Best Montreal Events in Spring 2025

As the winter chill recedes, Montreal spring events burst onto the calendar, offering everything from cutting-edge art exhibitions and thrilling sports matchups to quirky clown festivals and vibrant Latin music gatherings. Whether you’re hunting for things to do in Montreal in spring with the family, craving the city’s famous culinary flair, or seeking out the latest in contemporary culture, you’ll find a wide variety of Montreal outdoor spring events and indoor highlights. Below, we’ve curated 20 standout happenings that capture the energy and diversity of Montreal seasonal events.

Art Souterrain Festival

• Date: Ongoing until April 6, 2025
• Location: Montréal’s Underground City (various downtown passages)
• Tickets & Website: Free admission; Art Souterrain

This contemporary art festival brightens the underground pedestrian network with a self-guided tour of interactive and avant-garde installations. Even in spring’s unpredictable weather, you can roam beneath the city’s streets to encounter bold artwork, from immersive sculptures to thought-provoking digital pieces. Take a detour below Montreal’s hustle and bustle and discover a creative wonderland away from the elements.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins (NHL Game)

• Date: April 3, 2025 (7:00 PM)
• Location: Bell Centre, Montréal
• Tickets & Website: From ~$70 CAD; Vividseats

Experience one of hockey’s most storied rivalries as the Canadiens host the Bruins in a late-season clash. The Bell Centre’s intense atmosphere—magnified for an Original Six matchup—makes for an unforgettable night. Join over 21,000 passionate fans cheering (and jeering) every faceoff, hit, and goal. If you’re a sports lover, witnessing Habs vs. Bruins in person is a bucket-list experience and a classic part of Montreal spring activities.

Festival des Clowns – 8th Edition

• Date: April 4 – 12, 2025
• Location: Various venues in Quartier des Spectacles
• Tickets & Website: Prices vary; some free shows; mtlclownfest.com

Montreal’s clowning and physical theatre roots shine in this playful festival, showcasing local and international performers who specialize in comedy, improv, mime, and bouffon. Expect everything from subversive cabarets and all-ages acts to late-night clown parties. Birthed in Canada’s “circus capital,” this festival upholds a tradition of laughter, artistry, and boundless creativity.

Plural Contemporary Art Fair

• Date: April 11 – 13, 2025
• Location: Grand Quai du Port de Montréal
• Tickets & Website: ~$25 general; plural.art

Formerly Papier, Plural is Montreal’s premier contemporary art fair, drawing galleries from across Canada into one vibrant waterfront setting. Stroll among paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital pieces—perfect for both experienced collectors and casual art enthusiasts. Chat with artists, discover new creative voices, and feel the pulse of Canada’s art scene under one roof.

Nelly’s “Where The Party At” Tour (with Ja Rule & Friends)

• Date: April 15, 2025 (8:00 PM)
• Location: Bell Centre
• Tickets & Website: From ~$80; Ticketmaster

Hip-hop nostalgia takes center stage as Nelly brings early-2000s vibes alongside Ja Rule, Chingy, and Jermaine Dupri. Marking 25 years of Country Grammar, this throwback party will have the Bell Centre dancing to hits like “Hot in Herre.” Dress up in your vintage streetwear, gather your squad, and get ready to belt out chart-topping anthems from the decade of crunk and rap-pop crossover.

Worlds of Wonder: The Surrealist Journey of Alan Glass (Exhibition)

• Date: April 17 – September 28, 2025
• Location: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)
• Tickets & Website: Included with museum admission (~$24 adult); MMFA – Alan Glass Exhibit

Venture into the dreamlike realm of Alan Glass at this major solo exhibition by the Montreal-born surrealist. Spanning decades of his work—assemblages, paintings, and whimsical installations—it’s a feast for the imagination. Whether you’re new to surrealism or a longtime fan, Glass’s playful approach will spark curiosity and wonder, reminding you of Montreal’s role as a cultural and artistic hub.

Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival

• Date: April 24 – 27, 2025
• Location: Hôtel 10 & various venues downtown
• Tickets & Website: $8–$30 for individual events; bluemetropolis.org

Celebrate the written word at one of North America’s largest multilingual literary festivals. Hear from authors, attend book readings, masterclasses, and lively panel discussions in multiple languages. Enjoy intimate Q&As, story hours for kids, and meet-and-greets with local and international writers. A must for bookworms, the festival promotes open dialogue across genres and cultures, reflecting Montreal’s dynamic literary landscape.

La Pizza Week 2025

• Date: May 1 – 10, 2025
• Location: Various restaurants citywide
• Tickets & Website: No ticket needed; lapizzaweek.com

Indulge in slice after slice at La Pizza Week, where Montreal’s top pizzerias whip up limited-edition creations. Sample unique combos—think artisanal toppings or fusion flavors—and cast your vote for the festival’s best pies. It’s a self-guided pizza adventure that spotlights the city’s mouthwatering and varied food scene, perfect for families, foodies, or anyone craving a delicious new spin on a classic meal.

Pouzza Fest 2025 (Punk Rock Festival)

• Date: May 16 – 18, 2025
• Location: Multiple downtown venues (Quartier des Spectacles)
• Tickets & Website: 3-Day Pass ~$231; pouzzafest.com

Named for “poutine + pizza,” this high-energy punk fest crams 150+ bands into weekend shows spanning local clubs and outdoor stages. Get sweaty in legendary Montreal spots like Foufounes Électriques, catch free daytime sets, and discover a thriving punk, ska, and hardcore scene that’s friendly and vibrant. If you’re keen on guitars, fast rhythms, and subversive lyrics, Pouzza is your dream festival.

EXCLAM – Montréal Comedy Festival

• Date: May 17 – 24, 2025
• Location: Various venues (multilingual shows)
• Tickets & Website: Prices vary; exclam.com

A rising star in Montreal’s festival lineup, EXCLAM showcases stand-up, improv, sketch, and even experimental comedy. Performers from around the world converge to share big laughs in French, English, and beyond. Expect fresh comedic voices, creative formats (like VR stand-up), and a truly international vibe that reminds you why Montreal remains a comedy capital.

Piknic Électronik – Opening Day

• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2025 (and every Sunday all summer)
• Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île Sainte-Hélène)
• Tickets & Website: ~$20–$30; piknicelectronik.com

Picnic meets dance party at this open-air electronic music series. The 2025 season kicks off with a star DJ (Armin van Buuren) and runs every Sunday, blending laid-back daytime vibes with top-tier house, techno, and electro sets. Enjoy the city skyline view, sample from food trucks, and dance until dusk. Piknic Électronik embodies Montreal’s festive spirit—welcoming families, friends, and music lovers alike.

La Ronde Opening Day (Six Flags Montréal)

• Date: May 17, 2025 (season opener)
• Location: La Ronde, Parc Jean-Drapeau
• Tickets & Website: ~$45–$60 day pass; Six Flags – La Ronde

Quebec’s largest amusement park launches its new season with roller coasters, carnival games, and adrenaline-fueled fun. Brave iconic rides like Le Monstre and Goliath or opt for family-friendly attractions. Strategize your first run (arrive early to beat lines) and enjoy funnel cakes, lakeside views, and a dash of carnival magic as you welcome warmer weather at La Ronde.

C2 Montréal – Commerce + Creativity Conference

• Date: May 20 – 22, 2025
• Location: Grand Quai of the Port of Montréal (Old Port)
• Tickets & Website: 3-day summit; c2montreal.com

Part conference, part experiential festival, C2 merges business innovation, tech, and creative inspiration. Hear from global leaders, partake in hands-on workshops, network in immersive “labs,” and explore interactive installations that push the boundaries of corporate events. Expect to glean fresh ideas from top entrepreneurs, artists, and thought leaders, all while forming unique connections in a dynamic environment.

Festival TransAmériques (FTA)

• Date: May 22 – June 5, 2025
• Location: Various venues (Quartier des Spectacles + beyond)
• Tickets & Website: ~$30–$60 per show; fta.ca

Montreal’s premier festival of contemporary dance and theatre returns with an eclectic roster of international talent. Innovative choreographers, radical playwrights, and boundary-pushing collectives converge for two weeks of must-see performances. FTA embraces experimentation, bridging artistic disciplines for an unforgettable cultural experience. Whether you enjoy adventurous dance or cutting-edge drama, FTA is a feast of creativity.

Montreal Comic Arts Festival (MCAF/FBDM)

• Date: May 23 – 25, 2025
• Location: Saint-Denis Street (Plateau Mont-Royal)
• Tickets & Website: Free outdoor event; fbdm-mcaf.ca

Celebrate the “9th art” in a pedestrianized environment along Saint-Denis, where 300+ creators—from indie cartoonists to global comics stars—showcase their works. Enjoy live drawing demos, author signings, and panel discussions in both French and English. Families can check out kids’ workshops, while cosplayers and fans mingle over zines, merch, and Canadian bande dessinée culture. It’s a friendly, inclusive festival that captures Montreal’s creative flair.

Festival Fuego Fuego – Latin Music Festival

• Date: May 24 – 25, 2025 (kickoff party May 23)
• Location: Esplanade of the Olympic Park
• Tickets & Website: Passes from ~$92; festivalfuegofuego.com

Feel the heat at Canada’s largest Latin music festival, blending reggaetón, Latin trap, cumbia, and more. Headliners like Nicky Jam and Wisin pack the lineup, ensuring a dance-fueled weekend. Between sets, indulge in Latin street foods and discover up-and-coming acts. With vibrant decorations, lively crowds, and that unmistakable Montreal festival spirit, Fuego Fuego promises a scorching good time.

St-Ambroise Montréal FRINGE Festival

• Date: May 26 – June 15, 2025
• Location: Plateau-Mont-Royal (MainLine Theatre + surrounding venues)
• Tickets & Website: ~$10–$15 per show; montrealfringe.ca

This uncensored, unjuried performing arts festival spans 20+ days of theater, comedy, dance, drag, and weird-but-wonderful acts. Expect a grab-bag of creative talent, from circus acrobats in alleyways to improvised musicals in tiny black-box stages. Most shows cost under $15, so you can hop between multiple performances in one night. And don’t miss the Fringe Park’s nightly outdoor stage, where bohemian vibes and cheap drinks unite festivalgoers from all walks of life.

“MANILOW: The Last Montréal Concert” (Barry Manilow Farewell Tour)

• Date: May 30, 2025 (7:00 PM)
• Location: Bell Centre
• Tickets & Website: From ~$80; Evenko – Manilow Montreal

Say goodbye to a pop legend as Barry Manilow brings his final tour to Montreal. Spanning a half-century career, he’ll belt out classics like “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Can’t Smile Without You,” enchanting longtime fans one last time. Expect dramatic lighting, lush musical arrangements, and plenty of sing-along moments at this emotional farewell show that captures Manilow’s enduring showmanship.

Montreal Alouettes vs. Ottawa Redblacks (CFL Preseason Game)

• Date: May 24, 2025 (1:00 PM)
• Location: Percival Molson Memorial Stadium
• Tickets & Website: ~$20+; montrealalouettes.com

Welcome the return of Canadian football as the Alouettes host the Redblacks in a preseason tilt high above downtown on McGill’s campus. Soak in sunny spring weather, epic city and mountain vistas, and the fast-paced three-down action unique to the CFL. Whether you’re a local or visiting sports fan, an afternoon at Molson Stadium offers a relaxed, affordable way to cheer on the Als and get a taste of Montreal’s sporting spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best spring events in Montreal?

From creative festivals like Art Souterrain and Plural Contemporary Art Fair to major music gatherings like Fuego Fuego and Pouzza Fest, Montreal’s spring lineup has something for everyone. Hockey fans can’t miss the Habs vs. Bruins showdown, and families often enjoy La Ronde’s opening day or the fun atmosphere of the Montreal Comic Arts Festival.

When do Montreal spring festivals begin?

Many events launch in early April, like Festival des Clowns and Plural Art Fair, with more rolling out in May (Piknic Électronik, Fuego Fuego, the Fringe Festival). Some earlier happenings like Art Souterrain may still be ongoing from late winter into spring.

Where can I find a comprehensive Montreal spring events calendar?

Check official tourism resources such as mtl.org and event organizer websites (e.g., quartierdesspectacles.com) for the latest schedules. Local media outlets (Cult MTL, La Presse) also provide extensive listings.

What outdoor activities are available in Montreal during spring?

Outdoor dance parties like Piknic Électronik, theme park fun at La Ronde, and street fairs (Montreal Comic Arts Festival) let you soak up fresh air and city views. Soccer matches at Stade Saputo and the Alouettes preseason game at Molson Stadium are also great ways to enjoy mild weather.

Are there family-friendly spring events in Montreal?

Absolutely. Festivals like the Montreal Comic Arts Festival, St-Ambroise Fringe’s all-ages shows, La Ronde’s opening day, and events such as Blue Metropolis (which hosts children’s book activities) all welcome families looking for kid-friendly entertainment.

Enjoy Spring in Montreal

From edgy art fairs and rowdy punk shows to unforgettable soccer rivalries and mouthwatering pizza creations, Montreal spring events reflect the city’s vibrant blend of creativity, community, and multicultural charm. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a foodie, a music lover, or an adventurous family, Montreal’s spring calendar is brimming with unique experiences. So bundle up for those lingering chilly days, then get ready to bask in the warming sunshine—this is your cue to explore the city’s bustling streets, parks, and venues. Embrace the spring season and let Montreal’s spirited energy captivate you every step of the way.