5 Activities For Broke Students

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Back-to-school season is a special time, and it can get expensive – by the time it’s done it’s not unusual to have an empty wallet. But that’s no reason not to go out and have fun! Visual and media arts exhibitions, outdoor activities, comedy… here’s a list of fun and (mostly) free activities to share with friends on these fine autumn days.

FNC eXPlore

Complexe Desjardins
Until October 15

Always an innovator, today the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma will open a unique exhibition showcasing explorations in new, experimental narrative forms. Equipped with your special glasses and headset, you can try virtual reality with several experiences at the SAT and Complexe Desjardins – varied, dynamic experiences that will give you a glimpse of new ways of conceptualizing art in general, and the art of storytelling in particular.

KM³

Quartier des spectacles
Until October 15

Thus urban public art show delivers a unique sensory experience with more than 20 works by local and international artists placed all around the Quartier des Spectacles – in its squares, parks, windows, building façades and sidewalks. There are several guided tour options (cycling, walking, night, etc.) for a choice of experiences. If you’d rather discover these original pieces on your own, you can do that too – and you’re going to love them, whether they’re immersive and contemplative, or interactive and participatory.

Humanorium

Place Émilie-Gamelin
Until October 15

Contemporary art on display in the heart of Montreal, in a fun and decidedly odd setting. Here, you’ll enjoy the particular atmosphere of 19^th and 20^th century carnivals, while seeing fascinating – and often unsettling – works celebrating the dark and bizarre side of human nature. The dozen works on display include the Musée de la mort (museum of death), featuring the photography of Jack Burman, the Freak Show by Catalan multidisciplinary artist Joan Fontcuberta, a specialist in the weirdness found online, and Le Carrousel by the BGL collective. Not for the faint of heart!

Sunday Night Improv

Théâtre Sainte-Catherine
Every Sunday, 5 to 7 p.m.

Grey fall skies getting you down? Laughter is a great cure for that! If you can’t scrape together the $7 cost of attending these inspired improv sessions featuring seasoned performers, you can always attend a free workshop instead. Every week, the two-hour sessions allow amateurs to benefit from the wise guidance of professional improv artists. Come down and develop some storytelling skills that might just come in handy over the long, cold winter!

Art galore

The Quartier des Spectacles is brimming with art galleries – there are around 40 in all – and exploring them makes for great inexpensive entertainment. Until October 21, the Laroche/Joncas gallery features the work of painter Jean-Philippe Harvey, who seeks either to escape or to melt into his surroundings. Starting October 23, drop by the UQAM gallery and check out Mélanie Authier’s pieces inspired by the history of art. And don’t miss the new show at the MAC, Taryn Simon: Paperwork and the Will of Capital, part of the 2017 edition of MOMENTA | Biennal de l’image, until November 19. Every Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., admission is half-price. Great art for a great price!