A Month by Month Look at the Montreal Events

January

Crowing events in Montreal come January naturally include Igloofest's iconic subzero raves.

Families love Montreal snow fest Fête des neiges.

Finally, foodies enjoy a mini Montreal Restaurant Week of sorts with small-scale events like Le Happening Gourmand and Le Chop.

February

If there's one event that crowns February in Montreal, apart from the glory of Montreal chocolate show Je t'aime en chocolat, it's Montréal en Lumière. Its outdoor activities, fine dining events and live shows arguably make it Montreal's biggest winter festival.

Any list of Montreal events would be remiss to omit mention of Valentine's Day in Montreal, given the city's savoir-faire in the romance department. Visiting with your better half? Book a room in Old Montreal. Then reserve a table at one of Montreal's most romantic restaurants.

March

The first thing that comes to mind with every March in the city is the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Locals are especially rowdy for the occasion, in a peace-loving way, mind you. That's your cue to drop by downtown. It's a hilarious, festive affair.

March also signals an equally illustrious tradition somewhat unique to Quebec. It involves a sugar overdose and potential indigestion.

April

April in Montreal is usually last call for Butterflies Go Free, a Montreal Botanical Gardens winter and spring tradition whereby thousands of butterflies are released in its greenhouses to the awe of onlookers.

It's also last call to hit the slopes just outside city limits, the perfect time for beginners to try downhill skiing or snowboarding for the first time given how sticky spring snow is relative to colder months.

May

Locals break out of hibernation in droves this time of year, and festival season starts picking up in May, from the season's first sidewalk sales to Montreal Museums Day.

June

June is jam-packed with events and activities, from the Canadian Grand Prix to Montreal beer festival Mondial de la Bière to French music fest Les FrancoFolies. 

And of course, who could forget the Montreal Jazz Festival, perhaps Montreal's best known fest of all.

July

July is on fire in Montreal. From Canada Day celebrations to the Montreal Jazz Festival and Carifiesta, the month starts off with a bang and doesn't let up from there.

Weekend after weekend of street fests, fireworks and fun, the month ends on a comedic note with Just for Laughs.

August

From Osheaga to the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival, Montreal in August is vibrant, alive and packed with fun events including the Montreal Pride Parade.

September

Labour Day weekend in Montreal is a big deal. Lots of events and activities going on.

It's also apple-picking season, a popular activity in the area given how many orchards surround the city of Montreal. 

Finally, it's the season for POP Montreal, an indie music, art, and design fest.

October

Fall foliage is nothing short of stunning in Montreal come October. Long walks and clement temperatures define the season, as does Montreal Botanical Garden's Gardens of Light, an annual event featuring Chinese lanterns and light displays.

Also, who could forget Halloween?

November

November in Montreal features the most popular parade of the year, the Montreal Santa Claus Parade. 

It also marks the beginning on Christmas shopping and other assorted holiday events.

And at the beginning of the month, it's MTL à Table, Montreal's answer to Restaurant Week.

December

The holiday season is in full swing in December, from Montreal's Christmas fireworks to Luminothérapie.

A glorious time to visit Montreal's public markets, it's also the season for Christmas markets, holiday events, and ice skating.