5 Fun things to do this weekend in Montréal! (January 30 - February 1, 2026)
Festivals and events Leisure activities, nature and relaxation The city
What are the best things to do in Montréal this weekend? Whether you are looking for free outdoor art or world-class winter gastronomy, this weekend captures the "understated cool" of Montréal’s peak winter season.
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!
1. Dazzle in the light of LUMINO
LUMINO transforms the Quartier des Spectacles into a massive interactive playground. This weekend features the LUMINO Carnival on Saturday, January 31, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Place des Festivals. It’s the official reveal of the festival's second-wave of installations.
- Cost: Free
- Highlight: Interactive light works and a special carnival atmosphere for one night only.
- Bonus tip: Arrive at the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink after dusk. This year features “Le coffre à jouets dégivré,” an interactive projection that turns the ice into a giant animated video game while you skate.
2. Sample Québec’s iconic dish
La Poutine Week officially kicks off this Sunday, February 1. Over 50 restaurants in Montréal (and 500+ across Canada) will serve up limited-edition, creative takes on the classic fries, gravy, and cheese curd combo.
- Dates: February 1 – February 7, 2026
- Where: Various locations; check lapoutineweek.com to vote for your favourite.
3. Crack the case: Sherlock Holmes
Step into 19th-century London at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. The exhibition “Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case” is a mix of history and immersive detective work. You’ll even learn about the "Sherlock Holmes of Montréal," Silas Carpenter.
- Location: 350 Place Royale (Old Montréal)
- Dates: Running through March 8, 2026
4. Experience "The Man Who Planted Trees”
In "The Man Who Planted Trees,” a solitary shepherd transforms an arid valley into a flourishing forest. This immersive experience invites us to discover the world of trees, in a scenography inspired by Canadian forests. Until February 15.
5. Igloofest (the world's coolest dance floor)
Weekend three of Igloofest 2026 is one of the season's biggest, featuring a massive double-header.
- Friday, Jan 30: Headliners DJ Snake and A-Trak.
- Saturday, Jan 31: Headliner Lost Frequencies with Qrion.
- Dress Code: "Iglooswag"—think vintage 80s neon and one-piece snowsuits.
- Times: 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Jacques-Cartier Pier.
- Pro-Tip: If the main event is too intense, head to the site on Saturday afternoon (1 p.m. – 6 p.m.) for Igloofête. It’s free, family-friendly, and features "Sapporo slides," giant Jenga, and hot chocolate food trucks without the ticket price.
Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of January
Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of February
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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