A local's guide to the best things to do in Montreal [May 2025]

UPDATE, May 2025: The month of May in Montreal is the real turning point. The tulips are out, festival banners are going up, and the terrasses aren’t just open—they’re full. The city finally starts to feel like itself again around this time, and we've changed what's listed here to reflect that.

From riverside raves to late-night steamés, mountaintop picnics to mile-long terrasses, Montreal in May is where the city hits stride, and you only one look at our guide to the best things to do in Montreal to see that. Festival season is heating up, park life is in full swing, and whether you’re chasing adrenaline in the Old Port or digging for records in the Mile End, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out the door. That’s why we’ve built this list: to help you make the most of Montreal right now.