Guide to spring activities in Montréal

Spring renewal

Bustling at any time of year, Saint-Laurent Boulevard offers surprises at every turn, but it’s really during the MURAL Festival that it fully comes to life. “The Main” transforms into an open-air studio, where talented artists adorn the walls of buildings with vibrant, larger-than-life murals, all to the beat of outdoor concerts.  The festival breathes new energy into the streets, turning the boulevard into a true celebration of creativity and culture.

Stroll from St. Lawrence River to the majestic Mount Royal. As you walk, you’ll encounter a collection of captivating public artworks that the downtown core. Don’t miss the iconic murals inspired by Leonard Cohen—one gracing Crescent Street and the other at the intersection of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Napoleon Street, just a stone's throw from Schwartz's, the city's iconic restaurant.

In May, the Jardins Gamelin transforms downtown into a lush, green oasis. Amidst delicious flavours and a festive atmosphere, this urban haven will host concerts, drag shows, dance and comedy performances, as well as yoga sessions. As spring approaches, several of the city's streets will become pedestrian-only, offering walkers the freedom to explore, shop, and enjoy lively terraces and sidewalk boutiques until the end of summer. Head to Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village, Mont-Royal Avenue, the Plateau, and other pedestrian-friendly streets to fully immerse yourself in this vibrant, car-free experience.

The gardens of Montréal are perfect spots to ease back into the habit of spending time outdoors, whether you're soaking up some sunshine, grabbing a bite on the go or indulging in a delicious ice cream. Spring is also a great time to get back on your bike! Roam  the city’s extensive bike path network and the Réseau express vélo. You don’t even need your own bike, you can just hop on a Bixi—a bike-sharing system with 865 stations and 10,000 bikes, including 2,600 electric ones. It's the perfect way to explore the city, one push of the pedal at a time.

Non-stop festivals 

The advent of spring in Montréal ushers in a vibrant cultural calendar, brimming with activities and events that cater to all tastes. The Festival Art Souterrain transforms the city’s underground passageways into a pop-up urban gallery, showcasing numerous contemporary artworks. The Festival TransAmériques kicks off the summer season each year and is one event you won’t want to miss! Come spring, the city’s cultural landscape blooms with innovation, creativity and exceptional performances.

Here’s a free activity for the whole family: the Eureka! Festival. Come and celebrate at the foot of the Biosphère to check out Quebec’s largest celebration of science , three days of fun, discovery and surprises, with over 100 interactive activities. 

For something a little – or a lot –  more caliente, the Fuego Fuego Festival presents a slew of red-hot performances, featuring the biggest stars in reggae, reggaeton, latin trap, pop latino and dancehall to fire up the crowd. 

With the fine weather comes the Festival Accès Asie, a rich and varied celebration of Asian cultures and its diaspora with performances ranging from performing arts, visual and media arts, literary arts, interdisciplinary arts, and culinary arts. 

Dame Festive takes over Notre-Dame Street for a free, two-day street music festival inspired by New Orleans street parties, where groups and artists perform a lively mix of swing, jazz, reggae, bluegrass, and folk on various stages set up along the street.

Step into the captivating world of comics at the Montréal Comic Arts Festival! This annual celebration brings together comic artists, publishers, and fans to honour the art in all its forms. Free, festive, and bilingual, this outdoor event is designed for everyone—from seasoned readers to newcomers to the world of graphic storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of comics, this festival promises an immersive experience for all.

The Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival offers a diverse literary program, with public readings, workshops, discussions and activities for kids. Writers from Quebec, Canada and abroad come together to share their work and exchange with the public. 

The internationally-acclaimed Montreal Chamber Music Festival celebrates the intimate art of chamber music in all its forms, presenting outstanding performers in concert and uniting established artists with emerging talent from around the world. 

Combining the words poutine and pizza, Pouzza Fest brings together the punk rock community and welcomes the general public in several venues across downtown Montréal, all within walking distance of each other.

The Fringe Festival transforms the Plateau-Mont-Royal into a nexus of artistry, where creativity and diversity take centre stage. With hundreds of performances and artists from near and far, it offers a unique, immersive experience accessible to all. By emphasizing freedom of expression and accessibility, Fringe allows artists to thrive while connecting with an eager and passionate audience.

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or neophyte on two wheels, you’ll find your pace at the Go Bike Montréal Festival. This week-long event offers a series of exciting challenges, both day and night. Hop on your bike and away you go!

Weekends at Parc Jean-Drapeau come alive with the electrifying energy of Piknic Électronik, where top DJs spin infectious beats that will have you dancing nonstop under the warm summer sun. 

The Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada turns the city into an adrenaline-charged playground, with excitement buzzing as much on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack as in the downtown. Beyond high-speed racing, the event features outdoor concerts, exclusive meet-and-greets with drivers, exciting parties, and an electrifying atmosphere that pulses throughout the entire weekend. 

A hallmark celebration of Francophone music, the Francos de Montréal highlights the depth and diversity of French-language song with over 250 performances across the iconic stages of Place des Festivals. 

A culinary journey  

Once the sap starts to run, Montréalers flock to the sugar shack to participate in a beloved annual tradition. It’s the perfect time to enjoy hearty meals, indulge in maple taffy, and celebrate the return of warmer days. In April and early May, you can visit sugar shacks or sample maple-infused dishes at restaurants, in and around Montréal.

With its innovative restaurants, lively food markets and numerous culinary festivals, Montréal is a true haven for those seeking to indulge their taste buds.

Whether dining at its cutting-edge establishments or attending one of its gastronomy-focused events, the city guarantees a delicious and unforgettable experience at every turn.

YATAI MTL is a showcase of Japanese street culture and cuisine. Did you know that the event takes its name from yatai, a Japanese term for street food stalls dating back to the Edo period in the 17^th century?

Thirsty for exceptional beers and the latest international brewing trends? Come enjoy a cold one at the Mondial de la bière. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, you're sure to discover a unique flavour you’ve never tasted before. 

Terrasse season is open and there’s only one rule: to have as much fun as possible! The city is brimming with perfect spots to enjoy a meal or a drink in the warm spring sunshine.

A standout Montréal summertime happening, First Fridays is back to celebrate Montréal street food, culture and music in all its glory! Canada’s largest annual street food gathering features a plethora of restaurants, each serving up their own special taste.

Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.