5 free activities for the long weekend

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The kids may be back in school already, but Labour Day weekend is when we always put a proper cap on another great summer with family and friends. And there’s no shortage of activities in the Quartier des Spectacles this long weekend! Here are a few original ideas for having big fun without spending any money – five great ways to make the most of the long weekend.

By Sébastien Tétrault

Estival du nouveau Cinéma

Until September 1^st - Esplanade Tranquille

Settle into one of the 300 loungers provided for public use and enjoy four excellent films under the stars! The free screenings happen at 8 p.m. but the fun starts at 6 p.m. with various activities and live music. Catch the romantic comedy Les feuilles mortes (August 29), the latest from Finnish maestro Aki Kaurismäki; the sci-fi fantasy Le règne animal (August 30), by French filmmaker Thomas Cailley; the comedy fantasy Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant (August 31) by Ariane Louis-Seize; and, finally, Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Zendaya and Thimothée Chalamet, completes the series on September 1.

JOAT

August 30, 31, September 1^st
Place des Arts Esplanade

The international festival of urban dance, JOAT, is marking its tenth anniversary this year with its biggest and best program yet. There’s also plenty of non-dance fun – all presented outdoors, for free – like films, exhibitions, talks, performances and concerts. Montreal Loves Dilla 2024 (August 30, 8 p.m.) pays tribute to the famous American producer J Dilla, who passed away in 2006. Introductory workshops in various urban dance styles will fill the afternoon of Saturday, August 31, from noon to 5. And to bring the weekend to a joyful conclusion, DJs Poirier and Charles Cozy will spin ultra-danceable beats starting at 8 p.m. on September 1 on the festival’s mainstage.

Jardins Gamelin - Salsafolie

Saturday, August 31 - Jardins Gamelin

For ten summers now, Salsafolie has been celebrating Latin culture and getting crowds dancing in the heart of downtown. You don’t want to miss the special edition on Saturday, August 31. At 7 p.m., beginners can enjoy a dance class and other activities in the Jardins. The main event, from 8 to 10 p.m., is led by rising Latin star DJ Peruleno and guests: dance the night away under the stars to the irresistible rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton!

Le Mignonisme by Philippe Katerine

Until September 29, 2024

If you still haven’t checked out Le Mignonisme, the art walk showcasing Philippe Katerine’s new artistic movement, there’s still time to have a look at the monumental Monsieur Rose sculptures – the plump figures that embody Mignonisme. Take a pleasant downtown walk to discover the 16 gigantic figures and their sometimes strange poses!

Sony World Photography Awards

Until October 14, 2024
Promenade des artistes

For the first time, the Promenade des Artistes is hosting the Sony World Photography Awards 2024, an exhibition of shots by 50 excellent photographers documenting the year’s important global issues. The prestigious competition honours the cream of the crop among hundreds of thousands of contenders from more than 200 countries.