5 Fun things to do this weekend in Montréal! (August 21 - 23)

World-class beach volleyball transforms Parc Jean-Drapeau into an electrifying open-air arena as top international men's and women's teams compete for global ranking points and Olympic qualification. Part of the prestigious Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite circuit, this five-day sporting showcase combines intense, high-stakes matches with a festival atmosphere featuring live DJ sets, interactive fan zones, and a curated gourmet food court along the waterfront.

• Best For: Sports fans, volleyball enthusiasts, beach party lovers, and anyone seeking high-energy outdoor competition.
• Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île Sainte-Hélène)

Serve up some fun

Celebrating the intersection of fashion, art, entertainment, and urban culture, the M.A.D. Festival (Fashion, Arts, and Entertainment) delivers a free, multi-day outdoor creative showcase. Visitors can watch runway fashion shows by emerging Canadian designers, attend panels with international style icons, explore live urban art installations, and shop unique local designs at the sprawling pop-up boutique village.

• Best For: Fashion-forward trendsetters, art lovers, bargain shoppers, and fans of street culture and design.
• Location: Quartier des Spectacles (Downtown Montréal)

Strike a pose

North America’s iconic punk, rock, and alternative music festival makes its triumphant return, bringing together legendary genre pioneers, fan-favourite headliners, and high-octane emerging acts. Spanning punk, pop-punk, emo, ska, hardcore, and indie rap, this multi-stage outdoor rock spectacle continues its decades-long tradition of high-energy live performances, community art, and underground youth culture. 

• Best For: Rock, punk, and alternative music fans, nostalgia seekers, and high-energy festival-goers.
• Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île Sainte-Hélène)

Rock out

A beloved Sunday summer tradition for Montréal’s electronic music community, Piknic Électronik hosts open-air daytime dance parties surrounded by lush greenery and iconic views of the city skyline. Set beneath the famous Alexander Calder sculpture, this edition features a stellar lineup including Anaïs Ley, Jares, and a headlining set by French melodic techno producer Worakls.

• Best For: Electronic music lovers, daytime clubbers, dance enthusiasts, and groups looking for a laid-back Sunday park party.
• Location: Plaine des Jeux, Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île Sainte-Hélène)

Dance to the beat

Beyond the main streets lies a secret world of Montréal alfresco dining, from bohemian backyard guinguettes shrouded in vines to peaceful courtyard gardens and secluded waterfront pop-up bars. This neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood trail allows visitors and locals to escape the bustle, sample craft cocktails, and discover the city's best-kept terrace secrets hidden behind historic facades from Mile End to the Old Port.

• Best For: Cocktail aficionados, romantic date nights, foodies, and travellers looking to explore secret neighbourhood spots.
• Location: Various neighbourhoods across Montréal (including Old Montréal, Mile End, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, and Little Italy)

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