Making the most of summer in Montreal doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While the city is known for its world-class festivals and major events, there are still plenty of wonderful experiences that don’t cost a dime. Here are a few ideas for your summer bucket list that won’t break the bank.

Take in a movie under the stars

Several Montreal-area communities host free outdoor movie nights throughout the summer. Dollard-des-Ormeaux will host family-friendly screenings at Centennial Park on July 23 and July 30. Activities begin at 6 p.m., with movies starting after sunset. In case of rain, screenings will move to the following evening. In Kirkland, movies begin at dusk, around 8 p.m, with Fireheart showing at Meades Park tonight, July 8, and Les Schtroumpfs screening at Harris Park on Aug. 5. In the event of rain, both screenings will move indoors.

Another Montreal outdoor movie tradition, Cinéma sous les étoiles returns for its 16th season with a lineup of free outdoor documentary screenings. This summer, the program includes 40 free screenings in 17 parks and outdoor venues across Montreal, featuring a mix of local and international short and feature-length documentaries.

Enjoy free outdoor performances

For even more free outdoor entertainment, consider heading to the Théâtre de Verdure in Parc La Fontaine. Throughout the summer, the open-air amphitheatre hosts a broad lineup of performances, including live music, dance, circus arts, theatre, as well as outdoor film screenings. The free programming runs Wednesday through Saturday until Aug. 26.

Theatre lovers can also enjoy a classic under the stars. Repercussion Theatre’s annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park series returns from July 21 to Aug. 16 with an imaginative new production of The Winter’s Tale. Performed in parks across the Montreal area, the free production is presented in English with optional French subtitles available through a web app.

Explore Montreal’s pedestrian streets

Montreal also has so much to discover by just wandering the city. One easy and free way to do this is by visiting one of Montreal’s several pedestrian streets. This summer, seven streets spanning nearly seven kilometres have been closed to vehicle traffic, creating walkable neighbourhoods where more than 1,200 businesses can be explored on foot. These lively pedestrian zones are filled with patios, public art, entertainment, local stores and more. Popular destinations include Mont-Royal Avenue in the Plateau, Wellington Street in Verdun, Bernard Avenue in Outremont, Sainte-Catherine Street East in the Village, and Duluth Avenue East in the Plateau.

Get out on the water

To beat the heat and head out on the water, The Chateaugay Nautical Festival is happening July 10-12. This free community event takes place at the Nautical Center of Châteauguay and offers activities such as windsurfing, canoeing, and SUP. There will also be shows, inflatables, food trucks, and fireworks on Friday night.

Visit a museum — for free

Finally, if you’re looking to step inside for a few hours, several of Montreal’s museums offer free admission opportunities. The Redpath Museum at McGill University is always free to visit (they do ask for a voluntary contribution) and features exhibits ranging from dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian mummies to minerals and fossils. Art lovers can explore the La Guilde, which offers free admission year-round. For something a bit quirkier, The Barbie Expo at Les Cours Mont Royal shopping centre showcases a collection of more than 1,000 Barbie dolls dressed in bridal and designer wear or inspired by celebrities. Many of the city’s larger museums also offer free admission, with several opening their doors to Quebec residents on the first Sunday of each month. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts offers free access to its permanent collection for Quebec residents and visitors aged 25 and under, while the McCord Stewart Museum welcomes visitors free of charge on Wednesday evenings after 5 p.m. and on the first Sunday of each month.

Summer entertainment doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. So, grab a buddy, pack a picnic, or even just head out on a walk. You never know what you might discover!