Top Things to Do in Montreal This Weekend (September 11–13, 2026)

Updated for Friday–Sunday, September 11–13, 2026.

Early fall in Montreal means packed festival weekends, world-class concerts, public art, and vibrant neighbourhood events. Forecast: The weekend brings a high chance of rain showers, occasional downpours, and cooler temps (Environnement Canada). Most major events are rain or shine, but check organisers’ official channels for last-minute weather updates or indoor moves. Need a backup? See our rainy-day things to do in Montreal guide for practical indoor plans with kids, friends, or visitors.

Top Events This Weekend

Romeo, Juliet and the Struggles of an Era (Les Grands Ballets Canadiens)

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13 · 8:00pm (Fri/Sat), 2:00pm (Sun) · Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts · ticketed
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens present a new full-length ballet set to Prokofiev’s classic score, exploring universal themes through stunning choreography. Event & tickets

The Four Seasons: From Vivaldi to Dompierre (Orchestre Métropolitain)

Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12 · 7:30pm · Maison symphonique de Montréal · ticketed
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the OM through Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and work by Quebec composer François Dompierre. World-class soloists; all ages (recommended 10+). Event & tickets

Jasmin Tunisian Festival

Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13 · Old Port of Montreal, Promenade du Quai de l’Horloge · free entry
Free outdoor festival featuring Tunisian music, food stalls, youth activities, and artisan vendors. Suitable for families; most programming runs daytime, rain or shine with tented spaces. Official event

Nuit Blanche sur Tableau Noir

Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12 · Avenue Mont-Royal E. between St-Hubert and Papineau · free
Annual open-air arts and mural festival transforms Mont-Royal Ave with live painting, circus shows, music, and hands-on workshops for all ages. Some activities move under awnings in rain. Event details

Lang Lang: The World’s Most Celebrated Pianist

Saturday, September 12 · 8:00pm · Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts · ticketed
International piano sensation Lang Lang returns to Montreal for a solo concert—expect rapid sell-out. Event & tickets

DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ Night

Friday, September 11 · 8:30pm · Vieux-Port, Quai Jacques-Cartier · ticketed
Watch hundreds of drones create scenes from the Harry Potter universe over the Old Port. Best viewed from the main dock (check rain policy). Show and tickets

Jocelyne Béroard & Tony Chasseur – Creole Legends

Saturday, September 12 · 8:00pm · Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts · ticketed
Iconic Caribbean musicians headline a night of zouk, creole classics, and tropical rhythms. Event & tickets

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal: Mahler’s Symphony No. 2

Sunday, September 13 · 2:30pm · Maison symphonique de Montréal · ticketed
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal launches its season with Mahler’s epic “Resurrection” symphony—a spectacular concert for classical fans. Event & tickets

KidZilla Art Workshops (Quartier des Spectacles)

Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 · 11:00am–5:00pm · Place des Festivals, Quartier des spectacles · free
Hands-on creative workshops for kids aged 5–12 as part of public art week. Takes place in open-sided tents; runs rain or shine. MTL arts festivals schedule

Pointe-à-Callière’s Archaeology Days for Families

Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 · 12:00–5:00pm · Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Old Montreal · adult admission; under 17 free with adult
Kids can take part in archaeological digs and discovery games outdoors and inside the museum. Book a time slot; events run rain or shine. Calendar

McCord Stewart Museum: Family Discovery Programme

Sunday, September 13 · 10:30am–4:30pm · McCord Stewart Museum, Downtown · included with admission, under 12 free
Explore Montreal’s stories via self-guided family games and discovery tours; museum is fully indoors. Family activities

Les Jardins Gamelin: Free Outdoor Music & Community Activities

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13 · Place Émilie-Gamelin · free
Drop in for evening concerts, yoga, urban gardening, and family storytime. Most areas are tented but check for weather pauses. Quartier des spectacles info

Evenko Presents: International Jazz Star Iestyn Davies

Friday, September 11 · 8:00pm · Maison symphonique de Montréal · ticketed
Celebrated countertenor performs concert arias and classics with orchestra, one night only. Tickets

Family Science Workshops at Jardin botanique (Espace pour la vie)

Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13 · 10:00am–5:00pm · Jardin botanique · included with admission, under 17 free
Guided science activities for kids (ages 6+) inside the greenhouse and Discovery Pavilion. Limited spots—reserve ahead. What’s on

City usuals

• Jean-Talon Market: Montreal’s flagship open-air market is still bursting with late-summer harvests, pastries, and specialty items. Info and hours
• Atwater Market: Riverside destination known for bakeries, cheeses, ready foods, and flowers. Atwater Market details
• Espace pour la vie Biodôme: Step between ecosystems in Montreal’s unique science centre; fully indoors and free for under-17s with a paying adult. Biodôme details
• Time Out Market Montréal: Downtown food hall with acclaimed vendors, coffee, and dessert—always a reliable rain plan. Current vendors & hours
• Lachine Canal Promenade: Rains easing? Walk, cycle, or rent a kayak along this waterside path with snacks at the Atwater footbridge. Parks Canada info

Planning notes:

• Most featured outdoor events have tents or indoor rain fallback, but check their social media for late-breaking plans.
• Family events may fill up—advance booking recommended for Pointe-à-Callière, Jardin botanique, and Place des Arts concerts.
• Several headline events have limited ticket releases nearing sell-out—buy in advance where possible.
• For more wet-weather options, browse our rainy-day things to do in Montreal guide.