
5 Fun things to do this weekend in Montréal! (September 11 - 13)

We might be in the final days of summer, but Montréal is not cooling down yet. This weekend offers local food festivals, thrilling sports competitions, hot retro dance parties, and more! Enjoy!
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.

1. Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal
As one of only two UCI WorldTour stops in the Americas, this high-octane cycling spectacle pits the world’s elite riders against an intimidating urban circuit around Mount Royal. Spectators can watch the action at breakneck speeds along the course or catch the final sprint from the lively Fan's Village.
- Best For: Cycling fans, high-energy sports spectators, outdoor fitness enthusiasts, and event-goers seeking an international race atmosphere.
- Location: Avenue du Parc & Mount Royal

2. Fermes en ville (Urban Agriculture Week)
Highlighting the city's robust network of 70 urban farms, this inaugural weeklong event showcases everything grown locally, from fresh microgreens and gourmet mushrooms to rooftop vegetables and sustainable aquaculture. Designed to demonstrate the economic and ecological impact of urban farming, the celebration features a grand banquet, exclusive farm tours, food trucks, and special local ingredient menus at participating restaurants across town.
- Best For: Sustainable food advocates, locavores, culinary enthusiasts, and curious urban gardeners.
- Location: Various locations across Montréal

3. Boogie Night: Back to the Roller Disco Era
Transforming the open-air roller rink at Esplanade Tranquille into an outdoor throwback dance hall, Boogie Night brings classic roller disco culture to the heart of the entertainment district. Guided by local skate icon Marly, the evening features live sets by DJ Field Note and DJ Arielle Roberge, beginner workshops, a Soul Train line, and high-energy performances. A dynamic retro video projection illuminates the rink as skaters roll in their best vintage outfits. Friday, 5 p.m.
- Best For: Roller skaters, retro music lovers, nightlife seekers, and fans of outdoor dance parties.
- Location: Esplanade Tranquille (Downtown Montréal)

4. JACKALOPE
Canada’s flagship action sports festival returns with an intense, multi-day showcase of world-class athleticism and urban culture. Gathering top international athletes, JACKALOPE features thrilling competitions and demonstrations in skateboarding, BMX, moto, and more. Off the ramps, attendees can explore pop-up shops, drop into open sports facilities, grab street food, and take in live music.
- Best For: Action sports fans, skaters, thrill-seekers, teenagers, and urban culture enthusiasts.
- Location: Jacques-Cartier Pier, Old Port of Montréal

5. Ferment Fest MTL
Organized to make the art of living cultures accessible to all, Ferment Fest MTL is a community-focused gathering celebrating fermented foods and beverages. Taking over the iconic Jean-Talon Market, the event highlights local artisans crafting kombucha, cider, kimchi, sourdough, and pickles. Visitors can attend hands-on workshops, taste artisan samples, and learn the science behind health-boosting living cultures.
- Best For: Fermentation enthusiasts, health-conscious foodies, DIY cooks, and market shoppers.
- Location: Jean-Talon Market (Little Italy)

Bonus: Festival Quartiers Danses
Democratizing contemporary dance by bringing movement out of traditional theatres and into everyday public spaces, Festival Quartiers Danses presents live performances in parks, streets, museums, and public markets. Along with indoor stage shows at Place des Arts, the multi-day event offers free outdoor performances across various neighbourhoods, making avant-garde dance accessible to passersby alongside a lineup of short dance films.
- Best For: Contemporary art lovers, dance enthusiasts, casual strollers, and culture seekers exploring Montréal's neighbourhoods.
- Location: Place des Arts & various outdoor public spaces across Montréal
Bonus weekend options!
✓ Eat at Le Festival Martinique Gourmande
✓ Step back in time with the Supérette Eaton
✓ Try a cocktail bar
✓ Buy affordable contemporary art
Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of September:

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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