelbert Humperdinck in concert
✓ Check out one of these immersive experiences
✓ Visit the Gardens of Light lantern installation
Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of October:
Daniel Baylis
Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.
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