Things to do in Montreal during February

Snow-laden streets, steaming cups of hot cocoa, and an electrifying calendar of events and things to do in Montreal during February prove winter is no excuse to stay indoors.

This month is a love letter to Montreal’s spirit: Romantic escapades for Valentine’s Day, festivals that celebrate the city’s boundless creativity—if you’re passionate about food or culture, or you simply want to make the most of winter’s final stretch, this is your guide to the best of the city this month.

Honouring legacy and futures with Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of Black communities through art, music, and storytelling. Highlights include expertly curated exhibitopns at cultural venues like museums, the Festival Fade to Black film series (scroll down for more on that), and many live performances.

Poutine Week: A comfort food showdown

From February 1 to 7, 2025, Montreal becomes a weeklong feast of poutine as restaurants across the city compete in La Poutine Week. Creative spins on the classic fries-gravy-cheese curds combo take centre stage, with toppings ranging from seafood and Vietnamese spins to vegan options making an appearance. Vote for your favourites and discover new neighbourhood gems in the process.

Celebrating Black creativity with Festival Fade to Black / Fondu au Noir

As part of Black History Month, Festival Fade to Black celebrates Black voices in film, music, and art from February 4 to 8, 2025. This annual festival shines a spotlight on diverse narratives through a curated selection of movies, live performances, and panel discussions. Events are hosted across the city, making it easy to connect with Montreal’s thriving Black creative community.

Taverne Tour: Music the Montreal way

From February 6 to 8, 2025, Taverne Tour transforms Montreal’s bar scene along St. Denis Street, St. Laurent Boulevard, and Mont-Royal Avenue into a massive concert venue. Independent artists and bands take over local bars and venues, bringing a mix of genres and good vibes to warm the winter nights.

BougeBouge Montreal Underground: A Unique 5K

Runners and walkers alike can join the BougeBouge 5K on February 8, 2025, weaving through Montreal’s sprawling underground network. Escape the cold while staying active and discovering a hidden side of the city in this one-of-a-kind event.

Valentine’s Day: Romance or Rebellion

Celebrate love—or your independence—on February 14 and 15, 2025 with Montreal’s signature flair. Couples can indulge in fine dining or skate under the stars in the Old Port or at Esplanade Tranquille. Alternatively, singles can toast freedom at anti-Valentine’s Day bashes at local bars. However you choose to spend the day, Montreal delivers an unforgettable night out.

Illuminated streets and squares from LUMINO

Montréal’s iconic winter festival, LUMINO (previously Luminothérapie), returns for its 15th edition from November 28, 2024, to March 9, 2025 to reimagine the city’s downtown core as a luminous playground of creativity, light, and nordic charm. This free event transforms cold nights into an extraordinary celebration of public art, with nearly 30 dazzling installations and performances by local and international artists.

Visitors can explore works such as Patrice LaCroix’s interactive “At the Hand,” featuring over 24,000 LED lights, and French studio ChevalVert’s “Éloge de l’air,” a captivating display of movement and light created by waving a giant flag. Other highlights include “Les Fabuloscopes,” a nostalgic nod to vintage optical toys, and the elegant “Chandeliers” by TILT, which turn the city skyline into a glowing ballroom. 

Running daily from dusk to 11 p.m., LUMINO brightens up the winter season, celebrating Montréal’s innovative spirit and turning the city into a beacon of warmth and wonder.

Rendez-Vous Québec Cinéma: A Love Letter to Film

From February 19 to 27, 2025, Rendez-Vous Québec Cinéma celebrates Quebec’s rich cinematic culture with screenings of over 300 films, including premieres and beloved classics. Hosted at Cinémathèque Québécoise and other venues, this festival also offers panels, meet-and-greets, and workshops with Quebec’s most celebrated filmmakers.

Setting Sail with the Salon du bateau de Montréal / Montreal Boat Show

The Montreal Boat Show, running February 20 to 23, 2025, anchors at Palais des Congrès with an impressive display of yachts, sailboats, and watercraft. Whether you’re dreaming of a summer on the waves or looking to invest in your next aquatic adventure, this show offers expert advice, demos, and an escape from winter’s chill.

Get ready to pedal with the Salon du Vélo / Montreal Bicycle Show

From February 21 to 23, 2025, the Montreal Bicycle Show gears up cyclists for spring. Explore the latest bikes, gear, and accessories, or attend workshops on eco-friendly commuting. Whether you’re a casual rider or a die-hard enthusiast, this expo has something for every cyclist.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE: A Winter Spectacle

Running from February 27 to March 9, 2025, Montréal en Lumière is a beacon of light in the heart of winter. Its glowing installations, culinary adventures, and all-night cultural events culminate in the legendary Nuit Blanche, where the city stays awake to celebrate creativity.

Don’t miss the festival’s icy playgrounds in Quartier des Spectacles and its diverse food programming that attracts chefs from around the world.

Sugar Shack Season: A Sweet Escape

Late February marks the unofficial start of sugar shack season, when Quebec’s maple syrup heritage takes the spotlight. Indulge in traditional meals of maple-cured ham, pea soup, and tarte au sucre at nearby cabanes à sucre, or visit urban pop-ups bringing this seasonal favourite into the city.