The top 5 things to do: May 28 to June 11

1. AN ANNUAL HOMAGE TO CYCLING

Tour de l’Île | Around the island of Montreal | May 31

As the sun rises on May 31, aspiring athletes and recreational cyclists take to the streets for the annual bike ride around the city. There are no less than five tours to choose from, including a 100-km loop around the island. You can watch the action and cheer the riders on from any part of the city for free!

Are you up to the challenge? Here’s a map of the route. Keep in mind: if you’re planning to drive around on Sunday, some city streets are closed off in order to accommodate the event.

Find out more about the Tour de l’Île. Or watch the highlights from last year.

2. ENTER THE THEATRE

Plaza | Part of the Festival TransAmériques | May 29 to 31 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“I am tired of imposed codes of theatre, tired of hearing us all applaud at the same time,” says Nini Bélanger, the creator of Plaza, a free interactive theatre experience taking place during Festival TransAmériques.

During her walkabout, the director will immerse participants in the hubbub of the Côte-des-Neiges Plaza, a gathering place for a cosmopolitan mix of Montrealers. Bélanger hopes to let her followers lose themselves, in order to better find themselves. “To what extent can I demand that the spectator be curious and not give up?” she asks.

Find out by taking the plunge into Plaza!

Find out more about Plaza at the Festival TransAmériques.

3. IS IT A CAR? IS IT A PLANE? IT’S BLOODHOUND!

Innovation is GREAT: Engineering for sustainable growth | BMO Amphitheatre, John Molson School of Business Building (1450 Guy), Concordia University | June 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Can’t wait for the Grand Prix to roll into town? That’s okay — we have you covered. On June 3, come and see the car that’s designed to set a new world land speed record.

The Bloodhound supersonic car will be on display during the Innovation is GREAT: Engineering for Sustainable Growth symposium, which kicks off with a discussion of the technological advancements the car embodies.

Two of the Bloodhound’s engineers and design-team member Ben Evans will be on the panel.

The symposium is open for registration until May 29. Don’t miss it!

Learn more about the Bloodhound SSC project.

Read about Innovation is GREAT: Engineering for Sustainable Growth symposium.

4. TOTALLY RANDOM AND POTENTIALLY AWESOME

Karaoké extérieur | Place Émilie-Gamelin | May 31 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This is your chance to belt out your favourite tunes in front of complete strangers in a bustling part of Montreal. Whether you’re a reigning karaoke champion, or an aspiring amateur, pick your favourite song, grab the microphone and show off your chops in the heart of Place Émilie-Gamelin.

Brought to you by the organizers of OFFTA festival d’arts vivants — a smaller event that complements the Festival TransAmériques — Karaoké extérieur is your opportunity to share your vocal talents with the neighbourhood. Mic check!

Find out more about Karaoké Éxterieur.

Check out the OFFTA website for a full festival schedule.

5. URBAN ART ON SAINT-LAURENT

MURAL | Saint Laurent Boulevard | from June 4 to 14

Every year, more and more spectacular murals adorn the walls surrounding the Main, brought to life by the city’s many talented artists. Discover the works that grace the buildings along Saint-Laurent Boulevard at your leisure with a map provided by the MURAL festival.

The event, which runs from June 4 to 14, features the creation of new urban art, while highlighting the street’s incredible, existing pieces. Watch as internationally acclaimed muralists lend their talents to the job of transforming a plain, old brick wall into a sight to behold.

Find out more about MURAL.

Check out MURAL’s website for upcoming events.

See what went down last year!

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