Things to do in Montreal during March

From festivals and film to Saint Patrick’s Day’s 200th parade and sugar shack traditions.

The Main

March 2, 2025- Read time: 5 min

Photograph: Caroline Perron

At this time of year, the city experiences a season of contrasts—as winter lingers, everything pulses with energy. The best things to do in Montreal during March show how you can wander through glowing art installations one night and dip into a maple syrup-covered feast on a farm the next.

From major film festivals to Saint Patrick’s Day’s 200th anniversary, here’s what’s worth marking on your calendar.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE: A Winter Spectacle

Photograph: Productions Novak (left) & Frédérique Ménard-Aubin (right)

Running until March 9, 2025, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE wraps up its final days with glowing installations, immersive culinary experiences, and one last chance to revel in its icy playgrounds at the Quartier des Spectacles.

If you haven’t braved the Ferris wheel or sampled one of the festival’s gastronomic collaborations, this will be your chance.

Nuit blanche à Montréal: An all-nighter like no other

On March 1, 2025, Nuit blanche transforms the city into an after-hours playground. Museums, galleries, and pop-up performances keep the night alive with free programming, while metro lines run late to fuel your nocturnal adventure. Whether you’re chasing light installations or live music, this is the night Montreal doesn’t sleep.

Montréal International Children’s Film Festival (FIFEM)

From March 1 to 9, 2025, FIFEM brings a world of storytelling to young audiences with a curated lineup of international films. Screenings, workshops, and meet-the-director events make this more than just a movie marathon—it’s a gateway to global cinema.

Festival de Casteliers: The art of puppetry

From March 3 to 9, 2025, puppetry takes centre stage in Montreal as Festival de Casteliers showcases performances from around the world. From intricate shadow play to contemporary marionette theatre, this festival proves that puppetry is an art form for all ages.

FIKA(S): A celebration of Nordic culture

From March 7 to 13, 2025, FIKA(S) explores Nordic and Scandinavian culture through films, talks, and performances.

Expect thought-provoking cinema, design-forward exhibits, and a spotlight on sustainability, identity, and innovation from the northernmost parts of the world.

International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA)

Photograph: The International Festival of Films on Art (Le FIFA)

FIFA returns from March 13 to 23, 2025, in theatres and online from March 21 to 30, 2025, celebrating the intersection of film and the creative world. From architecture to dance, the festival offers documentaries and features that dive into the stories behind artistic movements and visionary creators.

Art Souterrain: Underground art takes over

From March 15 to April 6, 2025, Montreal’s underground city transforms into a sprawling art gallery with contemporary installations lining its corridors. Merging public art with urban space, Art Souterrain makes commutes a little more thought-provoking.

The 200th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Photograph: Alison Slattery (left) & Eva Blue (right)

On March 16, 2025, Montreal marks a major milestone—200 years of its iconic Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Floats, bagpipes, and a sea of green will line Sainte-Catherine Street for one of the city’s most enduring traditions. Whether you have Irish roots or just an appreciation for a good party, this is a can’t-miss event.

Cabane Panache et Bois Rond: Verdun’s Sugar Shack Party

From March 20 to 23, 2025, Verdun’s streets become a giant sugar shack with axe-throwing competitions, live folk music, and maple syrup-laced feasts. A celebration of Quebec’s lumberjack heritage, this is where urban meets rustic—lumberjack shirts encouraged.

Montréal Audiofest: For the Audiophiles

From March 28 to 30, 2025, high-fidelity sound takes centre stage at Montréal Audiofest, where audiophiles can explore cutting-edge speakers, turntables, and sound systems.

If you’re serious about music quality—or just curious what a five-figure stereo setup sounds like—this is the place to geek out.

Old Montréal’s Happening Gourmand: Fine dining for less

Until March 30, 2025, Happening Gourmand continues to make fine dining more accessible, with some of Old Montreal’s best restaurants offering set menus at a fraction of their usual price. If you’ve been meaning to try a high-end spot without the high-end bill, this festival has you covered.

Sugar Shack Season: The sweetest time of year

Throughout March, Quebec’s most beloved seasonal tradition takes centre stage. Whether you’re heading out to a traditional cabane à sucre or indulging in maple-heavy menus popping up around the city, expect everything from maple taffy on snow to full-blown feasts of pea soup, baked beans, and oreilles de crisse.