Montreal is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and incredible student life. As a city hosting world-famous festivals, dynamic academic events, and thrilling sports games, it’s a hub of activity all year. For students, staying in the loop about upcoming events is key to getting the most out of their time in the city. Whether a local student or new to Montreal, having a reliable event calendar ensures you never miss out on the fun. Here’s your ultimate guide to the hottest events in Montreal in 2025, complete with live links to help you stay informed.

Monthly Highlights

January

Igloofest
Dates: January 18 – February 10, 2025
Location: Old Port of Montreal
Igloofest is the most extraordinary way to kick off the year. This electronic music festival is a winter tradition known for its electrifying atmosphere, iconic winter outfits, and breathtaking light shows. Students can volunteer for the event or purchase discounted tickets in advance. Be sure to dress warmly—Montreal winters are no joke!

Fête des Neiges de Montréal
Dates: January 13 – February 4, 2025
Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau
The Fête des Neiges is a free, family-friendly winter festival that features ice slides, skating, and live performances. It’s a great way to embrace the winter season with friends while enjoying hot chocolate.

February

Montreal Black History Month
Dates: February 1 – February 28, 2025
Location: Various venues
February is Black History Month in Montreal, a celebration of the contributions of Black communities to the city’s culture. Students can expect inspiring talks, film screenings, art exhibits, and free or low-cost events.

Valentine’s Day at the Botanical Garden
Date: February 14, 2025
Location: Montreal Botanical Garden
Couples and friends can enjoy a romantic evening at the illuminated Botanical Garden, which features unique Valentine’s Day activities. Students can also receive discounted admission by showing their ID cards.

March

Nuit Blanche
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Various venues
Part of the larger Montréal en Lumière festival, Nuit Blanche transforms the city into an all-night playground. Museums, galleries, and performance spaces stay open late and offer free or low-cost activities, making it a must-attend event for students on a budget.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: March 17, 2025
Location: Downtown Montreal
Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest in North America. Grab some friends, wear your best green outfit, and enjoy the lively atmosphere with traditional music and floats.

April

Concordia Spring Career Fair
Dates: April 10 – April 12, 2025
Location: Concordia University
For students looking to build their professional network, the Concordia Career Fair is a great opportunity. Meet potential employers, learn about job openings, and polish your networking skills. Be sure to register in advance and bring copies of your resume.

Montreal Comiccon
Dates: April 19 – April 21, 2025
Location: Palais des Congrès
Whether you’re a comics, anime, or gaming fan, Montreal Comiccon is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and see famous creators. Students can often get early bird discounts or join cosplay competitions.

Recurring Events to Bookmark

POP Montreal

Dates: September 24 – September 29, 2025
An annual indie music and arts festival, POP Montreal showcases local and international talent. The event includes live performances, art exhibitions, and film screenings. Volunteer opportunities are available for students, offering free access to events in exchange for a few hours of work.

Montreal International Jazz Festival

Dates: June 26 – July 6, 2025
Known as the world’s largest jazz festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival hosts hundreds of concerts, many of which are free. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply curious, this festival is a perfect summer outing for students.

Nuit Blanche

Every March, Nuit Blanche offers countless free events highlighting Montreal’s thriving arts scene. The official Montréal en Lumière website has updates on the 2025 lineup.

McGill & Concordia Open-Air Concerts

Dates: Varies by university schedule.
Throughout the warmer months, McGill and Concordia universities host open-air concerts featuring student and guest performers. For more details, visit their respective event pages and calendars.

Student-Specific Events and Discounts

Montreal’s student population brings a unique energy to the city. Here’s a list of key events and deals specifically for students:

• Welcome Week: Both McGill and Concordia organize Welcome Week activities at the start of each semester. Events range from club fairs to movie nights. Check out McGill’s Welcome Week page and Concordia’s Student Life portal for more details.
• University Sports Games: Whether you’re cheering on the McGill Redbirds or the Concordia Stingers, attending university sports games is an affordable way to have fun and show school spirit.
• Museum Discounts: On select days, many museums in Montreal, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, offer students special discounts or free entry.

How to Stay Updated

Staying up to date with Montreal’s bustling event scene is easier than ever with a few handy tools:

• Event Apps: Download apps like Eventbrite and TimeOut Montreal for instant updates on upcoming events.
• University Event Pages: McGill and Concordia maintain detailed calendars of academic and social events.
• Social Media: Follow local event organizers and venues on Instagram and Facebook. Popular accounts like @mtlblog and @tourismmontreal frequently post about trending events and student deals.
• Tourism Montreal’s Website: The official Tourism Montreal page is an excellent resource for discovering major festivals and hidden gems.

Conclusion

Montreal’s diverse and lively event scene ensures that students always have something to look forward to. Whether you’re dancing under the stars at Igloofest, networking at a university career fair, or enjoying a summer jazz concert, there’s an event for every interest and budget. With this event calendar and the right tools, you’ll be well-equipped to make 2025 your most exciting year in Montreal.

So bookmark this guide, share it with your fellow students, and start planning your calendar now—Montreal is waiting for you!