If summer is synonymous with festivals, major events and expected shows, it’s also the time to take advantage of the horde of free activities designed to help us make great cultural discoveries. These are not the proposals that are missing in August in Montreal or in the old capital.
TO MONTREAL
Throughout August, music shows, dance lessons or performances, musical happy hours, DIY workshops and public readings for the family, DJ performances and salsa foil nights attract visitors who want to have fun without breaking the bank at Jardins Gamelin. jardinsgamelin.com/fr/programming
- The classic OSM trip
From August 10th to 14th, the classic Spree returns for its 9th edition and its free program component includes a major concert in the colors of OSM America conducted by Maestro Rafael Payare on August 10th at Olympiapark, street workshops in the Rue Sainte- Catherine and concerts by up-and-coming ensembles at the Complexe Desjardins at the weekend. More free activities: osm.ca/fr/viree-classique-2022-programmation-gratuite
Until tomorrow, the Montreal Pride Festival offers great shows and inclusive and varied activities for free on the Esplanade of Olympic Park, in the Village and downtown Montreal. Among others, Laura Niquay is present today and the popular Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar tomorrow. pridetemtl.com
- The Verdure Theater
From June 29th to August 26th, this unmissable place will attract lovers of music (of all styles), dance, circus and theater to a naturally magical setting: an open-air amphitheater. From Wednesday to Saturday in the heart of Parc La Fontaine. montreal.ca/lieux/theatre-de-verdure
IN QUEBEC
Photo archive, Jean-François Desgagnés
Through August 27, ComediHa is offering a slew of free comedy shows presented at various venues and auditoriums across Quebec. Get ComediHa glasses for free online (just pay shipping and handling) to access free shows with general admission on a first come, first served basis. comedihafest.com/programming-2022
- interruptionflip factory
Starting yesterday and running through September 4th, a free traveling circus show will be roaming Quebec City. The topic ? The recess that rang and got kids grabbing a piece of their school gymnasium to go on an adventure around town, offering games to passers-by. Two performances per evening, 6pm and 7:30pm Location: flipfabrique.com/spectacle/recreation
- MARVL troupe dance show
File photo, Simon Clark
Studio Party Time’s MARVL dance group – finalists for the 2018 Révolution show – will present their show Bouge for free on the Agora Port de Québec stage. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. agoradequebec.com/programming
We (re)discover the Old Capital by following the Public Art itinerary, composed of 16 unusual and fascinating works. A way to find some magic through the city for the 9th edition. From the Îlot des Palais to the rue du Petit-Champlain. Until October 10th. Passagesinsolites.com