The month of Halloween promises to be busy with many activities taking place in the city over the coming weeks. With the twelve free things to do in Montreal in October that we’ve found for you, you’ll see that you don’t need to leave the island or spend astronomical sums of money to have fun and enjoy fall.
Haunted trails, concerts on the waterfront in front of the flamboyant landscape, film festival and Oktoberfest, here are just a few examples of what awaits you.
So call your gang, because you have several outings to organize!
Participate in the free activities of the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma
Price: Some free activities
When: October 9 to 20, 2024
Address: Agora Coeur des sciences – 175, av. from President-Kennedy, Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: The Festival du Nouveau Cinéma celebrates its 53rd edition in October and through the paid events, some free activities are offered to you. In particular, you can show up at the opening night on October 9, while the film A universal language by Matthew Rankin will be screened, doing a marathon of Jawsor even take part in a karaoke evening with music live.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Website of the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma
Discover the haunted village of Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: Free
When: October 25 to 27, 2024
Address: Parc Jean-Drapeau – Pavillon Hélène-de-Champlain, Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: During the last weekend of October, enchanted or frightening activities will enliven the Lune Noire ephemeral village at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The full program will be revealed on the park’s website, but until then, knowthat during the day, activities suitable for children will be in the spotlight and that when evening falls, the thrills will be there.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Jean-Drapeau Park website
Explore different museums in the city
Price: Free
When: Sunday October 6, 2024
Address: Several participating establishments
Why you should go: Every first Sunday of the month, a government initiative allows you to visit several museums in Quebec without having to pay the usual entrance fees. You can, among other things, discover the rooms of the Museum of Contemporary Art, the McCord Stewart Museum or the magnificent Château Dufresne, which has just inaugurated its new exhibition Viauville is the future!
Accessibility: To be confirmed depending on the museum chosen, but good accessibility in general
Quebec government website
Skating with your best costume
Price: Free
When: Saturday October 26, 2024 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: Aréna Camillien-Houde – 1696, rue de Montcalm, Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: On October 26, the Camillien-Houde arena transforms into a costume party on ice with lively music and colorful lights. This free activity promises a memorable evening, and all you have to do is show up with your favorite people to enjoy one more opportunity to wear your Halloween costumes.
Facebook event page
Discover the haunted program of the Promenade Masson
Price: Free
When: Saturday October 26, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Promenade Masson – Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: A few days before Halloween, you can go get in the mood with a family activity at Promenade Masson. On the program, there will be a candy distribution, a cemetery where you can enjoy entertainment and music, a haunted hall and even games with surprises to win. Two routes, a tunnel with a pumpkin theme for the youngest and another inspired by a “haunted prison” for a more informed public, can also entertain.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Promenade Masson website
Attend a free concert by the water
Price: Free
When: Sunday October 6, 2024 from 3 p.m.
Address: Stewart Hall Cultural Center – 176, ch. du Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore, Pointe-Claire, QC
Why you have to go: As part of L’OFF Jazz, the Bellbird collective will offer an afternoon of jazz, avant-garde and folk music on the shores of Lake Saint-Louis. A unique performance featuring two woodwinds, bass and drums awaits you at this open-air show.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
OFF Jazz de Montréal website
Go to Oktoberfest at the Montreal markets
Price: Free, tasting glass at $3.50, tasting from $4
When: The weekend of 5-6 and Saturday October 12, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address :
Jean-Talon Market – 7070, av. Henri-Julien, Montreal, QC
Marché Maisonneuve – 4445, rue Ontario E., Montréal, QC
Why you have to go: The Jean-Talon Market (October 5-6) and Maisonneuve (October 12) invite you to their Oktoberfest event in Montreal. Entrance is free and on site, you can try more than 100 craft beers at low prices in a musical and festive atmosphere. For the occasion, you will not only be able to taste broues starting at $4, but also participate in pumpkin decorating workshops, discover the improved restaurant area and have fun with several games, including inflatable constructions for children .
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Website of the Montreal Public Markets Corporation
Watch a birds of prey flight show
Price: Free
When: Sundays October 6, 20 and 27, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Address: Parc Frédéric Back – Near 2475, rue des Regrattiers, Montréal, QC
Why you should go: On three Sundays of the month, you can see falcons up close by going to the falconer show. This will be an opportunity to learn more about these sky hunters, whether about their fragility or their importance in biodiversity. Before leaving, you can even get close to these birds of prey.
Note that during the activity, dogs and other domestic animals will be prohibited on site and that it will not be possible to cycle nearby.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Facebook event page
Discover the Healthy Eating Fair
Price: Free
When: October 19 and 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Pop-Up Lab – 4510, rue Cartier, Montréal, QC
Why you have to go: The Manger Santé Fair is coming to town with experts in the world of healthy eating, organic farming, and ecological alternatives. This will be an opportunity to follow interactive workshops, participate in conferences of all kinds and learn more about your health and that of our planet.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Facebook event page
Go to a Colocs tribute show
Price: Free
When: Saturday October 12, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Address: Club Soda – 1225, boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: A Homage to the Roommates show is presented in a very festive atmosphere at Club Soda, and free tickets are available for pre-sale on a “first come, first served” basis. So you can grab a place or two to immerse yourself in the world of this popular group.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. 18 and over evening.
Free tickets on the website The point of sale
Watch a movie with popcorn for free
Price: Free
When: Saturday October 12, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: Benny Library – 6400, av. from Monkland, Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: On October 12, you can enjoy a free movie and popcorn afternoon at the Benny Library. It’s the Disney movie Haunted Mansion starring Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson and Chase W. Dillon which will be projected on the big screen, which is perfect to get you in the mood spooky of the upcoming Halloween.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
City of Montreal website
Take a hike in the park
Price: Free
When: Every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Parc Angrignon – 3400, boul. of the Trinitarians, Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Located next to the metro station of the same name, Angrignon Park is easy to access and downright beautiful for an easy hike around town. Between the trees which will be adorned with brightly colored leaves, the BBQs on site and the trails which crisscross the area, it’s a turnkey outing to enjoy the good weather this fall.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible, outdoor site
City of Montreal website
