September is when all the students are busy back at their desks, texting away, trying to figure out what festivals they’re going to hit on the weekend. But for the rest of us, fall’s the time to find a new love so you have someone to keep you warm all winter. Get out and socialize. And if you’re not looking for love, fall’s the time to revel in the bounty of the season. Bring it!

Jardins Gamelin

May 30 to September 29, 2019

Place Émilie-Gamelin

The park and its cultural and citizen-driven activities is one of the nicest spots to chill in the city. Open every day with something happening most of the time, be certain to find out more HERE.

Piknic Electronik

Sundays, Through September 2019

Parc Jean Drapeau

DJs from around the world perform for the Sunday crowds who want to bliss out in the sunshine and on into the evening. Not bad for a way to spend your Sundays. Click HERE for details.

World Press Photo

August 28 – September 29, 2019

Marché Bonsecours (325 rue de la commune East)

Challenge yourself with the gorgeous photojournalism on display at the World Press Photo exhibit. This prestigious exhibition features 150 prizewinning photographs on display. Some capture world news events, others make small events into world news. It never disappoints. More info HERE.

Hanorah. Photo Rachel LEvine

Hot Tramp Festival

August 28 – September 1, 2019

Diving Bell Social Club (3956 St. Laurent)

Let the ladies take the lead. With a killer line up of female performers, ranging from Motel Raphael to Hua Li to Hanorah, this one should be a weekend of great music. Information HERE.

Montreal Fetish Weekend

August 28 – September 3, 2019

Various locations

In the kink and fetish friendly city that is Montreal, Canada’s largest international gathering of sex positivity takes place. There is a Fetish pride parade, play parties, workshops, marketplaces, and more. Details can be found HERE.

Animaze

August 29 – September 1, 2019

Parc des Ameriques (St. Laurent and Rachel) and ESMA Excentris (3563 ST Laurent)

The festival that celebrates animation is a delightful chance to see great creativity and be inspired by animators and film professionals from around the globe. In addition to screenings, there are workshops, a job fair, and a conference. Information HERE.

Asian Night Market. Photo Rachel Levine

Montreal Asian Night Market

August 30 – September 1, 2019

Chinatown (app. St Urbain and Viger)

Street performances and food running from dinner time until late into the night. There will be over 50 kiosks vending their yummies. Most items will range between $3-$8. For more info, click HERE.

Get Your Zouk On GYZO Festival

August 30 – September 2, 2019

Beachclub (701, 38e Rue, Pointe-Calumet)

A festival dedicated the Brazilian Zouk. It’s a fusion dance, and this festival provides activities, workshops, and fusion dance nights. Check out what it is HERE.

Montreal Electric Groove (MEG)

August 30 to Sept 2, 2019

Parc Jean Drapeau

Get your dance shoes and glowsticks on at the MEG festival. With a line up of bands that bring music electronically, this festival keeps it going all night long at small and large venues like the SAT, Sala Rossa, Divan Orange, and Le Belmont. For more information click HERE.

Mile Ex End Montréal

August 30 – September 2nd

Marmier and Henri-Julien Sts., under the Van Horne overpass

Perhaps Osheaga was a little too pricey. Not to worry. For a more affordable and local music experience, check out some of Montreal’s most beloved musicians and groups performing in the arty neighbourhood. Feist, Kevin Morby, Daniel Lanois, Les Cowboys Fringants, Chromeo and Geoffroy are headlining. Comedians come on the final day with Phil Roy and Les Denis Drolet as headliners. To find out more, click HERE

burger royal. Burger. Photo Rachel Levine

Montreal Dog Festival

August 31 – September 1, 2019

2323 Boulevard Daniel Johnson Laval.

Dogs get their day in Montreal. Two days in fact. The dog festival celebrates all things pooch with agility dogs, flyball, frisbee, and of course vendors. Details HERE.

Tacofest MTL 2019

August 31 – September 1, 2019

Old Port Montreal

It’s not clear when tacos became so trendy, but are they ever good. Live music, dancing, and of course over 100 different tacos to eat. Yum. Info HERE.

L’OUMF

September 5 – 7, 2019

Rue St. Denis dans le Quartier des Spectacles

An outdoor arts festival in the Quartier des Spectacles up to Rue Saint Denis with visual art, cinema, literature, music, and knowledge, the OUMF is one of those cheery festivals that are always worth checking out. This year OGB, Brown Family, Shash’U, Vince James, William Hennessey, Kevin Nash and MTLORD are on the lineup. Free. More info: HERE.

Festival Tribute Tribute to Quebec Spirits

September 6 – 7, 2019

Palais de Congres (201 Viger Ave W)

No, it’s not about ghosts. It’s a gathering of homegrown alcohol producers. After the shop-talk day for industry only, the general public is invited to enjoy the drinks. Information HERE.

Quartiers Danses

September 6-15, 2019

Dance isn’t just for snobby folks and it doesn’t come in one form. Quartiers Danses seeks to democratize contemporary dance and make it available for everyone. With a diversity of artists at different skill levels, dance is made accessible to all. This year expect to see ballet, urban, contemporary dance, and all the rest of the movement arts. More info on locations and tickets, click HERE.

Ukrainian Festival

September 6 – 8, 2019

Parc Beaubien (Beaubien E and 9e)

Okay, if you don’t like EDM and prefer your music more traditional, as well as a bowl of borscht, come to the Uke Festival instead. And by Uke, we mean Ukrainian. Crafts, folk dancing, music, singing, exhibitions, and of course food are all there for the taking. Free. More info HERE.

Dreamhack Montreal

September 6 – 8, 2019

Olympic Stadium

It’s time to get those thumbs ready. This is a major esport competition that features top players battling it out on Starcraft 2 WCS, Rainbow Six Siege, and others. In addition, there are events for cosplayers, indie gamers, and more. Find out more HERE.

Jardins de lumière 2016 / Gardens of light 2016. Jardin Botanique. Photo Sebastian Mora.

Gardens of Light

September 6 – October 31, 2019

Botanical Garden (4101 Sherbrooke E)

The Botanic Gardens light up with hundreds of intricate lanterns shaped to look like animals, flowers, and objects. The lanterns come from Shanghai and take three months to mount in the Botanic Gardens. Every year there are about 200 new lanterns added to the group. This is one of the most beloved fall seasonal activities in Montreal and anyone can enjoy it. More info HERE.

Festival Arts Ruelles

September 6 – 8, 2019

Various Ruelles

An alleyway near you will be featuring music, dance, theatre, poetry, or another form of art during this festival. Bleu Jeans Bleu will be performing as will Alfa Rococo. For information click HERE.

Portes Ouvertes for the Fermes Du Québec (Open Door Days for Quebec Farms)

September 8, 2019, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This free event invites the public to visit Quebec’s agricultural powerhouses. There are little farms, organic farms, even big farms that have open doors. Find out where the food comes from and meet the farmers who make it happen. Info HERE.

Mercado del Taco de Montréal

September 8. 2019,

L’Espace Canal (4020, rue Saint-Ambroise, porte #140)?

Fans of tacos may have noticed the plethora of taco joints in the city these last few years. Well, St. Henri steps up with a culinary competition as well as plenty of tacos on offer. Who will have the best taco of all? Find out… Details HERE.

YUL Eat

September 9 – 15, 2019

Quartier des Spectacles

The Old Port offers up brunches, dinners, classes, as well as workshops on things like urban beekeeping to the art of making cocktails. Check out the Parcours Gourmand where 30 unique stations of chefs and artisans will feed you. Info HERE.

Triangle Fest

September 12 – 14, 2019

Various Venues

Punk, alternative, hip hop, and psych rock get a little festival in the middle of the month at l’Esco, le Rockette, Quai des Brumes and more. DJ sets and veggie bbq too. Info HERE.

Quebec Deathfest

September 13 – 14, 2019

Various venues

Two nights of death metal and trash, punk and the kind of bands that like to use the letter x in their name. Information HERE.

Verdun’ Art le Cirque de l’Horreur

September 13 – 14, 2019

Rue Wellignton between 3rd and 4th ave

Not only do they have the beach, but Verdun has got a horror festival taking place Music, food, and the usual awesomeness make it up. Details HERE.

Richard Andrews. Montreal Art Tattoo. Photo C.L. Illsley. Camera courtesy Adrian White

Art Tattoo Show

September 13 – 15, 2019

Gare Windsor (1160 Ave des Canadiens de Montreal)

Thinking about inking. Well, a great place to see what you can do as well as what you might not want to do will be on display at the Art Tattoo show. Gifted tattoo artists from around the world will showcase their talents and offer their services. Some even compete. There are also seminars and lectures on the art of tattooing and its history. Tickets are $20 for one day, $50 for all three. More info HERE.

48 Hour Bike Ride by the Make A Wish Foundation

September 13 – 15, 2019;

Circuit ICAR Mirabel

Teams of up to six riders spend the weekend biking their hearts out to raise money for the Make A Wish foundation. It’s still possible to register or support those participating. Each teach donates a minimum of $3600 for the cause. more details are HERE

FermentFest

September 14, 2019

Jean Talon Market

A day dedicated to fermentation. What does that mean — well, kimchi, tempeh, komboucha, bread, cheese, pickles, sauerkraut — all the good stuff will be available. Meet makers and learn some skills. Info HERE.

Les Escales Improbables Montréal – Construsions Monumental

September 14 – October 6, 2019

Various locations

Escales Improbables focuses on performing arts. The festival has spread into a sprawling event with many small subsections. Crawl into a hammock while a chorus sings to you. Join in participatory art. Info HERE.

Festival du Film Libanais au Canada

September 14 – 18, 2019

Cinema Guzzo

Lebanese films, both those enjoying wide release and some only small scale. Tickets HERE.

The Montreal Stop Motion Film Festival

September 16 – 22, 2019

Concordia University and other venues

Montreal’s annual festival dedicated to this special form of animation includes master classes, guest speakers, and film screenings. There are plenty of opportunities to schmooze and meet the filmmakers too. More info HERE.

Montreal Clown Festival

September 18 – 22, 2019

Mainline Theatre (3997 St Laurent)

Who are you calling a clown? Get ready to laugh and laugh and laugh as performers of all sorts show you the variety that clowning can be. There is even a pie throwing event. Details HERE.

Ladyfest

September 19 – 23, 2019

Montreal Improv, Theatre St. Catherine, The Blue Dog Hotel

Femme and non-binary talent in stand up, improv, and sketch gets a festival with Ladyfest. It’s a one love, no jerks party. For information about the shows and further details, click HERE.

Martinique Gourmande Festival

September 19 – 29, 2019

Various venues

Martinique means rum and you can get your share of food goodness at this annual festival. Information HERE.

Hip Hop You Don’t Stop

September 20 – 22, 2019

Locations in NDG-CDN

Urban arts festival includes concerts, films, workshops, and lectures. There are free activities all related to hip hop culture. For more information, click HERE.

Light And Love Tarot Reading International Festival

September 20 – 22, 2019

Novotel (2599 Blvd Alfred Nobel)

This is the sort of festival that only the most dedicated go to. Taking the Tarot as a Spiritual Tool as its theme, the festival aims to break down misconceptions on the use of the Tarot. For more info, click HERE.

Pokemon GO

September 20 – 22, 2019

Parc Jean Drapeau

You can catch them all. Maybe. This festival dedicating to the game of Pokemon GO, gives players increased chances to catch a wide variety of Pokemon, including some never before seen in Montreal. Nothing can get you walking like this game. Info HERE.

FIL (Festival International de la Litérature)

September 20-29, 2019

Various locations

Montreal celebrates the world of French writers, writing, and literature at the FIL. Readings and a pop up bookstore make this a delight for those into all things literary. More info HERE.

Montreal Vegan Festival

September 21 – 22, 2019

Palais des Congres (1001 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle)

Eat and taste your way through aisles of animal-free products. There is plenty of food, but also booths for activists and more. All totally free too. Click HERE for more info.

Oasis Rock n’ Roll Montréal Marathon

September 21 – 22, 2019

Begins and ends at Place des Arts

One of the biggest running events in the city, this is a race worth participating in or watching. Try anything from the 1K to the full marathon. Training usually helps. More info HERE.

Montreal International Black Film Festival

September 24 – 29, 2019

Various venues

This festival celebrates black participation in the film industry as well as films that look at international black realities. Awards are given to documentaries, shorts, and feature films. Ground-breaking cinema, some of which will never have commercial release on the big screen, is shown. More info HERE.

POP Montreal HQ. Photo Rachel LEvine

POP Montreal

September 25 – 29, 2019

Various Venues

The folks at POP Montreal deliver on the musical culture and culture more generally year round in the city, but their big moment is the diverse and challenging music festival, POP Montreal. The festival brings together both no-names and big-names for a mash-up of concerts, symposiums, art, film, and of course, parties. It’s the Eton Mess of music festivals — spontaneous or chaotic, depending on your sense of random. More info HERE.

A Varning From MTL Fest

September 26 – 28, 2019

Coop Katacombes (1635 St Laurent)

With punk and experimental music at its heart, the A Varning festival attracts those who really like it loud and wild. This three day festival might require a few earplugs. Just saying. Tickets HERE.

MAPP_MTL Map Festival Montreal

September 26 – 29, 2019

Mapping the city doesn’t seem like it would demand a festival, but this is Montreal! Along with the Moment Factory, there is a combination of music, visual art, and… yes… mapping that takes place. Find out more HERE.

100 Thousand Poets for Change Festival

September 28, 2019; 6:30-9:30 p.m.,

Mariposa Cafe (5434 Chemin de la Cote Saint Luc)

This global event brings together poets with the intent of demonstrating and celebrating as a way to promote peace, sustainability, and to promote social, environmental, and political change. Global website can be found HERE.

Les Journées de la Culture

Sept. 27 – 29, 2019

Province-wide Québec’s culture gets its spotlight with the Journées de la Culture. The people of Montreal will be out in full force showing their talents in public spaces. This is a voluntary activity and artists and performers register their activities. Expect everything from performance to workshop to conference. More info HERE.

Monthly Festival Links

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The Montreal Rampage daily events calendar can be found HERE.