13 things to do in Montreal this weekend

Celebrate Arab, African and Asian cultures at the Orientalys Festival

Cost: Free entry

When: August 18-21

Where: Quai de l’Horloge in the Old Port of Montreal

Why you should go: More than 16 countries will be represented at this cultural gathering through their music, cuisine and crafts. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can catch tons of free outdoor performances on two different stages, as well as handicraft displays at the bazaar, parades, and workshops.

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Attend the last screening of Film Noir at the Canal

No cost

When: August 21. The event starts at 6:45 p.m. The film starts at 8 p.m.

Where: Square Saint-Patrick (corner of Wellington and Saint-Patrick streets)

Why You Should Go: For its latest film, Film Noir au Canal has chosen a masterpiece that won four Oscars. Live music and a presentation by a genre expert will precede the screening of the famous film by director Martin Scorsese The dead.

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Treat yourself to Korean food at POCHA

Cost: Free admission

When: August 19-21

Where: Site MR-63 (corner of Peel and Ottawa streets)

Why you should go: The festival showcasing Korean street food returns with an up-and-coming lineup of food vendors. Skewers, BBQ-style pork belly, fried chicken, kogos and bubble tea… Fans of Asian cuisine are sure to find the perfect match for their cravings.

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Visit Time Out Market after dark

Cost: Free entry

When: Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Where: 705 Sainte-Catherine Street W.

Why should you go there? Are you looking for a place to meet up with friends in the city centre? Every weekend you can stop by Time Out Market when night falls for drinks, live DJ sets and arcade games.

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Discover the art of thread painting

Cost: $9.29 – $12.78

When: August 21, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 1950, rue Saint-Antoine O.

Why you should go: For the first time ever, artist Yarn Art Guy will be exhibiting yarn portraits. From the iconic prince to power actor Zendaya, you’ll see 15 portrayals of iconic black celebrities who influenced him artistically. Your ticket also comes with a treat: a Bad Boy starter and a Sugar Mama Sweets dessert.

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Watch Adrenaline Junkies perform at the Jackalope Festival

Cost: $77 for a weekend pass; $35 for a Friday pass; $40 for a Saturday or Sunday pass

When: August 19-21

Where: Olympic Park Esplanade, 4545, avenue Pierre-de Coubertin

Why you should go: Extreme action sports competition is back in town this weekend, welcoming local and international athletes like skateboarders Elliot Sloan, TJ Rogers and Charlotte Him. You’ll also have the chance to try food truck snacks, watch live music, and other sports like bouldering, breakdancing, BASE jumping, and BMX.

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Enjoy the last days of ItalFestMTL

Cost: Free entry

When: August 5-20

Where: Quartier des Spectacles — Esplanade Tranquille

Why you should go: Montreal’s Italian Festival is a boot-shaped celebration of the country’s culture, food and music. To end on a high note, go to the Quartier des Spectacles and attend free performances by artist Marco Calliari on August 19 at 8 p.m. or Lyrico on August 20 at 8:30 p.m.

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Immerse yourself in culture at the theater with the Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Cost: $65.41 to $140.36

When: August 19 at 8 p.m.; August 20 at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m.; and August 21 at 3 p.m.

Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place-des-Arts, 175, rue Sainte-Catherine W.

Why You Should Go: Based on the eponymous book by writer Victor Hugo, the acclaimed French musical is finally returning to Montreal. Singers, acrobats and musicians will join forces to portray the eternal story of Quasimodo’s love for Esmeralda.

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Learn dance steps at the Village au Pied-du-Courant

Cost: free admission

When: After 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until September 18

Where: 2100, rue Notre-Dame E.

Why you should go: Another weekend, another time of fun and booze at this waterfront summer destination. This Friday, the Village au Pied-du-Courant will hold its dancehall evening, followed by an all-Mexican celebration on Saturday.

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Unleash your inner goth at a Rammstein concert

Cost: General admission starting at $120

When: August 21 at 7 p.m.

Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau, 1, circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Why you should go: The provocative German heavy metal band stop in town as part of their North American stadium tour. Their live performances are known for their over-the-top costumes and legendary pyrotechnics. The fans already know it: other bands are playing, Rammstein is burning!

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Attend an exceptional Piknic Électronik on a Saturday

Cost: $20 before Sunday or $25 the day of the event

When: August 20, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Playground, Parc Jean-Drapeau

Why you should go: For once, your favorite weekly techno party at Parc Jean-Drapeau will be on a Saturday! You will have a full day to recover before returning to reality on Monday morning. This time we’ll be partying with DJs Kora, Wuachuma, Lilya Mandre, Cézaire, Silktits, Thomas White and NoKliché.

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Look fabulous at this Lady Gaga dance party

Cost: $15

When: Friday, August 19. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Where: Ausgang Plaza, 6524 Saint-Hubert Street

Why you should go: Continue the post-Montreal Pride festivities with Born This Gay, a Lady Gaga dance party honoring the spirit of Gaga’s current concert tour. You can dance to his most iconic hits and meet drag performer Lady Boom Boom from Canadian Drag Race.

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Listen to Colombian music at the Théâtre de Verdure

Cost: free admission

When: August 19 at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Théâtre de Verdure, 3939, avenue du Parc La Fontaine

Why You Should Go: Guitarist Roberto López and his guests will pay homage to his roots with Colombian music during a free concert in La Fontaine Park.

The completely renovated Théâtre de Verdure is free, without reservation, so we recommend that you arrive early.

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