5 Fun things to do this weekend in Montréal! (July 31 - August 2)
Festivals and events Leisure activities, nature and relaxation
Strap in. This is one of the most exciting weekends of the entire year to visit Montréal. Here’s what to do!
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. OSHEAGA Music and Arts Festival
OSHEAGA is North America’s premier multi-genre indie and pop music festival, drawing over 135,000 music lovers to Parc Jean-Drapeau each summer. Over three days, more than 100 international superstars and emerging local artists perform across multiple massive outdoor stages overlooking the Montréal skyline.
- Best for: Live music fans, festival culture, indie and pop concertgoers.
- Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau (accessible via Jean-Drapeau Metro Station).
2. Fierté Montréal Festival (Montréal Pride)
As the largest 2SLGBTQIA+ gathering in the French-speaking world, Fierté Montréal attracts over 750,000 visitors annually. This first weekend of the multi-day festival features free outdoor concerts, film screenings, community panels, and festive nightlife, culminating in the flagship Défilé de la Fierté (Pride Parade) with over 15,000 participants and 300,000 spectators.
- Best for: Inclusive community celebrations, outdoor concerts, nightlife, and cultural diversity.
- Location: The Village (Le Village) & Olympic Park Esplanade.
3. National Bank Open presented by Rogers (Omnium Banque Nationale)
One of tennis’s most historic ATP and WTA Tour tournaments (running since 1881, second only to Wimbledon and the U.S. Open), the National Bank Open alternates men’s and women’s play annually between Montréal and Toronto. This summer, Montréal hosts the top-ranked men’s players in the world competing for hard-court glory ahead of the US Open.
- Best for: Sports enthusiasts, professional tennis fans, high-energy live athletic competitions.
- Location: IGA Stadium (Stade IGA), Parc Jarry.
4. The 50th Anniversary Show of the Montréal Olympic Games (Feu Sacré)
Celebrating 50 years since the 1976 Montréal Summer Olympics, this free milestone closing concert—Feu Sacré—takes place on August 1 at 9:00 p.m. The evening highlights iconic Canadian performers alongside circus acrobatics from Les 7 Doigts, with a special guest appearance by legendary Olympic gymnast Nadia Comăneci.
- Best for: History buffs, family-friendly free entertainment, local music and circus arts lovers.
- Location: Olympic Park Esplanade.
5. Canada China International Film Festival (CCIFF)
Established in 2016, the Canada China International Film Festival fosters international cultural exchange through feature film screenings, short film competitions, documentaries, and seminars. The festival features a star-studded red carpet ceremony, Q&As with international directors and actors, and hybrid in-person/online screenings.
- Best for: Film buffs, indie cinema lovers, international cultural exchange.
- Location: Various venues across Downtown Montréal (including Concordia University's Cinema VA and local theatres).
Want more fun? Try one of these other activities:
✓ Fantasia International Film Festival
✓ Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO
✓ Village au Pied-du-Courant
Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of July:
Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of August:
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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